The head of Cobb County’s commission is again asking for a tax hike saying the county needs the extra money to save things like parks, libraries and senior centers.

Chairman Mike Boyce announced Friday that his $453 million proposed budget includes a 1.7 mill increase from this year. The 2019 budgets faces a hole of at least $30 million.

County spokesman Ross Cavitt said the proposed increase is expected to bring in $49.7 million.

READ | Five things to know about Cobb's budget and the Braves stadium

READRating agencies cite Cobb's 'fiscal challenges'

“The increase over last year would keep all of Cobb's parks, libraries, senior centers, and animal services open. It will allow for an increase in public safety resources, including hiring more police officers,” according to the announcement.

He hinted at the increase in March and asked for a .13 mill increase last year to no avail.

Many on the commission acknowledged at the time that this would make it tougher later; the county finance director said it was “just kicking the can down the road.”

A series of town hall meetings are scheduled throughout the county before the commission votes on the budget July 25.

Learn more about the budget process here.

In other news...

Crash Spills Fireball Whisky Across Arkansas Interstate

About the Author

Keep Reading

Jackie Harris, right, and Stephen Harris pick out a new dog to take home at the Gwinnett County Animal Shelter on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (Olivia Bowdoin for the AJC)

Credit: Olivia Bowdoin

Featured

Savannah's Talmadge Bridge sits just downriver from the Georgia Ports Authority cargo ship terminals. The span was recently listed in a NTSB report among those that are at risk for vessel strike following the March 2024 collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge. (Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez