Cobb County

Cobb County commissioners vote down proposed tax hike

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — People packed a Cobb County commission meeting most of Tuesday night upset about a possible increase in property taxes.

Commissioners were debating whether to use contingency funds to offset a millage increase. The chairman has said they must raise .13 mils since the board voted earlier this year to fund a parks bond.

Residents are angry because many received higher assessments on their properties, they consider that a tax increase already.

They're also upset the county is spending money on the Braves stadium.

"I think our county had a good tax stewardship record until we were saddled with a baseball stadium," said Cobb County resident Roberta Cook.

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Several residents voiced their concerns before the board.

"I think what's going on here is that it's not so much the county has a revenue problem, it has a spending problem," said Cobb County resident Lance Lamberton.

In the end, commissioners bowed to public pressure by voting down the proposed tax hike. The commissioners say they plan to use a one-time contingency money to balance the budget.

At the meeting, Chairman Mike Boyd and Commissioner Lisa Cupid insisted the one-time funds will make it a tougher burden in the year's ahead.