MABLETON, Ga. — More than 2,000 residents have signed a petition seeking to dissolve the City of Mableton over concerns regarding the cost of establishing a new city public safety division.
The opposition stems from potential tax increases to fund services that are currently provided by Cobb County.
The proposed public safety division would be funded through a 4.5 millage rate. Under this rate, the owner of a home with a fair market value of $350,000 would pay approximately $630 annually, or just over $50 per month, in taxes specifically designated for the new police force.
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Dr. Kerry Stallings was chosen as director of the Mableton Public Safety Division on Wednesday, bringing nearly 20 years of public safety leadership experience to the role. Stallings previously worked with the Dunwoody Police Department during the early stages of its formation, served with the Powder Springs Police Department and worked as chief of police for the University System of Georgia.
Stallings noted that the decision to form an independent police department is not due to any dissatisfaction with existing county services, as he began his own career with the county force.
“Cobb County is a phenomenal police department,” he told Channel 2 Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell. “That’s where I started my career. They haven’t caused us to want to start a police department independent of them because of any bad behavior but we’re in a position where we need to start a public safety division.”
Establishing an independent police department within less than a year of being a city presents administrative and logistical challenges for city leaders. Stallings explained that the process requires significant preparation and equipment procurement.
“There’s a lot of hard elements that have to be done: purchasing cars, weapons training,” Stallings said.
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Resident opposition to the new department has centered on financial strain and the creation of additional government oversight.
Written statements on the petition raise questions about paying for new services when many local residents live on fixed incomes, noting that additional taxes should not be required when existing county services are available.
In response to public feedback, Stallings emphasized the importance of engaging with residents and answering questions about the transition.
“I want to really see what the stakeholders out in Mableton are looking for with a police department,” Stallings said. “Peoples’ concerns are valid and we should always listen to those concerns. The first response is to educate them and ensure that their concerns are rooted in fact and truth.”
The city is currently moving forward with hiring a police chief as officials work to establish the public safety division within the next year.
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