Cobb County residents demand transparency on tax increases

During a recent Cobb County government meeting, discussions centered around the proposed budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, including a potential increase in the property tax millage rate. The meeting featured public comments from residents expressing concerns about transparency and the impact of tax increases on local families.

A representative from the Cobb County Association of Educators (CCAE) expressed gratitude for the deliberations surrounding the budget and emphasized the importance of maintaining the general fund balance to support the education of 108,000 students and the livelihoods of 19,000 employees. The representative acknowledged that while some projects, such as the Convocation Center, may be contentious, the well-being of children and the long-term financial health of the school system must remain a priority.

John Lively, a long-time Cobb County resident, raised concerns about the proposed millage rate increase, urging the board to provide comprehensive budget disclosures before any decisions are made. He highlighted the need for transparency regarding past and proposed budgets, tax revenues from the increase, and financing plans for special projects.

Janet Peters, another resident, shared her personal experience with a significant tax increase, which she described as over 40% from the previous year. She advocated for basing taxes on actual average home values rather than projected future values, arguing that this would provide a fairer assessment for taxpayers.

The meeting concluded with a call for careful consideration of the proposed tax changes, as residents voiced their desire for transparency and accountability in local government financial decisions.