Kennesaw council reviews $46.8 million draft SPLOST project list, vows public input

A committee appointed by the city presented a draft list of projects proposed for the 2028 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) referendum that Cobb County has scheduled for November 2026. Committee presenter (Speaker 3) said the Tier 1 projects total $46,771,381 and that the city manager recommends approving the draft for the county process.

Several council members pressed staff to shift more money to repaving and stormwater. Council member (Speaker 5) said the public must have more opportunities for input and asked for additional town halls and subsequent draft versions, noting "this says right here version 6 draft" and expressing hope for a version 7 or 8 after public comment. Another councilor (Speaker 7) said the $2,000,000 earmarked for neighborhood stormwater upgrades is likely insufficient and urged a larger allocation for infrastructure and public-safety fleet replacement.

Public works and committee staff said the list reflects competing priorities and departmental input; the presenter noted public works was represented on the committee and that state and federal funds would also be pursued where appropriate. Staff reminded council the county has legal timelines and that the city must provide a final list to Cobb County by late April, though additional public hearings and town halls will inform adjustments before that submittal.

Council discussed whether to place the item on the consent agenda or leave it for more debate; presiding official (Speaker 2) said the council needs to vote on the draft to continue meetings with the county, but also confirmed there will be town halls and more public hearings before the April deadline.

What happens next: staff will arrange further public hearings and town halls and will carry the draft through the county's SPLOST process with adjustments based on community input before the April submittal.