Cobb County launches Clerk's Office Express drive‑through to simplify court payments

At a ribbon‑cutting ceremony, Tanisha Phillips, clerk of state court for Cobb County, unveiled the Clerk's Office Express, a drive‑through service that allows residents to pay court fines, tickets, fees and probation obligations without entering the courthouse.

The service, described by Phillips as a "justice on a go" model, was presented as a way to remove access barriers while maintaining accountability and public trust. "Many missed court obligations are not about avoidance, but about access," Phillips said, explaining the drive‑through responds to challenges including work schedules, childcare and transportation.

The event was opened by student interns Harry Fajimi, a senior at North Cobb High School, and Warren Pugh, a senior at Dominion Christian High School, who thanked county and court partners and called the launch "the first of its kind in Cobb County in the entire state of Georgia." Chief Magistrate Bridal Murphy credited staff members who helped implement the project and said the initiative operates "within the respective budgets of each of our courts. No new money. No new money."

Phillips named court and county collaborators and staff who contributed to planning and implementation, including Anne Gordon, Shawana Richards and Betsy Manston from the magistrate court; Chief Judge Eric Bruton and court administrator Donna Shaffett from state court; county manager Jackie McMorris; Sheriff Craig Owens; solicitor Mackie Metzger; ITS director Kimberly Lemley; and facilities leadership. She said the project was developed from staff feedback and community concerns and is intended to provide a more responsive, people‑centered government option.

Organizers said the drive‑through covers routine transactional services—paying fines, tickets, fees and probation obligations—and aims to reach residents who might otherwise miss court obligations because of logistical barriers. Officials emphasized collaboration across court budgets rather than a new county appropriation.

The program concluded with a ceremonial count and applause; officials said they look forward to continuing to innovate ways to serve Cobb County residents.