Cobb’s Board of Commissioners approves FY24 millage rate and FY25 budget

July 23, 2024—In a lengthy meeting that included several public hearings, the Cobb County Board of Commissioners approved a FY24 millage rate and the upcoming biennial budget starting October 1.

The board approved a steady millage rate for the general fund at 8.46 mils.  Because of the growth of the tax digest, the $625 million fund will increase by more than $41 million.  

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Chairwoman Lisa Cupid noted that the board had already approved many items that made the increased revenue necessary. Nearly two-thirds of the increase will go to bolster public safety in an attempt to retain employees and reduce hundreds of vacancies.

Chief Financial Officer Bill Volckmann told the board Cobb departments had asked for 384 additional employees, but this year’s budget only includes five new positions. 

“We try to make sure that Cobb County operates efficiently but still effectively,” Cupid said.  “I know our departments lose faith in us. We ask them to tell us only the things they need, not what they want, but what they need to operate. They don’t believe that we care about the stress and strain on their people to provide the level of service you deserve.”

Both the millage and budget passed by a 3-2 vote.

The vote also kept the millages for the Fire Fund and the county's Community Improvement Districts steady.

The vote, discussion, and public hearings can be viewed on CobbTV’s YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/live/bpQlMUBILfg?si=_SPv22QXZdwitMZf

More information on the budget and millage rate can be found in the county’s “Budget in Brief” document, along with other details at https://www.cobbcounty.org/finance/news/proposed-fy25-biennial-budget-unveiled

Further information on the FY25 budget will be available in the coming days.