March 17, 2020

In order to consolidate information, updates, and cancellations, we have created a dedicated page to the COVID-19 Virus.

Check this page frequently for updates.

Community Development alters operations starting March 16

1. The development and inspections division is cancelling all on-site One-Stop and Site Plan Review meetings until further notice.

2. The Zoning division is cancelling all on-site applicant meetings until further notice. Interdepartmental correspondence and staff-customer communication will still occur by email and phone. 

3. The Historic Preservation Commission Meeting on April 13 has been cancelled.

You can still contact staff via email  at comdev@cobbcounty.org  or call  770-528-2051.

Libraries, senior centers, and recreational buildings closed starting March 16

Marietta - In the wake of public health recommendations that encourage social distancing and discourage gatherings, Cobb County officials announced Sunday that many facilities where people congregate will not open on Monday.  These include senior centers, libraries, and most recreational buildings.

“Our public health partners have made it clear that increasing measures are needed to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” said Public Services Director William Tanks.  “We thought it prudent to take this action. It is our belief that leaving these facilities open while schools are closed will defeat the purpose of impeding the spread of the Covid-19 virus.”

The closures will coincide with the school system’s plan to shut down for two weeks, but county leaders will monitor the situation and listen to public health officials before deciding when to reopen these facilities.  Most outdoor parks can not be effectively closed off to the public and will remain open for use.

Other buildings, including courthouses, the County Administration building, and public safety facilities, will remain open.  Superior Court Chief Judge Reuben Green issued a Judicial Emergency Order on Friday, but in a message to court staff said: “The Judicial Branch will remain open to handle essential matters to ensure due process and to protect our community.”  The order halts jury trials for a 30-day period, but those with non-jury court business should contact the judge’s office for a status update. 

The latest on the pandemic’s effect on the county government is being posted at Cobb County and the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Situation. And a list of closings and cancellations is being updated on this page.

Cobb’s Board of Commissioners will hold a special called meeting Monday at 1:30 pm to discuss the COVID-19 situation.  The meeting will take place in the BOC Meeting Room at 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta but can also be viewed on CobbTV’s streaming outlets on Facebook, YouTube, our webpage and cable TV channel.

Presidential Primary Election Postponed - Advance Voting Locations Closed

At the direction of the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, the March 24 Presidential Preference Primary has been rescheduled for May 19, 2020.

Voting at all Cobb County advance voting locations is suspended immediately in consideration of the public health emergency posed by the COVID-19 virus. No further in-person voting will take place after March 14. Early in-person voting for the May Primary is scheduled to begin on April 27.

Votes already cast during this suspended advance voting period and any absentee ballots mailed back or hand-delivered by March 24, will be counted at the time of the May 19 general primary. Voters are encouraged to submit an absentee ballot application for the May 19 primary to receive a ballot by mail as soon as they become available.

For more visit: cobbelections.org

Trials halted for 30 days in Cobb Superior and State Courts

Judge Reuben Green issues an order late today declaring a "Judicial Emergency" and ordering a halt to jury trials for 30 days.  That means no jurors will have to appear in the courthouse and other civil and non-judicial matters to be limited.

Order Declaring Judicial Emergency

State Court: Click for more information please

Solicitor General Barry Morgan issued a statement about access to his office:

Solicitor General's Office Access

Most Magistrate Court cases are also suspended, but Chief Judge Brendan Murphy says crucial court business will continue.

Magistrate Court Emergency Order

Judge Kelli L. Wolk issued a statement about activity in Cobb's Probate Court:

Probate Court to Remain Open

 

===EVENT CANCELLATIONS===

Cobb County has canceled all events, meetings, and activities in county facilities starting Monday, March 16. Sorry for the inconvenience but this is following public health guidelines. This does NOT include Court buildings, the jail, or Cobb's 100 Cherokee Street Administration Building.
 

• Marietta's New Theatre in the Square is dark till April 3. 
   
• Marietta's Strand Theater Closes.  "After continued dialogue with health officials, in order to best protect our patrons and the community as a whole during this rapidly escalating public health situation, The Strand will remain temporarily closed to the public.  We will plan to reopen on Wednesday, April 1 and are continuing to monitor the situation as it develops. We’ll continue to stay in regular communication through our social media, email list, and website to keep you informed of any updates."
   
• The management team of Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre has been closely monitoring all communications regarding the COVID-19 (Coronavirus), and with Governor Brian Kemp’s declaration on March 14, 2020, of a Public Health Emergency in Georgia, the decision was made this morning to temporarily close the Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre effective Monday, March 16 through March 31, 2020. 
   
• Coffee with Your Cops has canceled the following dates: March 19 at Janice Overbeck's Real Estate Team and Create with Your Kids at the Art Place on March 26.
   
• The Cobb County Police Department has postponed the Precinct 1 PENS Meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 26.
   
• WorkSource Cobb Mobile Career Center (MCC) visits to Cobb County Public Libraries are suspended until further notice. For updates on the MCC, visit www.worksourcecobb.org/news-events
   
• The Cobb County Police Department has canceled the Faith Forum scheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 17.
   
• The Cat Art Show at the Art Place - Mountain View scheduled for March 28 has been canceled.
   
• The Bellpoint Gem Show organizer has canceled their show scheduled for March 13-15 at the Cobb Civic Center.
   
• The Peach State Roller Derby organizers have canceled their opening matches for March 28 at the Cobb Civic Center.
   
• Georgia Ballet's production of COPPELIA at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre scheduled for March 19-22 has been canceled.
   
• The SPLOST Oversight Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 19 has been canceled.
   
• Cobb County Tax Commissioner will close the west Cobb tag office located at 3858 Kemp Ridge Road in Acworth beginning Monday, March 16 until further notice. For other locations, please visit www.cobbtax.org/locations
   
• The 2020 Spring Book Sale scheduled for March 13 – 15, 2020 at the Cobb Civic Center has been canceled.
   
• Spring Arts Fest scheduled for Saturday, March 21 has been canceled.
   
• Commissioner Cupid cancels Technology and Safety Town Hall scheduled for 7 p.m., Thursday, March 19.
   
• The "Airplanes and Aircrews" event scheduled for March 21 at the Aviation Wing has been postponed until June 6th.
   
• Cobb Library events canceled through March 31.  Community rooms by outside organizations at Cobb libraries are canceled too.
   
• Commissioner Ott cancels town halls scheduled for March 17 at Chestnut Ridge Christian Church and  April 21 at East Cobb Library.
   
• West Cobb Regional Library closed for cleaning until further notice.
   
• CDBG Office has canceled the grant application workshop scheduled for 2 p.m., Thursday, March 26 at the Ron Anderson Recreation Center. For additional information, please contact the CDBG Office at 770-528-1455 or email info@cobbcountycdbg.com.
   
• SPLOST Open Houses canceled through March 31. Public meetings will resume in April.
   
• Cobb County Superior Court Divorcing Parents Seminar and Family Law Workshops are cancelled through April 30. You may call the ADR Office at 770-528-1812 in order to reschedule for these classes or visit Superior Court Programs.