Cobb County will hold its free Community Emergency Response Team training for three sessions in August and registration is open now. The CERT program trains people to be better prepared for emergency situations in their communities. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims and organize volunteers at a disaster site.

CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that improve the safety of the community. The classes will be held 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12, 19 and 26 at the Cobb County Emergency Operations Center. Members must attend all sessions to complete the program. Participants must be at least 16 years old. The Emergency Operations Center is located at 140 North Marietta Parkway, Marietta. The class size is limited, and all applications are due by noon, Friday, Aug. 4. If you would like to register for the program, contact Kimberly Repak at kimberly.repak@cobbcounty.org or 770-499-4567.

If you are looking for an entry or mid-level position, join us for these free workshops during the month of August, presented by Terence Norman, a veteran human resources professional.

Behind the Scenes of Resumes
9-11:30 a.m., Aug. 4
This workshop will give you an inside look on human resources' perspective on your resume.

Getting it Right
9-11:30 a.m., Aug. 11
This workshop will teach you how to properly write your resume to express your skill set and qualifications.

Interview Bootcamp
9-11:30 a.m., Aug. 18
This interview bootcamp will help you improve your performance.

Interview Techniques 
9:30-11:30 a.m., Aug. 25
This workshop will teach your the interview techniques necessary to succeed.

Registration is required. To register, call 770-528-4300 or email information@cobbworks.org with your name, address, phone number and workshop selection. Workshops will be held at CobbWorks Workforce Development Center, 463 Commerce Park Drive, Suite 100, Marietta.
 

The Cobb Superior Court Clerk's Office is now accepting and administering passport applications. Staff is excited to offer this service to county residents as a convenient alternative to other local acceptance facilities. A passport acceptance facility is authorized by the U.S. Department of State to accept and verify documents, applicant signature and identity for passport applications. This is handled at Cobb County's West Park Government Center, 736 Whitlock Ave., Suite 300, Marietta. Office hours are on Wednesdays only, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary. For more information, visit cobbsuperiorcourtclerk.org or call 770-528-2675.

2017 Tax Digest and 5 Year History

The Cobb County Board of Commissioners does hereby announce that the 2017 millage rate will be set at a meeting to be held at the Cobb County Board of Commissioners meeting room at 100 Cherokee St., second floor, Marietta, on Tuesday, July 25, at 7 p.m. and pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. § 48-5-32 does hereby publish the following presentation of the current year's tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and levy for the past five years.

2017 Tax Digest and Five-Year History (full document)

Notice of Property Tax Increase

The Cobb County Board of Commissioners has tentatively adopted a millage rate which will require an increase in property taxes of 10.20 percent.

All concerned residents are invited to the final public hearing on this tax increase to be held 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 25, in the Cobb County Board of Commissioners meeting room at 100 Cherokee St., second floor, Marietta.

Notice of Property Tax Increase (full document)

Because public input is such a vital part of the process, county staff has added an additional public hearing on updates to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

The plan is available for review at cobbcounty.org/comdev and the public is encouraged to make final suggestions, additions or revisions. Public comments will be heard directly after the presentation to the Board of Commissioners.

• 9 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 8
  BOC Meeting Room, second floor, 100 Cherokee St. NW, Marietta
  Presented during regular BOC meeting
• 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 22
  BOC Meeting Room, second floor, 100 Cherokee St. NW, Marietta
  Presented during regular BOC meeting

The 2040 Comprehensive Plan is a long-range, community designed growth strategy that will continue to make Cobb County an attractive place to invest, conduct business and raise a family. The current plan, adopted in 2007 with subsequent annual amendments, covers the time period between 2007 and 2030. This 10-year update will extend the current plan's growth outlook to 2040.

The plan is mandated by the state of Georgia and will help Cobb County guide and manage expected population and employment growth and coordinate major public investments in public safety, transportation, community facilities and other important elements. The plan is scheduled for submission to the Atlanta Regional Commission on Aug. 9. The ARC will ensure it meets minimum standards and procedures for local comprehensive planning. If you have any questions or comments about the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, call 770-528-2018 or email comdevplanning@cobbcounty.org.