Commissioners Approve Billion Dollar Budget Along Party Lines

Cobb County Commissioners approved a $1.3 billion budget for fiscal year 2026 on Tuesday, pushing the measure through in a 3-2 vote that fell strictly along party lines.

The decision comes amid growing concerns from residents and fiscal conservatives who say the county is spending irresponsibly while ignoring calls for transparency and public input.

The newly adopted budget is $48 million higher than last year’s budget, Supporters called it a “responsible plan” that addresses employee retention and essential services, but critics say the process lacked transparency and disregarded community priorities.

While Democratic commissioners praised the budget as a necessary step to sustain county operations and retain talent, Republican Commissioners JoAnn Birrell and Keli Gambrill opposed it, warning that the plan expands government without meaningful fiscal restraint.

“We talk about doing more with less, but this budget says otherwise,” said Gambrill during Tuesday’s meeting. “We’re growing government, and the public doesn’t get a say.”

Dozens of residents spoke out during public comment, voicing frustration over what they called a pre-determined and politically motivated process.

“You’re giving raises and patting yourselves on the back while families are getting crushed by rising assessments,” one East Cobb resident said. “This budget was baked before we ever got to speak.”

Though the general fund tax rate remains unchanged, critics note that surging property assessments will still result in higher tax bills for many homeowners. The general fund alone is set to grow by $13 million, fueled largely by increased property values.

“This is smoke and mirrors,” said one speaker. “Holding the rate means nothing if our assessments are skyrocketing.”

The decision to reduce the fire fund millage rate by 0.02 mills — a move expected to cost the county $1 million in revenue — drew sharp criticism from Commissioner Birrell, who called it “short-sighted and politically convenient.”

“We’ve been down this road before,” she said, referencing a 2018 fire fund cut that had to be reversed later. “Now we’re playing budget games with public safety again.”

In an effort to show fiscal restraint, the budget also includes cuts to each commissioner’s $1.2 million discretionary fund. Still, some residents questioned why such funds exist at all.

“They talk about belt-tightening, but they’re using surpluses as slush funds for pet projects and bureaucratic padding,” another speaker.

The FY 2026 budget will take effect October 1, but the vote appears to have further deepened divisions within Cobb. Residents have repeatedly asked for greater transparency, clearer priorities, and more say in how taxpayer dollars are used.

Despite the approval, the debate over fiscal responsibility, tax fairness, transparency, and community trust is far from over.

Budget Highlights:

• Total budget: $1.3 billion
• General fund millage rate: Remains at 8.46 mills
• Fire fund millage rate: Reduced from 2.99 to 2.97 mills
• Employee compensation: 2% cost-of-living adjustment, with some public safety personnel receiving an additional 3% merit raise
• New staff positions: 4 approved out of nearly 300 requested