Cobb County Government - 2023 Annual Report

A LETTER FROM COBB COUNTY MANAGER

Dr. Jackie R. McMorris

This past year was a busy and prolific one for us. We’ve strived to serve our residents and visitors with integrity, professionalism, and in a timely manner. I’m proud to highlight a few of our numerous milestone accomplishments from 2023.

Though some may say it takes a while to get things done in government, we have addressed significant projects and initiatives during our 23 regular Board of Commissioners meetings. We presented 1,022 agenda items for the board’s consideration. We held 11 zoning hearings and 30 public hearings covering a myriad of services.

We hired 1,215 new county employees – an increase from the previous year of more than 150 skilled workers ready to help the public. Our Emergency 911 operators handled more than 905,292 calls for service, and more than 91% of all incoming calls were answered within 15 seconds.

We are always conscious of our duty to the community. Our code enforcement officials work with residents to remedy violations before fines are assessed. This has resulted in a decrease in re-inspections by 10% compared to 2022 and a 20% decrease in total citations this past year.

Our employees work day and night to improve our roads, keep us safe, and provide various services. Our quality of life doesn’t just rely on asphalt and fire trucks. Our Magistrate judges conducted free wedding ceremonies for more than 5,700 couples this past year.

Those who serve in the Cobb government provide their dedication and commitment throughout the year. As part of our efforts to retain and recruit the best to work for us, we kept employee healthcare costs to a minimum again this year. In addition, we reduced vesture with the county from 10 to seven years.

Cobb has earned many achievements, certifications, and accolades during the past year. To cite a few, Cobb 911 staff received two top national awards from the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials. Our Real Time Crime Center was recognized as the year’s best. The Cobb Water System received six statewide awards, while Fleet Management was named one of the 100 Best Fleets in North America. Our library system was named the 2023 Library of the Year by Georgia Public Library Service.

I’m incredibly proud of our employees and all that we’ve accomplished together. We recognize that without them, our county would not continue to be the best in the metro area. Likewise, we thank you for choosing Cobb as your place to live, work, and visit. Together, we make this great place possible.

Thank you for a very successful 2023!

The 2023 Cobb County Annual Report represents just a few of the highlights and achievements Cobb County Government has accomplished over the past year. For more information, please visit www.cobbcounty.org.

2023 COBB COUNTY Board of Commissioners

The numbers show Cobb continues to move forward.

• We achieved our 26th year of AAA credit ratings, among a handful of counties nationwide.

• Our police department earned the Meritorious Gold Award for more than 20 years of state certification.

• Business is booming with more than 22 economic development project wins totaling $15.5 million in capital investment, 2000 jobs, and 27 film permits.

• We bolstered our housing during the past year – issuing 563 single-family and 337 multi-family home permits.

• We expanded recreational opportunities, including breaking ground on the first trailhead of the Chattahoochee Riverlands Project and being selected for the 2025 Major League Baseball All-Star game.

Cobb strives for excellence because we care. Our District Attorney’s office opened Georgia’s first Family Justice Center and our commissioners approved $500,000 for emergency shelter relief. Nonprofit organizations received $90 million to help businesses and residents recover from pandemic losses, including $4.5 million for early-learning centers.

We approved funding to expand on-demand transit for areas of higher need. The board also launched a disparity study to ensure minorityowned, women-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses have proportionate procurement opportunities. During the past year, we ensured small businesses received entrepreneurship and innovation grants.

The county continues to enjoy tremendous success while onboarding our newest city — Mableton — and addressing issues with redistricting.

Cobb is our home and deserves our best efforts. It is our job to continue our tradition of success and my vision that Cobb’s success should extend to all. Thank you for allowing us to make that happen.

Lisa Cupid, Cobb County Commission Chairwoman

DISTRICT 1

Keli Gambrill

DISTRICT 2

Jerica Richardson

DISTRICT 3

JoAnn K. Birrell

DISTRICT 4

Monique Sheffield

Consecutive Years of AAA Credit Ratings

2023 Cobb County Awards and Accolades

Cobb County Public Library is Georgia’s 2023 LIBRARY OF THE YEAR

2023 Total Operating and Capital Budgets

How does Cobb stack up? A metro Atlanta comparison as a top-performing county in the metro Atlanta region, Cobb County proudly maximizes its efficiency when it comes to spending taxpayers’ dollars. With the smallest budget and fewest employees compared to other metro counties, we continually strive to make wise and fiscally sound decisions.

Cobb County received AAA ratings by the three leading New York-based rating agencies for the 26th consecutive year. Each rating agency cited Cobb County’s solid financial footing, low debt, and budget flexibility. Cobb is one of only 51 counties in the United States with AAA ratings from all three agencies and one of only a few who have maintained that status this long. The AAA rating allows the county to borrow at lower interest rates, saving taxpayers money.

How Your Tax Funds Are Determined: An Example

If you own a residential home with a market value of $350,000

Your home’s assessed value would be $140,000

If you take advantage of a $10,000 home exemption

How Your Tax Funds Are Allocated:

Cobb County General Fund: $1,099.80

Cobb County Fire District Fund: $418.60

Board of Education General Fund: $2,431.00

COBB’S ARPA ALLOCATION

Your homes assessed value would then be $130,000 and the millage rate is applied against this value

Cobb County started distributing $100 million of its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation to community groups to help residents throughout the county. The groups have programs that address mental health issues, rental assistance and evictions, early childhood health, workforce development, and food insecurity. The county is working with a consultant to ensure those receiving the funds comply with federal reporting regulations.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Cobb County Public Safety’s tradition of excellence continued to push boundaries this past year. The Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police recognized our police department for 20 consecutive years of state certification with its Meritorious Gold Award. The yearly certification process has proven we have met or exceeded the highest standards and are always using the newest and best professional law enforcement practices available.

In September, our Real Time Crime Center – which just opened for operations in 2022 – was selected as the National Real Time Crime Center of the Year. This facility uses the latest technology to help coordinate our immediate handling of incidents throughout the county and helps us coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions.

Public Safety requires vigilance and the highest standard of conduct. Cobb County is here to provide that for you.

“Cobb County’s Department of Public Safety serves over a million people daily that are either living here, visiting, working, or attending one of the county’s high-occupancy events. Our dedicated Public Safety employees constantly assess their operational capabilities so that they can address the county’s needs today and prepare for the complexities of the future”

Michael J. Register Director, Cobb County Department of Public Safety

FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES

Rescue personnel must have the best equipment and training available to focus their skills during a crisis. Cobb County provides what they need to help you. The Fire and Emergency Services Training Division relocated to its newly renovated facility in April. This extensive site will eventually include a five-story tower designed to simulate real-life crisis scenarios.

We placed six new Transport Capable Rescues into service thanks to EMS Operations Division and the Office of Preparedness. These high-tech vehicles can deliver care when public safety personnel on an emergency scene need to be transported to a hospital. They will also be used for civilian transport on the rare occasions when an ambulance is unavailable.

Cobb firefighters have embraced the future with a transition to new battery-powered extrication equipment. Unlike traditional tools that require hydraulic pumps and hoses, the battery-powered versions eliminate those cumbersome components. Cobb firefighters can now carry out extrication tasks with greater speed and agility to help save lives even faster than before.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Cobb County Police Department proudly reflects upon a year filled with remarkable accomplishments, recognitions, and commitments to the safety of our community.

We had the privilege of hosting consul generals from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Argentina, and Brazil at our police headquarters. We highlighted our agency’s commitment to serving the Hispanic population through community engagement.

It was Public Safety’s first full year as holder of the prestigious TriArc Award. We were only the second agency in Georgia to attain this distinction. This award reflects our dedication to the highest standards set by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies in areas such as the police department, police training academy, and the 911 communications center. The accreditation of our Police Training Academy by CALEA further solidifies our commitment to public safety service excellence.

SAFETY VILLAGE

The Cobb County Safety Village has continued educating every elementary school student and announced a new partnership with several schools to offer Spanish Safety Days. This expands the reach of our programming to better serve our diverse community. We also broadened our educational offerings, including the middle school Underwriters Laboratory Explorer Labs, and developed our senior safety programs to support older residents.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Preparations are essential for emergencies. We do the work now so that we can help you when you need it. This past year the Board of Commissioners approved $500,000 for an emergency initiative to expand the homeless community’s access to warming shelters during extremely cold weather or frigid weather.

To ensure outdoor safety, we continued to expand our Emergency Location Marker System used to locate people who need assistance along Cobb’s multi-use trail network. This phase updated 14 miles of trails, 277 park buildings, and mapped 15 miles not previously marked.

Our Community Emergency Response Team, made up of volunteers trained to supplement public safety personnel efforts, received a $32,000 grant from the Urban Area Security Initiative to fund an auxiliary communications trailer.

ANIMAL

SERVICES

In Cobb County, we step in to help. While our Animal Services shelter saw a 17% increase in animals it received during 2022, our efforts have resulted in a 38% increase in pet adoptions at the same time. Over 9,000 animals were adopted in 2023. Despite the obvious challenges, Animal Services has maintained an 87% live release rate. We help make this happen through our numerous offsite adoption events, school education sessions and free pet microchip clinics.

91.7%

Answered incoming calls under 15 seconds

905,292

Total Addressed Calls

911 calls:

Abandoned calls:

Admin calls:

Text to 911:

Outgoing:

Total:

905,292

Cobb’s Department of Emergency Communications E911 is the quality assistance you want it to be when you call for help during a crisis. Our award-winning team members were honored repeatedly throughout the year for their professionalism, expertise, and actions. They handled almost a million calls, directing essential assistance, providing needed comfort and saving lives.

National awards presented to our E911 staff members included the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials Technologist of the Year, APCO Team of the Year, NICE Public Safety Director of the Year, and NICE Public Safety Trainer of the Year. The Cobb Chamber, during its annual countywide Public Safety Appreciation event, singled out one of our own for the Distinguished Achievement Award. Not content to rest, Cobb E911 looks to continue its excellence into the future with a new program training high school students for a career in E911 communications.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE

The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office has earned the prestigious Triple Crown Award, a recognition given to sheriffs with accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare, the American Correctional Association’s Commission on Accreditation for Corrections and the Commission on the Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies. Less than 100 sheriff’s offices nationwide have achieved this, and Cobb aims to join this elite group in 2024.

Diversity is a cornerstone of the Cobb Sheriff’s Office’s leadership, with the most diverse law enforcement leadership staff in metro Atlanta. The office boasts a team of more than 500 sworn law enforcement officers and 300 civilians, including 22% sworn women and 24% women in leadership roles.

The Cobb Sheriff’s Office has experienced remarkable growth in its hiring during the past two years. After facing more than 100 sworn vacancies in January 2021, the office reduced this to just 17 open positions in October.

Community engagement remains a top priority for the Cobb Sheriff’s Office, which became a certified GED testing site for incarcerated individuals and enabled detainees to graduate from various courses.

Signature events such as Santa on Wheels and Cookout with the Sheriff, alongside new initiatives such as the Sheriffs’ Cup and Stop the Violence campaign, demonstrate the office’s dedication to addressing critical issues like gang activity and bullying. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office organized back-toschool supply giveaways for local students and teachers.

ELECTIONS

Cobb County Board of Elections and Registration held a series of 16 in-person voter education and outreach events during the past year, helping answer residents’ questions and demonstrating the transparency of the process. Democracy requires the public’s trust and we work every day to earn its confidence.

To aid this effort, we adopted a new software program to inventory, track, locate, and log Cobb County’s election equipment. It also assists with capturing a clear and visible audit trail of the equipment from our storage facility to election sites. The new program streamlines a complicated process, reducing needed manpower and daily costs.

Elections are the cornerstone of government, are crucial to our community, and are the roads to our future. Cobb County will always keep them secure and trustworthy. You deserve nothing less.

KEEP COBB BEAUTIFUL

During the past year, volunteers cleared 700,000 pounds of litter from 148 miles of our roads. We safely disposed of 1,720 pounds of expired and unused medications and kept them out of the water supply. We mulched more than 9,400 trees after the holidays. Our community recycling events brought in more than 15 tons of electronics, 16 tons of metal, and shredded 42,000 pounds of paper for the public.

COURTS

District Attorney

The Cobb County District Attorney’s Office opened the Cobb Family Justice Center in December. The first center of its kind in Georgia, it provides comprehensive resources to crime victims. This includes men and women who have been abused in domestic violence situations, rape, human trafficking, elder abuse, and assault.

Alternative Resolution Court gives individuals charged with felony drug offenses expedited court dates to provide early access to the Pretrial Diversion Program, Accountability Courts, and treatment-based case resolutions. More than 1,000 cases were referred to ARC during the past year. Of those cases, the District Attorney’s Office was able to resolve more than 400, refer more than 200 to diversion, place more than 20 in the Accountability Courts, and expedite the remaining cases. The program has been able to reduce the amount of time from arrest to case resolution from an average of two years to about six months.

The Pretrial Diversion Program, an alternative prosecution for certain offenders in the criminal justice system, is designed for low-risk and low-need offenders who have committed certain non-violent crimes. The program is designed to provide education, counseling, treatment and community service alternatives, while at the same time ensuring restitution is provided to the victims of these crimes. Almost 400 cases successfully completed the program during the past year, resulting in more than $100,000 paid into the general fund. This doesn’t include completed community service hours, counseling, and GED enrollment.

COURTS

Probate Court

Cobb Probate Court placed a top priority on clearing cases in 2023. The court utilized the new Cobb Alternative Dispute Resolution program to help the public navigate procedures and move cases through. The success of the program was recognized by the Judicial Council of Georgia/ Administrative Office of the Courts which awarded the court with the Excellence Award for demonstrating exceptional clearance rates and ability to manage caseloads.

In 2023, the Probate Court increased its online resources to assist the public in navigating common probate procedures.

Probate Court completed its first successful year of clearing cases utilizing the Cobb Alternative Dispute Resolution program after a successful pilot program the year before.

Superior & State Court

Cobb County Superior Court has had a busy year in 2023, with 63 jury trials completed in addition to day-to-day court hearings and activities. In August 2023, the court conducted a record 13 jury trials in just one month.

Through the hard work and dedication of the Superior Court Judges and staff, more than 8,102 cases were disposed of in the span of just seven months — from January to July 2023.

The Judicial Council of Georgia placed Cobb County’s State Court Administration in the top 10% of clearance rates in its class.

During 2023, Cobb County Mental Health Court marked a decade of work, providing accountability and treatment to residents who are diagnosed with a mental illness and find themselves involved in the criminal justice system.

Likewise, for 20 years, Cobb’s Drug Treatment Court has led people out of the criminal justice system and into long-term recovery. This 18 to 24-month substance use disorder treatment program focuses on high-risk, high-need participants facing felony charges.

Magistrate Court

The Judicial Council of Georgia’s Standing Committee on Judicial Workload Assessment recognized our Magistrate Court with a statewide Clearance Rate Excellence Award. This recognizes the top 10% of courts with exceptional performance having resolved as many cases as were filed.

Cobb Magistrate Court founded Georgia’s first Housing Stability Court. This eviction diversion program assists families facing eviction for the first time by pairing emergency rental assistance funds with case management services — such as financial literacy, life skills, and career counseling — that will help families become selfsufficient and avoid eviction.

EXTENSION SERVICES

The Wellness Garden, a community partnership with Wellstar and Cobb County Farm Bureau, was completed in early 2023. From May through October, the garden grew more than 800 pounds of fresh produce donated to county residents in need.

The Family and Consumer Sciences Department held a monthly food preservation canning class. Participants reported the workshops saved them an average of $64 per month.

The Cobb Agricultural and Natural Resources department conducted three Eco-Friendly Landscaping series dedicated to teaching the public about ways to conserve water, reduce pesticide and fertilizer usage, and increase pollinators in residential landscapes.

SENIOR SERVICES

In collaboration with the Atlanta Regional Commission, Cobb Senior Services hosted the Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program, with eleven farmer’s markets throughout the county. We served 760 older adults, distributing $38,000 in fresh produce.

Furthermore, with a grant initiative in partnership with Wellstar Health System and GoodR, the department established five pop-up markets at the Austell Senior Center during the past year. This effort provided free food to more than 500 community members.

Cobb County Senior Services secured $3,899,176 in grants and sponsorships to help support such programs as Share the Care and Emergency Financial Assistance.

LIBRARIES

The Georgia Public Library Service selected Cobb County as the state’s 2023 Library of the Year, citing its commitment to serving the community as well as expanding public access to materials and essential services.

The Board of Commissioners expanded access to library resources through funding from the county’s federal American Rescue Plan Act allocation. New programs include:

BOOKS BY MAIL: Cardholders unable to visit due to physical disability, illness or lack of transportation can check out up to four library items for nine weeks. Pre-paid return postage is provided at no cost.

GRITTERS LIBRARY: Construction of a new library that is replacing a 50-yearold facility with space for a community center, community meetings, PARKS and CobbWorks workforce development programs. Building costs are being covered by Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax and ARPA funds.

VISION TO LEARN: The national non-profit provides vision screenings, eye exams and prescription glasses for students ages 5-18, free of charge to the students and their families.

The Accessibility Services Room in Switzer Library provides services for people with disabilities and other special populations, providing opportunities to use special tech devices; apply for services and jobs; and gain access to resources and medical equipment their individual and/or family needs.

During summer break 2023 at Cobb libraries, Vision To Learn provided 694 eye exams resulting in 484 children receiving new glasses.

PARKS

Cobb PARKS facilities drew elite competitors this past year. Cobb Gymnastics held the annual Men’s Challenge Gymnastics Meet attracting athletes from across the southeast. The inaugural Cobb PARKS All-Star Invitational was held at Terrell Mill Park. This brought together Dizzy Dean and Little League baseball teams, creating a showcase of their skills for the 2023 season.

The excellence on display wasn’t limited to sports. Sewell Mill Cultural Center brought back Mini-Con, attracting more than 900 fans. Our art centers introduced glass blowing, engaging 200 students. Jennie T. Anderson Theatre earned a Telly Award for its production of “The Wild Party.”

PROJECTS:

• We rebuilt the Old Clarkdale Community Center, replacing the original 1933 building destroyed by fire in 2017.

• The Violet F. Stout Park Phase 1 equestrian facility buildout improved roads, expanded parking, built a show ring, and added restrooms.

• Youth Association improvements included $19,500 for four infields at Sewell Park, irrigation improvements at Harrison Park, and new scorer stands and storage for three softball fields at Sandy Plains Park.

650

New players in PARKS tennis program

Youth participants in Noonday Zone baseball, softball, football, soccer, & lacrosse

Swimmers competed for county’s state team spots

Students reached through Cobb PARKS school programs

WATER

The Water System continues to invest in our infrastructure through replacing water, sewer, and stormwater pipes and improving processes at our water reclamation facilities. In 2023, the Board of Commissioners approved more than $32 million for water and sewer projects and about $4.6 million for stormwater projects. In addition, the board approved $23.4 million for water reclamation facility projects.

While Cobb’s water rates remain the lowest in metro Atlanta, the Board of Commissioners did approve an adjustment effective October 2023. The rate increase was needed due to operating expenses and the need to fund capital improvements to our wastewater treatment plants and water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure. For the average residential water and sewer customer, the change results in a monthly increase of $5.45.

Following the Board of Commissioner’s directive to explore ways to better accomplish stormwater management for unincorporated Cobb County, the Water System presented options for a changing from charging for stormwater through water and sewer fees to charging a dedicated stormwater fee based on the amount of impervious surface (rooftops, pavement, etc.).

To better serve our customers, the Water System is implementing a new billing system. The new system, which is expected to go live in spring 2024, will provide an improved customer self-service portal that allows customers to request services online, such as opening and closing accounts.

COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Cobb County Economic Development collaborated with various departments to create a New Business Guide for business owners seeking to occupy a commercial or retail space in the county.

Cobb County Economic Development Department connected with more than 500 businesses in 2023. During site visits, scheduled appointments and business networking events, the Economic Development team engaged with businesses to build relationships, address challenges and offer solutions. The Business Concierge Service allows the Economic Development team to liaise between the business community and county departments to answer questions and provide support.

Cobb County Economic Development hosts events for business owners, entrepreneurs, and startups. Its quarterly events

allow businesses to network with county staff and neighboring businesses to learn how Cobb can support their growth. Semi-annual events allow business executives to learn about resources such as workforce development assistance, job tax credits, and other potential incentives as they expand and create jobs in Cobb.

Four small businesses were awarded an Entrepreneurship and Innovation Grant from Cobb County Economic Development in 2023. Eligible applicants can receive up to $10,000.

For more information on registration, Certificate of Occupancy, zoning requirements and more scan the QR code.

PROCUREMENT

Cobb Procurement Services doesn’t just exist to buy goods and services on behalf of the county. Its efforts are focused on supporting the community at the same time. In 2021, it established a supplier diversity program to connect with Cobb businesses and those in the greater Atlanta area. By building an inclusive and diverse supplier base, the department improves resources and increases the number of certified suppliers.

Likewise, the department has worked for years with local businesses, holding regular seminars to show them how they can work with Cobb County. This past year, it held an economic development summit with the newly created City of Mableton. Procurement Services also started a new purchasing card program to funnel high-frequency, low-volume transactions through. This allows staff to focus their efforts on correct procedures for more complex, high-dollar purchases.

FLEET

Cobb’s Fleet Management Department continues to move toward a more sustainable and cost-effective future through strategic alternative fuel vehicle acquisitions, which now account for 14% of the county’s light-duty fleet. New to the fleet this year are three electric Ford E-Transit cargo vans, a bi-fueled Ford Transit van powered by natural gas, 30 hybrid vehicles, and two Ford F150 Lightning pickup trucks.

The addition of a rooftop solar panel system has generated over 25,000 kWh of power in 2023 which feeds facility emergency backup batteries and has reduced electric utility billing by 2%.

Fleet technicians completed 12,975 work orders in 2023 with a heavy focus on preventative maintenance, safety, and reduction of potential breakdowns on the road.

TRANSPORTATION

Cobb, known for its leadership, broke ground in April on what will be the first regional trailhead park for the Chattahoochee Riverlands project. This 100-mile linear network of greenways, blueways and parks set to run through metro Atlanta, will have about 25 of these trailheads. Our first location, expected to open in 2026, anchors a 2.7mile greenway trail connecting Mableton to Smyrna. This, in turn, will connect to the Mableton Parkway Trail and provide a direct link from the Chattahoochee to the Silver Comet Trail.

In June, the Cobb Department of Transportation cut the ribbon on the Kennesaw Mountain Trail Pedestrian Improvements. These three new multi-use trail segments complement almost 20 miles of existing trails used for hiking, running, dog walking, and horseback riding throughout Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.

Cobb DOT also completed major renovations to Mars Hill Bridge over Lake Allatoona Creek, spending a month on repairs and restoration. This work assures the future of the bridge, which serves more than 18,000 vehicles daily.

In September, the Georgia Business Aviation Association held an exclusive event at Cobb County International Airport showcasing the latest in business aircraft. This event was the first the Gulfstream’s G700 was available to view in the Atlanta region.

CobbLinc and the Cobb Department of Transportation conducted a site selection study for a new transit center in South Cobb to accommodate future growth and expansion.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

Information Technology Services and Cobb Police implemented a new video camera and management system throughout the department and vehicle fleet. This allowed police officers to consolidate and manage video evidence. The system’s integration with the department’s Real Time Crime Center and license plate readers increase our ability to share data across multiple jurisdictions.

In December, Information Technology Services completed migration to a new 2016 SPLOST-funded state-of-the-art

data center. The new network provides faster processing speeds as well a stable, redundant, and secure platform with capabilities for expanded storage and future technology growth.

We also worked to increase cyber security awareness in October. A public event brought in experts from multiple tech companies and law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security, to help protect the community and county agencies from online attacks.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

COMPLETED IN THE WORKS IN THE WORKS IN THE WORKS

A new $1.2 million chiller was installed in the Superior Court building to provide HVAC relief and ensure operations would not be interrupted.

Construction of the new, stateof-the-art $9.4 million Gritter’s Library in NE Cobb. Project set to be completed by June 2024.

$21 million firing range in SW Cobb is under construction with a completion date of May 2025.

Using a $5.5 million ARPA funded grant, a building assessment of 45 county buildings is underway to improve indoor air quality.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Cobb County Government has consistently provided benefits and options for the betterment of its employees. The results earned us recognition from the Atlanta Business Chronicle, putting Cobb on the list of Metro Atlanta Healthiest Employers for the third year in a row.

For example, the county offers a free health and wellness clinic for full-time employees, their dependents, and non-Medicare retirees covered by the county’s medical plans. Cobb also provides fully equipped fitness centers, group exercise classes, and free monthly health lectures. The county even covers employee registration fees for local 5K events.

Human Resources also upgraded its performance evaluation system during the past year, placing it online, and providing employees detailed input into their yearly reviews. Their feedback is crucial to creating an efficient, welcoming workplace. And when county workers feel valued, they provide better services to the public.

MEDICAL EXAMINER

Staff members of the Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office and Cobb and Douglas Public Health were honored for their ongoing protection of Georgia residents this past year. Their tracking of the impact of COVID-19 since 2021 has provided crucial data on the disease and resulted in being presented with the SellersMcCroan Award by the Georgia Public Health Association. The collaborative effort received grant funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists.

COMMUNICATIONS

Our Communications Department, which handles public affairs and the main public switchboard for the county, implemented a new, internet-based Customer Relationship Management System to better serve people when they call us. It streamlines the operation, helping us get callers to the right department and give them the information they need.

Communications also uses social media to help keep the public knowledgeable about what is going on in county government. During 2023, we had a total social media audience of more than 75,400 people — growing by about 7,200 from the year before. This means more people know more about county events, board actions, and available services.

One of the most important aspects of communications is its use of the CobbTV station to broadcast live meetings to the public. We installed five new cameras, paid for through cable franchise fees, to better cover these events.