On the agenda: Cobbcoga BOC Regular Meeting — data center (Jul 28)

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
COBB COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
JULY 28, 2026
7:00 PM
The Regular Meeting of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners was held at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday,
July 28, 2026, at the David Hankerson Building, 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta, Georgia, in the Board of
Commissioners Meeting Room. Present and comprising a quorum of the Board were:
Chairwoman Lisa Cupid
Commissioner Erick Allen
Commissioner JoAnn Birrell
Commissioner Keli Gambrill
Commissioner Monique Sheffield

CALL TO ORDER
Chairwoman Cupid called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.

FINANCE PUBLIC HEARING
1.

To conduct the third public hearing on the 2026 proposed property tax increase as
defined by Georgia law.
Buddy Tesar, Chief Financial Officer, presented information regarding the 2026 proposed property
tax increase and requested a public hearing be conducted.
Chairwoman Cupid opened the public hearing regarding the FY 2026 proposed property tax
increase and asked those wishing to speak to come forward to address the Board. Following 13
speakers, the public hearing was closed.
A copy of the information presented is attached and made a part of these minutes.

2.

To adopt a resolution setting the 2026 millage rates for the Cobb County General
Fund, Fire Fund, and the Cumberland Special Services District II Fund (CSSD II).
Motion by Cupid, second by Allen, to adopt the resolution that sets the 2026 millage rates for the
Cobb County General Fund, Fire Fund, and the Cumberland Special Services District II Fund
(CSSD II); and authorize the Chairwoman to execute the necessary documents. A copy of said
resolution is attached and made a part of these minutes.
VOTE: ADOPTED 3-2, Commissioners Birrell and Gambrill opposed

3.

To adopt a resolution establishing the 2026 Cobb County Tax Levy for countywide
school construction bond purposes and for maintenance and operations of schools as
required by law.
Motion by Cupid, second by Allen, to adopt the Board of Education's resolution establishing the
2026 countywide school tax for maintenance and operation of schools, 18.700 mills: countywide
school tax for construction bonds, 0.000 mills; Marietta property annexed 1995 through 2004, at

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
COBB COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
JULY 28, 2026
7:00 PM

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0.000 mills, as required by law; and authorize the Chairwoman to execute the millage resolution
from the Cobb County Board of Education. A copy of said resolution is attached and made a part
of these minutes.
VOTE: ADOPTED 5-0

4.

To conduct the third public hearing on the FY 2027 Proposed Budget.
Buddy Tesar, Chief Financial Officer, presented information regarding the proposed FY 2027
Budget and requested a public hearing be conducted.
Chairwoman Cupid opened the public hearing and asked those wishing to speak to come forward
to address the Board. Following 20 speakers, the public hearing was closed.
A copy of the information presented is attached and made a part of these minutes.

5.

To adopt the FY 2027 Budget.
Motion by Cupid, second by Sheffield, to adopt the FY 2027 Budget; and authorize the
Chairwoman to execute the necessary documents. The Budget resolution is attached and made a
part of these minutes.
VOTE: ADOPTED 3-2, Commissioners Birrell and Gambrill opposed

Chairwoman Cupid called a brief recess from 9:25 p.m. – 9:38 p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENT
1. Lisa Taylor addressed the Board regarding Code Enforcement and single-family zoning.
2. Gary Henderson addressed the Board regarding micro transit.
3. Monica DeLancy addressed the Board regarding back to school and community events and
CobbWorks.
4. Perry Barrett addressed the Board regarding micro transit and autonomous vehicle shuttles.
5. Lance Lamberton addressed the Board regarding micro transit and the millage rate.
6. Matt Stigall addressed the Board regarding public transit.
7. Denny Wilson addressed the Board regarding government power and Mableton Code
Enforcement.
8. Jonathan Jewell addressed the Board regarding Cobb County Water infrastructure and a water
main failing near his home.
9. Jon Gargis addressed the Board regarding micro transit.
10. Sonjay Rane addressed the Board regarding small business contracts with the county.

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
COBB COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
JULY 28, 2026
7:00 PM

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CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION: Motion by Cupid second by Allen, to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda, as
presented; and authorize execution of the necessary documents by the appropriate County personnel.

Water System
6.

To approve Change Order No. 1 to the construction contract with IHC Construction
Companies, LLC for the R. L. Sutton Water Reclamation Facility Clarifier
Rehabilitation, Program No. T2030.
To approve Change Order No. 1 to the construction contract with IHC Construction Companies,
LLC, in the amount of $198,296.44 and for a time extension of 112 calendar days to the final
completion date for the R. L. Sutton Water Reclamation Facility Clarifier Rehabilitation, Program
No. T2030; authorize the corresponding budget transfers; and further authorize the Chairwoman
to execute the necessary documents.
Funding is available in the Water System's CIP Budget as follows:
Increase Encumbrance
GAE 51003112505

7.

510-500-5753-8260

T2030-C

$198,296.44

Transfer from:
R.L. Sutton Water Reclamation Facility Miscellaneous Improvements
Preliminary Estimates
510-500-5753-8005
T2501-Z

$198,296.44

Transfer to:
R.L. Sutton Water Reclamation Facility Clarifier Rehabilitation
Construction
510-500-5753-8260
T2030-C

$198,296.44

To approve a construction contract with Reynolds Construction, LLC and
Supplemental Agreement No. 1 to the agreement with Ardurra Group, Inc. for the
FY26 Ultraviolet Disinfection Systems Rehabilitation, Program No. T5009.
To approve a construction contract with Reynolds Construction, LLC, in the amount of
$24,996,000.00, and Supplemental Agreement No. 1 to the agreement with Ardurra Group, Inc., in
the amount of $499,930.00, for the FY26 Ultraviolet Disinfection Systems Rehabilitation, Program
No. T5009; authorize the corresponding budget transactions; and further authorize the
Chairwoman to execute the necessary documents.
Funding is available in the Water System's CIP Budget as follows:

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
COBB COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
JULY 28, 2026
7:00 PM

Transfer from:
RL Sutton Water Reclamation Facility Miscellaneous Improvements
Preliminary Estimates
510-500-5753-8005
T2501-Z

$8,706,943.34

Northwest Water Reclamation Facility Miscellaneous Improvements
Preliminary Estimates
510-500-5753-8005
T4501-Z

$8,706,943.33

Noonday Creek Water Reclamation Facility Miscellaneous Improvements
Preliminary Estimates
510-500-5753-8005
T1503-Z
Total

$8,706,943.33
$26,120,830.00

Transfer to:
FY26 Ultraviolet Disinfection Systems Rehabilitation
Construction
510-500-5753-8260
Engineering - Basic Fees
510-500-5753-8225
(sup. agreement 1)
Interest Expense on Retainage 510-500-5753-6613
Contingency
510-500-5753-8810
Total

8.

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T5009-C
T5009-E

$24,996,000.00
$ 499,930.00

T5009-A
T5009-T

$ 124,980.00
$ 499,920.00
$26,120,830.00

To approve a work order under the FY25 – FY26 Stormwater Management Unit
Price Contract with HD Excavations & Utilities LLC for 5399 Forest Brook Parkway,
Program ST2410.
To approve a work order under the FY25 – FY26 Stormwater Management Unit Price Contract
with HD Excavations & Utilities LLC, in the amount of $114,328.64, for 5399 Forest Brook
Parkway, Program No. ST2410; authorize the corresponding budget transaction; and further
authorize the Chairwoman to execute the necessary documents.
Funding is available in the Water System’s CIP Budget as follows:
Transfer from:
Stormwater Multi-Year Budget
Preliminary Estimates

565-500-5650-8005

ST9999-Z

$144,328.64

Transfer to:
5399 Forest Brook Parkway
Construction & Project Improvements 565-500-5650-8260

ST2410-C

$114,328.64

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
COBB COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
JULY 28, 2026
7:00 PM

9.

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To approve a work order under the FY25-FY26 Stormwater Management Unit Price
Contract with W.E. Contracting Co., Inc. for 2861 Tynewick Drive, Program No.
ST2406.
To approve a work order under the FY25-FY26 Stormwater Management Unit Price Contract with
W.E. Contracting Co., Inc., in the amount of $114,702.38, for 2861 Tynewick Drive, Program
No.ST2406; authorize the corresponding budget transaction; and further authorize the
Chairwoman to execute the necessary documents.
Funding is available in the Water System’s CIP Budget as follows:

10.

Transfer from:
Stormwater Multi-Year Budget
Preliminary Estimates

565-500-5650-8005

ST9999-Z

$114,702.38

Transfer to:
2861 Tynewick Drive
Construction & Project improvements

565-500-5650-8260

ST2406-C

$114,702.38

To approve final funding for the work under the FY24 Stormwater Management Unit
Price Contract with Wade Coots Company, Inc. for 2838 Saddlebrook Way, Program
No. SW2302.
To approve final funding for the work order under the FY24 Stormwater Management Unit Price
Contract with Wade Coots Company, Inc., a savings to the project in the amount of $23,375.70,
for 2838 Saddlebrook Way, Program No. SW2302; authorize the corresponding budget
transactions; and further authorize the Chairwoman to execute the necessary documents.
No additional funding is required for the Water System’s 2838 Saddlebrook Way, Program No.
SW2302.
Decrease Encumbrance:
GAE 51005282415

510-500-5758-6496

SW2302-C

$23,375.70

Transfer from:
2838 Saddlebrook Way
Drainage Conract R&M Service

510-500-5758-6496

SW2302-C

$23,375.70

Transfer to:
Stormwater Multi-Year Budget
Drainage Contract R&M Serivce

510-500-5758-6496

SW9999-Z

$23,375.70

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
COBB COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
JULY 28, 2026
7:00 PM

11.

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To approve final funding for the work under the FY25 – FY26 Stormwater
Management Unit Price Contract with HD Excavations & Utilities LLC for 3063
Milford Chase Overlook, Program No. SW2310.
To approve final funding for the work order under the FY25 – FY26 Stormwater Management
Unit Price with HD Excavations & Utilities LLC, a savings to the project in the amount of
$24,023.85, for 3063 Milford Chase Overlook, Program No. SW2310; authorize the
corresponding budget transactions; and further authorize the Chairwoman to execute the
necessary documents.
No additional funding is required for the Water System’s 3063 Milford Chase Overlook, Program
No. SW2310.

12.

Decrease Encumbrance:
GAE 51004082508

510-500-5758-6496

SW2310-C

$24,023.85

Transfer from:
3603 Milford Chase Overlook
Drainage Contract R&M Service

510-500-5758-6496

SW2310-C

$24,023.85

Transfer to:
Stormwater Multi-Year Budget
Drainage Contract R&M Service

510-500-5758-6496

SW9999-Z

$24,023.85

To approve final funding for the work under the FY25-FY26 Stormwater
Management Unit Price Contract with HD Excavations & Utilities LLC for 2970
Wendy Lane, Program No. SW2356.
To approve final funding for the work order under the FY25 – FY26 Stormwater Management
Unit Price Contract with HD Excavations & Utilities LLC, Inc, a savings to the project in the
amount of $30,025.73, for 2970 Wendy Lane, Program No. SW2356; authorize the corresponding
budget transactions; and further authorize the Chairwoman to execute the necessary documents.
No additional funding is required for the Water System’s 2970 Wendy Lane, Program No.
SW2356.
Decrease Encumbrance:
GAE 51009232511

510-500-5758-6496

SW2356-C

$30,025.73

Transfer from:
2970 Wendy Lane
Drainage Contract R&M Service

510-500-5758-6496

SW2356-C

$30,025.73

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
COBB COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
JULY 28, 2026
7:00 PM

Transfer to:
Stormwater Multi-Year Budget
Drainage Contract R&M Serivce

Page | 7

510-500-5758-6496

SW9999-Z

$30,025.73

Transportation
13.

To authorize the installation of traffic calming measures on County-maintained
streets, and approve Supplemental Agreement No. 2 to Resurfacing Contract 2026-2
Local Roads (Northeast) with Blount Construction Company, Inc., for the
installation, Project No. TR549, Cobb DOT Contract No. 002473.
To authorize the installation of traffic calming measures on 18 County-maintained streets;
approve Supplemental Agreement No. 2 to Resurfacing Contract 2026-2 Local Roads (Northeast)
with Blount Construction Company, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $519,612.50, for the
installation, Project No. TR549, Cobb DOT Contract No. 002473; authorize the corresponding
budget transactions; and further authorize the Chairwoman to execute the necessary documents.
Available in the Public Facility Projects Fund, with the following budget transfer:
Transfer from:
Transfer to:

380-050-4612-8005-TR534-A
380-050-4612-8762-TR549-C

Preliminary Estimate
Turnkey Construction

$68,873.00
$68,873.00

Available in the Public Facility Projects Fund, with the following interfund transfer from the
Department’s approved FY26 General Fund Operating Budget:
Decrease Expenditure: 010-050-0750-8005
Increase Expenditure: 010-050-0750-6594

Preliminary Estimate
$450,739.50
Interfund Transfer - Expense $450,739.50

Increase Revenue:
380-050-4612-4960-TR549-C Interfund Transfer - Revenue $450,739.50
Increase Expenditure: 380-050-4612-8762-TR549-C Turnkey Construction
$450,739.50

14.

To authorize advertisement to conduct a public hearing for the proposed
abandonment of a portion of right-of-way on Old Horseshoe Bend Road and
Horseshoe Bend Road, located in Land Lots 642 and 691 of the 19th District, 2nd
Section, Cobb County, Georgia.
To authorize advertisement to conduct a public hearing for the proposed abandonment of a portion
of right-of-way along Old Horseshoe Bend Road and Horseshoe Bend Road located in Land Lots
642 and 691 of the 19th District, 2nd Section, Cobb County, Georgia.

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
COBB COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
JULY 28, 2026
7:00 PM

15.

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To authorize installation of traffic calming measures on County-maintained streets
and authorize procurement of Dynamic Speed Display Signs and associated
equipment for the installation.
To authorize installation of traffic calming measures on Bishop Lake Road and Argo Road;
authorize procurement of six Dynamic Speed Display Signs and associated equipment, in an
amount not to exceed $18,804.00, for the installation; and further authorize the corresponding
budget transaction.
Available in the Department's approved FY26 General Fund Operating Budget, with the following
budget transfer:
Transfer from:

010-050-0750-8005

Preliminary Estimate

$18,804.00

Transfer to:

010-050-0750-6258

Accountable Items

$18,804.00

Public Services Agency
PARKS
16.

To approve a Consent to Assignment of the Golf Course Management Agreement
between Cobb County and Affiniti Golf Partners, LLC d/b/a Bobby Jones Links
(BJL).
To approve a Consent to Assignment of the Golf Course Management Agreement between Cobb
County and Affiniti Golf Partners LLC; and authorize the Chairwoman to execute the necessary
documents.

Library System
17.

To authorize the acceptance of the donation of the Nancy Still Statue to the Vinings
Library from the Lazarian Family.
To authorize the acceptance of the donation of the Nancy Still statue; and further authorize the
Chairwoman or Library Director to execute the necessary documents.

Finance
18.

To adopt a resolution adopting all budget amendments set forth in agenda items on
this date.
To adopt a resolution adopting all budget amendments set forth in agenda items on this date. A
copy of said resolution is attached and made a part of these minutes.

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
COBB COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
JULY 28, 2026
7:00 PM

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CDBG
19.

To authorize the appropriation of interest income from the United States Department
of Justice Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program for Fiscal Year
2023.
To authorize the appropriation of interest income from the United States Department of Justice
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2023; authorize the
corresponding budget transactions; and further authorize the Chairwoman to execute the
necessary documents.
The following budget appropriation will account for the receipt and expenditure of JAG funds.
Increase expenditure/revenue: 284-390- J23C-6574/4429 (Four Corner’s Group) $3,337.12

20.

To authorize the amendment of Program Year 2023 Annual Action Plan for the
reallocation of unexpended Community Development Block Grant program funds.
To authorize the amendment of Program Year 2023 Annual Action Plan for the reallocation of
unexpended Community Development Block Grant program funds; authorize the corresponding
budget transactions; and further authorize the Chairwoman to execute the necessary documents.
The budget appropriations shown in Attachment A account for the transfer of unexpended CDBG
program to other eligible activities. Attachment A is attached and made a part of these minutes.

CobbWorks
21.

To authorize the acceptance of a Youth Program grant award from the Technical
College System of Georgia (TCSG) to CobbWorks, Inc.
To authorize the acceptance of the Youth Program grant award, in the amount of $843,558.00,
from the Technical College System of Georgia for CobbWorks, Inc., the local Workforce
Development Board, to provide training and employment services to Youth participants;
authorize corresponding budget transactions; and further authorize the Chairwoman to execute
the necessary documents.
Increase Revenue:
Increase Revenue:
Increase Expenditure:
Increase Expenditure:

276-120-26YA-4430
276-120-26YP-4430
276-120-26YA-YA26YA-A-vary
276-120-26YP-YP26YP-P-vary

$84,356.00
$759,202.00
$84,356.00
$759,202.00

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
COBB COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
JULY 28, 2026
7:00 PM

22.

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To approve the Local Workforce Development Board Certification.
To approve the Local Workforce Development Board Certification; and authorize the
Chairwoman to execute the necessary documents.

County Clerk
23.

To approve minutes.
To approve the minutes from the following meetings:
• July 13, 2026 - Agenda Work Session
• July 14, 2026 - BOC Regular Meeting
• July 21, 2026 - BOC Zoning Hearing

CONSENT VOTE: 5-0

REGULAR AGENDA
Transportation
24.

To approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the Georgia Transportation
Efficiency Authority for implementation of the Next Generation Automated Fare
Collection System for the CobbLinc transit bus fleet.
Motion by Cupid, second by Allen, to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the Georgia
Transportation Efficiency Authority for implementation of the Next Generation Automated Fare
Collection System for the CobbLinc transit bus fleet, effective through June 30, 2031;
and authorize the Chairwoman to execute the necessary documents.
Approval of the associated MOU with GTEA approves the acceptance of base hardware and
implementation of the Automated Fare Collection System (AFC 2.0) with INIT, Inc., for the
CobbLinc fleet, to allow connectivity with regional partners of the MARTA system. Additional
equipment and installation services, in the amount of $304,110.54, may be provided by GTEA
under the terms of this MOU, which upon execution will be in effect through June 30, 2031.
GTEA's total equipment and implementation investment for this MOU will not exceed
$1,250,000.00.
All equipment will be recorded as assets of the Transit Fund. No County funding is required for
this implementation.
VOTE: ADOPTED 5-0

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
COBB COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
JULY 28, 2026
7:00 PM

25.

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To approve Project No. B2310-TO#1 to the 2025 Master Task Order Contract with
Barge Design Solutions, Inc., for construction design services of South Gordon Road
at Pisgah Road, Cobb DOT Contract No. 002570.
Motion by Sheffield, second by Birrell, to approve Project No. B2310-TO#1 to the 2025 Master
Task Order Contract with Barge Design Solutions, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $30,000.00,
for construction design services of South Gordon Road at Pisgah Road, Cobb DOT Contract No.
002570; authorize the corresponding budget transaction; and further authorize the Chairwoman
to execute the necessary documents.
Available in the 2022 SPLOST Transportation Improvements Program Fund, with the following
budget transfer:
Transfer from:
Transfer to:

348-050-B230-B230-8005-B2310-C Preliminary Estimate
348-050-B230-B230-8722-B2310-E Engineering

$30,000.00
$30,000.00

The 2022 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), adopted by the Board of
Commissioners on July 14, 2020, provides for capital improvements and anticipated corresponding
budget funding to address, inter alia, Operational and Safety Improvements.
South Gordon Road at Pisgah Road is an eligible project/program under the Operational and Safety
Improvements Component of the 2022 SPLOST Transportation Improvements (2022 Cobb
SPLOST Renewal, pp. 1, 15). SPLOST funds will be used to make operational and safety
improvements at intersections and corridors throughout the county.
SPLOST Project Summary as of July 1, 2026: South Gordon Road at Pisgah Road
Budget:

$2,238,556.40

Expended:

$623,182.04

VOTE: ADOPTED 5-0

26.

To approve a Cobb Framework Agreement with the Cumberland Community
Improvement District for the Cumberland Autonomous Vehicle Circulator Pilot
Project.
Motion by Allen, second by Gambrill, to approve a Cobb Framework Agreement with the
Cumberland Community Improvement District, for the Cumberland Autonomous Vehicle
Circulator Pilot Project; authorize the corresponding budget transactions; and further authorize
the Chairwoman to execute the necessary documents.
Appropriate receipt of revenue from the Cumberland Community Improvement District to the
Transit Grant Local Share funding, as follows:

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
COBB COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
JULY 28, 2026
7:00 PM

Increase
Revenue:

380-050-4655-4505-TR999-A

Increase
380-050-4655-6594-TR999-A
Expenditure:

Page | 12

Community Improvement District $1,102,425.00

Interfund Transfer — Expense

$1,102,425.00

VOTE: ADOPTED 4-1, Commissioner Gambrill opposed

27.

To approve Indemnification and Hold Harmless Agreements with the Georgia
Department of Transportation required to obtain Encroachment Permits for
Damaged Traffic Signal Pole Replacement, Project No. B2593.
Motion by Gambrill, second by Allen, to approve four Indemnification and Hold Harmless
Agreements with the Georgia Department of Transportation required to obtain Encroachment
Permits for Damaged Traffic Signal Pole Replacement, Project No. B2593; and authorize the
Chairwoman to execute the necessary documents.
VOTE: ADOPTED 5-0

PUBLIC COMMENT
1. Joel Beker addressed the Board regarding Flock cameras.
2. Craig Harfoot addressed the Board regarding micro transit.
3. Suzie Clark addressed the Board regarding Flock cameras and data centers.

APPOINTMENTS
28.

To approve the reappointment of Avril Morguarge to the Family and Children
Services Board.
Motion by Cupid, second by Allen, to approve the reappointment of Avril Morguarge to the
Family and Children Services Board for a five-year term to expire June 30, 2031.
VOTE: ADOPTED 5-0

29.

To announce the appointment of Jim Poole to the Historic Preservation Commission.
Commissioner Gambrill announced the appointment of Jim Poole to the Historic Preservation
Commission for a concurrent term to expire on December 31, 2026. This appointment replaces
Abbie T. Parks.

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
COBB COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
JULY 28, 2026
7:00 PM

ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:33 p.m.

________________________________________
Leila Washington
Deputy County Clerk
Cobb County Board of Commissioners

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