From the BG Ad Group Studio this is your news minute on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast presented by Credit Union of Georgia. Today is Wednesday, July 24th, and I'm Keith Ippolito.

Cobb Passes $1.3 Billion Budget, Keeps Millage Rate Flat in Partisan Votes

The Cobb County Board of Commissioners has made a significant budget decision. Despite public calls for a rollback in the millage rate and reductions in the general fund budget, the Board voted to pass a $1.3 billion budget and maintain the current millage rate.

The vote was split along partisan lines, with a 3-2 outcome. Commissioners Keli Gambrill and JoAnn Birrell, both Republicans, opposed the budget and millage rate, citing concerns over excess revenue collection.

While the tax rates will stay flat at 8.46 mills for the general fund and 2.99 mills for the fire fund, rising home values will result in an additional $22.6 million in general fund property tax revenue and $11.7 million more for the fire fund compared to last year.

Chairwoman Lisa Cupid highlighted the importance of understanding the numbers tied to the budget's "impact items," which include an $8.4 million step-and-grade plan for public safety personnel.

For more information or to get involved, visit kids-care2018.org.

For more news about our community, visit mdjonline.com. For the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, I'm Keith Ippolito.

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