Cobb County passes $1.325B budget; maintains current millage rate

MARIETTA, Ga. - Cobb County commissioners on Tuesday adopted the county’s 2026 property tax millage rates and approved the full budget for fiscal year 2026, following final public hearings on both measures.

What we know:

The Cobb County Board of Commissioners voted on Tuesday to approve the $1.325 billion budget for 2026.

Under the approved budget, the millage rate will remain the same at 8.46 mils.

The budget avoids a projected $7 million deficit thanks to lower healthcare costs and stronger-than-expected property tax growth. 

All county employees are expected to see a 2% to 5% pay raise with merit-based pay increases of between 0% and 3%.

The board held its third and final public hearing the proposed property tax increase as required under Georgia law before voting to approve millage rates for the county’s General Fund, Fire Fund, Cumberland Special Services District II, and Six Flags Special Services District.

Commissioners also voted to adopt a resolution establishing the tax levy for Cobb County schools. That funding will support both construction bonds and general maintenance and operations.

Following a separate hearing, the board approved the fiscal year 2026 budget, which outlines spending priorities across county departments. The final vote came after months of staff planning and public input.

Commissioners also passed a resolution adopting all associated budget amendments on the agenda.

Why you should care:

The budget and millage decisions are key to funding public safety, road improvements, and county services amid continued growth in metro Atlanta’s second-most populous county.