Cobb County and Six Cities Enter Historic Mediation at Marietta Hilton

Marietta Daily Journal Podcast

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for July 18th

Publish Date: July 18th

Commercial: GON :30

From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.

Today is Thursday, July 18th and Happy heavenly Birthday to astronaut John Glenn.

***07.18.24 – BIRTHDAY – JOHN GLENN***

I’m Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.

1. Cobb County and Six Cities Enter Historic Mediation at Marietta Hilton
2. Cobb School Board to Set Millage Rate
3. Cobb Denies Austell Man Selling Antiques from Home

Plus, Bruce Jenkins sits down with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on seedless watermelons.

All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!

BREAK: CU of GA

STORY 1: ‘Historic’: Cobb County and Cities Enter Mediation

In a historic development, Cobb County and its six cities are undergoing formal mediation for the first time under state law regarding Service Delivery Strategy Agreements. Held at the Marietta Hilton, the mediation aims to resolve disputes over how services and funding are distributed between the county and cities, crucial for state compliance. Issues include differing interpretations of duplicate services and fiscal responsibilities, with potential consequences like loss of state funding if no agreement is reached by October 31. Mableton, transitioning to cityhood, observes closely as its services depend on the mediation's outcome.

STORY 2: Cobb Scholl Board to Set Milage Rate

The Cobb County Board of Education is set to decide on maintaining a flat millage rate of 18.7 mills for 2024, despite rising property values expected to bring in an additional $54.96 million in tax revenue, a 7.32% increase from last year. While this won’t increase taxes, homeowners could see an average increase of $255.17 in property taxes for a $450,000 home. Debate among board members includes potential implications of rolling back the millage rate to mitigate tax hikes, amid community concerns over tax burdens and budget allocations already in place. Public input will influence the final decision at tonight’s meeting.

STORY 3: Cobb Denies Austell Man Selling Antiques from Home

This week, the Cobb Board of Commissioners rejected Edwin Stafford’s request to operate an antique store and yard sale from his home on Austell Powder Springs Road. Stafford sought a 24-month permit to sell antiques on weekends after complaints from neighbors and businesses about his previous unauthorized sales. Despite Stafford’s plea that this business was his livelihood, Commissioner Monique Sheffield cited ongoing violations of county codes and noted that Stafford’s activities didn’t fit the area’s development plans, which aim to attract more structured businesses. The board unanimously denied Stafford’s application, leaving him to consider alternatives for sustaining his business.

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We’ll be right back

Break: DRAKE

STORY 4: Proposed East Cobb Whataburger Deferred

The Cobb Board of Commissioners voted 4-0 to extend Whataburger's request for a site plan change for a new restaurant at the former O’Charley’s location in east Cobb. The fast-food chain, aiming to establish its fifth Cobb County location, faced delays due to incomplete architectural landscaping plans. Issues arose regarding compliance with Cobb County Tree Ordinance parking lot tree standards, requiring adjustments such as additional parking lot peninsulas. The proposed site plan conflicts with prior land-use restrictions prohibiting fast-food restaurants and drive-thru services, stipulated in a settlement with Sembler Retail and Sembler Family Partnership in 1999. The matter will be reconsidered at the next zoning hearing on August 20.

STORY 5: OUT AND ABOUT: 5 Things to do This Weekend in Cobb County—July 19-21

The Southern-Fried Gaming Expo, Atlanta's 11th annual gaming convention, takes place at the Cobb Galleria Centre and Renaissance Waverly Hotel & Convention Center this weekend. Attendees can enjoy free play on over 500 arcade games, pinball machines, and video game consoles, alongside celebrity guests and hundreds of tabletop games and events. Hours are Friday 3-11:45 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-11:45 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Swiftie Night at Jennie T. Anderson Theatre offers karaoke, trivia, and music bingo this Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring activities and themed attire for Taylor Swift fans.

Kennesaw presents an outdoor movie screening of "Top Gun: Maverick" at Swift-Cantrell Park on Friday, starting with family activities at 6 p.m. and the movie at sundown.

Nickel Creek and Andrew Bird perform at Coca-Cola Roxy on Friday at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $61 to $181 for VIP, celebrating Nickel Creek’s new album.

Black Violin celebrates 20 years of music at Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre on Saturday at 8 p.m., with ticket prices from $39 to $200 for VIP table seating, featuring a blend of classical and hip-hop violin music.

We’ll be back in a moment

Break: INGLES 8 – SEVEN GUITARS

And now here is Bruce Jenkins’ conversation with Leah McGrath on seedless watermelons.

LEAH INTERVIEW

We’ll have closing comments after this.

Break: GON :60

Signoff-

Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at mdjonline.com

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Produced by the BG Podcast Network

Show Sponsors:

• ingles-markets.com
• cuofga.org
• drakerealty.com
• mariettatheatresquare.com
• gon.com

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