Chairman Touts Robust Economy in State of the County Address

COBB COUNTY, GA -- Cobb County’s economic recovery continues to bring new business to the area and provide a boon for residents, Chairman Tim Lee said during his State of the County Address at the Cobb Galleria Centre Monday.

According to Lee, the county’s millage rate was dropped twice during 2015 owing to continued economic growth; the county millage rate now sits at a pre-recession level of 29.46. Additionally, the county’s unemployment rate shrank to its lowest levels in five years during 2015.

“Cobb County’s tax digest, which is a reflection of property values across Cobb County is growing, but not quite to pre-recession levels,” Lee announced Monday.

In the past year alone, private investors have poured $300 million into the county economy, Lee said. This investment created or retained 4,500 jobs for Cobb’s residents.

Much of the economic growth in Cobb can be attributed to SunTrust Park, the Atlanta Braves’ new Cobb County stadium which will open next year. Lee said the park created a “halo effect,” providing Cobb County with unprecedented opportunities for growth.

Half of the $400 million spent on building the stadium has gone directly back into the county economy, Lee said.

“Many have questioned and criticized how I handled the Atlanta Braves project,” Lee said. “I can tell you today that I sleep well at night knowing that I did the right thing for Cobb County.”

“I want to make it clear today I am proud of the actions we took to bring the Braves to Cobb County.”

Lee added that he and fellow commissioners were working to eliminate the county’s reliance on the water fund for transfers to the operating budget, and announced that this year’s water fund transfer rate would be at its lowest mark in 15 years.

Moving from the economy, Lee spoke about new programs from law enforcement meant to curb gang activity in Cobb County. Cobb County police, sheriff’s deputies, and the district attorney’s office are working together to create new anti-gang measures that will send a clear message to gang members that they “are not welcome here,” as Lee said Monday.