For most of the last two decades, the third rail in Cobb County politics has been the millage rate.  Touch it with the intention of increasing property taxes even in the slightest and political death very well might result.  Few office holders, at least on the Cobb Board of Commissioners, have been curious enough to test that theory.  They haven't had to, given Cobb's growing tax coffers that have resulted in gradually reduced millage rates since 1996 (see table below). But interestingly, with a proposed millage rate increase up for a vote tonight, only East Cobb commissioner Bob Ott has …

Cobb commission chairman Tim Lee announced his re-election bid last week by scheduling an initial campaign fundraiser and by calling out one of his rivals.  Lee will hold a fundraiser Monday at the home of Marietta couple Mary Lou and Dan Stephens. He's already drawn the opposition of former Cobb commission chairman Bill Byrne for the Republican nomination, with the county's fiscal situation a central issue "As we meet the challenges of today and focus on tomorrow, we cannot pretend we’re living in the past. The same old politicians, the same old political ego games, and the same old angry …

The protests by public library interests might have gotten the most attention during the recent Cobb Board of Commissioners budget cuts, but reductions in the county's public safety budget have also raised plenty of concerns as well.  That will be the topic of a June 30 Town Hall meeting by East and Northeast Cobb commissioner JoAnn Birrell at the Mountain View Community Center, 3400 Sandy Plains Road. Cobb Fire and Public Safety Director Sam Heaton and Police Chief John Houser will talk about how the cuts and furloughs are affecting services. Cobb DOT officials also will be available to talk…