Cobb County, Georgia

Government and elections

Under Georgia's home rule provision, county governments have free reign to legislate on all matters within the county, provided that such legislation does not conflict with state or federal laws or constitutions. When this home rule was enacted by the Georgia General Assembly in the early 1960s, Ernest W. Barrett became the first chairman of the new county commission.

Related Topics:
Home rule - Legislation - Law - Constitution - Georgia General Assembly - 1960s - Ernest W. Barrett - Chairman - Commission

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Cobb County is currently governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners, which has both legislative and executive authority within the county. The chairman of the Board is elected county-wide. The other four commissioners are elected from single-member districts; though during 2004, the commission has discussed adding at least one member, to keep up with the county's growing population. The Board hires a county manager who oversees day-to-day operations of the county's executive departments.

Related Topics:
Legislative - Executive - Authority - District - 2004 - Manager - Department

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County residents also elect a sheriff, district attorney, probate court judge, clerk of superior court, state court solicitor, chief magistrate judge (who then appoints other magistrate court judges), superior court judges, state court judges, tax commissioner, surveyor, and a seven-member board of education.

Related Topics:
Sheriff - District attorney - Probate - Court - Judge - Clerk - Superior court - Solicitor - Magistrate - Tax - Surveyor - Board of education

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In addition to the county sheriff, the constitutional chief law enforcement officer of the county, Cobb County has a separate police department under the authority of the Board of Commissioners. The sheriff oversees the jail, to which everyone arrested under state law is taken, regardless of the city or other area of the county where it happens, or what police department makes the arrest.

Related Topics:
Law enforcement - Police - Jail

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In addition to the 4% statewide sales tax, Cobb County levies an additional 1% SPLOST for special projects, subject to renewal every few years by countywide referendum. This funds mainly transportation and parks. Cobb does not levy a 1% tax to fund higher homestead exemptions for property taxes. It has also voted not to pay the extra 1% to join MARTA, which has made operating and expanding that rapid transit system difficult even in the counties it does operate.

Related Topics:
Sales tax - SPLOST - Referendum - Transportation - Park - Homestead exemption - Property tax - MARTA - Rapid transit

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