Cobb Commissioners are preparing to vote on a $6.7 million loan to cover the cost of constructing a new fire station on Ernest Barrett Parkway in West Cobb.
A public hearing was held Tuesday night, with a vote expected at the next Board of Commissioners meeting on March 10.
Trish May of Mableton spoke during the public hearing and expressed concern.
“Don’t we have enough debt with the Braves Stadium and all these other things?” she asked, referring to Truist Park, formerly SunTrust Park, which was built with a $400 million public subsidy. “What is the fire fund for?”
Cobb’s fire fund is a separate line item on property tax bills.
Commissioner JoAnn Birrell said recent pay raises for public safety was putting a strain on the fire fund, but the station is already under construction and work cannot be put off.
“Originally, this was slated to come out of the fire fund but because of the increases, the pay increases and the step and grade ... we’re trying to use an alternative method here,” she said.
About the Author
