The City of Mableton, under the leadership of Mayor Michael Owens, has successfully negotiated a one-year Service Delivery Strategy (SDS) agreement with Cobb County, ensuring continued access to essential public services, particularly law enforcement and transportation, for its residents.
This agreement comes as both parties sought a compromise after extensive discussions and mediation. The funds required under the agreement may lead the city to consider increasing tax revenues, while also looking into the possibility of forming its own municipal police department.
Mableton’s negotiation stance highlighted a feeling of injustice among residents who argued that they were already financing police services via county taxes. The City believes that additional payments to Cobb County would amount to double taxation for its residents.
In a statement, the city expressed that “the City’s preferred and most viable option remains partnering with Cobb County Police Department in a collaborative and effective manner.” It further indicated the willingness to explore alternatives if necessary, including the establishment of its own police department.
Despite the agreement’s positive aspects, the $9.5 million payment required poses a significant financial challenge for Mableton. Mayor Owens has stated that he is opposed to implementing a citywide property tax; however, the City Manager has proposed the consideration of a Special Service District for Public Safety and the Department of Transportation.
Mayor Owens emphasized that the agreement was a moral obligation to ensure public safety and uninterrupted police services to Mableton residents. The total payment of $9.5 million is a combined figure for law enforcement and DOT services, reflecting the commitment to providing high-quality services, although the exact breakdown is still being finalized.
The agreement was reached after a lengthy negotiation session, where city and county leaders, alongside a mediator, deliberated for over 12 hours. The county had originally sought $23 million for the services, but a compromise was ultimately reached at the $9.5 million figure.
This deal, while temporary, was crucial in averting potential sanctions from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, which could have had financial ramifications for Cobb County and its other cities.
The Mableton City Council is currently in the process of reviewing the agreement and anticipates taking a formal vote following the resolution of additional details. The informal agreement will be binding only after it receives approval from both the Cobb County Board of Commissioners and the Mableton City Council, which are expected to occur later this week.
While this short-term agreement enables the continuation of vital services, officials acknowledge that it does not represent a long-term solution. Traditional SDS agreements typically last a decade, but this current one is limited to a single year.
The Mableton City Council has also presented its Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget for consideration in forthcoming meetings, ensuring compliance with legal requirements for transparency and public engagement through public hearings.
Addressing the financial realities, the city contends that the initial request of $23 million for police and DOT services would have nearly doubled the proposed entire city budget for FY26, making compliance nearly impossible without additional funds—prompting the discussion of potential new revenue sources.
The statement from Mayor Owens and the City Council reflects a firm belief that Mableton residents are already contributing over $41 million in property taxes—which funds public safety and transportation services to Cobb County. Therefore, they see the additional $9.5 million fee as a form of double taxation, raising concerns over fairness and transparent governance.
Ultimately, the Mayor and the Council chose to prioritize stability and public safety over a prolonged deadlock, opting to utilize this agreement as a temporary resolution while they continue working towards a long-term, equitable solution that aligns with the needs of Mableton’s residents.
As this story develops, the City of Mableton will keep its residents informed during its regular meeting scheduled for this evening at 6:30 p.m. In the meantime, officials are committed to exploring all options available to maintain essential services while addressing the ongoing financial challenges prospective of both the county and the newly formed city.
The city’s partnership with Cobb County Police Department remains the preferred strategy moving forward, but the exploration of alternatives continues to be an important part of the city’s financial planning and public safety initiatives.
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