Cobb County Transportation Tax: A 30-Year Commitment Explored

Cobb County's transportation tax has become a hot-button issue. As a longtime resident and community advocate, I've seen firsthand how this proposal has stirred up debate among my neighbors. The Cobb Commission's push for a 1% sales tax dedicated to transportation projects over the next 30 years has left many of us wondering—is this the right move for our community's future? The tax is estimated to collect between $11 billion and $14 billion. 

I've spent countless hours researching this topic, attending town halls, and speaking with fellow Cobb County residents. What I've uncovered might surprise you. Let's explore the details of the Cobb County transportation tax and its potential impacts on our daily lives and wallets.

Understanding the Cobb County Transportation Tax Proposal

For decades, Cobb County prided itself on maintaining relatively low taxes. But times are changing. Property values have skyrocketed, pushing up property taxes for many homeowners. As a matter of fact, our taxes have gone up 33% since our current Commission Chair has been in office. On top of that, we're facing a proposed 1% transit tax increase specifically for transportation projects only!

This isn't just a short-term fix. We're looking at a 30-year commitment. That's three decades of additional taxes that will affect not just us but our children and even our grandchildren.

The proposed Mobility Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (M-SPLOST) aims to fund various transportation initiatives across the county. But before we discuss the specifics, let's consider the bigger picture.

The Changing Face of Cobb County

 Our county has grown and evolved significantly over the years. What was once a predominantly suburban area has become increasingly urbanized. With this growth comes new challenges, particularly in terms of transportation infrastructure.

 Traffic congestion has become a daily headache for many commuters. The need for improved roads, better public transit options, and alternative transportation methods is clear. But is this 30-year tax the answer? Will it benefit public safety or other important community services? What will transportation look like in 5 or 10 years?

Breaking Down the Cobb County Transportation Tax Plan

The Cobb Commission's plan, in conjunction with Cobb County Department of Transportation, includes several key components:

1. Dedicated bus lanes

2. Flyover lanes at major intersections

3. Expanded public transit options

 While these improvements sound promising on paper, it's crucial to examine them in the context of our community's actual needs and usage patterns. Could that money be better used to support Cobb-Linc bus routes, or would these improvements duplicate existing services?

The Bus Ridership Conundrum

One of the most surprising facts I've uncovered in my research is the dramatic decline in bus ridership. Since 2013, Cobb County has seen a staggering 73% drop in bus usage. This decline isn't just a minor fluctuation - it's a seismic shift in how our community moves. Several factors contribute to this trend: increased work-from-home options, changes in commuting patterns, and shifting preferences for transportation methods. Given this significant decrease in bus ridership, we must question whether investing heavily in expanded bus services aligns with our community's current needs and future trends.

The Reality of Car Ownership in Cobb County

Another crucial factor to consider is the high rate of car ownership in our county. According to recent data, only 3% of Cobb County residents don't own a vehicle. This statistic raises important questions about the practicality and necessity of some proposed transit expansions.

For most of our residents, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation. While improving public transit is important, we need to ensure that our transportation investments align with our community's actual needs and habits. With technology ever-changing and autonomous vehicles being tested, should we not investigate other alternatives to serving those who need public transit instead of investing 30 years into outdated transportation solutions?

The Financial Impact of the Cobb County Transportation Tax

Let's talk dollars and cents. How will this proposed tax affect your wallet? Based on current estimates, the average Cobb County family could expect to pay an additional $550 per year due to this new tax. Over the 30-year lifespan of the M-SPLOST, that adds up to a significant sum. These are in today’s dollars. Here's a breakdown of potential costs over time:

Time Period Estimated Cost per Family

1 Year $550

5 Years $2,750

10 Years $5,500

30 Years (Full Term) $16,500

These figures are based on current projections and could vary depending on factors like inflation and changes in spending patterns. However, they provide a sobering look at the long-term financial commitment this tax represents for Cobb County families. That money could be for college funds, home improvements, or supporting local Cobb businesses.

Balancing Costs and Benefits

 Proponents of the Cobb County transportation tax argue that these costs are necessary investments in our community's future. They point to potential benefits like reduced traffic congestion, improved road safety, and enhanced economic development opportunities. 

While these goals are admirable, we must carefully weigh them against the financial burden on current and future residents. Does this solution really reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety, and enhance economic development opportunities? The majority of our traffic problem is coming from drivers from other counties driving through Cobb. Is a 30-year tax the most efficient and fair way to achieve these objectives? What is the accountability once this passes?

I have asked others opinions on this expansion of the bus system and they are for it until they realize how much it will cost. They don’t plan to use it, mind you, but they perceive that others will ride it so their own commute by car will be faster. And that doesn’t take into account that our roads will be torn up again, and will need to be acquired for bus stations. How will this land acquisition affect current home and business owners. Do I see more land seizure by imminent domain coming?

Looking Beyond the Cobb County Transportation Tax

 As we debate the merits of this proposal, it's important to consider alternative approaches to addressing our transportation needs. Are there more targeted, cost-effective solutions that could achieve similar goals without imposing a decades-long tax burden on Cobb residents?

Some potential alternatives to explore include: 1. Shorter-term, project-specific funding initiatives 2. Public-private partnerships for infrastructure development 3. Innovative traffic management technologies 4. Incentives for carpooling and alternative transportation methods. These options might offer more flexibility and responsiveness to our community's evolving needs compared to a 30-year tax commitment. Shorter-term solutions may allow us to adapt to the ever-changing transportation landscape and be more responsive to our community's needs. 

The Importance of Community Input

 One aspect that cannot be overstated is the need for robust community engagement in this decision-making process. The Cobb County transportation tax will affect all of us for years to come. It's crucial that residents have ample opportunities to voice their opinions, concerns, and ideas. I encourage everyone to attend local town halls and community meetings, contact county commissioners with questions and feedback, stay informed by reading local news sources like the Marietta Daily Journal and East Cobb News and engage in respectful discussions with neighbors and community leaders.

Your voice matters in shaping the future of our county's transportation infrastructure. Let your Cobb County Commissioner know what you think. 

The Road Ahead: Making an Informed Decision

As we approach the November vote on the Cobb County transportation tax, it's essential that every resident research and reflect on this proposal. Consider not just the potential benefits but also the long-term costs and implications for our community.

Register to vote and make your voice heard on this important issue. Ask yourself, "Does this plan align with Cobb County's current and future needs? Is a 30-year tax the most appropriate way to fund these projects? Are there alternative solutions that could be more effective or efficient?"

Remember, this decision will impact us and future generations of Cobb County residents. It's our responsibility to make an informed choice that best serves our community's long-term interests. Check out the Cobb County government website for more information about the transportation tax and other important county initiatives. Log on to my website @ KayForCobbChair.com, and I have full links to the Marietta Daily Journal articles on the M-SPLOST.

Conclusion

You can probably tell from the tone of this blog that I am not in favor of a 30-year M-SPLOST TAX! Don’t think I am not in favor of public transit; I am against a 30-year tax with little to no oversight and accountability. The Cobb County transportation tax proposal represents a significant crossroads for our community. While the need for improved transportation infrastructure is clear, the proposed 30-year, 1% sales tax raises important questions about fairness, efficiency, and long-term planning. As we've explored, the declining bus ridership, high rate of car ownership, and substantial financial impact on families are all crucial factors to consider. 

The Cobb County transportation tax isn't just a simple yes or no question - it's a complex issue that deserves thorough examination and debate. I encourage all Cobb County residents to dig deeper into this issue, engage with local leaders, and make their voices heard. Whether you ultimately support or oppose this measure, what matters most is that we, as a community, make an informed decision that reflects our values and vision for the future. The road ahead may be challenging, but by working together and carefully considering all aspects of this proposal, we can navigate toward a transportation solution that truly serves the needs of all Cobb County residents.