MABLETON, Ga. — A wave of frustration is sweeping through Mableton as city leaders voted to move forward with the creation of a Public Safety Special Service District, a mechanism that allows the city to levy a tax to help pay the looming $9.5 million bill to Cobb County for police and transportation services — despite repeated assurances during the cityhood movement.
More Than a “Campaign Promise” Revisited
During the push for cityhood, then-candidate Michael Owens and other cityhood proponents repeatedly assured voters that incorporation would not result in higher taxes. Campaign materials, town halls, and feasibility studies emphasized a “city-lite” model — with Cobb County continuing to provide police services as it had before incorporation — and slogans like:
- “No new city taxes.”
- “Same taxes, better services.”
- “Cityhood will not raise your property taxes.”
Those assurances were central to winning voter support. Today, many residents say those promises feel hollow…