Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Cobb County Board of Commissioners meeting on January 27, 2026 focused primarily on infrastructure and transportation approvals, with no zoning changes or major development decisions. The board approved eight DOT contracts totaling over $31.5 million for drainage repairs and road resurfacing projects across the county. Alicia Giddens was appointed as the new Water System Director, and Commissioner Eric Allen was announced as Vice Chair for 2026.
Key Decisions (11)
Appointment of Water System Director
Alicia Giddens appointed as Water System Director effective February 2, 2026. She has 30 years of experience with Cobb County Water System, previously serving as Deputy Director since 2023.
BUILD Grant Application for Cobb Parkway Improvements
Resolution authorizing submission of BUILD grant application to US Department of Transportation for Cobb Parkway at McCollum Parkway, Kennesaw Dew West Road, Old 41 Highway Realignment project.
Drainage Repairs on Cades Cove Drive
Contract with Advanced Sports Construction LLC for drainage system repairs on Cades Cove Drive, project number B22154, amount not to exceed $155,053.20.
Drainage Repairs on Barrett Port
Contract with Acceler Construction LLC for drainage system repairs on Barrett Port, project number B22165, amount not to exceed $141,600.
Drainage Repairs on Bensonhurst Drive
Contract with Advanced Sports Construction LLC for drainage system repairs on Bensonhurst Drive, project number B2267, amount not to exceed $330,607.60.
Resurfacing Contract 2026-1 Local Roads Northwest
Contract with Triple R Paving and Construction LLC (second low bidder) for resurfacing county maintained streets, project number B2923, amount not to exceed $7,158,836.90.
Resurfacing Contract 2026-2 Local Roads Northeast
Contract with Blunt Construction Company Incorporated for resurfacing county maintained streets, project number B2924, amount not to exceed $6,207,533.30.
Resurfacing Contract 2026-3 Local Road South
Contract with Bartow Paving Company Incorporated (second low bidder) for resurfacing county maintained streets, project number B2925, amount not to exceed $6,862,648.90.
Resurfacing Contract 2026-4 Countywide Major Thoroughfares
Contract with CW Matthews Contracting Company Incorporated for resurfacing county maintained streets and local maintenance improvement grant, project number B2926, amount not to exceed $11,000,614.78.
Workers' Compensation Settlement - Barry Scharsmit
Authorization to settle workers' compensation claim on behalf of Barry Scharsmit, added as non-agenda item to consent agenda.
Consent Agenda with Noted Opposition
Consent agenda approved with Commissioner Sheffield noting opposition to items 14 (Marietta Liquor LLC) and 15 (BP Retail/Benson Food Mart) regarding license review board appeal hearings.
Market Signals (4)
Infrastructure
Cobb County is investing over $31.5 million in road resurfacing and drainage improvements across multiple districts, indicating commitment to infrastructure maintenance.
Infrastructure
County pursuing federal BUILD grant for Cobb Parkway at McCollum Parkway and Old 41 Highway Realignment, signaling major transportation corridor improvements planned.
Other
2028 SPLOST renewal community open houses are ongoing with municipal partners (Austell, Mableton, Powder Springs), indicating continued infrastructure investment planning.
Other
World Cup coming to Metro Atlanta area mentioned, with county preparing for increased visitors and federal law enforcement presence.