🌱 Bikeshare Fleet Upgrade + Marietta City Council Approves Budget

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through all the most important things happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 78 Low: 65.
• Wednesday: Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 73 Low: 66.

Here are the top three stories in East Cobb today:

1. The Town Center Community Improvement District has announced the replacement of its bikeshare program's fleet with a new design aimed at improving durability and accessibility for various types of riders, including commuters, fitness enthusiasts, and summer activities. The program, which features 45 bikes across six stations in the Town Center area, offers 24/7 rental access to residents and visitors. The upgraded bikeshare program is seen as an investment in the community's health and well-being, providing a convenient option for recreation, exercise, and mobility within the district. (East Cobb News)
2. The nearby Marietta City Council unanimously voted to approve the city’s fiscal year 2024 budget of roughly $396 million. Notably, the budget includes a city staff raise of 3 percent and a lower millage rate that determines how much property tax homeowners will pay. Additionally, more than half of the general fund — the main operating fund of the city — will go toward public safety spending. (Subscription: Marietta Daily Journal)
3. Did you know that Marietta has its own app? The cell phone app, called MyMarietta, allows residents, business owners, visitors, and staff to report concerns (such as weekday emergencies, accidents, fires, crimes in progress, or utility outages), request city services, and access information. This week, the Marietta Police Department will be answering frequently asked questions — many of which can be handled on the app — on its Facebook page. You can learn more and download the MyMarietta app here. (Marietta, Georgia Police Department via Facebook)

Today and tomorrow in and around East Cobb:

Tuesday, June 20

• June Wine Events: Bordeaux At Stem Wine Bar, Marietta (6:00 PM)

Wednesday, June 21

• Pop Up In The Park Storytime At East Cobb Park (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• This summer, you can view the traveling Southern Black Vietnam Veterans Portrait Project at the Marietta History Center. The exhibit shares stories of Black men and women who served on behalf of the people in South Vietnam and will be on display until Saturday, Aug. 12. (Visit Marietta, GA via Facebook)
• The final Indie Film Night at the Strand Theatre, presented by the Cobb International Film Festival, will take place on Wednesday, Jun. 28, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $5 and can be purchased here. (Cobb International Film Festival via Facebook)
• On Thursday, Jun. 22, a guest from the Marietta History Center will visit North Cobb Regional Library for a special museum storytime. The event will also feature a chance to see and touch historical items that tell the stories of people who previously lived in Marietta and Cobb County. You can register for the event here. (Cobb County Public Library via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• 2023 Patriotic Celebration Concerts (June 23)
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• Masonry work (Details)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you soon!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.