🌱 Cobb County Budget Approved + House Fire On Merry Oak Road

Hello again, friends! It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Smyrna-Vinings Patch newsletter. Follow along to find out everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and hot. High: 94 Low: 73.

Here are the top three stories in Smyrna-Vinings today:

1. The Cobb County Commission approved a $1.2 billion budget for the next fiscal year without lowering the property tax rate, leading to a property tax increase for some residents due to rising home values. The decision sparked heated discussions as citizens expressed concerns about the inflation squeeze impacting their finances. The board's vote, split along party lines, saw Democrats in favor of the spending plan, while Republicans proposed a tax-neutral approach that was voted down. ( The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
2. A fire on Wednesday morning at a Cobb County home resulted in four people being injured, with three individuals rescued through windows as intense flames blocked the front door. Firefighters aggressively fought the blaze on Merry Oak Road, near the East-West Connector and Austell Road. The victims were taken to the hospital for treatment of smoke and fire-related injuries, while the cause of the fire remains unknown. ( The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
3. Smyrna Parks and Recreation is hosting a Girl's Night Out event called "A Night in the City" on Sep. 1 at the Smyrna Community Center. The paint and sip event will feature mocktails and refreshments, and all painting supplies will be provided. Participants can enjoy a relaxing evening of painting with friends, guided by examples of different paintings or their own creativity. The cost is $45 per person, and registration can be done using the link. (City of Smyrna, GA Government via Facebook)

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Today in Smyrna-Vinings:

Thursday, July 27

• Brazil Coffee Tasting At Rev Coffee (7:00 PM)
• Music Bingo At Reformation Brewery (7:00 PM)
• Team Trivia At Varners Restaurant (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Rudy Giuliani has admitted to making false statements about two nearby Fulton County election workers, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, whom he accused of voter fraud following the 2020 presidential election. The women filed a defamation lawsuit against Giuliani, who now concedes to having made the false statements but maintains he has a legal defense and argues that his statements were "constitutionally protected." Despite this concession, Giuliani is still contesting any damages sought in the lawsuit. (WSB Atlanta)
• A road closure is in effect at 1055 Church Street until Friday, Jul. 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. The closure is due to sewer and water tap installation, and detour signs are in place, redirecting traffic along Stephens Street to Davis Street, and back onto Church Street in the opposite direction. (City of Smyrna, GA Government via Facebook)
• Mark your calendars for Truck-A-Palooza 2023, a thrilling family-friendly event on Saturday, Sep. 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Town Center Mall in nearby Kennesaw. Explore an array of exciting vehicles, from police cars and fire engines to heavy construction and military vehicles, while supporting a good cause, as all proceeds go to the Cobb County Safety Village. (Cobb County)

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Featured events:

• Southern-Fried Gaming Expo (July 28)
• Gut Health Mini Workshop (July 29)
• Schoolhouse Brewing Adult Back to School Party (July 29)
• Steven Quartly Artist Show (July 30)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.