World Series Security Costs Cobb Taxpayers $437K, About $100K Over Budget

COBB COUNTY, GA — Cobb County spent roughly $100,000 more on increased World Series security than county commissioners initially planned.

Cobb County's bill for upped manpower and equipment during games three, four and five of the World Series totaled more than $437,000, multiple news outlets reported. According to budget records obtained by the Marietta Daily Journal, nearly all of that money — $426,000 — was spent on overtime pay for police, sheriff's deputies, firefighters and other county personnel.

Commissioners initially approved $350,000 in additional security spending Oct. 26 for the Atlanta Braves' home game run at Truist Park against the Houston Astros, ending in the team's first World Series title in 26 years after the final game in Houston Nov. 2.

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County officials attributed the over-budget bill to higher-than-expected attendance at the games and watch parties at The Battery Atlanta, as well as additional security measures for the Braves victory parade.

The new costs will likely go to the Cobb Board of Commissioners for retroactive approval in December, but county officials are still waiting on final numbers from the sheriff's office, the MDJ reported.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Cobb County Police Department made up the largest portion of the bill at $326,000 in overtime costs.

“It took more manpower than we expected only because there were more people there than we expected,” Cavitt told the AJC.

Related:

• Hundreds Of Thousands Celebrate Braves World Series Parade
• $350K In World Series Security Approved By Cobb Commissioners
• Braves Pummel Astros To Win 2021 World Series