🌱 New Proposed School District Budget + Construction Closures in Cobb

Good morning, everybody. It's Saturday in Smyrna-Vinings and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and warmer. High: 79 Low: 60.

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Here are the top stories in Smyrna-Vinings today:

1. The Cobb County Schools District has proposed a 2024 budget that would cut millage tax rates for the county by 7.6 million. The proposed budget for the year is $1.448 billion dollars and would include pay raises for school district employees. If this budget goes through, this will be the first change in the general fund property tax rate for the Cobb school district in nearly 15 years. Superintendent Chris Ragsdale is also proposing to hire 11 more officers to the school police force, which already has 70 officers. The budget is expected to be formally adopted in May and be in effect by Jun. 1. (East Cobb News)
2. The Cobb County Department of Transport has released alerts for construction happening in Cobb County this week. Some of the areas that will be affected are the South Barrett Reliever, for the extension and widening of Shiloh Valley/Greers Chapel Drive across I-75 and connecting into the existing Roberts Court with a new roundabout east of I-75, as well as Powder Springs Street in Marrietta for street improvements. I-75 will have four right lanes closed between Akers Mill Rd and Terrell Mill Rd in Cobb County this weekend for bridge improvements; Norfolk Southern Crossings will have closures for regular maintenance. Finally, SR 360/Macland Road from New Macland Road/Cobb to SR 120/Paulding will be reduced speeds during road widening. (Cobb County Courier)
3. After a year of demolition, work on the redevelopment of Sprayberry Crossing will begin when permits are issued by the city. The first phase will commence this summer with the building of a 132-unit apart meant building for 55 years and older residents. The development plan also includes 14,500 square feet of retail space. this is down for the 30,000 square feet that were originally planned. Some groups in the community believe that the city needs to hold them to at least the 14,500 square feet that are in the development plans now, otherwise, all that will be put on the site are townhomes and apartments squeezed as tightly together as possible. The developer says that they plan to maximize the retail space as much as zoning will allow. An updated site plan is expected to be released by the developer soon. (East Cobb News)

Today in and around Smyrna-Vinings:

• BBL Vinings - Stockyard Burgers, Atlanta (9:45 AM)
• Grand Opening - Trifecta Home Furniture (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Today is the Jonquil City Jog 5K! This year's race will benefit both the Campbell High School Educational Foundation and Support Smyrna. (City of Smyrna, GA Government via Facebook)
• The City of Smyrna is currently hiring police officers to help serve and protect the community. The Uncertified Starting Pay is $47,179 and Certified Starting Pay Range is $50,895-$64,891 depending on law enforcement experience. (City of Smyrna, GA Government via Facebook)
• The Colonial Pipeline Company teamed up with the Smyrna Fire Department to discuss with them how their pipeline system is a critical piece of infrastructure. The collaboration allowed Smyrna fire personnel to get a tour of the facility, which helps them gain familiarity with the complex if they have to respond in the unlikely event of an emergency. (Smyrna Fire Department)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! See you soon for 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.