Mableton Payout to Cobb Presents 'Serious Financial Challenge'

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for May 28th 

Publish Date:  May 28th 

   

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From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.  

  

Today is Wednesday, May 28th and Happy Birthday to Gladys Knight 

 

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal 

1. Mableton Payout to Cobb Presents 'Serious Financial Challenge'
2. Early Voting Underway for Ga. Commission Overseeing Utilities
3. KSU Researchers Develop Phone Application to Combat Elderly Loneliness

 

All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  

 

BREAK: TIDWELL TREES_FINAL 

STORY 1:   Mableton Payout to Cobb Presents 'Serious Financial Challenge' 

Mableton is considering a $9.5 million payment to Cobb County for one year of police and transportation services, a move Mayor Michael Owens calls a "serious financial challenge." The deal, part of an intergovernmental agreement, aims to ensure public safety while avoiding state sanctions. Mableton, exiting its transitional phase, currently offers limited services and has operated without property taxes, relying on other fees. To fund services, the city may establish a special services district. Negotiations follow Cobb’s initial $23 million service bill, which nearly doubled Mableton’s proposed budget. Final votes on the agreement are expected this week. 

STORY 2:   Early Voting Underway for Ga. Commission Overseeing Utilities 

Early voting has begun in Cobb County and across Georgia for the June 17 special primaries to fill two seats on the Public Service Commission (PSC), which regulates utilities like electric and natural gas. The PSC oversees rate approvals, including Georgia Power's recent agreement to freeze base rates for three years. Incumbents Tim Echols (District 2) and Fitz Johnson (District 3) are on the ballot, with Echols facing a GOP challenger and Johnson unopposed. Early voting runs through June 13 at four Cobb locations, with low turnout expected initially but likely increasing closer to Election Day. 

STORY 3:  KSU Researchers Develop Phone Application to Combat Elderly Loneliness 

Kennesaw State University researchers are developing Sandrapp, an AI-powered tool to combat chronic loneliness among older adults, which can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Unlike traditional social platforms, Sandrapp focuses on fostering real-life connections by matching users with individuals who share similar values and experiences. Led by an interdisciplinary team, the app prioritizes usability and user needs, gathering insights from older adults and families. Sandrapp aims to enable meaningful meetups, not replace them, while exploring subtle monitoring technologies for reassurance. The project emphasizes rebuilding social support networks to improve mental and physical health. 

 

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