The Marietta Daily Journal – Cobb Commissioners differ on necessity of funding public outreach on transportation

Although Cobb Chairman Tim Lee said Tuesday another $368,000 is needed for outreach in a transportation plan update, the original $1.4 million consulting contract already spells out specific requirements for engaging the community. Commissioner Bob Ott, who represents southeast Cobb, said the Netherlands-based consultant, Arcadis, is already bound to perform extensive community outreach, including 12 to 15 “listening sessions” or town hall-style meetings with Cobb residents.

But Lee says he wanted more community engagement and pushed for the additional funding.

The deal he proposed would have increased public involvement, he says, and required Arcadis to identify potential funding sources for sweeping transportation changes in Cobb County.

But Lee’s request came with a cost that a majority of the board didn’t want to pay. It would have raised the fee paid to Arcadis to $1.7 million, but the request failed in a 3-2 vote Tuesday with commissioners Lisa Cupid and JoAnn Birrell joining Ott in opposition. The company has already been hired to update Cobb’s comprehensive transportation plan — something the county does every five years to stay competitive for federal grant money.

via The Marietta Daily Journal – Cobb Commissioners differ on necessity of funding public outreach on transportation.