The volunteers who serve on Engage Gwinnett, the citizens committee on the future of Gwinnett County, will meet again on Thursday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Gwinnett Center in Duluth. The initiative aims to involve and engage the community in county budget decision-making.
The 40-member citizens committee created last September has formed smaller work groups to study specific service areas. The full committee meets every two weeks to hear from elected officials, County staff and local residents during a six-month process. All meetings are open to the public.
In April 2010, the group will make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners on desired services, service levels and revenues for the next five years. The initiative is a partnership between county government and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. Volunteer leaders Mike Levengood of McKenna Long & Aldridge and Bill McCargo, formerly with CISCO Systems, co-chair the committee. Engage Gwinnett seeks common ground, workable solutions and compromises as necessary for the greater good of the community to help guide the County government through the recession and its aftermath.
The process will include at least 12 full committee meetings and three public forums. Video coverage, meeting materials and more information are available online at www.engagegwinnett.com and at www.gwinnettcounty.com and on TVgwinnett, cable channel 23. Engage Gwinnett also has Facebook and Twitter links.
Meeting agenda follows below:
Engage Gwinnett Agenda
December 3, 2009
Welcome and introductions Bill McCargo and Mike Levengood, Co-Chairs
Millage rate update Aaron Bovos
Report from the Work Groups Work Group Spokespersons
Overview of today’s work Jon Abercrombie, facilitator
Work Groups breakout sessions Work Groups
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Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
County Continues to Trim Workforce
Gwinnett County continued to trim its workforce today with the implementation of a reduction in force in the Planning and Development Department. The elimination of 19 staff positions comes as the result of a business realignment necessitated by a significant decrease in workload and revenues related to the ever-shrinking volume of development.
Earlier this year, departments modified their business plans in order to focus on core services and to bring the 2009 budget and five-year financial plan into balance. Staff reductions played a key role in most of these new plans. Even though there is a proposed millage rate increase on the table, the county is still moving forward with its new business model, which requires a reduction in force.
In addition to today’s action, more than 200 employees retired under an incentive offer last month and several other departments have implemented reductions in force this year. In total, the County plans to eliminate more than 250 jobs.
“Unfortunately this is not the first, nor will it be the last, reduction in force,” said County Administrator Glenn Stephens. “The tough economic environment has forced us to make some very difficult decisions about service and staffing levels across all departments, but I am confident that Gwinnett County government will emerge from this budgetary crisis a stronger and more efficient organization.”
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Earlier this year, departments modified their business plans in order to focus on core services and to bring the 2009 budget and five-year financial plan into balance. Staff reductions played a key role in most of these new plans. Even though there is a proposed millage rate increase on the table, the county is still moving forward with its new business model, which requires a reduction in force.
In addition to today’s action, more than 200 employees retired under an incentive offer last month and several other departments have implemented reductions in force this year. In total, the County plans to eliminate more than 250 jobs.
“Unfortunately this is not the first, nor will it be the last, reduction in force,” said County Administrator Glenn Stephens. “The tough economic environment has forced us to make some very difficult decisions about service and staffing levels across all departments, but I am confident that Gwinnett County government will emerge from this budgetary crisis a stronger and more efficient organization.”
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Saturday, October 24, 2009
Officials Outline Proposal to Restore Key Services
Friday Gwinnett County officials outlined a proposal that would restore some of the spending reductions made earlier this year to the county’s public safety, parks and recreation and social services programs. The new proposal would be funded by a 2.28-mill increase in county property taxes.
The proposal was developed by county staff in response to a request from District 4 Commissioner Kevin Kenerly and was unveiled at a press briefing by Board Chairman Charles Bannister, Commissioner Kenerly, County Administrator Glenn Stephens and Chief Financial Officer Aaron Bovos. The details of the proposal were also posted to the county’s Web site.
Stephens said the county would hold three public hearings on the proposed property tax increase on Monday, Nov. 23, at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and then on Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center located at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. He said he expected the county commission would formally consider the proposal at a special called meeting following the 7 p.m. hearing on Dec. 1.
“Based on discussions with commission members, they will consider the proposal at the Dec. 1 meeting, and we have been asked to take the necessary steps to make Gwinnett County’s citizens and taxpayers aware of the proposal well ahead of that decision,” said Stephens.
The proposal outlined by the officials would add $31.3 million in service-related additions to the 2009 budget and provide, among other items, funding for the district attorney, courts and constitutional officers, the addition of 58 new police officers, the opening and staffing of three new fire stations and the continued operation of all county libraries – including the new Hamilton Mill branch opening next year – at equal service levels. It would also add $4.8 million to the recreation fund to, among other things, set youth athletic association fees at a more affordable level for families, restore grounds maintenance personnel and restore seven-day operations at all aquatic centers. The proposal also will address a deficit in 2010 and compensate for a reduction in the commercial and residential property tax digest.
Funding the proposed $59.2 million increase would require a 2.28-mill increase in the county’s property tax rate. For 63 percent of county homeowners, whose homes are assessed at $200,000 or less, the resulting tax increase would be less than $13.36 a month; for the additional 30 percent of Gwinnett homeowners whose homes are assessed at between $200,001 and $350,000, the monthly tax increase would be between $13.36 and $24.76. Combining the two groups, 93 percent of homeowners would see a tax increase of less than $25 per month.
“I appreciate the county staff’s response to my request,” said Commissioner Kenerly, “and I look forward to hearing from my constituents and to studying this proposal with my colleagues on the Board. Especially in retrospect, I have been troubled by the drastic service cuts that were necessitated by our earlier budget decisions – and I am not convinced that they reflected the will of a majority of citizens and taxpayers. I am growing concerned that many of the cuts we already made or are planning to make will severely diminish our community long term.
“I think it is important to revisit this issue with an eye toward focusing on truly critical services and on giving our citizens, voters and taxpayers an opportunity to understand the current and future stakes for our county,” Kenerly added. “I’m hopeful that when we call this question it will be with the benefit of a great deal of thought and an understanding of the views and desires of all our citizens.”
Commission Chairman Charles Bannister said he supported revisiting the millage rate question. “I backed the millage rate that was originally proposed and have been concerned that our failure to fund needed public service improvements would do real damage to our county now and in the years ahead,” he said. “I look forward to studying this proposal and hearing from the public between now and December.”
Bannister stressed this move does not lessen the value of the Engage Gwinnett citizens committee. “Their work is still very important to us, but this millage adjustment will temporarily allow us to stop dismantling great improvements made in the community since 2005, including investments in public safety, while we await their service level and funding recommendations,” said Bannister.
The proposed restoration of services does not include many of the cuts made within the County’s internal support functions and also does not fund the Unified Plan, which was designed to better manage growth, public safety, quality of life and economic development over the next several decades. The Engage Gwinnett Committee will continue to study service levels and funding options in order to make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners in the first quarter of 2010.
If the proposed increase were to be approved, a second set of 2009 tax bills would be mailed to property owners on March 15, 2010. This billing will reconcile the final millage rate with the temporary rate used in billing taxes earlier this year. Tax bills were issued to property owners last August under a temporary collection order, which allowed the Board of Commissioners to set a temporary millage rate while the County continued negotiations with cities over matters of service delivery. Once commissioners set a final millage rate, the State Department of Revenue will certify Gwinnett’s tax digest resulting in a new round of property tax bills.
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The proposal was developed by county staff in response to a request from District 4 Commissioner Kevin Kenerly and was unveiled at a press briefing by Board Chairman Charles Bannister, Commissioner Kenerly, County Administrator Glenn Stephens and Chief Financial Officer Aaron Bovos. The details of the proposal were also posted to the county’s Web site.
Stephens said the county would hold three public hearings on the proposed property tax increase on Monday, Nov. 23, at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and then on Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center located at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. He said he expected the county commission would formally consider the proposal at a special called meeting following the 7 p.m. hearing on Dec. 1.
“Based on discussions with commission members, they will consider the proposal at the Dec. 1 meeting, and we have been asked to take the necessary steps to make Gwinnett County’s citizens and taxpayers aware of the proposal well ahead of that decision,” said Stephens.
The proposal outlined by the officials would add $31.3 million in service-related additions to the 2009 budget and provide, among other items, funding for the district attorney, courts and constitutional officers, the addition of 58 new police officers, the opening and staffing of three new fire stations and the continued operation of all county libraries – including the new Hamilton Mill branch opening next year – at equal service levels. It would also add $4.8 million to the recreation fund to, among other things, set youth athletic association fees at a more affordable level for families, restore grounds maintenance personnel and restore seven-day operations at all aquatic centers. The proposal also will address a deficit in 2010 and compensate for a reduction in the commercial and residential property tax digest.
Funding the proposed $59.2 million increase would require a 2.28-mill increase in the county’s property tax rate. For 63 percent of county homeowners, whose homes are assessed at $200,000 or less, the resulting tax increase would be less than $13.36 a month; for the additional 30 percent of Gwinnett homeowners whose homes are assessed at between $200,001 and $350,000, the monthly tax increase would be between $13.36 and $24.76. Combining the two groups, 93 percent of homeowners would see a tax increase of less than $25 per month.
“I appreciate the county staff’s response to my request,” said Commissioner Kenerly, “and I look forward to hearing from my constituents and to studying this proposal with my colleagues on the Board. Especially in retrospect, I have been troubled by the drastic service cuts that were necessitated by our earlier budget decisions – and I am not convinced that they reflected the will of a majority of citizens and taxpayers. I am growing concerned that many of the cuts we already made or are planning to make will severely diminish our community long term.
“I think it is important to revisit this issue with an eye toward focusing on truly critical services and on giving our citizens, voters and taxpayers an opportunity to understand the current and future stakes for our county,” Kenerly added. “I’m hopeful that when we call this question it will be with the benefit of a great deal of thought and an understanding of the views and desires of all our citizens.”
Commission Chairman Charles Bannister said he supported revisiting the millage rate question. “I backed the millage rate that was originally proposed and have been concerned that our failure to fund needed public service improvements would do real damage to our county now and in the years ahead,” he said. “I look forward to studying this proposal and hearing from the public between now and December.”
Bannister stressed this move does not lessen the value of the Engage Gwinnett citizens committee. “Their work is still very important to us, but this millage adjustment will temporarily allow us to stop dismantling great improvements made in the community since 2005, including investments in public safety, while we await their service level and funding recommendations,” said Bannister.
The proposed restoration of services does not include many of the cuts made within the County’s internal support functions and also does not fund the Unified Plan, which was designed to better manage growth, public safety, quality of life and economic development over the next several decades. The Engage Gwinnett Committee will continue to study service levels and funding options in order to make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners in the first quarter of 2010.
If the proposed increase were to be approved, a second set of 2009 tax bills would be mailed to property owners on March 15, 2010. This billing will reconcile the final millage rate with the temporary rate used in billing taxes earlier this year. Tax bills were issued to property owners last August under a temporary collection order, which allowed the Board of Commissioners to set a temporary millage rate while the County continued negotiations with cities over matters of service delivery. Once commissioners set a final millage rate, the State Department of Revenue will certify Gwinnett’s tax digest resulting in a new round of property tax bills.
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Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Flood Recovery Center to Open
A disaster recovery center will open tomorrow at 8 a.m. to assist residents and business owners who were victims of recent flooding. Gwinnett County residents and business owners who sustained losses can visit the center, which is located at the Mountain Park Depot, 5050 Five Forks Trickum Road in Lilburn, between the hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week to apply for federal emergency assistance. County government worked closely with FEMA and GEMA to establish the center, according to Gwinnett Emergency Management’s Greg Swanson. The center will remain open until further notice.
Commission Chairman Charles Bannister said, “We are grateful to FEMA, GEMA and Gwinnett Emergency Management for their hard work to make sure Gwinnett County was included in the federal disaster declaration. Last week’s flooding took a severe toll on many of our residents and their property. While recovery will take some time, I’m hopeful federal disaster aid will help those families and businesses in our community that need it to become whole again.”
The federal declaration covers individual assistance and can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration will also be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance. In addition, Gwinnett County government will also be eligible to receive federal funds for damage as a result of the recent floods.
In addition to visiting the Disaster Recovery Center, it is also possible to apply for aid online or by telephone. Applications can be submitted online at www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
County Administrator Glenn Stephens said, “I’m very proud of what County workers did under sudden and often-changing conditions during the emergency phase last week. Now that we have moved beyond the life-safety crisis, our staff will continue to take any and all actions necessary and feasible to assist residents as they begin the recovery process.”
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Commission Chairman Charles Bannister said, “We are grateful to FEMA, GEMA and Gwinnett Emergency Management for their hard work to make sure Gwinnett County was included in the federal disaster declaration. Last week’s flooding took a severe toll on many of our residents and their property. While recovery will take some time, I’m hopeful federal disaster aid will help those families and businesses in our community that need it to become whole again.”
The federal declaration covers individual assistance and can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration will also be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance. In addition, Gwinnett County government will also be eligible to receive federal funds for damage as a result of the recent floods.
In addition to visiting the Disaster Recovery Center, it is also possible to apply for aid online or by telephone. Applications can be submitted online at www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
County Administrator Glenn Stephens said, “I’m very proud of what County workers did under sudden and often-changing conditions during the emergency phase last week. Now that we have moved beyond the life-safety crisis, our staff will continue to take any and all actions necessary and feasible to assist residents as they begin the recovery process.”
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Thursday, September 17, 2009
Helpful Guide for Gwinnett Citizens from Tax Commissioner
Now that Gwinnett citizens have received their 2009 temporary tax bills, the Tax Commissioner is receiving a large number of calls and emails from citizens with questions about their bills, property assessments, school tax, millage rates and more.
“I want to make sure citizens get prompt and accurate information when they have questions. There are many County offices involved in property tax issues, and it can be confusing,” explained Katherine Meyer, Gwinnett Tax Commissioner.
Below is information to help guide citizens to the right offices for answers.
Gwinnett Tax Commissioner
· Bills and collects Gwinnett property taxes
· Administers homestead exemptions
· Note: The 2009 tax bill that property owners just received is a temporary bill until a final millage rate is approved by the Board of Commissioners. A final notice of taxes may be sent if additional taxes or a refund is due.
· 770-822-8800, email tax@gwinnettcounty.com, website www.GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com
Gwinnett Tax Assessor’s Office
· Assesses property values
· Reviews property assessment appeals
· 770-822-7220 or email assessor@gwinnettcounty.com.
· Note: The Tax Commissioner has no authority for the assessment of property and is not involved in that process.
Gwinnett Board of Commissioners
Sets County property tax millage rate
770-822-7000 or www.gwinnettcounty.com.
Gwinnett Board of Education
Adopts school system property tax millage rate
678-301-6200 or www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us
Gwinnett Stormwater Utility
Administers stormwater service
678-376-7193 or www.gwinnettstormwater.com.
Gwinnett Traffic Engineering and Planning
Responsible for street lights and speed tables
770-822-7462
Important to remember: Gwinnett property owners may see an increase in their tax bills due to state government budget cuts that included the Homeowners Tax Relief Grant (HTRG). Additionally, the fair market value of property may have changed resulting in an increase in the amount owed. Learn more at www.GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com.
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“I want to make sure citizens get prompt and accurate information when they have questions. There are many County offices involved in property tax issues, and it can be confusing,” explained Katherine Meyer, Gwinnett Tax Commissioner.
Below is information to help guide citizens to the right offices for answers.
Gwinnett Tax Commissioner
· Bills and collects Gwinnett property taxes
· Administers homestead exemptions
· Note: The 2009 tax bill that property owners just received is a temporary bill until a final millage rate is approved by the Board of Commissioners. A final notice of taxes may be sent if additional taxes or a refund is due.
· 770-822-8800, email tax@gwinnettcounty.com, website www.GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com
Gwinnett Tax Assessor’s Office
· Assesses property values
· Reviews property assessment appeals
· 770-822-7220 or email assessor@gwinnettcounty.com.
· Note: The Tax Commissioner has no authority for the assessment of property and is not involved in that process.
Gwinnett Board of Commissioners
Sets County property tax millage rate
770-822-7000 or www.gwinnettcounty.com.
Gwinnett Board of Education
Adopts school system property tax millage rate
678-301-6200 or www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us
Gwinnett Stormwater Utility
Administers stormwater service
678-376-7193 or www.gwinnettstormwater.com.
Gwinnett Traffic Engineering and Planning
Responsible for street lights and speed tables
770-822-7462
Important to remember: Gwinnett property owners may see an increase in their tax bills due to state government budget cuts that included the Homeowners Tax Relief Grant (HTRG). Additionally, the fair market value of property may have changed resulting in an increase in the amount owed. Learn more at www.GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com.
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Thursday, September 10, 2009
Two Million Dollars in Asset/Forfeiture Money from Drug Cartels Presented to Gwinnett Law Enforcement
Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Gregory Jones, on behalf of the David G. Wilhelm Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force, is pleased to provide the following information:
The David G. Wilhelm OCDETF Strike Force is well into its third year, having been established on March 29, 2007. The concept of the Strike Force was initiated by the various special agents in charge of the federal law enforcement agencies here in Atlanta, along with the United States Attorney, who participate in the (OCDETF). It was recognized that a special collaborative effort was necessary to better combat the drug distribution and collection of drug proceeds throughout the metro Atlanta area as it was further recognized that the Atlanta area had established itself as a hub for this activity.
The Wilhelm Strike Force brings together the assets and strengths of the various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies into a co-located task force. This serves as a force multiplier in investigating and prosecuting high level members of the international drug cartels that have operations in metro Atlanta and throughout the United States. As part of its effort to dismantle these criminal organizations, forfeiture of profits and seizure of assets from these organizations is paramount.
Today we reaffirm our partnership with the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department and the Lawrenceville Police Department in the joint endeavors of the Wilhelm Strike Force and their commitment in making the community a safer place for all.
The Strike Force is pleased to present to our partners with checks totaling $1,102,556.42. In addition to these monies, an additional $1,005,000 will be going to these same partners within the next month. These monies are derived from assets forfeited and/or seized in Operation Grand Finale, an 18-month-long investigation wherein the many varied law enforcement agencies worked together to disrupt a major cell of a Mexican cartel, a notoriously violent drug trafficking organization, and took a major step towards eradicating a significant threat to our economic and national security. During this investigation, agents and officers have seized approximately 581 kilograms of cocaine, approximately 219 pounds of methamphetamines, and approximately $3.5 million in currency. To date, federal charges have been filed against 16 defendants in several states. This investigation determined that the targeted organization regularly transported large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana from Mexico to Atlanta, and then transported currency accumulated from the sale of the illegal drugs back from Atlanta to McAllen, Texas, and then on to the organization’s leaders in Mexico.
Today’s presentations are not only an example of what can be accomplished by a metro Atlanta law enforcement community working together, but also an opportunity to recognize that partnership that is so needed and appreciated.
Administrative Matter:
Lawrenceville PD: $321,133.02
$251,067.50
Subtotal: $572,200.52
$603,000.00
Total: $1,175,200.50
Gwinnett County S/O: $321,133.02
$209,222.92
Subtotal: $530,355.94
$402,000.00
Total: $932,255.94
Grand Total: $2,107,456.40
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The David G. Wilhelm OCDETF Strike Force is well into its third year, having been established on March 29, 2007. The concept of the Strike Force was initiated by the various special agents in charge of the federal law enforcement agencies here in Atlanta, along with the United States Attorney, who participate in the (OCDETF). It was recognized that a special collaborative effort was necessary to better combat the drug distribution and collection of drug proceeds throughout the metro Atlanta area as it was further recognized that the Atlanta area had established itself as a hub for this activity.
The Wilhelm Strike Force brings together the assets and strengths of the various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies into a co-located task force. This serves as a force multiplier in investigating and prosecuting high level members of the international drug cartels that have operations in metro Atlanta and throughout the United States. As part of its effort to dismantle these criminal organizations, forfeiture of profits and seizure of assets from these organizations is paramount.
Today we reaffirm our partnership with the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department and the Lawrenceville Police Department in the joint endeavors of the Wilhelm Strike Force and their commitment in making the community a safer place for all.
The Strike Force is pleased to present to our partners with checks totaling $1,102,556.42. In addition to these monies, an additional $1,005,000 will be going to these same partners within the next month. These monies are derived from assets forfeited and/or seized in Operation Grand Finale, an 18-month-long investigation wherein the many varied law enforcement agencies worked together to disrupt a major cell of a Mexican cartel, a notoriously violent drug trafficking organization, and took a major step towards eradicating a significant threat to our economic and national security. During this investigation, agents and officers have seized approximately 581 kilograms of cocaine, approximately 219 pounds of methamphetamines, and approximately $3.5 million in currency. To date, federal charges have been filed against 16 defendants in several states. This investigation determined that the targeted organization regularly transported large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana from Mexico to Atlanta, and then transported currency accumulated from the sale of the illegal drugs back from Atlanta to McAllen, Texas, and then on to the organization’s leaders in Mexico.
Today’s presentations are not only an example of what can be accomplished by a metro Atlanta law enforcement community working together, but also an opportunity to recognize that partnership that is so needed and appreciated.
Administrative Matter:
Lawrenceville PD: $321,133.02
$251,067.50
Subtotal: $572,200.52
$603,000.00
Total: $1,175,200.50
Gwinnett County S/O: $321,133.02
$209,222.92
Subtotal: $530,355.94
$402,000.00
Total: $932,255.94
Grand Total: $2,107,456.40
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Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Judge Grants Order on State Sanction in City-County SDS Dispute
On Tuesday, Gwinnett County received an order to hold state sanctions in abeyance while the County and city governments continue to litigate their service delivery dispute. The order, requested by the County, was granted by the judge presiding over the litigation. The current 10-year strategy, as set forth in state legislation that became effective in 1999, expired Feb. 28. Missing the deadline for a new 10-year strategy with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs placed Gwinnett and each of its cities in an “unqualified status.” The sanctions resulting from the unqualified status could have resulted in the loss of millions of dollars in state-administered financial assistance, grants, loans or permits to Gwinnett County and Gwinnett’s cities.
Superior Court Judge David E. Barrett’s order comes after Gwinnett’s cities had asked the judge to have sanctions reimposed 30 days after the judge rules on a County motion for partial summary judgment on the use of unincorporated revenues.
Prior to that, a March 3 order holding sanctions in abeyance during the mediation process was opposed by attorneys representing Gwinnett’s cities because it was not signed by the out-of-circuit judge assigned to the case and that order was vacated. However, Judge Barrett ruled in April that the sanctions would be held in abeyance throughout the mediation process.
“Sanctions ultimately just hurt the citizens, and I am pleased the judge agreed with the County’s position. The judge’s action is in line with our goal to work towards a service delivery solution for every resident in Gwinnett County without losing the necessary funding that benefits Gwinnett County and its cities,” said County Administrator Glenn Stephens.
Superior Court Judge David E. Barrett’s order comes after Gwinnett’s cities had asked the judge to have sanctions reimposed 30 days after the judge rules on a County motion for partial summary judgment on the use of unincorporated revenues.
Prior to that, a March 3 order holding sanctions in abeyance during the mediation process was opposed by attorneys representing Gwinnett’s cities because it was not signed by the out-of-circuit judge assigned to the case and that order was vacated. However, Judge Barrett ruled in April that the sanctions would be held in abeyance throughout the mediation process.
“Sanctions ultimately just hurt the citizens, and I am pleased the judge agreed with the County’s position. The judge’s action is in line with our goal to work towards a service delivery solution for every resident in Gwinnett County without losing the necessary funding that benefits Gwinnett County and its cities,” said County Administrator Glenn Stephens.
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