Gwinnett Commission Raises Property Tax Rate

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — Gwinnett County property owners will pay a slightly higher tax rate in the coming year after commissioners narrowly approved a bump in the county's millage rate Tuesday.

The increase, supporters said, will help the county deal with issues surrounding employee pay and retention, especially in the county's police department and sheriff's office.

"This millage rate allows us to balance the 2017 general fund budget and set aside funds to begin addressing longstanding hiring and retention issues, especially in law enforcement," said Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Charlotte Nash.

In a 3-2 vote, the commission upped its overall millage rate from 13.176 mills to 13.51 mills. Combined with property value, millage is a key factor in determining how much an owner pays in property taxes.

On a $200,000 home, the increase would equal about $21 more property taxes.

Nash and commissioners Lynette Howard and Jace Brooks voted to approve the new millage rate. Commissioners John Heard and Tommy Hunter voted against it.

Nash noted that mandated responsibilities in the judicial and law enforcement areas accounted for more than 85 percent of the general fund budget increase this year. The new millage rate had been previously at three public hearings.

Property tax bills also include school taxes and, depending on where in the county someone lives, possibly city taxes. Nash said that by bumping up the millage rate, Gwinnett will be better able to compete with neighboring jurisdictions in hiring and keeping workers.

"Over the last two or three years, we restored funding to critical functions we cut during the recession and provided needed additional funding for the justice system," she said. "We have to continue to focus on functions that are essential to keeping our county competitive and maintaining the quality of life that we all value."

In 2008, the value of one mill to the county government was approximately $29.4 million. By 2013, it had dropped 20 percent, to $23.6 million. In 2017, the value of a mill, approximately $28.9 million, has still not returned to its highest point prior to the economic downturn.

In approving the millage rate, commissioners set up a timetable for the tax commissioner to mail property tax bills in mid-August. Payment will be due in mid-October.

Property owners or mortgage lenders can make payments by mail, online, by phone, at the main tax office in person or by using one of the special drop boxes located at tax and tag offices.

For more information on the tax rate, visit Gwinnett County's website.

Photo courtesy Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners