Gwinnett Lowers Property Tax Rate

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — Gwinnett county commissioners on Tuesday lowered property tax rates for the second year in a row.

But rising property values may still mean higher taxes for some county homeowners.

The 2016 total property tax millage rate for Gwinnett County will be 13.176, down from 13.579 in 2015.

The millage rate is the amount per $1,000 that is used to calculate taxes on a property's taxable value. A higher rate means higher taxes and a lower rate means lower ones.

The new rate is 5.6 percent lower than last year's and down 7.8 percent over two years, said Maria Woods, Gwinnett County's chief financial officer.

Commissioners said rising property values in the county allowed them to lower the millage rate and still make budget.

"The tax digest, which is the assessed value of all property in Gwinnett, has gone up so we’re able to reduce the tax rate while maintaining a balanced budget and providing essential services," board Chairwoman Charlotte Nash said in a news release.

The millage rates for special service districts created in 2013 and countywide levies for voter-approved debt and recreation all remained unchanged from last year. Service district millage rates in Gwinnett are based on property location and county services provided, such as police, fire, and emergency medical.

Tuesday’s action paved the way for the tax commissioner’s office to mail property tax bills by August 15. Payments will be due October 15.