Gwinnett BOC OKs $1.42 Billion Budget for 2015

Submitted by Gwinnett County Government

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday adopted a $1.42 billion budget for fiscal year 2015.

The balanced budget holds the line on property tax rates and is based on a small amount of growth in the tax digest.

Board of Commissioners Chair Charlotte Nash said, “The budget review team members, County staff and I looked hard at all of the funding requests and came up with a plan that addresses some of the biggest concerns we heard during departmental budget presentations—employee recruitment and retention and the restoration of certain important services that were cut in previous budget years. This budget also allows for the critical expansion of fire and emergency medical services.”

The operating budget for fiscal year 2015 totals $1.052 billion and includes pay-for-performance increases for non-sworn employees and a step increase for public safety personnel. The budget will also fund new staff positions for judicial services, the animal shelter, a new fire station and the new Level Creek Park scheduled to open this year. Roadside maintenance such as mowing and trimming sidewalks and medians and sweeping curbs and turn lanes will be partially restored through the use of contracts with private companies. Gwinnett will also bring back Saturday bus service for local routes and add two daily express service trips from the Indian Trail Park and Ride lot to help meet demand.

The $370.6 million capital budget includes construction of two fire stations using SPLOST funds. The new Fire Station 31 will serve Georgia Gwinnett College and the surrounding community and Fire Station 10 will be relocated to improve fire and emergency services coverage in the Mall of Georgia area. Existing personnel will staff the relocated station.

The budget was developed with input from four county residents and business people who were selected by Chairman Nash to serve on the budget review committee. The group reviewed departmental business plans and projected revenues to set priorities. Commissioners also sought public input prior to their decision Tuesday by holding a public hearing on Dec. 8 and making an online comment form available on the County’s website for six weeks.

The budget resolution summary is on the County’s website at www.gwinnettcounty.com, and a comprehensive budget document will be available later in the year.