Board of Commissioners propose holding general fund millage rate steady

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners is considering keeping the general fund millage rate the same as last year at 6.950 mills. When the total digest of taxable property is prepared, Georgia law requires that a rollback millage rate be computed that will produce the same total revenue on the current year’s digest that last year’s millage rate would have produced had no reassessments occurred. For 2025, Gwinnett County's rollback millage rate is calculated at 6.607 mills.

Millage rates will be considered during the Board of Commissioners' regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, August 19 at 2:00pm. Prior to the vote, three public hearings will be held in the auditorium of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville. Residents can also provide feedback online. The dates of the public hearings are:

• Tuesday, August 12 at 11:00am
• Tuesday, August 12 at 6:30pm
• Tuesday, August 19 at 11:00am

Fall Citizens Fire Academy

The Citizens Fire Academy is officially open for enrollment. Residents will get a hands-on, behind-the-scenes experience with an opportunity to ride in a fire engine, spray a hose, learn about how Gwinnett Fire protects the community, and how you can help promote fire and life safety in Gwinnett.

Applications are currently being accepted through August 11.

Meet with County staff to get to know Gwinnett

Discover services and resources to share with your community at the Gwinnett Communities Open House on Wednesday, August 20 at Rhodes Jordan Park in Lawrenceville from 5:00pm to 7:30pm or on Tuesday, September 16 at the Gwinnett Community Resource Center at Bethany Church Road in Snellville from 5:00pm to 7:30pm.

This free event is all about bringing community leaders together, from HOA and community association representatives to apartment managers, community organization administrators, and natural neighborhood leaders, equipping you with the skills to build stronger, more vibrant neighborhoods in Gwinnett. Register today for a day of discovery to take your community to the next level! Learn more at GwinnettCounty.com/CommunitiesNow.

Gwinnett Commissioners adopt six small area plans

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners adopted six small area plans as amendments to the County's 2045 Unified Plan. The plans amend the County's 2045 Unified Plan and focus on Bethesda and Venture Drive, which are primarily located in District 1. Other small area plans that were approved include Centerville, Killian Hill, Northbrook Parkway, and Oakbrook Parkway.

Each plan was developed in partnership with the community and includes recommendations for land use, housing, development, mobility, and open space. To learn more about the small area plans or view the adopted amendments, visit GwinnettCounty.com/2045UnifiedPlan.

Make Your Mark: Submit a Project for Volunteers!

Does your organization need a helping hand? Gwinnett Great Days of Service 2025 is your chance to mobilize thousands of dedicated volunteers to tackle your crucial project and areas of need this fall.

Submit your project application through August 17 and let Gwinnett's largest volunteer initiative help you make a lasting impact. Learn more and apply at VolunteerGwinnett.net today!

Safer commutes ahead for Sever Road and Tab Roberts Road

Exciting improvements are on the way for drivers in District 1! To enhance traffic flow and safety, construction is set to begin on a roundabout at the intersection of Sever Road and Tab Roberts Road in Lawrenceville.

The project will also install new concrete sidewalks, improve street lighting, upgrade the curb and gutter, and enhance drainage infrastructure. Funded by the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), the project is anticipated to be completed by early 2027. Learn more about how your pennies work in Gwinnett at GwinnettSPLOST.com.

Money Saving Freezer Breakfasts

Thursday, August 14 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Learn how to make easy and delicious freezer breakfasts to streamline your mornings and save you time and money. Open to all ages. Gwinnett County Public Library Peachtree Corners Branch, 5570 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners. Event cost: Free!

Care Seat Check: Safety First!

Saturday, August 15 from 10:00am to 11:30am

Drive through Duluth and make sure our children are safe in their car seats and in the car. No need to get out of your car, just drive up. Safety checks will be performed and discussions will include best practices, Georgia's car seat law, the four steps of child passenger safety, how to properly harness a child in a car seat, and how to correctly install a car seat are topics that will be covered. Open to all ages. Gwinnett County Public Library Duluth Branch, 3180 Main Street, Duluth. Event cost: Free!

Wildlife Sculpture Tree Workshop

Saturday, August 16 from 10:00am to noon

Celebrate our Earth using real tree branches. One-of-a-kind three-dimensional kits are ready to be painted and accessorized with miniature replica species of birds, butterflies, insects, rocks, feathers, and other objects. Open to ages three and up. Register here. Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Berkeley Lake. Event cost: $16 for residents; $24 for non-residents.

Boogie Down Bingo

Wednesday, August 20 from 11:00am to 1:00pm

Boogie down and get that bingo fever at this 60s and 70s-themed bingo event. Light refreshments will be served. Open to ages 50 and up. Register here. Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Berkeley Lake. Event cost: $5 for residents; $7.50 for non-residents.

Playtime with Pollinators

Saturday, August 23 from 10:00am to noon

Celebrate the Great Southeast Pollinator Census with the whole family by enjoying hands-on activities and learning about the vital role of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Open to all ages. Register here. Shorty Howell Park Activity Building, 2750 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth. Event cost: Free!

Smart Money for Parents

Tuesday, August 26 from 11:00am to 12:30pm

Learn more about how to prepare your family's financial future through budgeting, saving, and planning into manageable steps. Open to ages 19 and up. Register here. Gwinnett County Public Library Norcross Branch, 5735 Buford Highway, Norcross. Event cost: Free!

The Gwinnett Youth Commission spent a day learning about elected officials and the courts, and I had the thrill of meeting with our youth enrolled in the program.

The Gwinnett Youth Commission is a program designed to educate youth about local government and provide an opportunity for youth to affect change in their community. Youth participants will get behind-the-scenes tours, interact with government leaders, and receive community leadership training designed to foster the next generation of leaders for Gwinnett County.

One of my favorite parts of hosting Town Halls is engaging with residents before, during, and after the event.

At my Millage Rate Town Hall, I heard directly from numerous residents and engaged in thoughtful conversations. I appreciate all those attended to learn more about the millage rate and seek answers and information from me and others from various departments in the County.

My Millage Rate Town Hall featured a lot of pertinent information about how the rate is conducted. I take these factors and the feedback of residents into consideration before my fellow Commissioners and I vote on the proposed millage rate on Tuesday, August 19.

I'd like to remind all residents that we will hold three public hearings on the proposed millage rate, where you have the opportunity to share feedback. I hope to see you there!