County opts out of Statewide Adjusted Base Year Homestead Exemption

Gwinnett County Commissioners voted to opt out of the new Statewide Adjusted Base Year Homestead Exemption introduced in House Bill 581. The County's existing Value Offset Exemption — in place since 2001 — offers better protection against rising property values and keeps County government taxes lower for homeowners.

With Gwinnett County's existing VOE, the homeowner's County government taxes are based on the frozen base year valuation, even as property values continue to rise. Under the new Statewide Adjusted Base Year Homestead Exemption, the base value of the home is adjusted annually for inflation, making it subject to increases.

County Commissioners weighed feedback during three public hearings held at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in January and February before making the decision. Cities and schools are hosting their own hearings.

Apply for Empower Gwinnett internship program

Get hands-on experience with Gwinnett County Government by applying for the Empower Gwinnett internship program. This four-week paid program offers Gwinnett's young people ages 15 to 21 an opportunity to gain valuable experience, explore their passions, and develop leadership skills through workshops and on-the-job training. Interns will complete the program with an understanding of how their county government functions to provide services and programs to more than 1 million residents.

To be considered for this program, apply online at GwinnettCounty.com/EmpowerGwinnett by Monday, March 17. Please note that the number of positions is limited and not all applicants can be guaranteed a spot.

Gwinnett breaks ground on expanded activity building at Dacula Park

Gwinnett County officials broke ground on a project to expand the existing 7,440-square-foot activity building at Dacula Park into a two-story 34,000-square-foot community recreation center with a full-service senior wing.

The expansion will include a new gym featuring an upper-level walking track and places for residents to play basketball, volleyball, badminton, and pickleball. The facility will also include an art studio, dance room, game room, classrooms, senior lounge and senior wing, serving kitchens, outdoor patio, covered drop-off area at the roundabout, and garden planting beds. An additional 76 parking spaces will connect the building to the other portion of Dacula Park.

Recycle your glass

Gwinnett County operates 13 glass recycling locations including two locations in District 1 at Peachtree Ridge Park in Suwanee and Pinckneyville Park in Peachtree Corners.

Solid Waste will host four glass recycling pop up events at various parks throughout the County in March and April. Residents are encouraged to bring their glass to recycle and receive free bags and other items at each event. Please contact Solid Waste at GCSolidWaste@GwinnettCounty.com or call 770.822.7141.

Seniors may qualify for a tax exemption

Residents who are 65 and older as of January 1 with a Georgia taxable income below $121,432 might qualify for the Senior School Tax Homestead Exemption.

Qualifying residents must own and occupy their home as of January 1 and must apply by April 1 to receive the exemption on this year's tax bill. If not required to file taxes, seniors can provide other proof of income to qualify. Learn more and apply at GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com/Seniors.

Become a lifeguard

Looking for a rewarding job opportunity this summer? Become an American Red Cross-certified lifeguard for Gwinnett County's award-winning park system. Not only will you learn lifesaving skills and boost your fitness level, but you can also enjoy flexible hours in a fun team environment with ample growth opportunities.

Pay starts at $17.35 per hour, plus the training is free! Part-time and seasonal positions are available at our five year-round aquatic centers, including West Gwinnett Park and Berkeley Lake, and four seasonal pools, including Best Friend Park in Norcross. Visit GwinnettCounty.com/Lifeguard to learn more.

Glow Skate Party

Friday, March 7 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm

Free! Bring your skates, wear neon outfits, and join us for loads of glow-in-the-dark fun! DJ, neon art, food concessions, and more! Free skates are available for use on a first come first served basis. Open to ages 3 and up. Register here. Pinckneyville Park Inline Hockey Rink, 4758 South Old Peachtree Road, Peachtree Corners.

We Like to Paddy

Saturday, March 15 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with music, dancing, games, and refreshments! This is an event of fun for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. Open to ages 15 and up. Resident fee: $6. Non-resident fee: $11. Register here. Shorty Howell Park Activity Building, 2750 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth.

Soaring Shuttles

Saturday, March 22 from noon to 5:00pm

Experience the excitement of our Soaring Shuttles event, packed with family-friendly activities, music, games, awards, and a showcase of local badminton talent. Vendors are welcome and must call 678.277.0222 to register. Open to all ages. Resident fee: $5. Non-resident fee: $10. Register here. Best Friend Park Gym, 6224 Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Norcross.