Board holds general fund millage rate steady

The Gwinnett Board of Commissioners adopted the same general fund millage rate as last year, 6.95 mills, keeping it at the same level it has been for the last six years. Property taxes are based on millage rates set by county government, school systems, and cities.

For homeowners with homestead exemptions, this means your county taxes have not gone up in the last six years. If your overall tax bill has increased, it's due to city or school taxes, not county taxes.

Millage rates for special service districts and countywide levies for recreation and economic development also remain unchanged from last year. Millage rates for service districts in Gwinnett are based on property location and county services provided, such as police, fire and emergency medical services, and code enforcement.

This action paved the way for the Tax Commissioner's Office to mail property tax bills in September. Payments are due in November. Property owners or mortgage lenders can make payments by mail, online, in person at the main tax office, or by using one of the special drop boxes located at tag offices.

School zone speed enforcement program extended through 2026

Gwinnett County had renewed its contract with Red Speed Georgia LLC through May 2026 to continue school zone speed enforcement. The program aims to reduce dangerous driving near schools using speed-detection cameras that operate during designated school hours only.

Integrated with license plate readers, the system has been successful in reducing speed near schools, boosting safety for students and drivers alike. The violator-funded program is expected to generate $2.7 million and includes automated cameras, monitoring, billing, and collections. Learn more at GwinnettPolice.com.

Share your input on the Norcross to Lilburn Multiuse Trail Study

Get informed and share your feedback on the Norcross to Lilburn Multiuse Trail Study at the upcoming public open house. Join us on Wednesday, August 27 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Norcross Senior Center to share your feedback on improving pedestrian and bicycle safety, mobility, connectivity, and more along the trail corridor. You can also give input online using our interactive map tool.

The Norcross to Lilburn Multiuse Trail Study will identify opportunities to create a multimodal link across Interstate 85, specifically near the Indian Trail Lilburn Road and Beaver Ruin Road interchange. The study will also look at increasing connections between the study area, Gwinnett County trails, and local transit facilities.

Tune in to Conversations with Ku

Check out Conversations with Ku, my monthly podcast, where I dive into County initiatives, Board decisions, upcoming events, and a variety of other topics. You can find the podcast on GwinnettCounty.com and on your favorite streaming platform.

In the latest episode, I talk with Nehemiah Hamilton, a recent Gwinnett Youth Commission graduate. We discuss his experience learning about local government, the importance of knowing your representatives, and a fundraiser he started to help families in need in Gwinnett County.

I'd love to hear from you or answer questions about District 2 or Gwinnett County Government. Feel free to email me at Ben.Ku@GwinnettCounty.com and your question may be read on the podcast. Also, if there is someone you’d like me to interview, or a topic you’d like me to cover, please let me know.

Gwinnett recognizes Purple Heart Month

Every August, Gwinnett County joins the nation in recognizing Purple Heart Month, a time to honor United States service members who were wounded or killed in combat.

To commemorate Purple Heart Month, the County will:

• Fly the Purple Heart flag at the Fallen Heroes Memorial
• Encourage residents and businesses to display purple lights
• Maintain Purple Heart County signs at County entrances
• Share messages of support on park marquee signs

To learn more about veteran resources, visit GwinnettCounty.com/Veterans.

Celebrate the legacy of President Jimmy Carter

On October 1, Gwinnett County will join the nation in honoring the enduring legacy of Jimmy Carter. This special tribute will highlight his lifelong commitment to public service, human rights, and community building. The celebration, held in partnership with the Gateway Community Improvement District, Gwinnett County Public Schools, and Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity will bring together students, residents, and community partners in a shared reflection on President Carter’s values of peace, unity, and compassion.

Activities throughout the day and weekend will include opportunities for service, artistic expression, and public displays inspired by his life’s work. A key part of the tribute is the Jimmy Carter Legacy Art and Essay Contest, engaging young people in the Meadowcreek and Norcross clusters of Gwinnett County Public Schools. Students will share their vision of President Carter’s impact through creative works that will be displayed for the community to enjoy.

Get a grant towards your first home

If you're a first-time homebuyer, you might be eligible for Gwinnett's Homestretch Down Payment Assistance Program. New or existing Gwinnett residents aspiring to own a home can receive down payment assistance of up to $10,000 as a five-year deferred payment loan with 0% interest.

To qualify, the home must be located within Gwinnett County. Visit GwinnettCounty.com/HomestretchDPA for a list of eligibility requirements and to apply.

Visit GwinnettCountyEvents.com or follow the County’s social media channels to learn more about upcoming events.

Family Karaoke Night

Saturday, August 23 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm | $5 fee

Lilburn Activity Building, 788 Hillcrest Road, Lilburn

The whole family is invited for an evening of fun and games. Light refreshments will be provided. Online registration.

Board Game Day

Monday, August 25 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm | Free

Bethesda Park Senior Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville

Bring your friends for an afternoon of fun and games. Open to ages 50 and up. Online registration.

Tutoring & Homework Assistance

Saturday, September 6 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm | $5 for Gwinnett residents; $10 for non-Gwinnett resident

Gwinnett Community Resource Center at Georgia Belle Court, 5030 Georgia Belle Court, Norcross

Do you need help with your homework or want to sharpen your academic skills? Join us for peed-led sessions in math, reading, and writing in an engaging learning environment. Ages 5 to 11 registration; ages 12 to 18 registration.