New Gwinnett Budget Includes More Police, Performance Pay Raises

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA - The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners adopted a $1.84 billion budget Tuesday that provides more police officers, alternate transportation funding, employee performance raises and cyber security among other items.

The adopted 2020 budget is a 1.1 percent increase compared to last year’s budget.

“As we crafted this budget, we recognized we were dealing with many diverse needs ranging from public safety to parks to economic development,” said Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlotte Nash.

“We allocated funds to try to take care of today’s projects, but we also set aside money for long-term projects that will yield benefits years from now. Ultimately, this budget should allow us to continue to provide superior services for our residents and businesses in the immediate and distant future.”

Here's a look at some highlights:

* Public Safety: The budget equips the recently constructed alternate E-911 center to provide extra security and support to the main E-911 center. To help the Police Department meet service demands, the approved budget adds 30 more master police officer positions.

The budget includes two more ambulances and three heavy-duty pickups equipped with Advanced Life Support capabilities to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services. The additional vehicles will free up fire engines and ambulances for other emergency calls.

The budget provides funding for an 11th Superior Court judge put in place during the state’s 2019 legislative session, and includes District Attorney and Administrative Office of the Courts plus supplementary sheriff’s deputies for courtroom security.

* Transportation: A five-lane, grade-separated interchange on Harbins Road over State Route 316 is in the budget, as is a park-and-ride lot at that intersection. It also will explore Bus Rapid Transit services in the I-85 corridor, and expand and improve the Gwinnett Place Transit Center to enhance customer experience.

For alternate transportation, the budget will extend the Ivy Creek Greenway to connect the Suwanee Creek Trail to the Mall of Georgia.

* Leisure: The budget will fund the development of Beaver Ruin Park off Satellite Road with wetland trails and boardwalks as well as fund the relocation of the Duluth, Norcross and Snellville libraries.

* Homelessness: The budget provides hotel/motel vouchers for emergency shelter providers and completing the buildout of the Norcross Assessment Center to provide homeless shelter beds there.

* Economic Development: The budget will create the Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center to aid small business startups by providing resources and services including physical space, education and networking connections. Funding will also be allocated to continue the Infinite Energy Center Expansion and develop the Water Tower @ Gwinnett for water-related research and training.

* Odds and Ends: Funding is also allocated to enhance the County’s cybersecurity efforts. The proposed budget also includes a 4 percent pay-for-performance increase to maintain a quality workforce.

The 2020 elections will be funded with several options for early and advance voting and an increase in poll official pay to staff County precincts.

The adopted 2020 budget resolution and supporting documents are available online at www.gwinnettcounty.com.

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