Gwinnett commission won’t cut ambulance services

As Gwinnett County commissioners study ways to trim the 2009 budget, they have agreed not to trim emergency medical services.

At their annual retreat held last weekend at Brasstown Valley Resort in Young Harris, commissioners unanimously voiced opposition to any cuts in ambulance services.

The retreat, held every year to set county policy and outline goals, was devoted primarily to a study of cost-cutting measures prepared by nine county task forces. The report, still in draft form, was prepared at the request of county officials with the intention of cutting up to $35 million over the next three years.

The report listed hundreds of ways the county could save money. Among the options:

—Saving up to $14 million over three years by changing the cycle in which the county replaces heavy equipment, cars and trucks, and another $2 million by reducing the number of vehicles;

—Saving $1.7 million by having private parties reimburse the county for the use of public safety vehicles at private property;

—Saving $13 million by shutting down the county prison — but not the jail — on Hi Hope Road in Lawrenceville. Joe Sorenson, Gwinnett County communications director, said the report will be refined more as commissioners prepare a final draft of the 2009 budget, which is scheduled for completion sometime in January.

Commissioners and staff also discussed the county’s Unified Plan, which outlines future growth and transportation.

Cost for this year’s Commission Retreat was $15,000, according to the Gwinnett County administrators office. The cost has raised some eyebrows among bloggers, but Commissioner Bert Nasuti said the retreat is a vital way to address important issues without distraction.

“Our decisions can have an impact spanning many years and involve billions of dollars,” Nasuti said in a statement. “This happens best when the distractions of ringing cellphones and buzzing Blackberries are minimized, as well as other home turf interruptions. The board doesn’t view the trip as a perk or getaway.”