Double-taxation on agenda, but will officials show up?

Gwinnett County and its 15 municipalities are poised to hash out a tax-duplication impasse — if enough city officials show up.

The service delivery strategy mediation, which starts April 22 in Lawrenceville, by state law requires a majority of elected officials from each city — as well as the county — to attend the initial meeting.

But the chances of getting 50 or so city officials together is “very slim,” Snellville Mayor Jerry Oberholtzer said. “These aren’t full-time positions, so you’re naturally going to have a tough time getting folks to show up in the middle of the day.”

The dispute centers around a state-mandated service agreement that establishes county tax rates for city residents. The Gwinnett Municipal Association argues the county is taxing some city residents for police and other services that they already receive through city taxes.

Both sides disagree how much residents are overtaxed. The cities say the overcharge is close to $10 million. The county puts the figure at closer to $3 million.

Meanwhile, a judge lifted sanctions that could have prevented both the county and the cities from receiving certain state aid during mediation.

In an e-mail obtained by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, GMA managing director Randy Meacham told city leaders Wednesday that attorneys have tried to negotiate a revised attendance protocol but that the county wouldn’t budge. The GMA is representing 14 of the 15 cities in negotiations.

“The law is pretty clear,” said Lisa Johnsa, assistant county administrator. “I would assume the cities are making preparations to ensure they meet that requirement.”

And if the cities don’t meet the requirement?

“I don’t know what would happen,” said Suwanee Mayor Dave Williams, GMA chairman. “I’m hopeful and optimistic we won’t have to find out.”

— Staff writer Patrick Fox contributed to this article.