Gwinnett property tax increase proposed

For the first time in six years, Gwinnett County residents face a higher tax rate on property, and city residents will be hit hardest.

County officials announced Monday that residents who own a $200,000 home can, on average, expect to pay about $180 to $208 more in county property taxes this year. The increase comes in the wake of a weakened economy and an anticipated $1.6 billion decline in residential property values.

The current millage rate of 10.97 mills will go up by 25 percent — or about 2.87 mills — for residents of unincorporated Gwinnett. Most city residents will be taxed at an additional 3.31 mills.

The county commission will vote to set the rates at its June 2 meeting.

The rate increase comes amid negotiations between the county and its cities to provide equity in services the county provides to municipal residents.

While no agreement has been reached, Monday’s announcement provided the stage for a new initiative in the county’s emergency services. From now on, Gwinnett County will provide police services to all areas of the county, County Administrator Jock Connell said.

City residents will be taxed based on a new rate structure to help segregate funding for municipal and unincorporated emergency services.

The difference in property tax rates, Connell said, is to adjust the cost for services equitably to those who receive them. He said city residents do not pay certain taxes — such as alcohol beverage and occupational — to the county but to their local governments. Because unincorporated residents pay these taxes to the county, it defrays the revenue needed from property owners.

“The county should operate county-wide police protection. The law says so. We say so,” County Commission Chairman Charles Bannister said.

Nine of Gwinnett’s 15 municipalities have their own police forces. Several others contract with the county for special patrols.

Connell said the county’s $1.7 billion budget lays the groundwork for an additional 618 public safety workers over the next five years. Of that number, 372 will be police.

Connell said the 2009 budget represents $33 million in cuts and the elimination of about 120 positions. He said efforts are continuing to make cuts.

The last county tax rate increase was in 2003.

Bannister said the chief motivation behind the expansion in police coverage is public safety, and he’s willing to take responsibility.

“We [the county] get all the credit for the crime and the drug cartels,” he said.

Three information forums and public hearings on the tax rate will be at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville. Dates and times are: 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. May 26; and 9:30 a.m. June 2.