Gwinnett County balances budget

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Tuesday approved two measures that have eliminated the remainder of an $18 million budget deficit.

Commissioners approved a revised revenue estimate that counts on extra money from court fees and investment income to close part of the budget gap. It also created a $9 million temporary fund from unspent 2010 revenue to help balance the budget over the next three years.

Gwinnett County began 2011 with an $18 million deficit in its general fund, which pays for public safety and other basic services. In recent weeks it has balanced its budget by cutting spending and raising revenue.