Gwinnett County Has It’s 2024 Proposed Budget: Focusing on Growth and Community Needs

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Gwinnett County, located in the state of Georgia, is gearing up for the 2024 fiscal year with a proposed budget that aims to address the evolving needs of its residents and businesses. On Tuesday, Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners presented the proposed budget for 2024, which outlines a comprehensive plan for managing the county’s finances.

This budget, totaling a substantial $2.5 billion, encompasses both an operating budget of $1.96 billion and a capital improvements budget of $542 million. Notably, the capital improvements budget includes funds derived from the County’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) program.

Gwinnett County’s Vision for 2024

Chairwoman Hendrickson’s proposed budget isn’t just about numbers; it’s about addressing the critical needs of Gwinnett County’s growing population. The plan places a strong emphasis on essential community services, such as affordable housing and public safety, while also tackling challenges associated with workforce recruitment and retention.

“Our 2024 proposed budget focuses on ensuring that we can maintain our exceptional services while prioritizing the rapidly changing needs of our residents and businesses,” said Hendrickson. “With this budget, we’re taking prudent steps to address priorities like infrastructure, sustainability, and a healthy community that not only impact our county today but sets us up for success long into the future.”

The proposed initiatives within the budget aim to advance key infrastructure projects in line with the 2023 SPLOST program. Furthermore, the county plans to establish a biosolids dryer facility to reduce the environmental impact and cost associated with transporting waste material from the F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center to landfills. Additionally, updates to the Solid Waste Management Plan are in the works. The county is committed to enhancing the Gwinnett Trails network as part of its sustainability efforts.

As Gwinnett County continues to experience growth, a healthy community remains a top priority. The proposed budget allocates resources to improve access to affordable housing, invest in mental and chronic health care through a dedicated health care initiative, and expand the capacity of Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services with additional staff and vehicles.

The Budget Development Process For Gwinnett County

The development of the 2024 budget was a thorough and collaborative process. Department directors and elected officials presented their business plans for 2024 to the budget review committee earlier this year. These presentations provided valuable insights and recommendations for the budget proposal. Those interested in reviewing these presentations can find them online at TVGwinnett.com.

To ensure transparency and gather input from the community, Chairwoman Hendrickson enlisted the help of six Gwinnett County residents. These individuals were tasked with reviewing departmental requests and making recommendations for the budget proposal. Their involvement helps ensure that the proposed budget aligns with the needs and expectations of the local community.

Budget Resolution Summary and Tax Funds For Gwinnett County

The proposed 2024 budget is divided into various funds, each designated for specific purposes. Let’s take a closer look at the breakdown of some of these funds, including the General Fund, Special Revenue Funds, Enterprise Funds, Internal Service Funds, and more:

Gwinnett County General Fund

Total Proposed Budget: $549,855,398

Revenues	Amount
Taxes	$439,222,667
Licenses and Permits	$5,279,690
Intergovernmental	$4,162,064
Charges for Services	$34,658,485
Fines and Forfeitures	$3,147,655
Investment Income	$4,826,023
Contributions and Donations	$105,950
Miscellaneous	$1,834,120
Revenues without Use of Fund Balance	$493,236,654
Use of Fund Balance	$56,618,744
Total Revenues	$549,855,398

Appropriations

Board of Commissioners: $2,477,975
Communications: $1,185,531
County Administration: $1,528,178
Financial Services: $14,004,729
Tax Commissioner: $19,630,133
Transportation: $38,170,984
Planning and Development: $4,067,556
Police Services: $4,136,071
Corrections: $24,232,598
Community Services: $27,684,793
Community Services Subsidies: $33,082,173
Voter Registrations and Elections: $22,320,753
Juvenile Court: $6,966,571
Child Advocacy and Juvenile Services: $5,458,919
Sheriff: $162,452,582
Clerk of Court: $21,098,723
Judiciary: $34,716,573
Probate Court: $4,512,766
District Attorney: $26,299,350
Solicitor General: $10,541,472
Support Services: $268,503
Non-Departmental: $85,018,465

Gwinnett County Development & Enforcement District Fund (Fund 104)

Total Proposed Budget: $22,990,300

Revenues	Amount
Taxes	$11,650,773
Licenses and Permits	$4,930,950
Intergovernmental	$49,000
Charges for Services	$1,080,800
Investment Income	$298,397
Revenues without Use of Fund Balance	$18,009,920
Use of Fund Balance	$4,980,380
Total Revenues	$22,990,300

Appropriations

Planning and Development: $22,852,300
Non-Departmental: $138,000

Gwinnett County Fire and EMS District Fund (Fund 102)

Total Proposed Budget: $183,684,182

Revenues	Amount
Taxes	$154,447,702
Licenses and Permits	$1,130,500
Intergovernmental	$631,000
Charges for Services	$17,066,710
Investment Income	$1,482,319
Miscellaneous	$3,000
Revenues without Use of Fund Balance	$174,761,231
Use of Fund Balance	$8,922,951
Total Revenues	$183,684,182

Appropriations

Planning and Development: $1,475,343
Fire and Emergency Services: $176,596,043
Non-Departmental: $5,612,796

Loganville EMS District Fund (Fund 103)

Total Proposed Budget: $93,689

Revenues	Amount
Investment Income	$19,

039 |
| Miscellaneous | $12,250 |
| Revenues without Use of Fund Balance | $31,289 |
| Use of Fund Balance | $62,400 |
| Total Revenues | $93,689 |

Appropriations

Non-Departmental: $93,689

Gwinnett County Emergency Telephone System Fund (Fund 215)

Total Proposed Budget: $17,619,595

Revenues	Amount
Charges for Services	$17,334,843
Miscellaneous	$10,000
Revenues without Use of Fund Balance	$17,344,843
Use of Fund Balance	$274,752
Total Revenues	$17,619,595

Appropriations

Police Services: $16,803,983
Non-Departmental: $815,612

Gwinnett County Solid Waste Fund (Fund 219)

Total Proposed Budget: $13,062,513

Revenues	Amount
Charges for Services	$9,085,396
Miscellaneous	$5,000
Revenues without Use of Fund Balance	$9,090,396
Use of Fund Balance	$3,972,117
Total Revenues	$13,062,513

Appropriations

Solid Waste Management: $12,775,076
Non-Departmental: $287,437

Gwinnett County Airport Fund (Fund 318)

Total Proposed Budget: $3,207,297

Revenues	Amount
Charges for Services	$1,833,200
Miscellaneous	$100,000
Revenues without Use of Fund Balance	$1,933,200
Use of Fund Balance	$1,274,097
Total Revenues	$3,207,297

Appropriations

Gwinnett County Airport: $3,207,297

Water and Sewer Fund (Fund 512)

Total Proposed Budget: $77,121,903

Revenues	Amount
Charges for Services	$67,605,511
Miscellaneous	$20,000
Revenues without Use of Fund Balance	$67,625,511
Use of Fund Balance	$9,496,392
Total Revenues	$77,121,903

Appropriations

Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources: $77,121,903

Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax Fund (Fund 518)

Total Proposed Budget: $53,455,299

Revenues	Amount
Intergovernmental	$53,455,299
Total Revenues	$53,455,299

Appropriations

Transportation: $53,455,299

SPLOST 2023 Fund (Fund 600)

Total Proposed Budget: $542,278,805

Revenues	Amount
Intergovernmental	$1,028,805
Miscellaneous	$11,350,000
Revenues without Use of Fund Balance	$12,378,805
Use of Fund Balance	$529,900,000
Total Revenues	$542,278,805

Appropriations

Planning and Development: $21,561,389
Police Services: $26,619,816
Corrections: $20,660,593
Community Services: $18,674,038
Community Services Subsidies: $45,424,288
Voter Registrations and Elections: $14,671,774
Child Advocacy and Juvenile Services: $1,849,032
Sheriff: $4,774,338
Clerk of Court: $3,100,000
Judiciary: $1,400,000
Solicitor General: $1,400,000
Non-Departmental: $381,505,757

The proposed budget reflects a comprehensive plan to allocate resources where they are needed most, fostering the growth and development of Gwinnett County. It also prioritizes transparency and community engagement throughout the budgeting process.

Community Input and Feedback

Gwinnett County residents and stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed budget. Public hearings will be held in November and December to gather input, and the Board of Commissioners is scheduled to adopt the budget in January 2024. The final budget will take effect on July 1, 2024.

Community members interested in reviewing the complete budget proposal can access it online at the Gwinnett County website or at the Gwinnett County Public Library branches. Additionally, comments and questions can be submitted via email to [email protected] or by attending the public hearings.

In summary, Gwinnett County’s proposed budget for 2024 aims to meet the growing needs of the community by prioritizing essential services, infrastructure improvements, and sustainability initiatives. It reflects a collaborative effort and a commitment to transparency, with opportunities for community engagement and input. As the budget process unfolds, residents and stakeholders have a valuable role to play in shaping the future of Gwinnett County.