Mulberry Residents Brace for Frustration Amid City’s Service Transition

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Residents and businesses in the city of Mulberry are facing an uncertain and potentially frustrating transition as the city moves to assume control of several key services previously managed by Gwinnett County. This shift, set to take effect on January 1, 2025, has sparked concerns over how smoothly the change will occur and what it means for the community.

On October 24, 2024, Mulberry’s transition team issued a legal Notice of Intent to Gwinnett County Government, formally declaring the city’s plans to take over services including code enforcement, planning and zoning, issuing permits and inspections, and collection of various taxes and fees. These changes include:

Code enforcement and planning and zoning powers.
Receipt of Georgia-collected insurance taxes.
Telecommunications, electric, and natural gas franchise fees, along with associated permitting and enforcement.
Collection of Title Ad Valorem Tax.
Issuance and enforcement of financial institution occupational tax certificates.
Licensing, permitting, and enforcement of alcohol beverage regulations.

However, the transition has already shown signs of potential disruption. Gwinnett County has not yet received requests from Mulberry for documents related to active permits or pending applications. Without an Intergovernmental Agreement between the city and county, Gwinnett County is legally prohibited from continuing to provide, permit, or regulate these services.

A Community’s Concerns

For many Mulberry residents, the abruptness of the transition raises fears of bureaucratic chaos. Local business owner Sarah Jenkins, who is in the middle of expanding her store, expressed frustration. “We applied for permits through the county months ago, and now we don’t know who to contact or if our application is still valid,” she said. “This change feels rushed and poorly communicated.”

Homeowners like Tom and Mary Alvarez are also anxious about the uncertainty. “We’re planning renovations next year, but now we’re worried the permitting process will be delayed or more complicated,” Mary said. “We don’t even know where to start.”

Gwinnett County’s Position

Gwinnett County will continue to provide essential services such as fire and emergency services, police protection, and park maintenance for Mulberry residents. However, the county acknowledges the difficulties posed by the transition. “We understand this change may cause frustration and concern,” a county spokesperson said. “While Gwinnett County cannot provide direct assistance with the services assumed by the city, we encourage residents and businesses to contact Mulberry officials for guidance and support.”

A Lack of Communication

One major point of contention is the apparent lack of communication and preparation. The city has not yet taken steps to coordinate with the county on active permits and applications. This gap has left many residents in limbo, unsure of how or when their needs will be addressed.

John Carter, a contractor who frequently works in Mulberry, noted, “The lack of clear instructions is going to slow down everything. Projects that should take weeks might now take months.”

Looking Ahead

As Mulberry prepares to manage these new responsibilities, city officials will need to quickly establish clear processes and communication channels to minimize disruptions. For now, residents and business owners are left hoping for swift action and transparency from their local government.

In the meantime, community leaders are urging patience and collaboration. “Transitions like this are always tough, but we need to work together to make it as smooth as possible,” said Diane Matthews, a Mulberry city council member.

As the January 1 deadline approaches, all eyes are on Mulberry’s ability to rise to the challenge and deliver on its promises. For many, the hope is that this transition will ultimately strengthen the community—but the road ahead may be a bumpy one.