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The Big Apple Circus is coming to Stone Mountain Park February 12th, 2010 - February 28th, 2010. Ticket prices range from $15 - $42 each. Admission into the park is $10 (free with annual pass). Shows last approximately 2 hours.

For more:
• 888.451.3750
• Stone Mountain Park - http://www.stonemountainpark.com
• Big Apple Circus - http://www.bigapplecircus.org

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It is believed that given the current real estate market conditions most Gwinnett County property assessments are valued too high.

Gwinnett County has published the following on its website newsletter:
The Board of Tax Assessor’s Office will be adjusting the 2010 tax value on several thousand properties in Gwinnett County as assessors review the real estate sales and foreclosure data occurring in certain areas of the county. To make sure your property is included on the review list, you should file a Real Property Tax Return. The property tax return will allow you to declare your opinion of the value of your property.

If your value is not accepted, a Notice of Change in Assessment will be issued to you (scheduled mailing by mid April 2010). The notice allows you to appeal the value, which will result in a review process and possibly further into hearings.

The property tax return process begins with the timely filing of a Real Property Tax Return. You may visit the Tax Assessor’s web page at www.gwinnett-assessor.com to print a partially completed form between January 1 and March 1, 2010. Complete and mail the Real Property Tax Return anytime between January 1 and March 1, 2010. If you are mailing your return, it must be postmarked by the USPS no later than March 1, 2010. Your completed return will not be accepted via email or fax - no exceptions.

Should you have questions about the process, you may call 770.822.7200 or e-mail assessor@gwinnettcounty.com.

Bear in mind that your tax bill is the product of the millage rate x property assessment equation and Gwinnett County just increased its millage rate.

Interesting reading:
• Metro Atlanta property valuation comparison map
• Why you’re paying too much in property taxes

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Thanks in great measure to a campaign by Lee Baker of the Gwinnett Sports Council and Touchdown Club of Atlanta, the Stone Mountain Olympic Tennis Stadium may yet be saved.

To help bolster the effort, the Evermore CID is planning to move its base of operations from its current location in Snellville to the stadium’s pro shop located next to the stadium.

The stadium, owned by the Stone Mountain Memorial Association (SMMA) - a Georgia state authority - had entered into an agreement with Gwinnett County in May 2009 for a $1 per year, 50 year lease to operate the 25 acre facility. Part of the agreement included a provision to demolish the stadium structure itself this month, but the SMMA, citing cash flow problems, has been forced to delay the $1.5 million dollar demolishion to 2011. This budget induced delay has created an opportunity for Evermore to facilitate a salvage of the venue.

Evermore CID had previously commissioned a study that concluded that transforming the structure into a multipurpose facility could bring in over $100 million dollars in new revenue over the span of 10 years as well as creating new jobs. A new feasibility study is to be commissioned in order to determine long-term viability.

Optimism of the planned salvage varies with Curtis Branscome, SMMA CEO stating his lack of optimism due to the capital required and with Baker stating that the project is very viable in his opinion.

Dwight Harrison, of Dwight Harrison VW, and vice-chair of the CID states that the interest in the project is greater than the stadium itself as the venue is the gateway to the CID from the west.

Gwinnett County Commissioner Mike Beaudreau has stated that any project would have to be a private venture and that the county is not prepared to “sink a bunch of money into this thing.”

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Vigilance prevents volunteer victimization
A public safety message from Major Bart Hulsey, Gwinnett County Police

There were just over 3,000 incidents of entering autos, or car break-ins, in unincorporated Gwinnett County between April and December 2009. The Gwinnett County Police Department has worked diligently to curtail this increase of theft and made 112 entering auto arrests during that same time. Once a pattern is identified, GCPD conducts “directed patrol” in that area, which generally results in entering auto crimes dropping in that area and rising in another. In other words, we simply move the criminals around.

Our Crime Analysis Unit has studied this specific crime and compiled some startling facts from the period April through December 2009:
• Approximately $38,000 in cash was stolen from vehicles
• 69 guns were stolen out of vehicles
• 48% of the vehicles entered were unlocked

Those guns are now in the hands of criminals, and that makes everyone less safe. Some of these criminals will graduate from breaking into cars to committing armed robbery or worse.

GCPD has reached out to the public on numerous occasions this year, imploring them to follow simple crime prevention steps to avoid being a victim of this crime. Despite these public education efforts, citizens continue to become “volunteer” victims by leaving valuables in plain sight in unlocked vehicles. Shoppers purchase a TV, computer, or other high-dollar electronic device at a big box store and then go directly to a restaurant to eat without unloading their expensive merchandise. When they return to their car, an observant criminal has taken their stuff. There is no elaborate planning necessary to commit this crime, which is why perpetrators stake out these particular stores.

As easy as this crime is to commit, it is even easier to prevent just by taking these simple steps:
• Always lock your vehicle
• Do not invite theft by leaving valuables such as GPS devices and laptop computers in plain sight inside the vehicle
• After shopping, lock items in the trunk or take the merchandise home
• At the end of your day, park your vehicle in the driveway or garage and take all valuables inside the house
• Be particularly aware when you are at a restaurant or gym because the perpetrators know you are going to be away from your vehicle for an extended period of time and simply wait for you to go inside to break into your car
• For bank deposits or withdrawals, always alternate your times and routes, be aware of your surroundings, and never leave cash in the car unattended

Many people believe that it is solely law enforcement’s responsibility to keep them safe from crime. They long for the days when they were able to leave their doors unlocked without fear of theft or violence. However, this is just not the case today. Citizens must step up to the plate and take responsibility for helping the police keep them safe. Citizens must “target harden” their environment and stop being volunteer victims. Make yourself a difficult person to victimize. Every security measure comes with a certain amount of inconvenience, whether it is an alarm system that has to be armed and unarmed, a door that has to be locked and unlocked, or having to carry your valuables from the car to the house everyday. It is inconvenient but vitally necessary.

The number of thefts from vehicles could be drastically reduced if we all commit to thinking ahead and making the necessary changes in our daily routine. The Gwinnett County Police Department is dedicated to arresting as many of these perpetrators as possible; we would never ask a citizen to confront a criminal. We simply ask for citizens to help us by removing valuables from plain sight and locking their doors.

I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to address those individuals who commit this type of crime. Many of the perpetrators are juveniles or young adults who do not seem to realize the consequences of being convicted for Entering Auto (Georgia Code 16-8-18). This crime is a felony, regardless of the value of the item stolen from the car, and carries a possible sentence of not less than one year nor more than five years - for a single count. This is not a game or child’s play; it is a serious crime. Police officers and the courts spend considerable resources dealing with this issue and take a grave view of people convicted of this crime. Parents, teachers, youth ministers, scout leaders, or anybody else that has influence over young people should take the time to counsel with them that engaging in this behavior could alter their future in a very significant way.

Thank you for the opportunity to address this issue. Please, let’s all work together to make Gwinnett County a safer environment in which to live and work.

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Gwinnett Clean Water Campaign is sponsoring a free septic system maintenance workshop to be held at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center Auditorium on February 17th, 2010 at 7:00 PM.

Registration is required:
GwinnettStormwater.com
dwrswreg@gwinnettcounty.com
678.376.7126

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Heard some talk this weekend that Costco is negotiating for the property that will be vacated by Target on January 30th.

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The special grand jury requested by Gwinnett County District Attorney Danny Porter empaneled to investigate questionable land purchases by the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners began proceedings today (Friday, January 15, 2010).

Political connections between developers and county commissioners along with purchase price verses appraisals will be the main focus, but the special grand jury has greater latitude than other grand juries and may widen their scope as they deem necessary.

More details:
• Gwinnett D.A. Porter Requests Special Grand Jury
• Grand Jury To Investigate Gwinnett BoC

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Lilburn’s annual Christmas Parade will kick off this Saturday, December 5th, 2009 at 10:00 AM. The parade begins at Main and Church Street and ends in Lilburn City Park at approximately 2:00 PM.

Visit LilburnParade.org for more information.

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Aaron Bovos, Gwinnett County Chief Financial Officer (CFO), stood before an Engage Gwinnett committee and stated that the just approved 21 percent, 2.28 millage rate increase is considered a “one-time revenue” and that “It is absolutely critical that we put it to good use.”

Bovos continued by saying that the county has accrued $300 million in pension liabilities that have yet to be funded. So, Bovos and his staff are in the process of considering a recommendation to use the entire $50 million + that will be collected as a result of the increase to fund this pension liability.

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners has to vote on the allocation of tax revenues, but an actuarial study has already been commissioned to determine the impact of using the tax increase to fund the pensions.

Sources:
• Engage Gwinnett
• The Gwinnett Daily Post

One Response To “New Tax Increase To Potentially Fund Pensions”

1. BG Says:
   December 5th, 2009 at 9:44 AM

   Really, at what point does it become appropriate to march on Lawrenceville with pitchforks and torches?

   I’ve heard recall buzz, anything to it?

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The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2010 budget on Thursday, December 10, at 7:00pm in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center auditorium, 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. The public is invited to make either oral or written comments on the budget at the hearing. The Board of Commissioners is expected to make its final determination on the fiscal year 2010 budget during its regularly scheduled meeting on January 5, 2010.

The 2010 budget proposal outlines a countywide budget of $1.323 billion, down $387 million from the $1.71 billion budget adopted last March for fiscal year 2009. The five-year capital budget calls for $1.2 billion for capital improvements over the years 2011 through 2015.

Commission Chairman Charles Bannister said, “This proposed budget continues to be fiscally responsible, very conservative, and reflective of the dramatic cuts in departmental budgets that occurred in 2009. It also anticipates significant drops in Gwinnett property values while balancing the need for service with the economic struggles of our residents.” The budget is based on the same millage rate of 13.25 mills that the Board adopted for 2009.

The complete budget document is available for public access at the Department of Financial Services, also at 75 Langley Drive, from 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday and is available online at www.gwinnettcounty.com.

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The Gwinnett County 21 percent, 2.28 millage rate increase will generate more than $50 million in revenue for 2009. This is how the money is set to be allocated:

• $18.7 million: for existing deficit and to offset predicted decline in commercial tax digest
• $15.7 million: public safety (includes adding police and fire personnel)
• $10.8 million: courts and constitutional offices
• $4.8 million: recreation
• $2.3 million: corrections, support services and transportation (primarily mowing of rights of way)
• $1.8 million: libraries (includes operating all branches from 48 to 52 hours per week)

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The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners approved a 21 percent, 2.28 millage rate increase by a 4-to-1 vote. Mike Beaudreau was the only commissioner to vote against the measure.

More than 400 citizens filled the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center auditorium with approximately two dozen making comment in the public hearing that preceded the vote.

More:

3 Responses To “Gwinnett BoC Approves Tax Increase”

1. Admin Says:
   December 1st, 2009 at 10:27 PM

   Always worth mentioning:
   - Gwinnett stadium deal (part 1) $40 million. - Negotiation in complete secrecy. No public hearings, no public input.
   - Gwinnett stadium deal (part 2) $24 million. - Cost overruns. Didn’t think it through the first time. There was however a public hearing,…. no public input allowed, but it was public. What’s the point?…
   - Two lawsuits pending ($40 million each) regarding the Gwinnett BoC and Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful and government sanctioned garbage pickup. In reality this means we’re going to be spending double what we were spending before for garbage.
   - Overpayment for land acquisitions with questionable circumstances. These deals are currently being investigated by a special grand jury.

   I’m not opposed to paying taxes as long as the money is spent wisely and ethically. Someone convince me that our BoC is going to spend any new money better than they spent the old.

   Gwinnett County is on record - as reported by the GDP - as saying that the stadium would pay for itself “from day one”. Not so much, huh.

   There is a lot of gray area open for arguing which services should be cut to make up for the poor decisions of our BoC, but there is no arguing why we’re currently in the economic situation we’re in.

   BTW - I see that others are commenting on the reduction of their property assessments. My property assessments went up 3 times in roughly 10 years and has not gone down. My “real” property value is approximately 60 - 70% of what it is curently assessed by Gwinnett County and from what I gather from the Gwinnett County website I can’t even begin the process of rectifying the issue before January 1st of next year.

2. BG Says:
   December 2nd, 2009 at 8:54 AM

   GWINNETT COUNTY PROPERTY ASSESSMENT x MILLAGE RATE = TAX BILL.

   There is no way that the county can raise your property value assessments right now so they hop to the other side of the mathematical and political equation and raise the millage rate.

   There is always a way for county government to raise your property taxes and the ONLY way to keep the process in check is to vote better people into office and/or boot the bad ones out of office.

3. fwy545 Says:
   December 2nd, 2009 at 10:17 AM

   Sorry I don’t have a lot of factual data to provide, but this just stinks. We’re made to suffer because the Board of Crooks isn’t responsible with our tax dollars.

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(Lawrenceville, Ga., Dec. 1, 2009) - The volunteers who serve on Engage Gwinnett, the citizens committee on the future of Gwinnett County, will meet again on Thursday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Gwinnett Center in Duluth. The initiative aims to involve and engage the community in county budget decision-making.

The 40-member citizens committee created last September has formed smaller work groups to study specific service areas. The full committee meets every two weeks to hear from elected officials, County staff and local residents during a six-month process. All meetings are open to the public.

In April 2010, the group will make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners on desired services, service levels and revenues for the next five years. The initiative is a partnership between county government and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. Volunteer leaders Mike Levengood of McKenna Long & Aldridge and Bill McCargo, formerly with CISCO Systems, co-chair the committee. Engage Gwinnett seeks common ground, workable solutions and compromises as necessary for the greater good of the community to help guide the County government through the recession and its aftermath.

The process will include at least 12 full committee meetings and three public forums. Video coverage, meeting materials and more information are available online at www.engagegwinnett.com and at www.gwinnettcounty.com and on TVgwinnett, cable channel 23. Engage Gwinnett also has Facebook and Twitter links.

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Tonight, Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 at 7:00 PM, there will be a public hearing on the proposed millage rate increase followed immediately by the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners vote.

The public hearing will take place in the auditorium of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration, 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville.

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The December “Meetings with Mike” will held on Saturday the 12th from Noon until 1:30 PM at Summit Chase Country Club, 3197 Classic Drive in Snellville from Noon until 1:30 PM.

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- “In order to make county government more accessible to its citizens, Mike meets with district residents on the second Saturday of each month.“

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