GRTM Blog

Gwinnett County Connections January 2024
Posted on January 5, 2024 by GRTM Communications
Categories: Gwinnett County
 
 
CONNECT WITH US & STAY INFORMED!
 
LINK UP WITH TV GWINNETT
 
 
Looking to kick start your career with Gwinnett County? Watch this video and join us on Friday, January 19 for our annual Career From Here hiring event!
 
 
Check out more videos on TV Gwinnett Video on Demand.
 
FEATURE
 
BOC approves budget for 2024
The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners approved a $2.53 billion budget on Tuesday, January 2 for the 2024 fiscal year. The adopted spending plan consists of a $1.97 billion operating budget and a $561 million capital improvements budget, which includes funds from the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax program.
 
Prioritizing community well-being, the budget includes funding to improve access to affordable housing, introduce an initiative investing in mental and chronic healthcare, and expands Gwinnett Fire’s staff and vehicle fleet. As Gwinnett continues to grow, the County's services and infrastructure must keep up. The budget also includes improvements for public works, updates to the Solid Waste Management Plan, and enhancements to the Gwinnett Trails network to meet current and future needs.
 
Visit GwinnettCounty.com/2024Budget for more information and highlights.
 
AROUND GWINNETT
 
Ride Gwinnett turns one!
 
Last year, Gwinnett rebranded the transit system to Ride Gwinnett, aiming to establish new and safe, convenient, and affordable services. Since the launch, Ride Gwinnett introduced two microtransit zones in Snellville and Lawrenceville, the Ride Gwinnett app, and three new local routes in underserved areas. Now, riders can travel from Suwanee to the Mall of Georgia with Route 50, travel locally in Lawrenceville with microtransit, and more! Visit RideGwinnett.com to find more ways to get to your favorite destinations.
 
Get a grant toward your first home
 
If you're a first-time homebuyer, you might be eligible for Gwinnett’s Homestretch Down Payment Assistance Program! New or existing Gwinnett residents aspiring to own a home can receive down payment assistance of up to $10,000 as a five-year deferred payment loan with zero percent interest. To qualify, the home must be located within Gwinnett County and should not exceed $323,000 for an existing home or $346,000 for new construction. For a list of eligibility requirements and to apply, please visit GwinnettCounty.com/HomestretchDPA.
 
Take charge of your heart health
 
We’re shining a light on American Heart Month at the Community Health Fair hosted by Live Healthy Gwinnett. Join us on Saturday, February 24 at the Lucky Shoals Park Community Recreation Center in Norcross. From 10:00am to 1:00pm, take part in health screenings, learn about ongoing community wellness activities for all ages, explore vendor tables for resources, win giveaways, and more! Please visit LiveHealthyGwinnett.com to learn more and register.
 
PROTECTING OUR RESOURCES
 
Prepare your home for cold weather
As the temperature drops, it's critical to winterize your home to prevent potential damage to your plumbing system. Freezing temperatures can lead to issues like leaks, water damage, and increased water bills. Prepare your pipes for frigid temperatures with these helpful tips:
  • Insulate pipes in attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
  • Use an insulated spigot cover on outdoor faucets.
  • While traveling, set your thermostat to 55 degrees to prevent freezing.
  • Open cabinet doors to let in warm air.
 
Taking steps to winterize your home’s plumbing is an effective way to protect your property and conserve our water resources. Find more water-saving tips at DWRConserve.com.
 
Conserve water and save money
 
Learn how toilets play an integral role in indoor water conservation at our virtual Toilet Tech Workshop on Tuesday, February 13 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. Interested in storing rainwater for your landscaping? Join us on Saturday, February 17 from noon to 2:00pm to discover how to collect and store rainwater in a rain barrel at Lilburn City Park in Lilburn.
 
To register for either of the workshops, visit Gwinnetth2o.com, call 678.376.6914, or email DWRworkshops@GwinnettCounty.com with your name, address, and phone number.
 
TAX COMMISSIONER
 
Apply for a homestead exemption by April 1
 
The best way to reduce your property tax bill is to apply for a homestead exemption. Owners who occupied their home as their primary residence as of January 1 may qualify for an exemption this year. If you already have an exemption in place, you do not need to reapply. For more information and to apply, visit GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com/Apply.
 
PUBLIC SAFETY
 
Drive safely in winter weather
Whether it's snow or an ice storm, winter weather can cause dangerous road conditions. Minimizing your travel during inclement winter weather helps ensure safety for yourself, first responders, road crews, and other motorists. Here are some winter driving best practices:
  • Follow directions from local officials.
  • When driving, accelerate and decelerate slowly.
  • Avoid stopping when going uphill.
  • Be mindful of road crews working to clear the roadways.
  • Treat nonworking traffic signals as a four-way stop.
  • Watch for fallen trees or power lines.
 
 
SPLOST
 
Braselton Highway widening to begin construction
Construction is underway to widen State Route 124/Braselton Highway, expanding the road to four lanes with turn lanes, sidewalks, curb and gutter, and drainage improvements from Pine Road to Spout Springs Road. These improvements will enhance local transportation infrastructure, promote safety, and address traffic congestion.
 
Wilson Construction Management, LLC was awarded the construction contract. The $10.6 million project is funded largely by various SPLOST programs, with $3 million coming from a Georgia Department of Transportation Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant. To learn more about SPLOST, visit GwinnettSPLOST.com.
 
RESOURCES
 
Get affordable internet access for your home
 
You may qualify for a $30 monthly discount on your home or mobile internet service through the Federal Communications Commission Affordable Connectivity Program. Gwinnett is encouraging eligible residents to claim this new benefit and start saving on internet service. Visit AffordableConnectivity.gov or call 877.384.2575 to learn about eligibility and apply. Then, contact a participating broadband provider to start receiving your monthly discount.
 
SERVING GWINNETT
 
Register to vote in the 2024 elections
 
With election season underway, it’s crucial to register to vote now. Georgia residents wishing to register must be U.S. citizens, legal residents of their voting county, and at least 18 years of age by Election Day. The deadline to register to vote in the March 12 Presidential Preference Primary is Monday, February 12. Check your registration status, download a voter registration application, view sample ballots, and locate your polling location at MVP.SOS.GA.gov.
 
Inscribete para votar en las elecciones de 2024
 
Con la temporada electoral en marcha, es crucial inscribirse para votar ahora. Los residentes de Georgia que deseen inscribirse deben ser ciudadanos estadounidenses, residentes legales de su condado electoral y tener al menos 18 años de edad antes del día de las elecciones. La fecha límite para inscribirse para votar en las Primarias de Preferencia Presidencial del 12 de Marzo es el Lunes 12 de Febrero. Verifica el estado de tu inscripción electoral, descarga una aplicación de inscripción de votantes, revisa boletas de muestra y ubica tu lugar de votación en MVP.SOS.GA.gov.
 
Become a Fire Chaplain
 
Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services seeks volunteer chaplains for its chaplaincy program. Interested candidates must be certified members of clergy whose qualifications include current ministry service for a minimum of two years. All interested candidates should fill out an online application no later than February 2.
 
For more information, email Ryan.McGiboney@GwinnettCounty.com or call 678.518.4862.
 
Offices closed for Presidents Day
 
All Gwinnett County Government offices, apart from operations required for the comfort and safety of residents, will be closed Monday, February 19 in observance of the Presidents Day holiday and will resume regular hours on Tuesday, February 20.
 
Trash and recycling collection will remain the same during the holiday. For more information, visit GCSolidWaste.com. A Magistrate Court judge will be available at the Gwinnett County Detention Center during the holiday.
 
OTHER NEWSLETTERS & PUBLICATIONS
 
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