GRTM Blog

Gwinnett County Connection - February 2024
Posted on February 3, 2024 by GRTM Communications
 
 
 
CONNECT WITH US & STAY INFORMED!
 
LINK UP WITH TV GWINNETT
 
 
Happy Black History Month! Watch this video as Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson kicks off the monthlong celebration.
 
Join us at our annual Black History Month Heritage Night celebration on Tuesday, February 20 at 6:30pm in the Gwinnett Administration and Justice Center. Register to participate!
 
Check out more videos on TV Gwinnett Video on Demand.
 
FEATURE
 
Key dates for the 2024 Elections
Remember these important dates and ensure your voter registration is current:
  • Presidential Preference Primary: March 12
  • General Primary/Nonpartisan Election: May 21
  • General Primary/Nonpartisan Election Runoff: June 18
 
Advance voting for the Presidential Preference Primary begins February 19 through March 8 at 10 advance voting locations. Visit MVP.SOS.GA.gov to check your voter registrations, locate your polling place, and view sample ballots.
 
Fechas claves para las Elecciones 2024
 
Recuerda estas fechas importantes y asegúrate de que tu inscripción de votante esté actualizada:
  • Primaria de Preferencia Presidencial: 12 de Marzo
  • Elección Primaria General/No Partidista: 21 de Mayo
  • Desempate de Elección Primaria General/No Partidista: 18 de Junio
 
La votación andelantada para las Primarias de Preferencia Presidencial comienza del 19 de Febrero al 8 de Marzo en 10 lugares de votación adelantada. Visite MVP.SOS.GA.gov para verificar sus incripciones de votantes, ubicar su lugar de votación y ver boletas de muestra.
 
AROUND GWINNETT
 
Gwinnett adds 10 new glass recycling sites
 
Residents now have access to 10 more glass recycling sites countywide, bringing the total number of locations to 13. The County's glass recycling program allows for safe and sustainable recycling, where residents can bring clean, empty glass containers.
 
The newest locations are in addition to the first three at OneStop Norcross, Pinckneyville Park in Norcross, and E.E. Robinson Park in Sugar Hill. To learn more and find a purple glass recycling container near you, visit GwinnettCounty.com/GlassRecycling.
 
Apply for the Gwinnett 101 Citizens Academy
 
Get the inside scoop on how and why Gwinnett County Government operates the way it does by enrolling in the Gwinnett 101 Citizens Academy!
 
During this 12-week program, participants will get a behind-the-scenes look at County operations, meet local leaders, and tour County facilities. The academy, held twice a year, aims to develop and nurture informed and engaged residents, students, and business owners in Gwinnett County. To be considered for the spring term, apply at Gwinnett101.com by Friday, March 1.
 
Revitalize your home
 
Gwinnett's offering up to $20,000 in housing rehabilitation assistance to income-qualified homeowners in Gwinnett County. The Homeowner Housing Rehabilitation Program offers funding to make essential repairs to their homes. The goal of the program is to address health and safety issues for qualifying homeowners, focusing on vital life systems of a home such as electrical, roof, and plumbing.
 
To qualify for the program, homeowners must be current on mortgage and tax payments, maintain the residence as their primary owner-occupied property, and earn below 80 percent of Area Median Income.
 
For a full list of eligibility requirements and to apply, visit GwinnettCounty.com/HomeRehabProgram.
 
PROTECTING OUR RESOURCES
 
Keep our waterways clean
Storm drains in Gwinnett prevent flooding by collecting rain runoff. However, when stormwater picks up any pollutants on its way to the drain, it can lead to pollution in our local waterways. The following healthy habits can help keep the stormwater drainage system clean:
  • Properly dispose of household waste
  • Clean up after your pets
  • Pick up trash on your street
  • Repair leaking vehicles quickly
  • Recycle automotive fluids at local auto parts stores
 
It's imperative that we all play a role in protecting our waterways. Never dump anything down a storm drain and report illicit discharges to Water Resources at 678.376.7000.
 
For more information, visit Gwinnetth2o.com.
 
Discover how to repair a leak
 
Are you interested in learning how to identify and fix leaks and help save money? Join us at the Fix-a-Leak workshop on Thursday, March 14 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at The Water Tower in Buford or on Saturday, March 16 from noon to 1:30pm at OneStop Centerville in Snellville. To register for either date, visit Gwinnetth2o.com, call 678.376.7193, or email DWRworkshops@GwinnettCounty.com with your name, address, and phone number.
 
TAX COMMISSIONER
 
Seniors may qualify for a tax exemption
 
Residents who are 65 or older as of January 1 with Georgia taxable income below $116,728 might qualify for the Senior School Tax Homestead Exemption. Qualifying residents must own and occupy their home as of January 1 and must apply by April 1 to receive the exemption on this year's tax bill. If they’re not required to file taxes, seniors can provide other proof of income to qualify.
 
Learn more and apply at GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com/Seniors.
 
PUBLIC SAFETY
 
Watch out for tax scammers
Be on alert for scammers posing as IRS agents demanding personal information or threatening criminal penalties. By sharing this information, your life savings could be compromised. Avoid scams this tax filing season with these helpful tips:
  • Do your research on tax preparers before handing over your information.
  • Watch for unsolicited emails, texts, and fake websites that might prompt you to click a link or share personal information.
  • Be on alert for phone scams; IRS representatives will never demand payments over the phone or leave threatening messages.
 
If you suspect fraudulent tax activity, always report it to the IRS.
 
Visit IRS.gov for more tips and information.
 
SPLOST
 
Georgia DOT grant funds road resurfacing
The Gwinnett Board of Commissioners approved an application for another Local Maintenance Improvement Grant. This grant will fund the resurfacing of more than 35 miles of roadways in Gwinnett County. The Georgia Department of Transportation will contribute $7.6 million with a local match of $2.3 million from the 2017 SPLOST Program.
 
To learn more about how your pennies are working in Gwinnett, visit GwinnettSPLOST.com.
 
RESOURCES
 
Get financial assistance on your mortgage
 
If you are a homeowner who has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, then you may be eligible for mortgage assistance. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs launched the Georgia Mortgage Assistance Program to provide financial aid to those in need. It could reduce delinquent payments or payments currently in forbearance, lower your mortgage balance after income loss, or cover housing-related expenses.
 
To check whether you are eligible to receive assistance, please visit GeorgiaMortgageAssistance.GA.gov.
 
SERVING GWINNETT
 
Become a lifeguard
 
Looking for a rewarding job opportunity this summer? Become an American Red Cross-certified lifeguard for Gwinnett County’s award-winning park system. Not only will you learn lifesaving skills and boost your fitness level, but you can also enjoy flexible hours in a fun team environment with ample growth opportunities. Pay starts at $17.32 per hour, plus the training is free. Part-time and seasonal positions are available at our five year-round aquatic centers and four seasonal pools.
 
 
Support literacy during National Reading Month
 
Did you know that 90 percent of children's critical brain development occurs by age 5? Encourage your little ones to pick up a book during National Reading Month. Our G.R.E.A.T. Little Minds Book Exchanges are stocked with books for children from birth through age 8. Reading unlocks the door to lifelong learning, social, and professional development. Support literacy in our community by donating books to the book exchanges or by becoming a book exchange steward! To learn how to get involved or find a location near you, visit B2Anywhere.com.
 
Stay plugged into Gwinnett news and events
 
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube at @GwinnettGov to get the latest news and announcements. Subscribe to our e-newsletters at GwinnettCounty.com to receive diverse content covering County news, volunteering, transit service, and outreach to our diverse communities. 
 
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