Providing infrastructure for almost 800,000 citizens over 437 square miles of territory takes a budget larger than some state governments. This year, the Gwinnett County budget has been cut from $1.71 billion in 2009 to $1.33 billion. "The county government bases our financial plan on what is called the 2030 Unified Plan," said Aaron Bovos, CFO and director of financial services for the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners. "The plan is a comprehensive planning document that provides a framework for making future decisions that will promote and support the community's economic capabilities, its physical well being, and its overall quality as a place to live and work. Unlike some other traditional government plans, the 2030 Unified Plan recognizes that there is a direct correlation between development decisions and their economic and fiscal consequences."
The 2030 Unified Plan identifies five inter-related themes that will contribute to an overall high quality of life for Gwinnett citizens to live, work and play.
Five themes of the 2030 unified plan
- Economic Development and Fiscal Health
- Foster Redevelopment
- Provide Mobility and Accessibility
- Provide more housing choices
- Keep Gwinnett a preferred place
Even with the current impact of the economy the new budget meets the five themes to the extent that the counties recourses would allow.
Board of Commissioners Chairman Charles Bannister said, "We are strategically budgeting funds in areas where we can take advantage of the current economic climate to maximize the dollars we have." By promoting major mixed use developments, protecting large well-located parcels for office use, promoting University Parkway as Gwinnett's research and development belt, and providing the redevelopment and maintenance of existing infrastructure, the county is striving to promote economic vitality and long term fiscal health.
"The county remains cautious about its financial position moving forward," said County Administrator Glenn Stephens. "We will be closely monitoring our projections to ensure the ongoing financial viability of services."
Five ways the new budget adds value to your business
- Location, location, location: Not feeling so hot about the economy right now? At least you are not in Alabama. Yeah, I said it! The new budget with all it's online controversies still manages to improve walkability, support and promote the four-year college, invest in afterschool programs, and either renovate or build parks for recreational services. You can't deny Gwinnett County is still one of the best places in the country to be in business right now!
- Improving your commute: A major factor that affects community and business growth is transportation reliability and congestion. The budget continues the extension of Sugarloaf Parkway from Highway 20 to New Hope and widens Highway 20 at Peachtree Industrial. These projects will relieve congestion and also create a climate that can accommodate future population and business growth. Of course, you may want to look out for progress-orange colored barrels until further notice!
- Ensuring the safety of your business: By keeping our crime rate low and fire departments readily available, we protect ourselves from becoming South Atlanta. The new budget hires 58 new police officers, re-establishes the Quality of Life Unit in the Police Department with 10 new positions, improves response time by hiring 10 new operators to the 911 call center, and gets three fire stations fully staffed and operational!
- Cleaner and greener: If you've ever made the drive on the smoggy New Jersey Turnpike and seen the smoke stacks, you'll understand why changes at the Department of Water Resources are good for everyone. A new program will convert methane gas that is usually burned off as waste to electricity that will power 30 percent of the Hill plant. This saves on electricity shared by all, and increases efficiency at Water Resources.
- Expect success: The 2010 budget included $775,000 in subsidy for Partnership Gwinnett. "The plan will serve to create over 65,000 new jobs and $5.8 billion in new net wealth in Gwinnett over the next five years," according to the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. By investing in future growth and fostering redevelopment the county hopes to see more business openings in Gwinnett. That means more companies to do business with and more opportunities for everyone.
