Politics & Government

Judge OKs SDS Agreement Between Gwinnett, Cities

It's down to paperwork before police can begin using radar to track speeders.

It took three years for Gwinnett County and its 15 cities to reach an agreement on a Service Delivery Strategy (SDS). Once they did, the presiding judge took just two days to approve it.

Gwinnett officials announced Thursday evening that Judge David Barrett of Blairsville has approved the agreement that was reached Tuesday between Gwinnett County and cities in the Gwinnett Municipal Association (GwMA).

“I am pleased that we were finally able to come to an agreement among ourselves rather than have to either abide by the trial court’s ruling or continue the lengthy and uncertain appeal process,” said Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash in a news release. “The settlement is much preferable to the trial court ruling.”

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both up front and over a period of seven years. Also, it establishes four service districts, rather than the eight required in the judge's ruling that came in September.

The judge's approval clears the way for payments to begin. Also, the approval means it's just a matter of paperwork before the Gwinnett Police and police agencies in the cities can regain the use of radar and laser to track speeders.

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The dispute arose in 2009 when the parties could not come to terms, and the county sued the cities. At issue was tax revenue; the cities contended that they should not have to pay for services they already provide, such as police. The judge agreed in September.

District 1 Commissioner Shirley Lasseter, whose district includes Suwanee, said, “We are thrilled to get this matter behind us so we can focus on other important business.”

Patch will have more updates on this development soon.


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