Gwinnett impasse may cost county, cities

LAWRENCEVILLE - Gwinnett County and its 15 municipalities could lose millions of dollars in state grants because of an impasse about the delivery of services.

Monday's deadline passed for the governments to sign a state-mandated agreement. The agreement establishes the taxes the county may levy on city residents.

Missing the deadline means neither the county nor the cities can qualify for state grants, permits or financial assistance until at least April 1.

The county's attorney filed a petition Monday to seek mediation on the issue.
Mike Gleaton is assistant commissioner with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. He says city and county departments cannot obtain permits to expand water or sewer systems or extend or repair water or sewer lines that run on state rights-of-way without the agreement.