South Gwinnett News

On October 24, 2024, the city of Mulberry's transition team sent a legal Notice of Intent to Gwinnett County Government. The notice indicated that starting January 1, 2025, Mulberry would assume responsibility for several services previously managed by the county.

The services that Mulberry will now oversee include code enforcement and planning and zoning powers. They will also handle the issuance of permits and inspections related to these areas. Additionally, Mulberry will receive taxes collected by the State of Georgia on insurance and telecommunications franchise fees. The city will manage electric and natural gas franchise fees, utility permits, and remediation enforcement for city rights of way associated with utility permits.

Furthermore, Mulberry will take over the collection of Title Ad Valorem Tax as well as issuing financial institution occupational tax certificates along with their municipal enforcement. This includes all other business and occupational tax certificates. Alcohol beverage licensing, permit issuance, enforcement, and fee collection are also part of this transition.

Without an Intergovernmental Agreement between Gwinnett County and the city of Mulberry, the county is legally restricted from continuing to provide or regulate these services as specified in Mulberry’s Notice of Intent.

As of now, Gwinnett County has not received any requests from Mulberry for documents concerning active permits or pending applications for properties within the city limits.

Gwinnett County will still offer fire and emergency services, police protection, as well as maintain parks and recreation facilities for residents in Mulberry.

The county acknowledges that this change might lead to frustration or concern among residents. Although Gwinnett cannot directly assist with services taken over by the city, they encourage residents and businesses to reach out to the city of Mulberry for guidance moving forward.