A new service district agreement between Gwinnett County and its 15 cities means property owners in unincorporated areas can expect a tax increase next year.

Commission Chairwoman Charlotte Nash’s newly proposed budget includes a .73 millage increase for those residents, meaning taxes on the average $160,000 home could increase by $40 a year.

The lawsuit settlement over the service district agreement forced the county to change how it contracts with its cities so none would be paying for a duplication of services.

The four new service districts include the county’s general fund, fire and EMS service, police service, and development and enforcement. 

Each district will have its own millage rate, so cities with their own police departments would pay less in taxes.   Loganville, which also has its own fire department, will see a significant decrease.

“Depending on where you may live or where your property is located in the county, that will determine which districts you’re in, which services you’re paying for, and which of those millage rates will apply to your property,” says Nash.

Her 2013 budget proposal at $1.3 billion is an 8.5 percent decrease from the current year.  A public hearing will be held on December 10 with commissioners scheduled to vote on the proposal January 3.