Latest news with #ACCG
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Gwinnett Co. announces legal action to block new law for Mulberry to take over public services
Gwinnett County vowed on Thursday to take legal action after it said a new state law unfairly shifts costs to taxpayers. Senate Bill 138 outlines how services are to be transferred to the new City of Mulberry. County leaders, though, say that SB 138 strips away legal protections and forces Gwinnett County to cover some stormwater repairs, police costs and even some of the city's election expenses. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] In a statement issued by the county, officials said they oppose the bill, which became state law on Thursday. 'I am committed to building a stronger, more prosperous future for all residents of Gwinnett County,' said Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. 'This commitment includes a responsibility to ensure that all of Gwinnett County's residents and taxpayers, including those who live in Mulberry, are not unfairly burdened with costly, unworkable mandates." TRENDING STORIES: Gwinnett County's newest mayor describes cityhood transition as 'mafia movie' Local elections for new City of Mulberry to move forward after latest legal challenge Voters approved the future City of Mulberry. What's next? Additionally, the county said SB 138 removes the county's sovereign immunity benefits from all of their taxpayers and sets 'a dangerous precedent for other counties across the state of Georgia.' As far as the actual issues with the legislation, Gwinnett County officials said they had four major concerns, which are: Loss of sovereign immunity Unfunded stormwater mandates Unequal police funding obligations Elimination of election cost reimbursement After urging Gov. Brian Kemp to veto SB 138, which he did not do, commissioners said the county will pursue legal action to challenge what it calls the legislation's unconstitutional elements. The Association County Commissioners of Georgia also pushed back on SB 138. In a letter from the organization to Kemp, ACCG said despite its specificity to Gwinnett County, the bill "is nevertheless a general bill and could apply in the future to any county meeting its criteria, and to other counties if certain provisions of the bill are subsequently changed." The group said they were particularly concerned by the policy implications of SB 138's provision about a county that fails to meet obligations to a new municipality, saying that "if a new municipality obtains a court ruling that the county has violated any obligation under these new requirements, 'the sovereign immunity of such county and the governmental immunity of all local officials of such local governing body is waived in all matters arising during a period of one year from the date of such judicial finding.'" Put more plainly, ACCG said the sovereign immunity portion of SB 138 could make it so counties would be exposed to legal threats and liability for issues unrelated to disputes between governments, due to claims of violated agreements, for up to a year from a judicial finding saying as much. Gwinnett County says, should this policy proceed, it could end up with "much higher costs to provide county services and higher taxes for all Gwinnett taxpayers." [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Columbus Councilor Toyia Tucker elected to serve as representative of the ACCG Board of Managers
ATLANTA, Ga. (WRBL) — The Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG), a corporate office in Atlanta, has elected a councilor from Columbus to serve in its board. According to ACCG, Columbus-Muscogee County Councilor Toyia Tucker was elected to serve on its 2025-2026 Board of Managers. Tucker is serving as one of three National Association of Counties (NACo) Board Representatives and is representing all 159 Georgia counties. These counties are members of the NACo organization. 'We are excited to welcome our newly installed Board of Managers, a group of dedicated leaders chosen by their peers to guide our organization,' said Dave Wills, Executive Director. 'Their commitment and expertise will be invaluable as we work together to advance the interests of Georgia counties.' Councilwoman Toyia Tucker is described as a dedicated public servant who represents District 4 on the Columbus, Georgia City Council. She is also a United States Air Force veteran. ACCG says Tucker will help advocate for Georgia counties on federal policy issues and legislation as a NACo Representative. 'It's an honor to represent Georgia's counties on the national stage,' said Tucker. 'I am committed to ensuring that local governments, especially those in underserved and rural communities, have a strong voice in shaping federal policy and accessing the resources they need to thrive.' The corporate office also says Tucker will work alongside other ACCG board members to lead the association and guide policies during the next year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
