Dispute with cities cutting Gwinnett's revenue from traffic fines

In addition, the commissioners next week will be asked to budget an extra $372,136 for unspecified “payments to other government agencies.” Bovos said the money will be set aside as a possible settlement of litigation.

Board Chairwoman Charlotte Nash declined to say what litigation the money might be used to settle.

“Our lips are sealed on pending litigation,” she said.

Gwinnett and 14 of its cities have been in court in a dispute over services like police protection and road maintenance and who pays for them. The litigation went to trial last year, but a judge’s decision is still pending.

In the meantime, Gwinnett and the cities have been in settlement talks. Nash said those talks continue, but she would not elaborate Tuesday.

Nash said that setting the money aside did not mean the commission was approving a settlement at this time.

Because the dispute has not been resolved, under state law Gwinnett has been prohibited from getting state grants and permits. That includes permits for radar and laser speed detection.

Since Jan. 1 county police have not been allowed to use radar to enforce traffic laws. That’s reflected in the county’s latest budget amendments, which the commission will consider next Tuesday.

The commissioners will be asked to approve a revised general fund budget that includes $1.3 million less in fines and forfeiture revenue than originally budgeted.

Bovos said he didn't know how much of that decline can be attributed to the lack of radar enforcement. But he said the sole source of the decline is traffic ticket revenue from Recorder’s Court.