Sen. Nikki Merritt and Rep. Chuck Efstration Support Judicial Ruling on SB 201

Atlanta (September 28, 2021) | Last week, Superior Court Judge Laura Tate ruled that the Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner must collect property taxes without the ability to increase fees. SB 201 applies to any county that contains 14 or more municipalities and prevents county tax commissioners from negotiating contracts with cities to increase their own salary.

“Senate Bill 201 being signed into law was a major achievement for our taxpayers and our municipalities,” said Sen. Merritt (D – Grayson). “Judge Tate’s ruling solidifies the value of this bill and provides evidence that all tax commissioners are responsible for doing their jobs in an ethical manner, while the county has the right to make the decision regarding compensation. The taxpayers of Gwinnett County will benefit from this ruling immensely.”

“Judge Tate provided a thoughtful and detailed order ruling that the 2021 law passed with bipartisan support is constitutional,” said Rep. Chuck Efstration (R-Dacula). “I fully support the Judge’s ruling.  This is a major win for Gwinnett County taxpayers.”

You can read the full text of SB 201 here: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/59763

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For Immediate Release:

Sept. 28, 2021

Andrew Allison

(404) 656-0028

andrew.allison@senate.ga.gov