The Board of Commissioners approved an interim budget in January of 2009 while weighing proposed service cuts for the final 2009 budget.

The official 2009 budget was adopted in March and included $40 million in cost reductions and revenue enhancements, but also included modest expansions of fire and police services, as well as operational funding for SPLOST projects.

In May, the tax digest was established and the board was able to determine the millage rate required to fund the 2009 budget.

In late May and June, the BOC held three public hearings on the proposed millage rate increase. After hearing significant opposition to the proposed millage increase, commissioners voted not to approve the increase.

Because the additional revenue needed to fund the budget was not available without the millage increase, the BOC began in mid-June to make cuts required to balance the budget.

After June, commissioners began to hear opposition to the cuts, and in response, formed a citizens committee, Engage Gwinnett, to review county services and funding mechanisms and make recommendations to the BOC in spring of 2010. Engage Gwinnett kicked off in September and began meeting in October.

On October 6, Commissioner Kenerly asked staff to determine the millage rate needed to restore certain services due to concerns that some service cuts may have a lasting negative impact on the county.

On October 23, staff completes the millage proposal and publishes it to the county website and to the local media.