Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE -- Gwinnett homeowners will pay the same tax rate in 2012, commissioners decided Tuesday.

The combined 13.02-mil rate was set despite a continued trend of declining property values, which would have allowed the government to raise the rate without technically raising taxes.

Instead, officials voted to keep the rate the same, which means thousands of property owners will pay less in taxes because their property values have declined.

While the rate is the same as 2011, the government will receive about $15 million less in revenues due to the decline. Officials have already made cuts to balance the budget, Chairwoman Charlotte Nash said.

"This didn't just happen. It took a lot of effort from a lot of different people," Nash said of the ability to keep the tax level stable.

Commissioners also agreed to the 20.55 levy set by Gwinnett County Public Schools' Board of Education, which is also the same rate as 2011.

Tax bills are expected to be issued on Aug. 15, with a due date of Oct. 15.