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SNELLVILLE – The City of Snellville unveiled new branding for the Snellville Entertainment District (SED) this week. The walkable area surrounding The Grove at Towne Center and in certain areas of Downtown Snellville allows for outdoor consumption of alcoholic beverages purchased from licensed businesses in the district.  

The SED was created in 2020 in anticipation of the downtown transformation of The Grove, a $100 million mixed used public-private partnership that includes tenants like Crooked Can Brewery and food hall as well as The Grove Taqueria and Parkside District’s second location. The project was developed by Casto and MidCity in partnership with the City of Snellville Downtown Development Authority. In addition to the brewery and anchor restaurants, The Grove includes the Tomlin apartments, the Elizabeth H. Williams Library, Thrive Co-Working, and other shops and restaurants. 

Patrons of local businesses in the district can buy and consume alcoholic beverages outside in The Grove as well as in portions of the Greenway Trail and other adjacent areas in downtown. 

Beverages must be purchased from appropriately licensed businesses and consumed from containers identified by restaurant staff with a SED branded sticker. Alcoholic beverages bought from any other vendor are prohibited from being consumed in the entertainment district. 

The SED logo was created using colors found in The Grove, most notably taking inspiration from the bright chairs around the lawn surrounding the Grove pavilion where concerts and movie nights are hosted. The logo also incorporates the unique design of the pavilion which mirrors the stand of trees preserved as part of the outdoor space of The Grove. The tree save area is an homage to Snellville’s history as a gathering place for doing business and building community, traditions that continue in a new way today. Decades ago, the area that is now The Grove was a tree-filled space where residents and travelers alike would meet. 

In addition to marking beverage containers, the branding will be incorporated into informational signage around downtown that identifies the boundaries of the Snellville Entertainment District. 

Crooked Can Brewery and food hall, The Grove Taqueria, and Parkside District are expected to open in the coming months along with Dumpling Master restaurant. Visitors to downtown Snellville can expect to raise a glass (outdoors) just in time for fall in Downtown Snellville. 

ATLANTA - The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) has announced that the Snellville Police Department is one of 26 law enforcement agencies in Georgia to receive a Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (H.E.A.T.) grant for Federal Fiscal Year 2026.

Snellville Police’s award totals $29,495.36. The Snellville Police H.E.A.T Unit will use the grant from GOHS to develop and implement strategies to reduce local traffic crashes due to aggressive and dangerous driving behaviors.

The goal of the H.E.A.T. program is to combat crashes, injuries and fatalities caused by impaired driving and speeding, while also increasing seat belt use and educating the public about traffic safety and the dangers of DUI.

“Crash data shows enforcement and education of traffic laws are two of most effective countermeasures to help our state and nation reduce crashes and eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our roads,” said Allen Poole, Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.  “Each life saved on our roads is one less family that will have to live with the pain of losing a loved one whose life was taken from them in a traffic crash that was completely preventable”

H.E.A.T. grants fund specialized traffic enforcement units in counties throughout the state. The program was designed to assist Georgia jurisdictions with the highest rates of traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities with grants awarded based on impaired driving and speeding data.

“We are grateful for the continued partnership with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. Their support through the H.E.A.T. program strengthens our ability to proactively address impaired and aggressive driving before it results in tragedy. Every life saved and every crash prevented makes a difference,” said Chief Greg Perry of the Snellville Police Department.

As law enforcement partners in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over DUI campaign and the Click It Or Ticket seatbelt campaigns, the Snellville Police will also conduct mobilizations throughout the year in coordination with GOHS’s year-round waves of high visibility patrols, multi-jurisdictional roadchecks and sobriety checkpoints.

For more information about the H.E.A.T. program or any other GOHS campaign, visit www.gahighwaysafety.org or call 404-656-6996.

SNELLVILLE - The City of Snellville is proposing to maintain the current millage rate of 4 mills for 2025 and will vote on the proposal the Aug. 11 meeting of Mayor and Council. 

Maintaining the millage rate of 4 mills will create a minimal property tax increase of 1.83 percent or 0.072 mills over the rollback rate.  At the proposed millage rate, a home with a fair market value of $375,000 would see an increase of approximately $10.80.  A non-homestead or commercial property with a fair market value of $500,000 would be approximately $14.40.  

All citizens are invited to the public hearing on this tax increase to be held at 7:30 p.m., Aug. 11 at Snellville City Hall, 2342 Oak Road. Additional public hearings on this tax increase are at Snellville City Hall on 11:30 a.m. Aug. 25 and at 6 p.m. Aug. 25.

CITY OF SNELLVILLE NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE

The City of Snellville has tentatively adopted a 2025 millage rate that will require an increase in property 
taxes of 1.83% percent.
All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on this tax increase to be held at Snellville City 
Hall, 2342 Oak Road, Snellville, GA 30078 on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. 
Times and places of additional public hearings on this tax increase are at Snellville City Hall on Monday, 
August 25, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. and Monday, August 25,  2025 at 6:00 p.m.
This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 4.00 mills, an increase of 0.072 mills over the 
rollback rate, but no actual millage rate increase from last year.  Without this tentative tax increase, the 
millage rate would be no more than the rollback rate 3.928 mills.  The proposed tax increase for a home 
with fair market value of $375,000 is approximately $10.80 and the proposed tax increase for non-
homestead property with a fair market value of $500,000 is approximately $14.40.

SNELLVILLE - The City of Snellville is proud to announce a Community Project Funding request submitted by U.S. Congressman David Scott has successfully secured $1,092,000 in federal appropriations to support critical infrastructure improvements just outside of city limits.

"I am proud to announce that the House Appropriations Committee has provided over $1 million in federal funding to upgrade the drinking water infrastructure for Gwinnett County, particularly Snellville," Scott said. "This investment to enhance the Walton Court Booster Station will ensure access to clean drinking water for residents in the surrounding area. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to ensure that this funding is signed into law."

The funding, which was requested on behalf of Gwinnett County, will be used to modernize the aging booster station located along Walton Court. The project was originally submitted with a total request of $1,760,000, and the U.S. House Appropriations Committee has awarded $1,092,000 toward the effort.

“This federal investment will directly benefit residents in Snellville by ensuring more reliable and secure water infrastructure,” said Mayor Barbara Bender. “We are grateful to Congressman Scott for advocating on behalf of our community and to Gwinnett County for prioritizing these critical upgrades.”

The Walton Court Booster Station currently supports approximately 1,750 people through numerous water connections. Built more than 40 years ago, the station faces several operational and safety challenges, including:

• Corroded and leaking piping and pump surfaces
• Outdated and undersized electrical systems
• A deteriorated building secured only by a single manway door with a keyed lock
• No perimeter fencing or enhanced site security

Planned improvements will address these issues through a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade, including:

• Replacement of booster pumps
• Upgrades to electrical and power systems
• Building renovations
• Installation of standby power for emergency operation
• Enhanced on-site security measures

The funding is part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Federal Appropriations Bill which still has to be passed by Congress. Federal lawmakers aim to pass the bill by Sept. 30, though final passage may occur later in the fiscal year.

QUALIFYING PERIOD FOR MUNICIPAL ELECTION
CITY OF SNELLVILLE, GEORGIA

Notice is hereby given that the City of Snellville will hold a General Election on Tuesday, November 4, 
2025 for the purpose of electing three (3) members of City Council. The posts to be voted on are Post 3, 
currently held by Cristy Lenski, Post 4 currently held by Gretchen Schulz, and Post 5 currently held by 
Tod Warner.

The qualifying period for candidates opens Monday, August 18, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. and closes 
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.  The hours of qualifying each day shall be from 8:30 a.m. until 
4:30 p.m. Any person desiring to run for office shall qualify in the office of the City Clerk by filing a 
Notice of Candidacy.  Candidates must pay to the City a qualifying fee of $240.00 (two hundred forty 
dollars) for the office of City Councilmember.  

Advance Voting for the November 4, 2025, election will be Monday through Friday starting on Tuesday 
October 14, 2025 through Friday, October 31, 2025, with Saturday voting on October 18, 2025, and 
October 25, 2025.  The hours of voting each day shall be 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. There will be no 
advance voting on Monday, October 13, 2025 due to Columbus day.

The voter registration deadline is October 6, 2025 for persons to be eligible to vote in the Municipal 
General Election and, if necessary, Runoff.

This election will be held in the Snellville City Hall, located at 2342 Oak Road, Snellville, Georgia.  The 
polls will open for the November 4, 2025 General Election at 7:00 a.m. and will close at 7:00 p.m.  If no 
candidate receives a majority vote, then a runoff election will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 
the same location.

Filed this 23rd day of July, 2025
Melisa Arnold
City Clerk

_____________________________________________________________________________________
NOTA INFORMATIVA
PERIODO DE CALIFICACION PARA ELECCION MUNICIPAL
CIUDAD DE SNELLVILLE, GEORGIA

Se pone en conocimiento del publico que la Ciudad de Snellville llevara a cabo una Eleccion General el
martes, 4 de Noviembre 2025 para el proposito de elegir tres (3) miembros de Concejo municipal.  Los
puestos que seran votados son para el Puesto 3 de momento ocupado por Cristy Lenski, el  Puesto 4, de 
momento ocupado por Gretchen Schulz, y el Puesto 5 de momento ocupado por Tod Warner.

El periodo de calificacion abre el lunes, 18 de Agosto 2025 a las 8:30 a.m. y cierra el miercoles, 20 de 
Agosto 2025 a las 4:30 p. m. Las horas de calificacion cada dia seran de las 8:30 a.m. hasta las 4:30 p.m. 
Cualquier persona que desea presentarse como candidato debe calificar en la oficina del Secretario 
Municipal de la Ciudad con un Anuncio de la Candidatura. Los candidatos deben pagar a la Ciudad una 
tarifa de doscientos cuarenta dólares ($240.00) para calificar para el puesto de Concejo.

La votación avancada para las elecciones del 4 de noviembre 2025 será de lunes a viernes, comenzando 
el martes 14 de Octubre 2025 hasta el viernes 31 de Octubre 2025, con votación los sábados 18 de 
Octubre 2025 y 25 de Octubre 2025. El horario de votación cada día será de 9:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m. No 
habrá votación avancada el lunes 13 de Octubre 2025 debido al Día de Colón.

La fecha tope para inscripcion de votantes es el 6 de Octubre 2025 para toda la persona elegible para 
votar en la Eleccion Municipal General y, si es necesario, la segunda vuelta.

Esta eleccion se celebrara en el Palacio Municipal de Snellville, localizado en el 2342 Oak Road, Snellville, 
Georgia. Las urnas se abriran para la Eleccion General 4 de Noviembre 2025 a las 7:00 a.m. y cierran a las 
7:00 p.m.  Si ningun candidato recibe el voto mayoritario una segunda vuelta se tomara acabo el martes, 
2 de Diciembre 2025 en el mismo lugar.

Presentado el dia 23 de Julio, 2025
Melisa Arnold
Secretario Municipal de la Ciudad

The Snellville Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies across the Southeast in Operation Southern Slowdown, a regional speed enforcement campaign taking place from July 14 through 20, 2025.

Operation Southern Slowdown is a multi-state initiative focused on reducing speeding and saving lives across the Southeast. The campaign brings together agencies from Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee to raise awareness and conduct targeted enforcement of speed-related traffic violations.

Speed continues to be one of the leading contributing factors in traffic fatalities across the region. According to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• In 2023, over 12,000 people were killed nationwide in speed-related crashes, accounting for nearly 30% of all traffic fatalities.
• In Georgia, speed was a factor in approximately 1 in 4 traffic deaths last year.
• Locally, the Snellville Police Department responded to 1,366 roadway collisions, with 329 involving injuries. In many of these collisions, speed was determined to be a contributing factor. 

“Speeding isn’t just breaking the law – it’s breaking lives,” said Snellville Police Department Chief Greg Perry. “Through Operation Southern Slowdown, we want to remind drivers that the few seconds they think they’re saving aren’t worth the devastating consequences.”

During the campaign, residents and visitors can expect increased patrols and speed enforcement on major roads and highways, including the use of radar and speed detection technology. Officers will focus on drivers exceeding the posted limits, driving too fast for conditions, and exhibiting aggressive driving behavior.

The Snellville Police Department encourages all motorists to slow down, obey speed limits, and drive responsibly — especially during summer travel season when traffic volumes are at their peak.

For more information about Operation Southern Slowdown or to request traffic safety materials, please contact Lt. P. Poole at ppoole@snellville.org.

SNELLVILLE - Mayor and Council announce the unanimous approval of the city's Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) balanced budget. While keeping property taxes stable, the $40,740,970 budget maintains current services, prioritizes staff retention and fosters community development.

The budget’s approval comes after months of planning and discussion and two public hearings. 

“We are proud to approve a budget that maintains and improves services for citizens and spurs the future growth of Snellville without raising the millage rate,” Mayor Barbara Bender said. “This is the fourth consecutive year the millage rate has remained at 4 mills. However, in order to hold the line on the overall millage rate, the decision was made to reinstate a residential sanitation fee of $240 that will be reflected on tax bills in September.” 

The FY26 budget reflects the current global economic conditions which have impacted the cost of living, health coverage, construction supplies and utilities. 

City leaders have balanced these increased expenses with a focus on continued quality service and progress toward community goals.

Community Development: 

The city, with citizen input, updated the T.W. Briscoe Park Master Plan. The plan included the construction of a new community center with amenities such as an indoor walking track, basketball, pickleball and volleyball courts, meeting rooms and an aerobics studio. In May, the city broke ground on the $11.3 million community center funded by Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax and more than $1 million in Community Development Block Grant funding.

The Grove at Towne Center continues to develop with the anticipated opening of Crooked Can Brewery and food hall, Dumpling Master, The Grove Taqueria and Parkside District. Within the entertainment district, the city will continue with its concert series and events. 

Capital Improvements: 
Funding is provided for a major intersection improvement at North Road and Wisteria Drive, addressing congestion and improving safety near The Grove at Towne Center. The project will also include new sidewalks, lighting and landscaping as well as upgraded traffic signals to improve safety for pedestrians in the area. 

To continue to provide quality services, the budget has funds for new equipment including a truck for the stormwater department, six police vehicles and a mower for right-of-way maintenance. 

Other capital investments include a total of $1 million for the city’s annual paving project and $1.4 million in stormwater infrastructure improvements. 

Revenue Adjustments and Restructuring: 
Mayor and Council upheld the referendum vote to support House Bill 581. With this legislation, homeowners will receive the floating homestead exemption which ties increases to property values to the rate of inflation instead of market values. This will slow the property valuation increases for homeowners and the full effect on the city’s property tax collections will not be known for several years. The floating homestead exemption is in addition to the city’s current homestead exemption.

Sanitation Fee Implemented:

The city has funded residential garbage collection out of general fund property taxes for the last 20 years. Since this policy was instituted, the cost of sanitation services has increased substantially and city staff has recommended charging separately for services. 

“We’ve known for the past five years that this train was coming to an end,” Mayor Barbara Bender said. “We will have to rebid the contract next year and seeing the current rates other cities are facing, we know our costs will have yet another substantial increase. We simply cannot continue to fund the shortfall without either a serious increase to the millage rate or adding a flat user fee. This is not something any of us wanted to do.”

The $240 annual fee will be included in this year’s property tax bills.

Staff Retention and Recruitment: 
A 3 percent increase in salary is designed to retain and attract new employees to the city. Parks and Recreation will hire two new full-time and 13 part-time employees to staff the new Community Center at T.W. Briscoe Park. 

“Presenting a budget without a millage increase while keeping services and quality of life at the level expected by city residents is a priority,” said City Manager Matthew Pepper. “It is a testament to the dedication of Mayor and Council and city staff to be able to present a balanced budget that keeps the city on a path toward excellence.” 

CITY OF SNELLVILLE
PUBLIC HEARING
FY-2026 BUDGET

On Tuesday, May 27th, 2025 the Mayor and City Council will hold a Special Called Meeting and Public Hearing at 7:30 p.m. to give its citizens the opportunity to provide written and oral comments on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget.  All citizens are urged to attend this Public Hearing on May 27th at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Snellville City Hall, located at 2342 Oak Road, Snellville Georgia.

The proposed budget is available for inspection at Snellville City Hall, 2342 Oak Road, Snellville, Georgia during regular business hours from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. or you can download the budget using the link below.

The Mayor and City Council will consider adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget on Monday, June 9th, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Snellville City Hall, 2342 Oak Road, Snellville, Georgia.

Melisa Arnold, City Clerk
City of Snellville

FY 2026 Proposed Budget