GWINNETT COUNTY — Gwinnett County commissioners approved plans directing more than $8.9 million in federal funding toward housing and food assistance and awarded a $3.43 million contract for pedestrian improvements along South Rockbridge Road during recent meetings.
The Board of Commissioners approved submission of the county’s 2026 action plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, outlining how funding from three federal programs will be distributed.
The plan includes Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships Program and Emergency Solutions Grant funding and directs money toward 54 projects expected to serve more than 15,000 Gwinnett residents.
More than 90 affordable housing units are expected to be constructed through projects included in the plan.
County officials identified housing and food assistance as priorities based on community data and the county’s needs assessment process. The federal grants require no county matching funds.
Federal funding approved for election supplies
The board authorized an agreement with the Atlanta Regional Commission allowing Gwinnett to accept up to $18,495.15 in Urban Area Security Initiative grant funding for election supplies.
No county matching funds are required.
Public safety purchases approved
Commissioners approved several public safety-related expenditures during the meetings.
The county awarded a contract worth up to $10.06 million to Akins Ford LLC for the purchase of public safety vehicles through a competitively procured State of Georgia contract.
The board also approved the purchase of rifle plates and carriers from Spiritus Systems Company Inc. and TYR Tactical LLC for $112,823.04.
A separate $423,000 contract was awarded to Cooperative Choice LLC, doing business as EMC Security, for a fire alarm upgrade at the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office.
Commissioners also renewed the county’s helicopter inspection, maintenance and repair contract with Rotor Resources LLC for up to $655,359.86 and ratified $279,534.69 in additional maintenance expenses.
Fuel and employee benefit contracts renewed
Gwinnett increased its existing gasoline and diesel fuel contract from approximately $20.18 million to $22.73 million and renewed the contract for another year at a cost not to exceed $23.18 million.
James River Solutions LLC will serve as the primary supplier, with Sunoco LLC and Boswell Oil Co. serving as secondary and tertiary suppliers.
Several large employee benefit contracts were also approved.
The county extended its HMO contract with Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia Inc. for 2027 at a cost not to exceed $35.46 million.
The board also extended its life, accident and disability insurance program with MetLife for up to $5.57 million and renewed its dental program with Cigna Health and Life Insurance Co. for up to $5.69 million.
The dental program is entirely participant funded, while participants fund 41% of the MetLife contract.
Commissioners also increased the county’s family planning program contract with Maven Clinic Co. for the remainder of 2026 and approved a 2027 extension worth up to $381,550.
Board appointments approved
Commissioners accepted Om Duggal’s resignation from the Sugarloaf Community Improvement District Board and appointed Milan Patel to the position.
William Jackson was appointed to the Gwinnett Animal Control Hearing Board through July 31, 2027, while Jeff Mahaffey was appointed to the Development Authority of Gwinnett County through June 13, 2030.
Bryan Doran was appointed to fill an unexpired term on the Tree Advisory Committee through Dec. 31, 2027.
District 4 Commissioner Matthew Holtkamp appointed Tyler Phillips to the county’s Homelessness Task Force.
