In what can be seen as an exercise in practical democracy, Gwinnett County has tapped into its most valuable resource—its residents—to help shape the government's fiscal blueprint for the immediate future. Commencing on Monday, August 26, a carefully selected Citizens Budget Review Team will roll up their sleeves and begin to critically assess the 2025 business plans pitched by department directors and elected officials of the county.
The inclusive approach is designed to fully harness the community's perspective in determining how the county's budget should be divided and deployed. The diverse team will have to seriously regard each presentation, and then be responsible to recommend funding priorities that reflect the common good of Gwinnett residents, businesses, and visitors. According to a Gwinnett County press release, Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson stated, "Gwinnett residents are integral to shaping our County's future through their participation in the budget process."
The review team will include both seasoned and new members who bring a broad range of experiences to the table. David Cuffie, CEO of Total Vision Consulting LLC and a leader in church ministries; Michael Park, a commercial insurance and risk management advisor active in Atlanta’s AAPI community; and Ronald S. Skeete, a nonprofit executive and member of 100 Black Men of North Metro Atlanta, will each once again lend their expertise to the proceedings. Their collective experience in business, community service and mentorship will be instrumental in shaping a budget that is cognizant of economic and social challenges within the county.
Joining the ranks this year is newcomer Denise Rumbaugh, who offers years of dedicated service on the Gwinnett County Zoning Board and a keen focus on student advocacy in Gwinnett County Public Schools. Rumbaugh, deeply involved in the disciplinary processes within the school system, will seek to ensure that educational concerns are not lost on the budget's agenda. "By engaging this team of resident reviewers, we're committing to transparency and accountability — and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are invested in programs and services that will help our residents and businesses thrive," Chairwoman Hendrickson articulated in the press release.
The government's commitment to transparency doesn't stop at the formation of the review team. Budget presentations will be made available on-demand on the county's website, allowing any citizen with an interest to watch and evaluate the proceedings post-factum. Additionally, the Chairwoman's proposed 2025 budget will be openly accessible to the public and media upon its presentation in November, well ahead of its final adoption during the Gwinnett Board of Commissioners' first meeting in January.
