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Georgia and four neighboring states have reached another milestone in their effort to eliminate drunk driving deaths with the start of the 35th annual ‘Hands Across the Border’ drunk and drugged driving enforcement campaign on Sunday. State and local law enforcement officers in Georgia will partner with their fellow law enforcement officers in Alabama, Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee to conduct sobriety checkpoints in all five states during the week.

‘Hands Across the Border’ started in 1991 when state troopers in southeast Georgia and northeast Florida challenged each other to see which agency could reduce the number of drunk and drugged driving crash deaths in their respective

states through increased enforcement. Troopers from both states met at the Georgia Interstate 95 Welcome Center in St. Mary’s for a friendly handshake and a photo. From there, the enforcement campaign quickly expanded to a week-long enforcement campaign that over the last three and half decades has included Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

The enforcement campaign will begin in Columbus on Sunday, Aug. 23 and continue Monday in Ringgold, Augusta on Tuesday, Savannah on Wednesday and will finish where it all started 35 years ago at the Georgia Interstate 95 Welcome Center in St. Mary’s on Thursday. State and local law enforcement in Georgia will continue conducting sobriety checkpoints the following week to send a message before the Labor Day Holiday travel weekend that Georgia maintains a zero-tolerance policy for drunk and drugged driving.

It is against the law in Georgia to operate a motor vehicle with a Blood-Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level of .08 or higher. Georgia’s zero-tolerance policy for drunk and drugged driving means any driver whose BAC is at or above the legal limit will be arrested. No warnings are ever given, and no one is allowed to call a family member or friend to give them a ride.

NHTSA estimates a drunk driving arrest could cost up to $10,000 in fines, court fees, attorney fees and higher insurance costs. A DUI arrest or conviction could cost someone their job or prevent them from being hired.

“Choosing to drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or a mixture of both substances is a selfish decision that endangers the lives of everyone on the road,” Allen Poole, Director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, said. “That is why Georgia and our neighbors continue to work together to put drunk and drugged drivers in a jail cell where they will not pose a threat to anyone traveling on the road.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost 40% of the people killed in crashes during the Labor Day Holiday weekend in Georgia from 2020 to 2024 involved one driver whose BAC was .08 or higher and 65% of the people killed in drunk driving crashes during the Labor Day Holiday weekend in Georgia during this five-year period involved a driver whose BAC was twice the legal limit.

Federal crash data also showed that more than half the drivers killed in traffic crashes in Georgia during the Labor Day Holiday weekend from 2020-2024 were over the legal BAC limit and nearly 60% of those drivers killed in traffic crashes in Georgia during the Labor Day Holiday weekend from 2020-2024 had a BAC that was twice the legal BAC limit.

According to a GOHS Georgia Traffic Safety Fact Sheet on Impaired Driving published in July 2025, more than 80% of the persons killed or hospitalized in drunk driving crashes in Georgia in 2023 were riding in the vehicle hit by the drunk driver. The state crash data showed that 13% of those killed in drunk driving crashes in Georgia in 2023 were the impaired driver.

"State and local law enforcement wish they did not have to make one DUI arrest but they are ready to take all drunk and drugged drivers they find off the road because that is potentially one less family that will lose a loved one in a traffic crash that is completely preventable,” Poole said. "That is why we ask everyone to do your part to eliminate drunk and drugged driving deaths by not getting behind the wheel when you are too impaired to drive and not let others you know get behind the wheel if they should not be driving.”

“Hands Across the Border” falls during the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” high-visibility enforcement campaign that runs from August 19 through September5 and runs through Labor Day on September 1. State troopers and local law enforcement in Georgia will be enforcing DUI and all traffic laws during the 78-hour Labor Day Holiday weekend that begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 4 and runs through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 7.

The Governor's Office of Highway Safety and NHTSA offer the following highway safety tips for those traveling during the Labor Day holiday weekend:

• ·Allow extra time for your trip with more vehicles on the road

• ·Always wear a seat belt and make sure all passengers are properly restrained

• ·Designate a passenger to use the phone for navigation and program your destination into your device before getting on the road

• ·Plan ahead for a sober ride when alcohol is going to be part of the plans

• ·Let family and friends know they can contact you for a sober ride

AAA-The Auto Club will offer free tows and a ride only for the driver of a vehicle for up to ten miles from 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4 through 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8. AAA-The Auto Club reminds everyone that their Tow-to-Go service does not make appointments and is designed as a safety net for those drivers who did not plan ahead for a sober ride.

SNELLVILLE – Construction at the intersection of North Road and Wisteria Drive near The Grove at Towne Center has been completed. 

The project brings safer pedestrian access and a smoother flow of traffic at one of the city’s most-traveled intersections. 

“The completion of construction at North Road and Wisteria Drive will make it easier and safer for people to visit The Grove at Towne Center,” said City Manager Matthew Pepper. 

Roadway improvements include a 300-foot right-turn lane on Wisteria Drive westbound, a 600-foot left-turn lane on North Road southbound and a 150-foot left-turn lane on North Road northbound.

The project also includes new sidewalks, lighting and landscaping as well as upgraded traffic signals to improve safety for pedestrians in the area.

CITY OF SNELLVILLE
NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE

The City of Snellville has tentatively adopted a 2026 millage rate that will require an increase in property taxes of 1.24% 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 10, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.

Times and places of additional public hearings on this tax increase are at Snellville City Hall on Monday, August 24, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. and Monday, August 24, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 4.00 mills, an increase of 0.049 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 3.951 mills.  The proposed tax increase for a home with fair market value of $375,000 is approximately $7.35 and the proposed tax increase for non-homestead property with a fair market value of $525,000 is approximately $10.29.

SNELLVILLE - Mayor and Council announce the unanimous approval of the city's Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) balanced budget which will keep the millage rate at four (4) mills for the fifth consecutive year.

The $42,126,458 budget maintains current services, increases investment in staff and fosters economic and community development.

The budget’s approval comes after months of planning and discussion and two (2) public hearings. 

The FY27 budget balances current global economic conditions with continued quality service. The budget reflects city leaders’ focus on providing quality service and progress toward community goals.

Community Development: 

Construction is under way of a new community center at T.W. Briscoe Park with amenities such as an indoor walking track, basketball, pickleball and volleyball courts, meeting rooms and an aerobics studio. In May of last year, 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 community center is expected to be open in fall of this year. 

The Grove at Towne Center continues to develop with more than a dozen places for visitors to eat and drink. Concerts and events have drawn people to The Grove as the city continues to introduce visitors to the mixed-use project. For more information on The Grove visit www.snellville.gov/grove-towne-center.

“The dream of The Grove at Towne Center has finally become a reality,” Mayor Barbara Bender said. “We set out to make The Grove an ideal place for residents and visitors alike to enjoy friends and family, unwind and choose from a variety of food and beverages. We encourage everyone to visit and experience all The Grove has to offer.” 

The city created the Snellville Entertainment District around The Grove, allowing visitors to explore the downtown in and around the development while enjoying alcoholic beverages from local restaurants. For more information on the SED visit www.snellville.gov/snellville-entertainment-district.

Mayor and Council have approved several housing developments near the Towne Center which will diversify the city’s housing stock and tax base which will increase activity in and around the downtown area. These are high-quality builds designed to add to the character of our community. 

Capital Improvements: 

Improvements at North Road and Wisteria Drive are nearly complete, addressing congestion with two (2) new turn lanes and improving pedestrian safety with lighting and sidewalks near The Grove.

The city designated funds for HVAC repair at City Hall and the Active Adult Center and new equipment including vehicles for the police and parks and recreation departments.

Through a partnership with Gwinnett County, the city is investing in gravity sewer from Wisteria Drive to a property located behind Church on Main. The project will allow for future redevelopment opportunities in downtown. 

Other capital investments include $900,000 to complete improvements of the stormwater drainage system near Harbour Oaks subdivision and Westridge Drive, Junes Court, Dale Court and Dorian Drive. 

The budget calls for $25,000 in aesthetic and structure upgrades at the Recycling Center. 

Staff Retention and Investment in Staff: 

The budget includes a 3 percent increase in salary for city staff to retain and attract new employees. A market salary study will be conducted to put employee compensation on par with other area municipalities.

“The FY27 budget prioritizes the city’s community development vision of a vibrant downtown and strong community,” said City Manager Matthew Pepper. 

Motorists are reminded not to risk a ticket by always remembering to ‘click it’ and buckle their seat belt before the start of every trip.

Snellville Police Department is joining the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety for the national “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement campaign that runs from May 18-31, which includes the Memorial Day Holiday travel weekend. 

During this period, Snellville Police will join state and local law enforcement agencies working to save lives on Georgia roads and highways through the enforcement of Georgia’s seat belt and child passenger safety law laws.   

Georgia law requires front seat passengers in all vehicles to wear a seat belt. All children between the ages of 8 and 17 are required to wear a seat belt when riding in the front and back seat and children ages 7 and under are required by law to ride in a child safety seat that is recommended by the manufacturer based on height and weight of the child.

“Law enforcement officers see the difference wearing a seat belt makes on a daily basis, which is why we will continue to use education and enforcement to promote seat belt use,” Lieutenant Poole said.  “Taking a few seconds to click the seat belt before every trip could lead to a lifetime of memories so please make the right choice by always wearing your seat belt.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 9,758 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2024. 

Federal crash data showed 51% of the passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in Georgia from 2020-2024 were not wearing seat belts and 53% of passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in rural areas in the state during the same five-year period were not wearing seat belts. 

According to NHTSA, wearing a seat belt in the front seat of a passenger car can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45 percent and it reduces the risk of fatal injury by 60 percent for those wearing a seat belt in the light truck.

“The safety features in our vehicles are designed to be most effective when everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seat belt and small children are riding in a properly installed safety seat,” Allen Poole, Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety said.  “The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety thanks all of our law enforcement partners for the lives they save every day on our roads through education and enforcement.”

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and Snellville Police Department offer these safe driving tips:

1. Drive at safe and reasonable speeds and never try to speed to make up time.
2. Buckle up before starting your vehicle
3. Avoid distractions such as phones, conversations, reaching for items in your vehicle
4. Program navigation devices before getting on the road
5. Do not drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs

May 18 is also the beginning of the “100 Days of Summer HEAT” mobilization that will run through Labor Day Weekend. Snellville Police Department and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety remind everyone to make the summer travel period safer by driving safe speeds, avoiding distractions, especially phones, never driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and always wearing a seat belt.     

More information can be found at gahighwaysafety.org.

REQUEST FOR BID #COS20260513
ANNUAL CONTRACT FOR
CHRISTMAS DECORATION SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF SNELLVILLE

The City of Snellville (City) is soliciting competitive sealed bids from qualified vendors for the ANNUAL CONTRACT FOR CHRISTMAS DECORATION SERVICES for the City of Snellville, Georgia.  
Sealed bids will be received by the City of Snellville Administration Department, 2342 Oak Road, Snellville, Georgia 30078 until 10:00 A.M. local time of June 11, 2026 and then opened publicly at 10:05 A.M.  Any bid received after 10:00 A.M. will not be accepted and will be returned unopened to the bidder.  The bid envelope must be plainly marked on the outside with the Bid number, name of Bidder, and date and time of opening.

The work to be performed by the service provider consists of utilizing existing inventory of decorations and/or lights (“Decorations”) existing design features and the lease and installation of new or replacement 

Please visit our BID PAGE for more information and to download the bid.

Sincerely,

CITY OF SNELLVILLE, GEORGIA

Melisa Arnold
City Clerk/Administrative Manager 
City of Snellville

CITY OF SNELLVILLE
PUBLIC HEARING
FY-2027 BUDGET

On Wednesday, May 27th, 2026 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 2026-2027 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 on the City website at www.snellville.org.

The Mayor and City Council will consider adoption of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget on Monday, June 8th, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Snellville City Hall, 2342 Oak Road, Snellville, Georgia.

Please visit the Budget & Finance Page to view the budget.

Melisa Arnold, City Clerk
City of Snellville

SNELLVILLE – A day-long celebration to mark the Grand Opening of The Grove at Towne Center will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 2.

“This is a celebration we’ve been waiting to invite the community to for more than 20 years,” said Mayor Barbara Bender. “For decades we have been working to create a downtown destination that offers a unique experience for residents and visitors alike. The day we have been waiting for has finally come.”

The community celebration kicks off with the Morning Stretch from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the lawn. Instructors from the city’s Active Adult Center and Burn Boot Camp will lead free yoga and exercise sessions in the heart of The Grove on the green in front of the event pavilion. 

The event features music from a DJ all day. The Splash Pad will be open and there will be face painting, games, and bounce houses to entertain children. Dignitaries will speak at 3 p.m. followed by a ribbon cutting.

At 4 p.m. The Happy Hour will take the stage under the pavilion. The group is an Atlanta-based multi-genre musical trio known for high-energy performances that blend modern rock and pop.

Food Passports will be sold onsite for $30 which will allow patrons to enjoy food and drink samples from all of the eateries in The Grove from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Participating businesses include:

• Crooked Can Brewery
• Parkside at The Grove
• The Grove Taqueria
• Dumpling Master
• Philly G Steaks
• The Local Butcher & BBQ
• Pita Mediterranean Street Food
• Playa Bowls
• Great American Cookies & Marble Slab Creamery
• Keys Cakery
• Pizzeria Fiamma
• Mackin’ Mikes Mac ‘N Cheese 

Those whose passports are fully completed and checked after visiting all businesses will be eligible for a drawing for a $100 gift certificate for use at any of The Grove businesses.

Visitors are encouraged to use the free parking deck next to the Tomlin apartment building. The deck is accessible from Wisteria Drive, North Road and at an entrance off of Oak Road to the left of the Elizabeth H. Williams Library. 

About The Grove at Towne Center

The Grove at Towne Center is a $140 million public/private Partnership between the City of Snellville, Gwinnett County, MidCity Real Estate Partners and CASTO. The project centers around “The Grove,” which was a meeting place for residents and travelers heading to and from Atlanta and Athens a century ago. The project features nine new buildings and a 750-space parking deck.

The Grove at Towne Center is the largest project the City of Snellville has ever undertaken. The concept of a downtown district took root in the late 1990s with a city study being performed in 2003. City officials kept the dream alive in their imaginations and on paper over the last 20 years. Groundbreaking for the project occurred in March 2021. 

In an effort to safely discard unused and expired medication, there will be a Drug Enforcement Agency Drug Take Back hosted by the Snellville Police Department April 25.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Snellville Police Department, 2315 Wisteria Drive.

Participants can drive or walk up and drop off discarded medication into the drop boxes. Medication may be left in its original containers with or without the labels as all items discarded are burned.

Please do not bring needles or sharp objects for disposal.

Contact Lt. A. Sullivan at asullivan@snellville.gov or 770-985-3555 for more information.