(Lawrenceville, Ga., Dec. 16, 2010) - Despite recent talks between the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners and officials representing 14 cities, efforts to reach a settlement in the dispute over the delivery of services remains unresolved.

Board of Commissioners Vice Chairman Shirley Lasseter said, "I appreciate the willingness of the mayors to sit down with us and have frank conversations about the situation. I'm disappointed that we didn't reach an accord, but I feel like we made progress and it is my sincere hope that we can eventually agree upon a plan that's best for all Gwinnett County residents and businesses."

State law requires that cities and counties operate under a Service Delivery Strategy (SDS) agreement that defines the services to be provided by each jurisdiction and sets out how those services are funded. The most current SDS agreement lapsed almost two years ago after the county and the municipal governments failed to agree on a plan going forward. The dispute went to trial and the case was heard by Chief Judge David Barrett of the Enotah Judicial Circuit this past summer. The recent round of discussions was an attempt to resolve the matter before a court ruling is issued.

District 2 Commissioner Bert Nasuti said, "My fellow commissioners and I worked diligently to reach a resolution with the cities. I'm disappointed that we could not resolve our differences, but I remain hopeful that the new board and the mayors will come to an agreement that will benefit all of Gwinnett County's citizens."

District 3 Commissioner Mike Beaudreau said, "We made a good faith offer that was countered by the cities. Unfortunately, the counteroffer was not financially equitable to taxpayers in unincorporated Gwinnett County. My goal is that the final solution be one that is fair to everyone, whether or not they live inside city limits."

Earlier this year, the City of Lilburn and Gwinnett County reached a tentative agreement on a service delivery plan.