Service Delivery Strategy
Program Description | Forms | Local Status and Providers | Resources and Additional Information
Program Description
The Service Delivery Strategy (SDS) Act ensures that local governments take a careful look at the services they provide in order to identify overlap or gaps in service provision and develop a more rational approach to allocating delivery and funding of these services among the various local governments and authorities in each county. Article 1 describes the legislative intent of the law, defines and encourages coordinated planning. Article 2, Service Delivery, Sections 36-70-20 through 28, discusses the specifics of Service Delivery requirements and criteria. 36-70-20 states that: “The process provided by this article is intended to minimize inefficiencies resulting from duplication of services and competition between local governments and to provide a mechanism to resolve disputes over local government service delivery, funding equity, and land use.” The Act also includes provisions for resolving conflicts between local government arising from service delivery issues which DCA has standardized into a process for mediating service delivery conflicts.
The Service Delivery Strategy gives local governments and authorities the opportunity to reach agreement on the delivery of services in an effective and cost-efficient manner to Georgia's citizens. The intent of the Act is:
- To provide a flexible framework for local governments and authorities to agree on service delivery arrangements.
- To minimize any duplication or competition among local governments and authorities providing local services.
- To provide a method of resolving disputes among service providers regarding service delivery, funding equity and land use.
Each county and its municipalities has developed a service delivery strategy including the items listed above.It is necessary for local governments to revise their service delivery strategy and submit it to DCA for verification in order to remain eligible for state administered financial grants or state permits when any one of the following conditions occur:
- In conjunction with the update (i.e., complete rewrite) of a local government's comprehensive plan;
- Whenever the service delivery or revenue distribution arrangements are changed (e.g., whenever the local governments within the County decide to change how a service is provided or funded);
- In the event of the creation, abolition or consolidation of local governments (e.g., when a City currently located outside of the County annexes property in the County for the first time); or,
- Whenever the County and the Municipalities in the County agree it is appropriate to do so.
Without a Service Delivery Strategy verified by DCA, a local government or respective authorities will not be eligible to receive any state permits or financial assistance. In addition, any local projects that are not consistent with the strategy will not receive any state permits or financial assistance. Local governments should review their strategy before seeking state permits or assistance to ensure that the proposed project is consistent with the strategy.
Downloads & Related Links
Service Delivery Act (PDF)
Mediation of Service Delivery Conflicts
Two Important Service Delivery Strategy Consistency Considerations (PDF)
Revising an Existing Service Delivery Strategy (PDF)
Local Status and Providers
Status of Service Delivery Strategy
Water and Sewer Providers by County (with Maps)
Contact Information
Georgia Department of Community Affairs
60 Executive Park South, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30329-2231
For more information about Planning and Quality Growth, please contact the Office of Planning and Quality Growth at 404-679-5279.
