LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. -- Gwinnett County leaders got an earful Monday morning from taxpayers, who were upset about a new proposal to raise property taxes.

Suwanee resident Garland Hitchcock warned county commissioners that citizens would fire any commissioner who votes in favor of the tax hike.

“We’re going to the polls. And we’re going to take care of business. That’s the way we’re going to do it,” he said.

Gwinnett County citizens rejected a tax increase earlier this year. Since then, each county department has been forced to cut its budget. Gwinnett’s Chief Financial Officer Aaron Bovos said the $59 million tax increase is needed to restore county services to 2008 levels. It would cost property owners between $13 and $25 a month.

Among other things, the tax increase would add 58 uniformed officers, keep all libraries open, restore the frequency of right-of-way mowing and reinstate recreation programs.

District Attorney Danny Porter spoke strongly for the tax increase. His department’s budget is scheduled to be cut by 9 percent next year.

“Without additional revenue, the timely prosecution of violent offenders and the major drug cartels, against which we’ve made so many strides in the last year, will be delayed, and in some cases, the prosecution will be denied because of some defendants’ rights to a speedy trial,” Porter said.

Opponents are certain there are other ways the county can cut spending.

“Why do we have to keep all these parks open until 9:00 at night? I want answers. That’s what I want,” said Hitchcock.

There is a final hearing on Dec. 1 at 7p.m. at the Gwinnett County Justice and Administration Center. Gwinnett County residents will be given another opportunity to let county commissioners know what they think about the proposed tax increase. The commissioners will vote after the hearing.