Baldwin County Commission Meeting - September 16, 2025

The Baldwin County Commission convened for a pre-meeting work session at 9:00 AM and a regular meeting at 10:00 AM on September 16, 2025, at the Fairhope Satellite Courthouse. The commission reviewed and approved the FY2026 budget, adopted a large consent agenda, and took action on several zoning cases, road projects, and recognitions. Public comments addressed drainage concerns and zoning impacts.

Consent Calendar

Approved consent agenda containing over 30 items, including: annexation notification; amendment to Project Skyfall agreement; BRATS lease renewal with Prodisee Pantry; various purchases and service agreements (Cintas uniforms, Williams Scotsman modular unit, fire protection services, cigarette stamps, painting/drywall, vehicle detergent, permanent repair for 2020 severe weather, Central Annex renovations); budget resolutions (FY2025 amendment, FY2026 budget adoption, appropriation agreements, Commission discretionary funds for USS Alabama Battleship Commission); Community Rating System certification; computer software support with Delta Computer Systems; interoperability communications agreement with ADCNR; Fort Morgan radio tower rental with Tower Equities; Title III Older Americans Act contract; Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer MOUs; merchant processing with Hancock Whitney Bank for Council on Aging; CDBG-DR County Priority Infrastructure Program activity profile; ARPA funds reallocation; road acceptance for Autumn Lakes Phase 1; widening utility agreement for County Road 64; personnel actions (employment, promotions, position descriptions, health/dental insurance rates, safety incentive, additional paid holiday); U.S. Army Corps of Engineers shoreline erosion study update; educational signage by The Nature Conservancy; and addendum items GA1 (Second Amendment to Tax Abatement Agreement with Novelis Corporation) and GA2 (Revenue Commission promotion). All items were approved unanimously.

Public Hearings

Case Z25-38 – Roche Property Rezoning (B2 to RSF2)

• Applicant Seth Moore requested rezoning to build a single-family home on 0.63 acres in Point Clear.
• Adjacent landowner Rita Ayers expressed concerns about drainage from previous development affecting her pond and questioned the county mapping of a 30-foot strip.
• The commission noted the request was a downzone and approved the rezoning unanimously.

Case Z25-40 – Goodrich Property Rezoning (RA to RSF3)

• Applicant Dwayne Smith (Anchor Engineering) requested rezoning of 414 acres west of Jimmy Faulkner Road for a mixed residential development with RSF3 (minimum 10,000 sq ft lots).
• Multiple nearby residents (Brian Cochran, Danny Cravey, Brian Maddie, David Holmes) voiced strong opposition, citing: lack of public road access; existing flooding in the Sibley Creek area (water up to 6 feet in streets); traffic congestion on Jimmy Faulkner Road; and potential impacts on wetlands and wildlife.
• Commissioner Gruber noted the application lacked a known access route and suggested the applicant consider withdrawing. The applicant voluntarily withdrew the request; the commission approved the withdrawal unanimously.

Case Z25-41 – Armstrong Property Rezoning (RSF1 to B3)

• Applicant Janet Johnson (Civil Works) requested rezoning of 3.64 acres for general business use, leaving 0.69 acres residential.
• No public opposition was voiced.
• The commission approved the rezoning unanimously.

Discussion Items & Presentations

FY2026 Budget Presentation

• Budget Director Beth Hodges presented the proposed FY2026 budget, the largest in county history at $260 million (37% increase since FY2022). Key allocations: $21.9 million for infrastructure; $3.7 million for employee compensation ($1,800 flat COLA and full absorption of an 8% health insurance increase); 32 new positions; 47 new/replacement vehicles for Sheriff and Corrections; over $500,000 for law enforcement safety equipment. The general fund totals $134 million (7.1% increase), with commission usage decreasing 0.04% while elected official appropriations increased 14.7%. The budget uses $9.5 million of FY2025 savings for one-time capital expenses. Staff also highlighted a new narrative budget book. Commissioners praised the process as the fastest and most transparent in county history.

30 Cubed Road Project – Bay Minette

• County Engineer Frank Lundy presented an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Bay Minette for roadway improvements connecting Red Hill Road and Clark Avenue to McMeans Avenue (Highway 59). The project includes a new traffic signal, turn lanes, pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, and drainage improvements. Mayor Robert Wills expressed gratitude, noting the city had sought funding since 2018. The commission approved the agreement unanimously.

Retiree Recognition

• Jacqueline Baker, a 12-year employee of the Juvenile Detention Center, was recognized for her service. Commissioners thanked her for her dedication.

Proclamation – Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

• The commission proclaimed September 2025 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, honoring Branson Levins, a local child battling leukemia. Amanda Tweet (Baldwin County EMA) accepted the proclamation on behalf of the family. The proclamation was adopted unanimously.

Honorabilis – Nora Pizzotti

• Commissioner Ball honored Nora Pizzotti for 43 years of volunteer service with the Barnwell Volunteer Fire Department, including roles as secretary, Deputy Chief, and Firefighter of the year. She was commended for her dedicated public service.

Public Comments

• Mr. Wiggins reported that two culverts installed by a neighbor on Pleasant Road were causing flooding on his property. He requested that one culvert be closed to prevent damage. County staff responded that they have a meeting scheduled later that day with a church to finalize a drainage solution. The commission assured Mr. Wiggins of continued attention to the matter.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Consent agenda (including FY2026 budget adoption, tax abatement amendment, and all routine items).
• Approved: Case Z25-38 (Roche rezoning).
• Withdrawn: Case Z25-40 (Goodrich rezoning) upon applicant’s request.
• Approved: Case Z25-41 (Armstrong rezoning).
• Approved: Intergovernmental roadway agreement with City of Bay Minette (30 Cubed Project).
• Approved: Proclamation for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
• Approved: Minutes of September 2, 2025 regular meeting.
• Approved: Payment of bills and ratification of interim payments.

Note: The work session included a review of agenda items, setting of the consent agenda, and an executive session regarding potential real property acquisition. All actions were taken without public objection.