Baldwin County Commission Regular Meeting (with Pre-Meeting Work Session) – February 3, 2026

The Baldwin County Commission held its Regular Meeting on February 3, 2026, beginning with a Pre-Meeting Work Session at 9:00 AM and the Regular Meeting at 10:00 AM at the Baldwin County Administration Building in Bay Minette, Alabama. All four commissioners were present. Key actions included approving a substantial consent agenda, passing a resolution to permanently close the Red Hill Landfill, recognizing employees and organizations for the America 250 celebration, and receiving a detailed annual report from the Coroner’s Office.

Consent Calendar

• Approved alcohol license (beer and wine off-premises) for Dollar General Store #30010 at 16946 County Road 87, Elberta.
• Approved road use for Rosinton School’s 20th Annual 5K Armadillo Dash on March 7, 2026.
• Appropriated $5,000 each from the Historic Parks Fund to Historic Blakeley State Park and Fort Mims Restoration Association.
• Authorized incorporation of The Point Clear Club Improvement District and appointed three board members (Tickle, Bryars, Weintraub) for staggered terms.
• Authorized appointment of up to 217 additional precinct election officials for the 2026 Statewide General Election cycle.
• Extended the guardrail installation and repair contract with C & H Construction Services, LLC for an additional 12 months (expires February 18, 2027).
• Awarded delineator post and mounting kits bid to Safety Zone Holdings, Inc.
• Awarded Central Annex II Building renovations in Robertsdale to RE Johnson General Contractors, LLC for $182,800 (90 working days).
• Rejected all bids for County Road 68 pedestrian safety improvements due to budget exceedance.
• Approved interoperability communications system agreements with Gateswood and Fort Morgan Volunteer Fire Departments (3-year terms).
• Approved engagement agreement with Murchison & Newcomb, L.L.C. for Revenue Commission legal services at $250 per hour.
• Accepted subdivision roads (Bettis Road, Theismann Drive, Montana Way, Quinn Road, Lamonica Lane) for maintenance in South Bend Village, Phase 1, and accepted a $712,244.58 surety bond.
• Accepted 2.744 acres of donated right-of-way on Boros Road (Tract 15) and authorized execution of IRS Form 8283.
• Approved transfers of vehicles and equipment: two message boards to Traffic Operations, one dump truck and two other dump trucks between highway areas, and one Ford Expedition from Probate to Probate Elections.
• Approved reimbursable utility agreements for County Road 64 widening: Baldwin County Sewer Service (estimated $1,680,861.50, 80% ESMPO funding) and City of Fairhope Utilities (estimated $415,937.50, 80% ESMPO funding).
• Approved Revenue Commission personnel changes: hires for Assessment Technician I and Collections Technician I at $17.88/hr, promotions for Real Property Appraiser II and Assessment Specialist I, and reclassification of a position.
• Adopted Resolution #2026-051 terminating previous intergovernmental agreements for library services and approving Memorandums of Understanding with participating libraries to continue the countywide courier service, including a parental permission requirement for minor requests.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jennifer Levine, a Baldwin County resident, spoke during the Pre-Meeting Work Session. She expressed appreciation for the Commission’s revision of library contracts to reinstate courier service at the Fairhope Library, emphasizing the vital importance of the service for rural residents and those with limited resources. She described the new Memorandums of Understanding as an excellent framework for cooperation.

Discussion Items

• Solid Waste Disposal Authority (SWDA) Update: Terri Graham, SWDA Director, reported that the authority has invested over $41 million in facilities, including $28 million at the Materials Recovery Facility (now complete), four CHaRM facilities ($4 million), and $6.5 million for Bay Minette Transfer Station renovations. She noted 2,000 customers enrolled in curbside recycling, with expansion reaching halfway across the county. The authority has secured its own bonds and has no plans to reopen Red Hill Landfill, which is being monitored only. Future projects include MacBride Landfill expansion and Magnolia Landfill modifications for improved processing and composting.
• Red Hill Landfill Resolution (GA2): Commissioners discussed the background: a 2023 permit application to reopen was withdrawn after public hearings. County Attorney Hicks noted the Commission acts as the Waste Siting Board. Commissioner Ball clarified that road work on Red Hill Road is unrelated. The resolution formally opposes any future reopening and states the landfill should remain permanently closed.
• Commissioner Underwood’s Flag Request: Commissioner Underwood proposed ordering official America 250 flags to be flown at public buildings, using funds from the Historic Parks Fund or contingency. The Commission directed County Administrator Roger Rendleman to investigate the cost and feasibility.
• Recognition of Former Mayor Bob Wills: Representative Donna Givens presented a legislative resolution honoring former Bay Minette Mayor Bob Wills for over 50 years of public service, highlighting major projects including the Novellis aluminum plant with $1 billion economic impact and over 1,000 jobs.
• Employees of the Quarter (4th Quarter 2025): Certificates were presented to Jaime Burkett (Probate), Devin Gregis (Probate), Connie Merchant (EMA), Amanda Brannan (Highway), Belinda Ramey (Highway), and Braylee Austin (Commission Administration). Commissioners praised the employees’ dedication.
• America 250 Proclamation: Commissioner Underwood read a proclamation designating 2026 as America 250 Celebration and Historical Heritage Recognition Period in Baldwin County. Representatives from historical societies, SAR, DAR, and the genealogical society spoke about upcoming events, including reenactments at Historic Blakeley State Park. Tim Russell, former probate judge, acknowledged veterans present.
• Coroner’s Office Annual Report: Dr. Brian Pierce reported 2,463 deaths in Baldwin County in 2025, with 1,811 reported to his office. Of those, 642 required investigation, including 573 natural, 45 gunshot, 36 overdose, 34 blunt force trauma, 8 drownings, and 7 hangings. Drug overdoses are trending downward, but fentanyl was involved in 48% of overdose deaths. The office completed autopsies for 142 cases (down 43% from prior year due to expanded toxicology), saving approximately $20,000 in transport costs. Caseload has increased 94% over 10 years. The office staff includes 4 full-time and 4 part-time investigators. Commissioner Ball noted the office budget increased from ~$200,000 in 2018 to $1.1 million.
• Press Question: Dan Armstrong, Vice President of the General Galvez Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, requested a letter of support from the Commission for installing commemorative signage along I-10 recognizing Revolutionary War battle sites in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. Chairman Ball directed administration staff to coordinate.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved unanimously (4-0), including Addendum GA1 (library MOU).
• Resolution #2026-052 (Red Hill Landfill permanent closure) adopted unanimously (4-0).
• Proclamation for America 250 adopted unanimously (4-0).
• All other motions passed 4-0: adoption of January 20, 2026 meeting minutes; payment of bills ($8,861,663.04); ratification of interim payments ($4,491,091.52).
• The Commission entered executive session (4-0) at 9:29 AM during the work session to discuss pending litigation with legal counsel. The work session did not reconvene; the Regular meeting began at 10:01 AM and adjourned at 11:25 AM.
• Commissioner Underwood’s request for America 250 flags was referred to County Administration for feasibility and cost.
• Mr. Armstrong’s request for a letter of support was referred to Commission Administration for coordination.