Baldwin County Commission Regular Meeting and Work Session – July 7, 2026

The Baldwin County Commission held a pre-meeting work session at 9:00 AM and a regular meeting at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in the County Commission Meeting Chambers in Bay Minette, Alabama. The Commission adopted the June 16, 2026, minutes, approved a large consent agenda, heard public comments, discussed key policy items, and recognized staff achievements. All four commissioners were present: James E. Ball (Chairman), Matthew P. McKenzie, Billie Jo Underwood, and Charles F. Gruber.

Consent Calendar

• Adoption of Minutes: Approved the June 16, 2026, Regular Meeting minutes (4-0).
• Payment of Bills: Approved 933 invoices totaling $18,946,497.79 (4-0).
• Ratification of Interim Payments: Ratified 555 interim payments totaling $6,597,898.22 (4-0).
• Consent Agenda: Approved the full consent agenda, including: selection of Commissioner Underwood as the ACCA Legislative Committee representative; acceptance of a $703,786 Federal Transit Administration grant for BRATS (with $343,786 local match); change orders for the District Attorney building ($8,899 and $506,186), generator ($7,786), boiler ($1,990), and traffic light installation ($201,419); award of mold/asbestos abatement ($55,863.18) and window replacement ($29,897); preconstruction services for courthouse renovation ($45,000); budget amendment Resolution #2026-105; interoperability agreements with three volunteer fire departments; $150,000 opioid settlement agreement with CARE House, Inc.; $150,000 Homeland Security grant application for Coroner’s Office; $100,000 Operation Stonegarden grant for Sheriff’s Office; design fee increase of $45,000 for intersection improvements; speed limit changes on three roads; termination of MOU with Board of Education for food services at Juvenile Detention Center and new MOU with Sheriff’s Office; approval of a community event at Lillian Recreation Park; personnel actions including new hires, transfers, promotions, and a leave of absence; and various planning and zoning appointments. All consent items passed 4-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jared Lyles, Mayor of Silverhill: Expressed concern about the County’s notification on June 9, 2026, to terminate the Building Construction Regulation Agreement effective July 17, 2026 – a 38-day notice. He stated the loss of permitting revenue mid-year would hurt the town’s budget and personnel costs for staff dedicated to permit processing. He requested a five-month extension through December 31, 2026, to allow a smooth transition for the town, developers, and county residents.
• Jessica Ware, Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center: Thanked the Commission for considering $150,000 in opioid settlement funding to provide trauma-informed services for children impacted by caregiver opioid and substance misuse. She noted the center served 479 children in the past year.

Discussion Items

• Commissioner Ball’s Requests:
  • Called for a dedicated facility for the Baldwin County Coroner’s Office, asking Budget Director Beth Hodges to include this in upcoming budget discussions.
  • Requested an update on the Jace Waters Foundation’s application for $575,000 in opioid settlement funds for a recovery facility. Katrina Taylor, Grants Administrator, reported the formal application was received and that the Alabama Attorney General’s office left the brick-and-mortar requirement as a local determination.
• Commissioner Underwood’s Request: Asked the Commission to revise Policy 9.2 regarding Accept for Maintenance (AFM) roads, citing approximately 300 roads on the list that create unrealistic expectations. County Engineer Frank Lundy suggested options: abolish the policy, or revise it to require roads be brought up to county standards. He noted most counties do not have such a policy, and that AFM generally does not align with the County’s 2021 Strategic Plan focusing on connectivity and capacity. The Commission agreed to have staff review options.
• Extension of Agreements with Towns:
  • Silverhill: After discussion, the Commission voted to extend the Building Construction Regulation Agreement (building permits only) until December 31, 2026, with a 30-day termination clause (4-0).
  • Summerdale: The Commission voted to extend the Building Construction Regulation Agreement (not the Subdivision Regulation Agreement) until December 31, 2026, with a 30-day termination clause (4-0). County Attorney Shawn Alves noted that new contracts would need to be brought back and approved by each town council.

Presentations

• Distinguished Budget Presentation Award: County Administrator Roger Rendleman announced that Baldwin County received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the FY 2026 Budget. Certificates of Recognition were presented to Budget Director Beth Hodges and Senior Budget Accountant Lynzie Clark. Hodges thanked the Commission, department heads, staff, and her husband for support.
• America 250 Celebration: Jessica Waters, Community Relations and Public Information Manager, recapped the June 26, 2026, event co-hosted with the City of Daphne. Highlights included the Alabama Army National Guard Band, patriotic activities, and an estimated 1,000 attendees. Ange Baggett, Director of Events & Marketing for Daphne, thanked the county for partnership. The Commission recognized all participants.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (4-0) with all listed items.
• Silverhill Agreement Extension: Approved (4-0) to extend building construction regulation until December 31, 2026, with a 30-day termination clause.
• Summerdale Agreement Extension: Approved (4-0) to extend building construction regulation (excluding subdivision regulation) until December 31, 2026, with a 30-day termination clause.
• AFM Policy Review: Staff directed to provide the Commission with options for revising or abolishing the Accept for Maintenance policy.
• Coroner’s Office Facility: Referred to budget discussions; Chairman Ball requested inclusion in FY 2027 budget process.
• Opioid Settlement Funding: The Jace Waters Foundation request ($575,000) is under review; CARE House, Inc. agreement ($150,000) was approved on consent.
• Personnel/Administrative: Multiple hires, promotions, transfers, and position reclassifications approved; bond oversight and planning board appointments finalized.
• The meeting adjourned at 10:50 AM.