Baldwin County Commission Meeting Summary – July 21, 2026

The Baldwin County Commission held its Pre-meeting Work Session at 9:00 a.m. and Regular Meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the Fairhope Satellite Courthouse. All four commissioners were present (James E. Ball, Matthew P. McKenzie, Billie Jo Underwood, Charles F. Gruber). The regular meeting adjourned at 11:21 a.m. Key actions included approval of a consent agenda with three items pulled for separate votes, disposition of seven rezoning cases, adoption of a $10 million disaster line of credit, and a solid waste rate increase.

Consent Calendar

• Payment of Bills (BA1): Approved payment of 608 invoices totaling $6,011,492.99. (Unanimous)
• Ratification of Interim Payments (BA2): Approved ratification of 87 invoices and a distribution totaling $3,973,789.06 as allowed by Policy 8.1. (Unanimous)
• Consent Agenda (C): Approved as set during the work session, with three items removed: CE6 (vehicle purchase), CF1 (Silverhill building agreement), and CF2 (Summerdale building agreement). (Unanimous)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Summerdale Zoning & Building Agreements (Work Session): Town Councilman Brandon Carlson, Mayor Randy Farris, and citizen Stacey Martin requested extending the Subdivision Regulation and Building Construction Regulation Agreement with the Town of Summerdale through December 31, 2026, to allow time to petition for zoning in unzoned Planning District 18. They noted 61 petition signatures already collected. Commissioner McKenzie expressed support for extending the building permits portion. Commissioner Gruber noted that District 18 zoning elections have failed three times, largely due to farmer opposition. County Engineer Frank Lundy explained the citizen‑driven zoning petition process.
• Rezoning Public Hearings: Comments were heard on seven rezoning cases (see Discussion Items). Public speakers included landowners, adjacent property owners, engineers, and concerned citizens.

Discussion Items

• Tropical Storm Bertha Update: EMA Director Tom Tyler reported that the storm was not expected to be treacherous but would bring dangerous surf up to 11 feet, a storm surge watch (3‑4 feet), and possible heavy rain in coastal areas. He advised the public to stay out of the water and heed beach flag warnings. The storm had prompted a tropical storm warning for Baldwin and Mobile counties.
• CE6 – Vehicle Purchase for District 3 Commissioner: The item was pulled from consent. Commissioner McKenzie opposed the purchase, stating that a $77,895 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier for the District 3 commissioner was a waste of taxpayer money for a part‑time position. The motion to award to Terry Thompson Chevrolet, Inc. passed 3‑1 (McKenzie nay).
• CF1 – Building Construction Regulation Agreement with Town of Silverhill: Approved unanimously (4‑0) to extend building construction regulation in the municipal police jurisdiction.
• CF2 – Building Construction Regulation Agreement with Town of Summerdale: Approved 3‑1 (Commissioner Ball voted nay). County Attorney Brad Hicks clarified the agreement only covered building permits, not planning or subdivision regulation.
• CK1 – Solid Waste Rate Increase: Policy 7.6 revised to increase the monthly residential garbage fee from $17.00 to $19.00 effective November 1, 2026. Commissioner McKenzie expressed concern about cumulative cost increases and requested exploration of more durable garbage cart vendors. Terri Graham, CEO of the Solid Waste Disposal Authority, explained the increase covers ADEM permit fee hikes (first increase since 2008) and per‑ton costs, and that Baldwin County rates are in line with other large counties. The item was placed on consent and approved.
• CM1 – $10 Million Disaster Line of Credit: Finance Director Tara Hazelbaker explained the revolving line of credit would be used only for major storm or emergency liquidity needs, remaining at a zero balance unless drawn. Approved via Resolution 2026‑121.
• Rezoning Cases (ES1–ES7):
  • ES1 (Coburn Property Z26‑08): Tabled to September 15, 2026, at applicant’s request. (Unanimous)
  • ES2 (Young Property Z26‑19): Approved rezoning of 14.05 acres from RA to RSF‑E for family division. (Unanimous)
  • ES3 (Smith Property Z26‑20): Denied 3‑1 (McKenzie nay). Applicant sought B‑4 commercial for a weekend market; concerns included ALDOT traffic issues, narrow footprint, and future Rails‑to‑Trails corridor. Commissioner Underwood noted potential economic damage to the corridor.
  • ES4 (Smith Property Z26‑21): Denied 3‑1 (McKenzie nay). Applicant sought M‑1 light industrial for contractor yards. Concerns about deed restrictions, utility easements, and the same Rails‑to‑Trails conflict. City of Foley email indicated properties were sold to adjacent owners for flexible access.
  • ES5 (Silverhill Enterprises Z26‑22): Approved rezoning of 32.4 acres from RA to RSF‑1 (minimum 30,000 sq. ft. lots). Commissioner Underwood noted consistency with surrounding land use and favorable Smart Growth Scorecard. A letter of opposition was received. (Unanimous)
  • ES6 (McKenzie Property Z26‑23): Denied 3‑0 (McKenzie recused, citing distant family relation). Applicant sought RSF‑1 for 60 acres. Opposition cited Smart Growth Scorecard of 4/40, drainage impacts on adjacent cattle operation, potential water contamination, noise, and precedent for nearby properties. Applicant’s engineer noted potential for drainage improvement and low density (30–40 lots).
  • ES7 (Pallet One PID Z26‑01): Approved planned industrial development with a new 75’×75’ building, subject to future site plan review for any expansion. (Unanimous)

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda Items: Passed unanimously (with three items removed for separate votes).
• Resolution #2026‑117 – Adopted solid waste rate increase to $19/month effective November 1, 2026.
• Resolution #2026‑119 – Approved one‑time lump sum payment of $34,219.00 for eligible Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office retirees.
• Resolution #2026‑118 – Approved one‑time lump sum payment of $90,463.00 for eligible Baldwin County Commission retirees.
• Resolution #2026‑120 – Adopted FY 2026 budget reallocation of various funds.
• Resolution #2026‑121 – Authorized $10,000,000.00 General Obligation Warrant (revolving line of credit) for disaster liquidity.
• Grant Applications: Approved submission of FY 2026 Byrne Discretionary Grant for $396,000.00 to purchase a law enforcement patrol/rescue boat for the Sheriff’s Office. Also accepted a $3,900.00 Legislative Event Grant from Alabama Tourism Department for a Christmas Drive‑Thru Lights Display.
• Voting Place Name Change: Acknowledged change of Voting Precinct No. 61 (Foley South) from Pathway Church to Daystar Church.
• Personnel Actions: Approved multiple hires, promotions, and reclassifications (Animal Control Officer, Grants Manager, Highway Department staff, Probate Chief Clerk, etc.).
• Vehicle Transfer: Highway Department transferred a 2022 Ford F150 to Planning and Zoning at $20,800 market value.
• Road Acceptances: Accepted subdivision roads for Gaineswood Unit 2 Phase 1 and Elizabeth Gardens Phase 2, with surety bonds of $839,263.38 and $704,722.46 respectively.
• Other Approvals: Bid awards for paint striping materials, road signs, pest control extension, tax notice printing extension, courthouse renovation pre‑qualification (7 contractors qualified, 6 rejected), change orders for Hinote Glass Road improvements and Central Annex renovation, and intergovernmental service agreement with Robertsdale for pavement markings ($6,881.94 estimated).
• Commissioner Comments: Commissioners reminded the public to be safe on waterways following recent boating accidents. Commissioner Underwood shared takeaways from the NACo conference, noting that Baldwin County is respected among Gulf Coast counties and that national discussions on data centers advise against offering incentives.