Baldwin County Commission Regular Meeting – September 15, 2026

The Baldwin County Commission met in a pre-meeting work session at 9:00 AM and the regular meeting at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the Fairhope Satellite Courthouse. Commissioners discussed and voted on a wide range of items including adoption of the FY2027 budget, approval of the consent agenda with multiple routine items, public hearings for nine rezoning requests, a new intergovernmental roadway agreement with the City of Fairhope under the C3 program, and selection of an ATRIP-II project. The meeting also included recognition of community contributions and public comment on animal shelter operations, broadband access, and emergency veterinary services.

Consent Calendar

• FY2027 Budget Adoption: The $276.7 million budget was approved as part of the consent agenda. The budget includes a 5% cost-of-living adjustment for employees ($8.7 million), minimal headcount increases (five net new commission positions, nine sheriff positions), $2.2 million for 38 new sheriff vehicles, and $13 million set aside for future debt service. The budget reflects a 6.6% increase over the prior year and strategic use of $17 million in fund balance.
• Revenue Commissioner Compensation: The commission set the Revenue Commissioner's salary for the 2027-2033 term at the requested amount, which had been pre-loaded into the budget.
• Addenda Items: Three addenda (GA1–GA3) were moved to the consent agenda: a grant application for the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Longleaf Pine Restoration, an updated agreement with Dauphin Island Sea Lab for the Magnolia River Wetland and Habitat Restoration Project, and an amendment to a cooperative agreement with ADEM for the same watershed.
• Other Consent Items: Included ratifications of interim payments ($3,572,494.53), approval of routine contracts (e.g., HVAC upgrades, painting/drywall services, engineering for Kelly Pit detention, GIS software, opioid settlement agreements, CDBG-DR partnership contracts with multiple municipalities, road acceptances, development agreements for County Road 64 improvements, personnel actions, and more). All items passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tony Dickey (Alabama Association of Search and Rescue): Expressed gratitude for the commission's support in getting DECA notifications approved, noting that without the commission's backing, search and rescue organizations in Baldwin County would lack necessary assets.
• Leslie Goff (Animal Shelter Volunteer): Raised concerns about the volunteer management program at the Baldwin County Animal Shelter, citing lack of training, unprofessional conduct, and unjust termination. She urged the commission to intervene and also requested a "doggy day out" program for shelter dogs.
• Ryan Hamby (District 2 Resident): Highlighted poor cell phone coverage and slow internet in established neighborhoods, while new subdivisions receive fiber optic. He requested the commission leverage right-of-way permitting and franchise agreements to require providers to complete last-mile connections. He also noted a personal experience where a lack of cell service prevented him from reporting a potential domestic violence incident.
• Robert Eccles (Resident): Urged the commission to help bring an emergency veterinary clinic to Baldwin County, sharing a story of driving his dying dog to Mobile due to lack of after-hours emergency pet care in the county.
• Lee Worsham, Dean Servos, Gene Busillian, Jack Millstead (Bouche's Premium Cigars/Prodisee Pantry): Recognized for raising a record $111,647 in their 2026 golf tournament for Prodisee Pantry, which fed 2,500 families this year. Over seven tournaments, they have raised over $160,000, translating to $2.3 million in groceries.

Discussion Items

• Budget Presentation (Beth, Finance Director): Beth presented the FY2027 budget overview, emphasizing a shift from reactive to responsive budgeting. Key elements: employee investment (5% raise), minimal headcount increases, centralized services (fleet, IT, facilities), long-range planning, and allocation of utilities/insurance to departments. Commissioners praised the collaborative process and transparency.
• ATRIP-II Project Selection: Senior Staff (Frank) presented two options: improving the intersection of State Route 181 and County Road 32 (a safety issue with school traffic) or sponsoring a project at Blakeley State Park entrance. Commissioners selected the CR 32/181 intersection, citing safety and broader public benefit. The application is due in early November.
• C3 Program Agreement (Mark Ackerman): The Connecting Communities Collectively (C3) program, successor to the award‑winning 30Q program, was introduced. The first project is a $5 million multimodal improvement along Twin Beech Road in Fairhope, with $2.5 million each from the county and city. The agreement was approved unanimously (motion by Commissioner Gruber, second by Commissioner Underwood).
• Public Hearings – Rezoning Cases: Nine zoning cases were heard. Commissioners emphasized that rezoning only changes land use; subdivision and development details are handled separately. The Smart Growth Scorecard and FLUM were referenced. Cases are summarized below under Key Outcomes.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda (including Budget) – Approved Unanimously (all items moved as a block).
• C3 Program Agreement (FO1) – Approved Unanimously.
• ATRIP-II Project Selection – Approved Unanimously (CR 32 & 181 intersection).
• Zoning Cases:
  • Z25-53 Goodrich Property (RA to RSF-1, 417 acres): Approved 3-1 (Commissioner McKenzie opposed). Spanish Fort Mayor and residents raised concerns about traffic, drainage, and lack of access; staff noted access plans were provided.
  • Z25-62 Morgan Property (RA to RSF-1, 153 acres): Approved 3-1 (Commissioner Underwood opposed). Applicant reduced density by over 200 lots and added a donation to Belfast Volunteer Fire Department. Residents cited runoff and rural character.
  • Z26-08 Coburn Property (RSF-2 to RSF-3, 19 acres): Withdrawn by applicant after discussion about lot size concerns and potential PRD alternative.
  • Z26-29 Hensley Property (RSF-1 to RA, 8.3 acres): Approved unanimously. Applicant wants to keep farm animals for 4‑H.
  • Z26-30 Kahlbau Property (RR to RSF-1, 1.5 acres): Approved 4-1 (Commissioner Underwood opposed). Two‑lot family subdivision.
  • Z26-31 Clifford Property (RA to RSF-E, 4.67 acres): Approved unanimously. Two‑lot family arrangement for elderly parents.
  • Z26-32 Nelson Property (RA to RSF-1, 3.05 acres): Approved 3-1 (Commissioner Underwood dissented). Sibling subdivision.
  • Z26-33 Frego Property: Withdrawn by applicant.
  • Z26-34 5 Rivers Capital LLC (RSF-2 to B2, 1.19 acres): Approved unanimously. Back parcel to support an existing carwash on US 98.
• Public Comments – Recorded and acknowledged. No formal action.
• Commissioner Requests: Commissioner Underwood requested removal or replacement of a clock showing incorrect time; taken under advisement.