Baldwin County Commission Regular Meeting - November 3, 2026

The Baldwin County Commission held its pre-meeting work session at 9:00 AM and regular meeting at 10:00 AM on November 3, 2026, in Bay Minette, Alabama. The meeting featured a consent agenda, public comments, presentations recognizing outgoing commissioners and nonprofits, and final remarks from commissioners as three of four commissioners completed their terms.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved as discussed in the work session, with the removal of item CO3 (Development Agreement with Superior Wall & Paver, LLC for funding transportation improvements on County Road 32) at the developer's request. All other items were adopted unanimously.
• Items on the consent agenda included: competitive bids, contract extensions, budget amendments, software agreements, sheriff's office MOU for SRO program, EMA purchases, CDBG-DR program amendments, ARPA fund reallocation (CM5), highway department equipment and road acceptances, personnel actions, and a planning and zoning resignation.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Shane Hadley (North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce) and another representative spoke in support of the first annual dragon boat races held at Live Oak Park. They reported approximately 500 attendees, praised the facility and county staff support, and announced plans to reserve the park for October 16, 2027.
• Joe and Norma (public attendees) expressed appreciation for the commission and county staff but raised a question about a miscalculation in compensation from several years ago. They stated they received a notice about owed money but had not yet received it. Staff indicated they would follow up.

Presentations & Recognitions

• Proclamation – Nonprofit Awareness Month: Commissioner Ball read a proclamation designating November 2026 as Nonprofit Awareness Month in Baldwin County. Representatives from several nonprofit organizations (South Alabama Coalition of Nonprofits, Alta Pointe Health, Lee Charities, United Way, Exceptional Foundation, Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center, Anchor Cross Cancer Foundation, Feeding the Gulf Coast, Big Brothers Big Sisters) spoke about their services. The proclamation was adopted unanimously.
• Recognition of Commissioners by Legislative Delegation: State legislators presented resolutions commending Commissioner James E. "Jeb" Ball (eight years of service), Commissioner Matthew P. McKenzie (four years of service), and Commissioner Charles F. "Skip" Gruber (50 years of public service, including 30 as a county employee and 18 as commissioner). Each commissioner gave brief remarks.
• Naming of Highway Department Facilities: Two resolutions were passed unanimously:
  • Resolution 2027-031 named the Baldwin County Highway Department Area 100 maintenance facility in North Baldwin County after the late former Commissioner Frank Burt Jr.
  • Resolution 2027-030 named the Baldwin County Highway Department Area 300 maintenance facility in Foley after Commissioner Charles F. "Skip" Gruber.

Discussion Items

• County Road 32 Complaints: Commissioner McKenzie raised concerns about the paving and striping work on County Road 32 between Old Pierce Road and Fairhope, describing the surface as "wavy" and noting citizen complaints. Highway engineer responded that the contractor (a known vendor) would be asked to correct any issues and that an inspection would occur that day.
• ARPA Funds Reallocation (CM5): County Administrator Roger highlighted the final resolution reallocating remaining ARPA funds for public works projects, noting that the county had successfully managed over $43 million in federal funds over four years. He and commissioners thanked Finance Director Katrina for her work. The item was on the consent agenda and adopted.
• School Resource Officer Program (CI1): Superintendent of Baldwin County Public Schools Marty McCrary addressed the commission prior to the consent agenda vote, expressing appreciation for the longstanding partnership on the SRO program and noting its importance for student safety. The MOU was included in the consent agenda and approved.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved (with CO3 removed) – all other items passed.
• Proclamation for Nonprofit Awareness Month adopted unanimously.
• Resolutions commending Commissioners Ball, McKenzie, and Gruber adopted and presented.
• Resolutions naming highway maintenance facilities after Frank Burt Jr. (Area 100) and Skip Gruber (Area 300) adopted unanimously.
• Commissioner comments: Each outgoing commissioner (Ball, McKenzie, Gruber) and continuing Commissioner Underwood delivered final remarks, thanking staff, families, and citizens. Commissioner Ball struck the gavel one last time and yielded to the vice chairman to adjourn.