The Baldwin County Board of Commissioners met Sept. 18 to hear an update on animal control, approve the intergovernmental contract for elections, adopt policies and procedures for Naloxone administration, and accept a CJCC Community Based Crime Act Grant.
Commissioner Emily Davis presented The Baldwin County Lightning Jets Track Team with a Certificate of Recognition for their “athletic prowess, training, and competitive drive,” which led to winning the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association District 6 State Championship.
County Management Analyst Charles Trumbo then approached the podium to present on animal care services. Animal Control received a $6,000 donation from a citizen to support the shelter’s needs. Volunteer membership has doubled in Shelter Buddies, a college partnership to offer volunteer opportunities. In the past eight years, the shelter has averaged 150-170 animals, which is considered overcrowded by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. The shelter currently has 50 animals, which is the “lowest in a long time.”
“One of the biggest wins is that we are no longer on probation with the Georgia Department of Agriculture,” said Trumbo. “We have been on probation for more than 10 years. The department came in with a surprise inspection and said we passed with flying colors and we are now eligible for grants.”
Under current leadership, the shelter is no longer allowing animals to live in the shelter for four to eight years as it is “unsafe for animals.” The shelter has been approved to begin passing out citations for things such as leash laws, however, Trumbo stressed that warnings will be given first.
“We need to have an ordinance for farm animals in residential areas,” said Trumbo, after explaining an incident where two pet pigs living in a backyard were harmed and had to be rescued. “I’d like to work together to get that together. It is a safety issue and a health concern.”
Commissioners agreed that the ordinance will need to analyze rural residential versus residential near the city or residentials without accommodating space for farm animals. Trumbo plans to meet with the county attorney, county manager, and commissioners to discuss further details and specifications.
“It looks like we are on the right track,” said Chairman Andrew Strickland.
Commissioners authorize an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Milledgeville for Baldwin County to conduct the municipal election in conjunction with county wide elections.
“Since we have two elections this year, the city will pay all costs and expenses directly attributable to the city election and 50 percent attributable to both elections,” said County Attorney Brandon Palmer. “Should there be a challenge only applicable to the city election, the city is indemnifying the county for all costs and liability potentially related to it.”
Commissioners discussed a resolution to adopt policies and procedures for Naloxone administration protocols and to appoint a Naloxone coordinator. The coordinator was proposed to be the Baldwin Fire & Rescue chief of operations.
“This is related to a recent change in Georgia law that requires counties to adopt these policies. What we are talking about is treating opioid overdoses and the county property where we will deploy these treatments. The idea is to emphasize the need to have employees trained to treat, as needed, and to appoint a coordinator,” said Palmer.
The resolution was unanimously approved.
Concluding agenda items, the board unanimously approved the CJCC Community Based Crime Act Grant awarded to the Georgia Professional Outreach and Resources Center for Healing. The estimated amount is $81,000 and there is no county match. The program has operated in the county for several years.
In other news, the Roberts Road Bridge was funded $465,000 by the Georgia Department of Transportation. Design is currently underway.
The next commission meeting will be Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. in Suite 220 of the Baldwin County Government Center.