The Baldwin County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday to discuss the rural housing initiative, potential roads to be added for maintenance, and the resolution for the Central State Hospital (CSH) buildings demolition.
The two other proposals submitted for the Rural Housing Initiative were within city limits, therefore the City Council is considering them. The board was asked to decide whether they would like to seek proposals for unincorporated areas during the next cycle or wait to see the city’s decision before pursuing anything. Ultimately, after some discussion, Commissioner Kendrick Butts made the motion to pursue individuals to present in September for the next cycle. The motion was passed unanimously.
“We need housing in Baldwin County,” said Butts. “So, I would like to see it continue … I think we can work jointly together and make it happen to get housing for people that need it.”
County Manager Carlos Tobar then informed the board that veterinarians in the area have increased the animal reclaim fee from $20 to $60. If an animal has been confiscated and is not current on its rabies vaccination, the citizen will have to pay the veterinary clinic the $60 fee. This was an informational item, so no action was required by the board.
Next, Tobar informed the board that a homeowners association reached out from the Rocky Creek Subdivision to request the board accept their proposed roads into the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) maintenance grant. The roads proposed are up to GDOT standards and could be potentially added. Commissioner Sammy Hall proposed postponing acceptance after other lots are completed and see how the proposed roads look then. The commissioners agreed to table the decision.
Then, Board Chair Johnny Westmoreland read the resolution of support for Central State Hospital demolition and redevelopment. This resolution supports Gov. Brian Kemp’s executive order directing the disposal of vacant structures on the CSH grounds to encourage CSH and the local redevelopment authority to revitalize Central State Hospital. Baldwin County will have no financial obligations.
“This is more, I guess you would say, a policy supporting the governor’s executive order,” said County Attorney Brandon Palmer.
The board unanimously approved the resolution.
Assistant County Manager Dawn Hudson informed the board that the county received a grant award from Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for Family Drug Court. This is a continuation of a grant received for numerous years. The grant period is July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025, in the amount of $193,356. The board unanimously accepted the grant.
Concluding the meeting, Commissioner Emily Davis recognized Juneteenth and Pride Month.
The next Board of Commissioners meeting will be July 16.