The Board of Commissioners met Tuesday to approve needed requirements for the Community Home Investment Program (CHIP) grant and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
The board unanimously approved the CHIP agreement and all necessary resolutions for the consideration of the next CHIP grant. This grant is for $50,0000 and helps low and moderate-income persons have affordable homes. The current CHIP grant is nearing completion with four of five houses completed. In Baldwin County, citizens who are over 60 years of age or are disabled are the first to be considered for the grant. In addition, for consideration, the gross household income must be less than 50% of the average median income for the county as established by HUD. County Manager Carlos Tobar recommended the county keep these considerations alongside any federally mandated conditions.
“The process should go a little faster this time because we know what we are doing,” Tobar told the board when asked about a potential completion date for the next cycle.
The CDBG grant received three proposals from three engineering firms and five proposals from grant administrators. The board unanimously approved Gilbert & Associates to handle the housing component of the grant and Allen-Smith Consulting to handle grant writing administrative services for the grant in 2025. The board also unanimously approved Carter & Sloope as the engineering firm.
“So, they (the two grant administrators) will pull the work together and we will submit one application,” explained Tobar.
Moving into the county manager’s report, Tobar announced the date for Scrapped Tire Amnesty Day. The county received a Scrapped Tire Amnesty Grant, and the county will hold its second Scrapped Tire Amnesty Day Sept. 28 at the road department. The county also received a Firehouse Subs grant for equipment for four dive team members. The board will vote on that agreement Aug. 6.
In other news:
• Tobarreportedthat48 miles of fiber has been deployed by Windstream with two miles to go.
• Bidsareopenforthe pickleball courts Aug.
1 and will be voted on Aug. 6.
• Thegolfpumpstation irrigation is due July 31 and will be voted on Aug. 6.
• RiverofLifehelped people build ramps for accessibility to various homes and CREATE Inc. helped build a bridge on a new bike/ hiking trail opening in the summer.
• Thecountyclerkposition began advertising Wednesday.