The Baldwin County Board of Commissioners’ March 5 meeting was all about recognition as the board recognized women for Women’s History Month and commissioner Henry Craig reflected on his years of service and announced his choice to retire.
The board meeting began with some inspirational words from Reverend Susan Balfour of the First Presbyterian Church. After her prayer, Baldwin County Fire Rescue and the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office recognized a few chosen female employees for their service in recognition of Women’s History Month.
Then, Latonya Howell came forward to read a speech highlighting the history of women in Milledgeville and Baldwin County who have worked in public service.
After Howell concluded her speech, commissioner Emily Davis invited all the women who were recognized and those attending the meeting to join the board on the floor for a photo-op. Women’s History Month honors not only those women who serve in public service but all women who work each day to make a difference and impact on society.
“We are women. Hear us roar. We will stay the course and assume our position. No more will we be placed behind the man, but we will be invited to walk next to him and someday enter a new era,” said Howell as she concluded her speech.
Moving into fiscal matters, Assistant County Manager Dawn Hudson asked for the board’s approval of the FY 2024 CDBG Application Resolution and the authorization for Chairman Johnny Westmoreland to execute the financial commitment letter for the Bridge Grant.
Both approvals relate to a sanitary sewer project with a housing component. This project will rehabilitate three homes that are chosen by the same qualification used by the CHIP grant and replace sewer lines.
“The total cost of the project is $1,641,318 and we are applying for grant funds of $1,250,000 so the matching portion of the $389,000 will be provided through sales tax funds,” said Hudson.
The board unanimously approved both the resolution and the grant application.
For old business, Davis brought up the issue of trash in Baldwin County and a recurring issue of trash flying out of trash trucks and being thrown out of windows by residents. Commissioner Sammy Hall also highlighted the issue of the trash trucks and of trash not being bagged and therefore dumped when trash is collected.
Craig concluded the discussion agreeing with their comments and stating that he asked Westmoreland to invite the solicitor to discuss issues they are having at a board meeting.
In addition, he reminded the public that he does not agree in enforcing county employees to pick up trash and that the public needs to be involved in order to solve the issue.
“Asking county employees to pick-up trash is not the way to go,” said Craig. “So, we need to help ourselves and find ways to do it better.”
As a solution, he recommended that the public get involved by adopting a road, working with Keep Milledgeville/ Baldwin Beautiful, or participating in community service.
Following his comment, the chairman announced that the Meriweather Convenience Center reopened March 5 but is not finished with repairs. They are waiting on the cement and paving to cure but he estimated that within a couple of weeks, the center should be ready.
Concluding business, Craig announced that after 11 years of service on the Board of Commissioners he will not be running for reelection for the next term.
“I believe in term limits, and I believe that new people, new ideas, and new energy is healthy,” said Craig. “I look forward to working with those that seek a position in District 4.”
Each commissioner closed the meeting sharing a heartfelt sentiment for the dedication and service Craig has given to the county and thanked him for the relationships they have built with him over the years.
“It’s been nice working with you, Henry … and I hope you have a successful future,” said Butts.
The next Board of Commissioners’ meeting will be held March 19 at 6 p.m.