Baldwin County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Baldwin County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Hurricane Isaias recovery and employee admin leave
The commission lifted the local emergency, adopted the hazard mitigation plan, and fixed confusion over whether employees who worked during storm prep would also get admin leave.
Hurricane Preparedness
EMA Director Tom Tyler warned of 8-11 foot waves and a tropical storm warning for Baldwin and Mobile counties, advising beachgoers to stay out of the water with red flags flying.
ARC of Baldwin County Decertification
The state Department of Mental Health decertified ARC of Baldwin County, cutting off Medicaid waiver funding for services to residents with intellectual disabilities. The commission sent a resolution of support ahead of a January appeal hearing.
Domestic Violence Awareness
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Baldwin County. The Lighthouse serves over 1,500 people a year with shelter, crisis lines, and court advocacy — and leaders asked everyone to spread the word that help exists.
Broadband and Cellular Coverage Gaps in District 2
A 250-foot tower off John Oliver Road should finally fix a Verizon dead zone stretching toward Bay Minette; the landowner hosting it spoke in support.
Animal Shelter Volunteer Program Concerns
A former volunteer alleged safety and management problems at the Baldwin County Animal Shelter and asked commissioners to intervene on humane care standards and a dog day-out program.
Growth and infrastructure strain in Stapleton
A volunteer fire deputy chief warned that rapid growth around Stapleton is outpacing roads, businesses, and a small volunteer fire department, asking for fire prevention features like pre-connects on new construction.
Sheriff's Office commendations for crime-solving and water rescues
Deputies were honored for solving 11 vehicle break-ins, a major sex abuse case, and 22 water rescues at Fort Morgan during a dangerous surf event. The county's geo-fenced reverse 911 system helped close the beach and likely saved lives.
Jace Waters Foundation opioid recovery facility funding
Chairman Ball is pushing to direct roughly $500,000 of the $575,000 request in opioid settlement funds to a recovery facility on High Note Glass Road for men completing addiction treatment. The state AG says whether it must be a physical building is a local call.
Volunteer fire department disaster assistance agreements
New agreements with 30 volunteer fire departments and three search and rescue squads replace the 2023 versions, running 36 months.
National Purple Heart Day Recognition
Baldwin County is honoring Purple Heart recipients with a proclamation and a big event August 7 at the Daphne Civic Center, drawing recipients from across the country. It's a chance for the community, including youth groups and local JROTC, to honor wounded veterans.
Courthouse and jail construction projects
Big Bay Minette projects hit milestones: the new courthouse sally port and the jail's female housing addition were declared substantially complete, and seven contractors were pre-qualified for the courthouse renovation.
Coroner's office facility needs
Chairman Ball asked budget staff to consider a dedicated coroner's office facility, saying the county's growth demands it and the current facility is inadequate for a mass-casualty event.
Beach Express name retention for 911 addressing
The state is renaming the Beach Express as Highway 161, which would have forced address changes for residents and businesses. Two resolutions keep the local names for addressing purposes, so nobody's address changes.
Excessive lighting at County Road 55/24 boat and RV storage
A commissioner says a boat/RV storage facility at County Road 55 and 24 has lights so bright they look like a landing beacon visible from more than a mile away, near the landfill. Staff agreed to follow up and check the county's lighting standards.
Protestant Pantry North Project food distribution facility
The county signed a letter of support for a new food distribution facility and resource center in Stockton — a boost for food security in north Baldwin.
Mental health crisis services and Stepping Up Initiative
AltaPointe Health briefed commissioners on crisis response teams, iPad-based clinician access for officers and EMS, jail-based stabilization, and its Mobile-area crisis center. Baldwin County now uses about 37% of the region's psychiatric beds, and all 67 Alabama counties have committed to the Stepping Up program.
Beach safety and rip current awareness
Two candidates for office proposed requiring rental properties and hotels to document that visitors received beach-safety education. The county noted its existing BEach SAFE campaign, new beach access markers funded by a federal grant, and a surf-alert texting program.