Scott Barnhart

The 2025 City of Baldwin Comprehensive Plan outlines a roadmap for the community's future, developed through extensive public participation to guide key decisions. The plan envisions Baldwin as a community of belonging, safety, and connections, striving to balance small-town charm with sustainable growth and prosperity. Its strategic direction focuses on fostering a sense of place, enhancing community engagement, promoting responsible development, expanding economic opportunities, protecting natural and historic resources, and boosting tourism. The plan aims to honor the past, invest in the future, and create a thriving environment for residents.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding the budget. There were discussions about amending the agenda to include considerations for animal control service and a social media coordinator in the upcoming budget. Residents voiced concerns about a proposed tax increase and its potential impact on their ability to afford their homes. Issues related to animal control services, including the handling of stray cats and the lack of animal control presence in the area, were raised. Additional topics included the importance of a finance director, trash service issues, and the lack of contact information for the mayor on the city website.

The meeting included a discussion on the state of the city, highlighting accomplishments such as the addition of an administrative assistant, the hiring of a new police chief, and various infrastructure improvements. The council also discussed economic development, focusing on the 365 corridor and the establishment of an overlay district to accommodate business and residential elements. Additionally, there was a conversation about the Savannah port's increased business and its potential impact.

The City Council work session included discussions on the 2025 council meeting calendar, ARPA fund obligations, and various projects. Revisions to the council meeting calendar were proposed due to holidays and election days. The use of ARPA funds for the Solace Handling Building's screw press was discussed, along with alternative ways to allocate funds due to project delays. Projects under consideration for ARPA funding included erosion mitigation at the raw water intake, interior painting, a two-way radio system for public works, a CIP update, zone meter planning, a pole barn for the public works building, air relief valves, email conversion, and codification.

The council meeting included discussions on a public hearing for setting the millage rate, addressing concerns about property tax increases in Banks County, and explaining the allocation of funds. The council also considered the first reading of the water sewer use ordinance number 2024-1052, which aims to update and streamline the city's regulations for water and sewer usage.