[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6386963,"mediaKeyId","2117378-69a83ac641ebc00154fe638efe918722","parentId",2117378,"title","County manager lists capital projects, estimates $500,000 for sheriff——s HVAC replacement","audioSeconds",150,"startMs",3723000,"endMs",3873000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2117378-69a83ac641ebc00154fe638efe918722&start=3723&end=3873","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2117378-69a83ac641ebc00154fe638efe918722/thumbnail_3723000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6386963/Baldwin-County/Georgia/County-manager-lists-capital-projects-estimates-500000-for-sheriffs-HVAC-replacement","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6386963-10c6f233e416b4fc21751d23bfb2cfa0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191840&Signature=KXS4OmlMmQlyFScC-xyDf-2yeNQuFaiKlWc3D-gurnKiFnFBwgz6V51DojMZjqVREe3d-4BhZryIXcN45vP9sNmId~P97TFR3SrdipA~N9-UC-NgO~9kTr9afazzKagP2EE97u342jTLv25euYrwoBuPVJGgtL08MheGfQ14KmTSXoaks5JUQg3mZboJkDxmMjKICeZwIiKRVN86nvO50~lQ6KnZAwbKfOI4wN7CpV4XZJmHGEPIEvuGBn7oqhwbdtfb5kAsYeDPaKJ7irWU8aWAY0XOe0GzARoiYSjo0bC~qtpstwyijbTTla02nGJdgq5O1orJHWiKlHCCqDS83g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Baldwin County GA","date","2025-01-07T00:00:00Z","article","The county manager presented updates on capital and maintenance projects at the Jan. 7 Baldwin County commission meeting, including a preliminary $500,000 estimate to replace the sheriff\u0000\u0000s office HVAC system, which staff said is failing and for which bids are due Feb. 7.

Other items highlighted: a county-wide inventory of galvanized water lines that will be bid soon; a 0.57-mile Fishing Creek Trail gap-closure project expected to go to bid in the coming weeks; the Oconee Heights Streetscape project has a signed contract with the Federal Highway Administration and engineering solicitation will be prepared; Cooper Station storm-drain repairs are underway; ball-field light installation is under way with a targeted completion date of Feb. 28; the Waterpark Aquatic Center Phase 2 will require a contract change order to be considered Jan. 21; Harrisburg Park will close soon for construction with a projected reopening June 30; Coney Heights playground equipment installation is expected next month; and the district-based land-use code is scheduled for commissioner review and an anticipated vote at the first February meeting.

Why it matters: The projects include both immediate maintenance (HVAC failure at sheriff\u0000\u0000s office) and multi-phase capital work funded through grants and contracts, including federal agreements for streetscape work. Several items carry near-term procurement deadlines and construction schedules that staff asked the board to note.

Next steps: Bids for HVAC replacement are due Feb. 7; staff will issue bid documents for the Fishing Creek Trail in the coming weeks, proceed with design solicitations for the Oconee Streetscape and prepare the Waterpark Phase 2 change order for a Jan. 21 vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular Meeting 1/7/25 6pm","oneSentenceSummary","The county manager told the Baldwin County Board of Commissioners that bids for a failing sheriff's-office HVAC replacement are expected Feb. 7 with an estimated budget of roughly $500,000, and provided updates on trail, parks and Waterpark projects.","taxTitle","Baldwin County, Georgia","taxId",69947,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6386968,"Commissioners agree to pursue public hearings on spay-neuter ordinance as county shelter reaches capacity",1771,3173000,4944000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2117378-69a83ac641ebc00154fe638efe918722&start=3173&end=4944","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2117378-69a83ac641ebc00154fe638efe918722/thumbnail_3173000.jpg","/articles/6386968/Baldwin-County/Georgia/Commissioners-agree-to-pursue-public-hearings-on-spay-neuter-ordinance-as-county-shelter-reaches-capacity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6386968-69679e4ef012bda9b5214a440bcc6c35/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191840&Signature=Y6TS5ETJhL98MPNr5xvgaIrUnC37e-MU8Xxo3a1CGjX5akK1oygI5uHNy2ekUxqFsG-AXza-10vLgIcYyucomsJw05thGb3iGNHwbGhu93B2XX3lOq9y7hoL8z5ql5kBHbOoWRVKcqeRhewpbPXb6i1z1c2WFjWbdqMqL8QzLpj9arlpyeJod-V5XlCUhY7mX0Dq-3ik6qgGIQyMmzC7tqQd9C~l9SqxnrzfzXBQaEWLoYTHfND24p5MElZ66~upxFgQuTEbXYtZaGvD2b3yfLjPmwuEZoJsE1p~-Hl~yGLVQ6oLbO3vNq40LyApMiU4ghKiOXoddAGoIKmJCappzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Baldwin County commissioners heard extended testimony on animal-overpopulation concerns and directed county staff to prepare a draft spay-and-neuter ordinance and schedule public hearings, after Commissioner Andrew Strickland outlined the shelter\u0000\u0000s strain and recommended public input.

Strickland said shelter overcrowding and intake volumes have made current operations untenable. He told the board that the animal-control budget has grown from $197,700 in 2018 to $449,000 in 2025 and that, during a recent visit, the shelter held about 140 animals. He asked the board to hold public hearings on a spay-and-neuter ordinance and to consider low-cost sterilization options to reduce intake; several commissioners agreed to have staff prepare a draft for public review.

Multiple community speakers emphasized rescue partnerships and careful adoption screening. Deb Campbell, representing Friends of the Baldwin County Animal Shelter, said rescue organizations relieve the county\u0000\u0000s financial burden by taking animals and handling spay/neuter and veterinary costs. \"Rescues are ... doing us a big favor by taking them,\" Campbell said, urging continued coordination with the volunteer rescue community.

Aileen Veasey, president of Animal Rescue Foundation, described the evolution of adoption screening over the past decade and urged that any changes preserve practices that minimize returns and place animals in responsible homes. Student and volunteer groups, including Georgia College Shelter Buddies, described their volunteer and fundraising activities that contribute $2,000 to $3,000 a year toward medical needs and spay/neuter costs.

The board did not adopt an ordinance at the meeting. Instead, several commissioners responded \"I'm fine with it\" when asked to direct staff to prepare draft language and hold public hearings. The record shows a direction to staff to prepare ordinance language for later public review rather than immediate adoption.

Why it matters: Commissioners and community groups described tight shelter capacity, steady intake and staff strain; the proposed ordinance would be a preventive policy intended to reduce intake and long-term costs. Speakers asked the county to include rescue organizations and volunteer groups in planning.

Next steps: County staff will prepare a draft spay-and-neuter ordinance and schedule public hearings for the board to consider, per commissioners\u0000\u0000 direction.","Commissioner Andrew Strickland and multiple public speakers urged the board to pursue a spay-and-neuter ordinance and other measures after describing the county animal shelter as full and overburdened; staff was directed to draft an ordinance and schedule public hearings.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6386973,"After debate, commissioners award rec-center concessions to Out of the Park; earlier vote for Nicholas Catering fails",1434,1303000,2737000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2117378-69a83ac641ebc00154fe638efe918722&start=1303&end=2737","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2117378-69a83ac641ebc00154fe638efe918722/thumbnail_1303000.jpg","/articles/6386973/Baldwin-County/Georgia/After-debate-commissioners-award-rec-center-concessions-to-Out-of-the-Park-earlier-vote-for-Nicholas-Catering-fails","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6386973-27c1b0e29dabda8ab572cd61a1f4f4d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191840&Signature=GO7PqmH8opEzkyGRTW5BjtML0jQ4OYfxa0Uf3uCN0OBGMMjej4kpUP5eDW4y542~5BGsoH8~xw5Jd3RYzO9Zjncgpd9hTr9bU6plsPPNpD17Er4ry8nmNZA5EgeErlusBkSOIa-~MSUo~qQEroBb5SJLgxYzT-20XnHeZPs9d7T9yJOor8sukO6~pTLNh63dha7aA3LdWUdDvUb8gAmNQBXiBK8BmJ~iRTq0v9gmXL0295c0ZxnnNy4t3SGBiHg4NFYzPHKtRU0P2cog9ABu6S1oPWvr8-yCDe5~b~bAX1Gk1-jokfH8dntKAf0DN-6fMkLnzKNwMRve4oldHkI58w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Following public comment and extended discussion about vendor readiness and contract terms, the Baldwin County Board of Commissioners voted to award the recreation-center concession contract to Out of the Park LLC by a 3-2 vote after declining to approve a previously proposed contract for Nick Nicolaas Catering and Concessions LLC.

The dispute centered on whether the vendor awarded earlier had completed required company registration with the Georgia Secretary of State and whether the contract terms were sustainable. Multiple commissioners and members of the public questioned the financial viability of a bid that required the operator to pay the county 30% of gross sales. Brian Hopkins, who identified himself as an owner-operator with experience in concessions and tournaments, told commissioners: \"There's no reasonable way that this new contractor can make this bid work paying 30% of gross revenue.\" He warned the county could be \"right back here talking about this again soon\" if the vendor could not operate sustainably.

County legal counsel advised the board that the county should not approve or finalize a contract with a business that did not yet appear on the Secretary of State's records with an official registered agent. Attorney Palmer told the board: \"I don't think, at this point, I can recommend to approve the contract with Nick Nicolaas Catering and Concessions LLC...Do they are they registered with the Secretary of State's office, and do they have an official registered agent upon whom we can serve process?\" That legal concern was a factor in the vote that failed to approve the previously proposed vendor.

After the failed motion regarding Nicolaas Catering (vote recorded as failed, 3 no / 2 yes), the board considered an alternative operator, Out of the Park LLC, which offered to operate under a 10% payment structure (the rate used by the prior operator). County staff confirmed that Out of the Park had completed its annual registration for 2025. The motion to award Out of the Park the concession contract passed by a 3-2 vote.

Clarifying details provided during the meeting included a sales figure from a local operator: \"51,000 was the total in sales last year, and that's the best year he's ever had,\" according to a public commenter who said Scott Carter provided the number. Commissioners and public commenters used that figure to illustrate how a 30% rent would reduce net revenue available for food, staff, equipment and insurance.

Why it matters: The concession operator affects on-site food availability and pricing at county parks and may influence users' experience at events and youth sports. Commissioners cited both legal risk and the county\u0000\u0000s obligation to honor agreements as factors in their deliberations.

Next steps: Out of the Park will be awarded the contract; staff confirmed Out of the Park had current annual registration and the operator will proceed to operate the concession stand under the agreed contract terms. Commissioners also discussed improving procurement and vetting processes for future contracts.","The Baldwin County Board of Commissioners declined to approve a contract for Nicholas (Nick) Nicolaas Catering and Concessions LLC and instead awarded the rec-center concession contract to Out of the Park LLC after public comment and legal concern about vendor registration.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6386982,"Baldwin County commissioners re-adopt tax-collection resolutions, accept DA grant and set elections board terms",347,913000,1260000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2117378-69a83ac641ebc00154fe638efe918722&start=913&end=1260","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2117378-69a83ac641ebc00154fe638efe918722/thumbnail_913000.jpg","/articles/6386982/Baldwin-County/Georgia/Baldwin-County-commissioners-re-adopt-tax-collection-resolutions-accept-DA-grant-and-set-elections-board-terms","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6386982-8b8d86644b54c1eadf5d8fdb2b30848e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191840&Signature=NJP4NmrQIM0lvqdn7gf9gcU50psk35oohS-brVSkSRjZG-Yz166icYdQzzfkra4uS46Kvp~V5vW2cG0LfmWfICEJbvaDbfwKSFN80olKXPggP8aQKD-97BOWnbUrFTMMSYStr9jDACz0VX4LWiNNehw6T8YSI3J8ZgQM-lhROGXwV9z52ITzT4WF2Pm2fVfOVlrGBCBzWFNp1PKjIyqtIggosKF7kubeGaKhfcqQm-J~Wz7TiouEat2UFM4Yf95xovCWsRiCbH1SU-96AEMkFRdSjLM81r6rDsA0IXGh5Ct0KpCDiw3tbiQ9f1eXDX4WhvJ7LlrPFZ-Wd-Av3CgQ6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Baldwin County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 7 adopted a package of housekeeping resolutions assigning tax-collection responsibilities to the tax commissioner, accepted a $170,340 victim-assistance grant for the district attorney\u0000\u0000s office, appointed the county legislative liaison and formalized terms for members of the county\u0000\u0000s new Board of Elections.

The resolutions were presented by the county\u0000\u0000s assistant county manager and approved without recorded opposition as part of the meeting\u0000\u0000s consent and administrative items. The board voted to accept the grant award for the district attorney\u0000\u0000s office; county staff said the state waived the usual 20% local match for that grant, so the county is not required to provide additional funds.

Votes at a glance
- Resolution 2025-01: Waiver of certain penalties and interest by the Baldwin County tax commissioner. Motion to adopt: passed (vote recorded as unanimous). Purpose: reassign authority to the tax commissioner following an election.
- Resolution 2025-02: Correction of errors and refunds; removal of personal property from the digest. Motion to adopt: passed (unanimous). Purpose: assign responsibility to the tax commissioner for refunds and digest corrections.
- Resolution 2025-03: Authorize tax-commissioner office to receive property tax and motor vehicle registration checks and reaffirm acceptance of credit-card payments. Motion to adopt: passed (unanimous).
- Resolution 2025-04: Acceptance of victim-assistance grant to the district attorney\u0000\u0000s office in the amount of $170,340; county manager reported the required 20% match was waived by the grantor, so no local match is required. Motion to accept and authorize the chairman to sign: passed (unanimous).
- Resolution 2025-05: Appointment of county legislative liaison; the board appointed Beau D'Nusser to serve as the county legislative liaison. Motion to appoint: passed (unanimous).
- Resolution 2025-06: Assign terms for members of the Baldwin County Board of Elections and Registration. The drawing for terms produced the following assignments: Natalie Fields (4-year term), Orlando Jones (4-year term), Tony Fraley (6-year term), Randall Moros (6-year term), Glenda Brown (6-year term). Motion to adopt and authorize staff to execute necessary documents: passed (unanimous).

Why it matters: The re-adoption of tax-collection resolutions places administrative authority with the tax commissioner after an election and is standard procedure recommended by the Department of Revenue, county staff said. Acceptance of the DA grant provides $170,340 for victim services without a local match, and formalizing the elections board terms implements changes to elections administration now that responsibility has shifted from the probate judge to a board of elections.

County staff identified the items as mostly housekeeping; the assistant county manager said these items were previously adopted and were being readopted to comply with state guidance after a new tax commissioner took office. The board also authorized staff to file additional documents with the Secretary of State to formalize the elections appointments.

Notes: All three tax-related resolutions and the appointment items were presented by the assistant county manager. The grant award to the district attorney was described by the assistant county manager as a grant award with no local match required.","At its January meeting the Baldwin County Board of Commissioners unanimously re-adopted routine tax-collection resolutions, accepted a $170,340 victim-assistance grant for the district attorney\u0000\u0000s office with no local match required, appointed the county legislative liaison and formalized terms for the newly constituted Board of Elections.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County manager lists capital projects, estimates $500,000 for sheriff——s HVAC replacement

Commissioners agree to pursue public hearings on spay-neuter ordinance as county shelter reaches capacity

After debate, commissioners award rec-center concessions to Out of the Park; earlier vote for Nicholas Catering fails

Baldwin County commissioners re-adopt tax-collection resolutions, accept DA grant and set elections board terms