In an upcoming council meeting on Monday, the Baldwin City Council is set to discuss approving an animal control intergovernmental agreement with Habersham County. They will also review a variance request submitted by Otter Construction.
The contention regarding animal control services stems from past discrepancies in fees. Baldwin city leaders have been advocating for a more fair allocation that considers property taxes paid by city residents to the county.
While county management has adjusted the formula to recognize city tax digests, Baldwin contends that further adjustments are necessary. Despite the new formula being in the new agreements issued to all cities, Baldwin has yet to approve the animal control agreement.
MORE: Baldwin pushes back on animal control costs
Variance request
In a separate matter, Otter Construction seeks a variance to convert an office owned by Wink Verdery on Professional Drive into a one-bedroom apartment. The request aims to allow residential use within a commercial building currently utilized as an attorney’s office.
Verdery cites “economic and security” reasons for the conversion. He emphasizes the added value and security a resident would provide to the neighborhood.
The city council will conduct the first reading of the variance ordinance on March 25. The public hearing will take place on April 9. The council will vote on final approval at its April 15 meeting.
The Baldwin City Council meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 25, in the Baldwin Municipal Courtroom at 155 Willingham Avenue in Baldwin.
