The Baldwin City Council was presented a State of the City address, recognized its first firefighter recruiting class, and discussed HB 581 during its Monday, Jan. 27, council meeting.
Mayor Stephanie Almagno started the meeting with the State of the City Address. She addressed the city council, staff, business owners, and community partners. Almagno declared, “The state of our city is sound.”
Mayor Almagno highlighted the city’s progress over the past year, focusing on key accomplishments in infrastructure, investments in first responders, and renaming various buildings and areas.
According to Almagno, the city has made investments and improvements to its infrastructure and city assets. “Baldwin is prepared for the imminent growth coming to the area,” she said. Those improvements are in preparation for the expected growth from the inland port being constructed in Hall County and other state projects that will effect growth in Habersham County.
She thanked the community partners for improving the quality of life to the city’s residents through their donations. Almango said that 28 community partners donated over $40,000 in 2024 that supported 17 events hosted by the city.
One of the big events for city and area residents was the Baldwin Back to School Bash. Part of those donations paid for 100% of the school supplies for Baldwin Elementary School students and teachers and assisted several hundred area students in preparation for the first day of school last summer.
FD recruits
She also celebrated the Baldwin Fire Department’s completion of its first recruit class. Additionally, Baldwin’s Police Department expanded by adding a second K9 to the unit, while community events were held to enhance the quality of life for residents. These are just a few examples of the many positive changes in Baldwin over the last year, Almagno said.
The Baldwin Fire Department proudly presented its first recruit class for graduation, which began training in early August. The class started with six recruits and ended with four. The class started shifts in mid-September and became certified in Firefighter I and II.
According to Baldwin Fire Chief Joy Roy, the recruits endured a month of physical training. Once that was completed, they moved into technical training to become a firefighter.
Roy said that the city was able to hire the remaining four recruits.
HB 581
Chief Administrative Officer Emily Woodmaster discussed HB 581 with the city council. She explained that the bill included a floating homestead exemption, a three year requirement for assessments, and the potential for the cities and the county to receive a new local option sales tax. The new tax must be applied like LOST, dollar for dollar, to reduce the millage rate. However, that portion of the bill would have to be decided by the voters.
In order to get to that point, the cities and the county must first opt in to the floating homestead exemption.
Woodmaster explained to the council that between Banks and Habersham County residents, 62% and 65% wanted this homestead exemption. “Voters said we want this exemption,” she told the council. “It’s our job as a local government to see that through.”
The Baldwin City Council passed a resolution to opt in to HB 581 during a joint meeting with the cities of Habersham County last week.
During the announcements portion of the meeting, Almagno stressed the importance of applying for a Homestead Exemption at Baldwin City Hall. For those who wish to apply, Homestead Exemption affidavits for 2025 property taxes are due by April 1. If unsure if you qualify, contact Baldwin City Hall at 706-778-6341.
