Baldwin has become the fourth city in a week to approve a resolution presented by Habersham County for the city to participate in a fire consolidation study. The approval came just minutes after Clarkesville approved the resolution during its council meeting Monday evening.
Last Tuesday, both the cities of Demorest and Cornelia approved the resolution during their regular meetings.
The resolution that the Baldwin City Council approved outlines that the county has agreed to pay for the cost of the study. The council designated Chief Administrative Office Emily Woodmaster as the city’s representative to participate in the study and provide information on behalf of the city. The resolution also states that the CIty Council is committed to ensuring community engagement throughout the study process to gather input and remain transparent.
Finally, the resolution states that for the city’s participation in the study, in no way, does it obligate the city to consolidate.
Mayor Stephanie Almagno asked Woodmaster if the consultant gave a timeline for the study. Woodmaster responded that the study could take six months to a year to complete.
Almagno told the council that the information from the study would be beneficial to the city. The most recent ISO audit for the fire department came in at a three and missed getting a two by four points.
Council woman Alice Venter weighed in on the discussion. “I think the feasibility study itself is good,” she said. “The more data, the better.”
After a short discussion among the council, Almagno asked for a motion to approve the study. Venter made the motion and it was second by Council woman Kerri Davis. The resolution was approved unanimously.
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