The Baldwin City Council discussed two paving projects at its council meeting on Monday, March 24, and approved the bidding process to begin on this project.
One paving project in the Highland Pointe subdivision on the Habersham County side, located off of Charlie Davis Road, is estimated to cost $386,175.00. The city will use improvement grant money for this project. Emily Woodmaster, the city of Baldwin’s chief administrative officer, indicated that this project will be funded by available grant money. This grant is not a matching grant.
The second paving project is for Banks Ridge, located on the city’s Banks County side. The city will fund this project with Banks County TSPLOST for city streets on the Banks County side. The estimated cost of this project is $344,175.00.
The Council approved Woodmaster to start the bidding process for these projects.
Other business
Public Works Director Scott Barnhart updated the council on the department’s activities. Barnhart discussed the recent water main break, which caused citizens to be without water. Countless hours were spent repairing the lines. The council praised the department’s hard work in getting the water restored.
The city approved the Everbridge contract for community information. This agreement will provide the software enabling the city to notify the community of various emergency notifications, such as water outages and road closures. Notifications are available through text, email, or landline. It adds $0.23 to the monthly utility bill and could take effect by July 2025.
The council tabled a vote on purchasing a new vacuum truck for the city’s public works department. The truck can be used to assist in clearing blockages in manholes in the city’s sewer system. It can also be used as a less invasive way to excavate around utilities without the need for heavy equipment. The cost of the vacuum truck is $405,697.00. Woodmaster recommended a 7-year lease agreement at a locked-in rate of 4.64%. At the end of the lease agreement, the city will own the vacuum truck, which is estimated to have a life of 15 to 20 years.
The Homestead Exemption Affidavits for 2025 property taxes are due April 1st. You can stop by City Hall or call 706-778-6341 to find out the exemption you qualify for.
Also, the 26th annual Baldwin Clean Up Day is scheduled for April 19th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Beginning Monday, April 14, the Public Works will collect items that normally must go to the landfill, including appliances, scrap metal, and furniture. Tires, batteries, and paint cans will be accepted but must be separated from other items. All items must be placed out on the curb by 8 a.m., and sign-up is required for pick-up service. Call 706-78-6341 by April 11 to get your name on the list.
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