The Mayor and City Council of Baldwin will hold a town hall meeting on Tuesday, May 20, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the proposed fiscal year 2026 annual budget.
On Saturday evening, May 17, Councilwoman Alice Venter alerted Baldwin citizens ahead of the town hall meeting to the potential of taxes doubling in the city on her social media page. Her post stated, “BALDWIN TAXES ARE ABOUT TO DOUBLE. SHOW UP AND SHOW OUT TUESDAY 7:30 CITY HALL.”
Baldwin Mayor Stephanie Almagno stated that she had not kept up with the conversations on social media. However, she sees the town hall as an opportunity for residents to discuss the services they want the city to provide.
“I hope the residents come to the town hall to discuss the services (and level thereof) that they want the city to provide,” Almagno said in an email. “Our mission is to provide proximate and substantial services, so this is an opportunity for residents to ask questions about those services and to discuss the impact of the services on our lives.” She adds, “This is not only a financial impact but also safety and quality of life concerns.”
Now Habersham has requested a copy of the 2026 fiscal year budget from the city that will be discussed during Tuesday’s town hall meeting. As of this publication, the city has not responded to that request.
During the city council’s spring retreat in April, the “wish list” budget showed a deficit of $1.78 million, prior to any cuts. At the retreat, department heads were instructed to redo and reduce their budgets starting from zero. According to Councilwoman Nancy Lehman, the $1.78 million deficit was reduced to a $1.3 million deficit during those budget discussions.
Baldwin currently has a millage rate of 9.17 mills. Based on last year’s tax digest and estimated tax collections, to cover just a $1 million deficit, the city would have to raise the millage rate approximately 8 mills to 17.17 mills.
The town hall meeting will give residents the opportunity to engage directly with city leaders, ask questions about the proposed budget, and offer input on Baldwin’s future. Department heads and city staff will also be in attendance to provide information and answer questions from the public.
Officials emphasized that no formal action will be taken during the meeting.
Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in shaping the financial priorities and direction of the city for the coming year.
The meeting will take place in the Community Room at Baldwin City Hall, located at 186 Highway 441 Bypass, in Baldwin.
