The Fiscal Year 2024 Budget, commencing on October 1st, was formally ratified by the Baldwin County Commission on September 28, 2023, following an extensive period of deliberation and priority setting. The approved budget stands at a sum of $250,133,924, reflecting a 3.8% upswing from the preceding fiscal year's allocation of $240,888,740.

Noteworthy within the endorsed budget is the allocation of approximately $1 million for the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office to initiate a comprehensive software replacement endeavor. This undertaking encompasses the overhaul of computer automated dispatch systems, the record management system, and the jail management system. Of paramount importance is the newly integrated software's capacity to facilitate the exchange of critical digital data with a minimum of nine municipal partners and E-911 services. This commitment is augmented by an additional appropriation of $1.8 million, earmarked for the renewal of vehicles and acquisition of essential equipment geared towards bolstering public safety initiatives.

Other Notable projects funded in the upcoming fiscal year include:

County Park Improvements

• Improvements at Live Oak Landing and Bicentennial Park, which include an Interpretive Pedestrian Trail System to connect the two parks
• Construction of the new County Rd 6 Park with boat launch on Bon Secour River
• Facility upgrades at Lillian Recreational Park to include new bathrooms, a new pavilion, and improved ADA access
• Playground Equipment Upgrades at Latham Park

County Road Infrastructure Improvements

• Bridge Replacement on Sherman Rd over Weeks Branch
• Resurfacing 34 miles of County roads
• Paving 6 miles of existing dirt roads, including Paul Cleverdon Rd along the County Rd 65 Corridor
• Capacity Improvements along the County Rd 64 Corridor between AL Hwy 181 and Fish River
• Traffic Signal Installation at County Rd 12 & County Rd 65 Intersection
• Intersection Safety Improvements and Realignment at US-98 & Old Foley Rd

A cornerstone of delivering exemplary service to the residents of Baldwin County lies in its dedicated workforce. The focal point of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget centered on alleviating the financial strain faced by the County's most valuable assets. This strain stems from the compounding effects of the ongoing pandemic and the repercussions of surging population growth, which have driven living costs to soaring levels. To address these challenges, the County Commission introduced a meticulously crafted, staggered pay scale adjustment strategy, primarily benefiting front-line, entry-level personnel.

For hourly rate positions, commencing at $12.25 through $15.63, an appreciable 11% increment has been enacted, elevating the starting wage range to $13.60 through $17.35. In a similar vein, hourly rate positions commencing at $16.42 through $19.38 have witnessed an 8% augmentation, resulting in new starting rates spanning from $17.73 through $20.93. Finally, for hourly rate positions commencing at $20.53 through $27.67, a commendable 5% elevation has been instituted, leading to fresh starting rates ranging from $21.56 through $29.05. 

The Adopted FY24 Budget can be found at: https://baldwincountyal.gov/departments/budget/budget-documents