Council reviews November financials, approves communications policy, text alerts and board appointments

Baldwin City Council received a year‑to‑date financial briefing from Baker Tilly and approved several routine governance items, including a communications policy, a text‑message alert agreement and multiple board appointments.

Matt Long of Baker Tilly reviewed November dashboards showing the general fund cash balance just under $300,000 (below the prior year but with a stronger forecasted year‑end), an electric fund that has improved notably after a recent rate increase, and wastewater costs that are higher than anticipated primarily because of personnel expenses. Long said staff and department heads have reviewed the numbers and Baker Tilly was comfortable with current forecasts; the firm estimated a 2025 ending general fund balance in the low six figures and preliminary growth into 2026 as a planning assumption.

Councilmembers asked for reserve‑policy visibility and asked staff to add a 15% policy threshold and an operational‑vs‑total‑expenditure reserve calculation to future dashboards; Baker Tilly agreed to integrate reserve tracking into future reports.

On governance measures the council approved a communications policy developed by the communications committee, thanked volunteers who contributed to the matrix and directed periodic review. The council also approved an “out of 5” agreement to enable city text alerts for outages, emergencies and service updates; supporters said the system will improve transparency and the speed of official notices.

Appointments approved included three Blackjack Board nominees (Roger Boyd, Marta Jarden and Susan Pitts) and a library board appointment (Cassie Bailey). The consent agenda and several routine motions were also approved earlier in the meeting by voice vote.

Council received committee reports from Public Works, Advisory and others, and staff announced Christmas‑lights contest winners before adjourning.