BALDWIN, Ga. — The City of Baldwin on Tuesday night approved a series of major infrastructure initiatives, including a water and wastewater rate study, groundwater well evaluations and a wastewater solids handling project, marking a coordinated push to modernize utility systems and plan for future capacity.
Council members approved all three items without objection.
Rate study approved for water, sewer systems
The council approved a proposal from EMI to conduct a comprehensive water and wastewater rate study at a cost not to exceed $8,000.
The study will evaluate current rates, analyze cost-of-service data and develop potential alternative rate structures for both water and sewer customers. The work is expected to take 60 to 90 days.
City engineer Fletcher Holliday said the analysis will use American Water Works Association methodologies to better align utility costs with system demands.
Groundwater wells to be evaluated
Council also approved an evaluation of two existing groundwater wells on Perry Manor Drive and Stonepile Street, which previously served as part of the city’s water supply system prior to the construction of the surface water plant in 1987.
The study will assess water quality, yield capacity and potential contaminants, including iron, manganese and radiological concerns, to determine whether the wells can be brought back into service.
Holliday said the review will help determine whether the wells could serve as a supplemental water source for the city’s system.
Mayor Doug Faust said the wells represent a potential long-term resource.
“This is something that is a possible way for us to make money for the future,” Faust said.
Wastewater solids project awarded
The council also approved the recommendation to award a $1.28 million contract for construction of a wastewater solids handling building to Willow Dell LLC.
The project will replace the city’s existing solids dewatering system at the wastewater treatment plant and is funded through a combination of ARC grant funds and Georgia Environmental Finance Authority financing totaling approximately $2.5 million.
City engineer Fletcher Holliday said the project came in significantly under earlier estimates following a rebidding process.
Police camera purchase delayed
A proposed $18,000 police department security camera and access control upgrade was not approved Tuesday night.
Police Chief Chris Jones presented the system as a cloud-based upgrade to improve security and monitoring inside the department, including coverage of the lobby, evidence room and exterior areas.
Councilman Mike Tope raised concerns about data storage limits and whether the 30-day retention window at current resolution would meet operational needs.
Jones confirmed the system provides approximately 30 days of storage at five-megapixel resolution under the vendor specifications.
Rather than moving the item forward Tuesday night, council members opted to pause action on the purchase, with Tope and Jones agreeing to meet later to review system requirements and departmental needs.
Infrastructure focus continues
City officials said the approved items reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen water and wastewater systems while improving long-term financial planning and operational capacity across city utilities.
After the meeting, Mayor Doug Faust said the infrastructure decisions reflect priorities he has long supported.
“These are some of the things that I ran on, was that I wanted to see our infrastructure be worked on, both the water and sewer,” Faust said. “Those are resources, one that generates capital for us, to meet the needs of our citizens.”
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