Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 12/16/2025
Item Status: New
From: Tara Hazelbaker, Director of Finance
Submitted by: Tara Hazelbaker, Director of Finance
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ITEM TITLE
Title
Resolution #2026-035 - Revision of Baldwin County Commission Policy 8.22 - Financial Management Policy
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Take the following actions:
1) Adopt revised Policy 8.22 - Financial Management Policy; and
2) Adopt Resolution #2026-035 which establishes the reserve fund balances in accordance with Policy 8.22 - Financial Management Policy.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: To strengthen fiscal resilience, the policy change proposes increasing reserve requirements from 30% to 35% of the annual budget.
This policy revision requires the General Fund reserve fund balance to be increased from $39,482,252.00 to $46,158,146.00; and requires the Highway Fund reserve fund balance to be increased from $10,992,503.00 to $13,622,228.00. These combined increases total $9,305,169.00, bringing total General Fund and Highway Fund reserves to $59,780,374.00.
The change enhances the County’s ability to manage revenue fluctuations, maintain credit strength, and ensure long-term stability.
Previous Commission action/date: August 19, 2025 - Adopted revised Policy 8.22 - Financial Management Policy (which combined Policies 8.19 - Debit Management and 8.9 - General Finance & Accounting Department Procedures).
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: N/A
Budget line item(s) to be used: N/A
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
No
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? No
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: N/A
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Administration and Finance & Accounting
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): Administration: Update policy books and online portal, distribute revised policy to department, and upload Resolution; Finance & Accounting: Adjust reserve balances accordingly.
Additional instructions/notes: N/A