BAY MINETTE, Alabama — 1. The Baldwin County Commission paid $2.17 million in August for a one-year, purchase-option extension for a 3,000-acre industrial site in North Baldwin County, but balked at approving a$25 million warrant purchase to fund acquisition of the property.

Commissioners expressed financial concerns and a lack of committed tenants, and are actively pursuing a variety of manufacturers to set up shop at the site, which could generate millions of dollars in tax revenues, officials said.

The panel has been equally divided on the warrant purchase, which would be supplemented by a $10 million general fund infusion. Commissioner Frank Burt and Charles “Skip” Gruber have touted the purchase as a financial diversification for the county which could pump millions of tax dollars and thousands of high-paying jobs into the local economy.

Commissioners Tucker Dorsey and James agreed, but have repeatedly stated the financial risk was too great without a committed industrial tenant.

2. The Commission learned this month that the county has earned the highest rating in the state for a program to reduce flooding, saving residents $936,000 in annual premium savings.

The Community Rating System increase from a Class 7 to a Class 6 translates to a 20 percent, rather than a 15 percent, discount on flood insurance premiums for citizens in unincorporated areas.

The Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum National Flood Insurance Program requirements.

The Baldwin County Commission has participated in the program since 1995.

Baldwin County activities receiving points included elevation certificates, map information services, outreach projects, hazard disclosure and flood protection information.

Flood insurance premium adjustments will be effective in May.

3. The Commission also established online postings of salaries, and a searchable database of expenditures spanning the last two years.

Information is updated after each Commission meeting. To access, go to baldwincountyal.gov and follow the prompts.