Baldwin County Commission Honors Gruber, Ball and McKenzie as Three New Commissioners Prepare to Take Office Nov. 11
Billie Jo Underwood will stay on the commission with incoming members Richard Cox, Angelo Fermo and John "Tater" Harris after the three outgoing commissioners finish their terms.
BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. — The Baldwin County Commission has thanked three departing members for their service as the governing body prepares for a major turnover next week.
Commissioners Charles “Skip” Gruber, Jeb Ball and Matt McKenzie are completing their terms, with Commissioner Billie Jo Underwood standing with them to recognize what was accomplished over the past four years.
“Throughout their time in office, commissioners Gruber, Ball, and McKenzie have devoted countless hours to addressing the needs of Baldwin County residents, providing leadership on critical issues and helping guide the county through periods of growth and progress,” the county said in a news release. “Their commitment to public service has left a lasting impact on the communities they served and on the future of Baldwin County.”
“The success of Baldwin County is built upon the willingness of individuals to answer the call to public service,” the county added. “We extend our sincere appreciation to commissioners McKenzie, Ball and Gruber for their years of dedicated service and stewardship. Their contributions have helped shape Baldwin County, and we are grateful for their leadership.”
A big county to cover
The job covers a lot of ground. Baldwin is the largest county in Alabama by land area, spanning about 2,027 total square miles, including 1,590 square miles of land, and is home to more than 230,000 residents. Commissioners must travel across those distances regularly to understand the issues facing fast-growing communities.
Who takes over
Underwood, who represents District 3, will continue to serve. The county said her service “provides valuable experience and continuity as the commission begins a new chapter.”
She will be joined when the new commission takes office Nov. 11 by Richard Cox in District 1, Angelo Fermo in District 2 and John “Tater” Harris in District 4. The new commission will take up issues including continuing infrastructure expansion and managing growth.
During the board’s final meeting of the term in Bay Minette, members of the Baldwin County Legislative Delegation also presented state resolutions honoring the three outgoing commissioners, and the board renewed its school resource officer agreement.
