BON SECOUR, Ala. — The Baldwin County Historic Development Commission is getting a little intervening assistance from the Baldwin County Commission.

During a special-called BCHDC meeting Friday morning at Swift-Coles Historic House in Bon Secour, County Administrator David Brewer addressed several issues of concern.

Those concerns included the BCHDC’s responsibility to provide public notice of and keep accurate records of its meetings, as well as accurate financial reports.

“Ethics laws, public-record laws — everything applies to y’all,” Brewer said, also pointing to the state’s open-records law. “But we’re not here to preach to you. We’re here to help.”

The County established the BCHDC in 1975 to preserve and protect the historical integrity of BaldwinCounty architecture. The Historic Development Commission’s 12 members are appointed by the CountyCommission for four-year terms and their responsibilities include awarding historic building markers.

Friday, Brewer pointed out that as an appointed, autonomous body, the BCHDC needs guidance to improve its procedures.

“I didn’t approach it from the perspective of correcting their procedures, but offering assistance and advice from what I have learned from 18 years of my blessed and privileged public service with the Baldwin County Commission,” he said in an interview after the meeting. “The Baldwin County Historic Development Commission plays an important role in preserving the history of the county.  The BCHDC is looking to better organize their public business affairs and has several new members with a lot of drive and vision.”

Brewer added that if the BCHDC is audited with an unsuccessful result, legal consequences could follow.

One issue of concern was the BCHDC’s financial records. Members of the body explained that its previous treasurer had dealt with health issues, which affected his responsibilities. They also said Todd Thomas has taken over those duties.

“The Baldwin County Commission wants the BCHDC to succeed in all its public prowess and, taking that in mind, we, as staff of the Baldwin County Commission, wanted to express of earnest support for the BCHDC and offer our help to that public body to reach a successful conclusion of better organizing their public business affairs,” he said.

The BCHDC members responded positively to the offer of guidance from Brewer and Baldwin County Commission Clerk/Treasurer Kimberly Creech and agreed to work with them on the advised improvements.