Last week the Alabama Legislature concluded the 2007 regular session Because news reports focused on the Senate logjam and statewide legislation, Baldwin constituents might not be aware that several local bills that I sponsored were enacted and will help our rapidly growing county.

• 2007-255 Investigators in the district attorney’s office are now authorized to make arrests and serve search warrants while performing official duties.

• 2007-256 Municipalities are now able to contract with the Baldwin County Sheriff for police services. Contracts for service must be approved by the county governing body and expenses reimbursed to the county general fund.

• 2007-264 The judge of probate and revenue commissioner will now be authorized to have an additional branch office in Robertsdale and offer the same services at that location as are offered at satellite locations.

• 2007-265 Baldwin County Commission is authorized to establish additional compensation for poll workers.

• 2007-266 The Baldwin County Commission will now have flexibility in the 12-month rotation of the position of chair. The person serving as chair may relinquish all or a portion of the normal 12-month term as chair.

• 2007-274 The district attorney’s office will receive additional funding through the assessment of a solicitor’s fee in criminal cases where the defendant is adjudged guilty, a bond forfeited, a penalty imposed, or where there is issued any alias or capias warrant of arrest. It is essential that we provide for the DA’s office with a stable, reliable source of revenue.

• 2007-308 Additional funding for our courts will be provided by additional court cost fees in an amount not to exceed $15 on each civil case and on each criminal case, including traffic cases and small claims cases. This is an extension of already existing fees and allows the presiding Circuit judge more flexibility in meeting the revenue needs of the county judicial system.

• 2007-353 Baldwin County voters will have the opportunity to vote on this proposed amendment to authorize the levy of an additional ad valorem tax, the issuance of bonds and the financing of certain improvements, including county roads and water drainage facilities.  This is similar to pay-as-you-go legislation Mobile County residents have authorized to fund road and capital projects. This program has been in place in Mobile County for decades. The county commission must identify projects to be completed prior to revenue levy as well as provide plans and cost estimates to the public prior to each referendum, which authorizes the revenue to pay for the designated projects.