Baldwin County, Ala. — (OBA) —  The Baldwin County Commission began a new leadership term on Wednesday with a swearing-in ceremony attended by family members, elected officials, county employees, and community leaders. Three newly elected commissioners took the oath of office. Commissioner Billie Jo Underwood also began a new term after winning re-election. Following the ceremony, the commission held its Organizational Meeting and completed several actions to launch the new term.

The Baldwin County Commission held the ceremony and Organizational Meeting yesterday, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026. Commissioners Richard Cox, Angelo Fermo, and John "Tater" Harris were officially sworn into office. All three joined the Baldwin County Commission as new members.

During the Organizational Meeting, the commission elected its chair and vice chair for the first year of the new term. The commission selected Commissioner John "Tater" Harris as chair and Commissioner Billie Jo Underwood as vice chair. The two will guide commission meetings and support the orderly conduct of commission business.

During the Organizational Meeting, the commission also adopted a new meeting schedule. The public and media should note that the schedule differs from the previous one. Work Sessions will be held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 9 a.m.

The first monthly Work Session will be held at the Baldwin County Administration Building in Bay Minette. The second will be held at the Baldwin County Fairhope Satellite Courthouse in Fairhope. Regular Commission Meetings will be held on the Thursday following each of those Tuesdays at 9 a.m.

Regular meetings will also alternate between Bay Minette and Fairhope, following the same rotation as Work Sessions. Road and Bridge Division Meetings will be held quarterly at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of January, April, July, and October.

Those meetings will rotate among the county's commission districts. They provide oversight of road, bridge, drainage, infrastructure, and transportation planning projects. The complete calendar, agendas, and public notices will be available on the Baldwin County Commission website.

The commission said it will continue working to serve Baldwin County residents through responsible governance, strategic planning, infrastructure improvements, public safety initiatives, and efficient delivery of county services, while collaborating with municipal, state, and community partners to advance priorities that support the county's future.