By Stephanie Snodgrass

The Brewton Standard

Property tax bills could come in a little higher – or possibly a little lower – in 2018.

Monday, the Escambia County Commission approved a partnership with the Alabama Department of Transportation for new aerial photographs of local properties and roadways.

Chairman Raymond Wiggins described the project as a win-win for the county and state.

“The reappraisal office needs new photos made, which helps to show improvements or changes to local properties, and it also helps meet the state DOT’s needs as well,” Wiggins said.

ALDOT pledged $17,000 to help assist with funding the project.

In other business, the commission approved annual agreements for the emergency management performance grant, which helps to fund the county EMA office, and with the Alabama Department of Youth Services, which provides funding for one juvenile bed per night at the Baldwin County Juvenile Detention Center in Bay Minette.