Baxter Aldermen Vote To De-Annex Elmore Town Bridge

Baxter’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen have voted to de-annex the Elmore Town Bridge following a special-called meeting Thursday.

Mayor John Martin said Putnam County officials had approached the city about taking over the property to possibly repair the bridge.

“They approached us and said they want to expedite this because there’s 72 homes in the county, and there’s only three in the city,” Martin said. “They felt like it would probably work out better if we did this. They’ve got the monies that they can do that. Expediting this is really the big thing that we’re working on.”

The bridge has caused several issues for residents over the years. A current weight limit prevents school buses from picking up 17 students living in the area.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen will meet again Friday evening at 5 p.m. to finalize the vote on second reading. Putnam County Commissioners will consider accepting the property during Monday’s full commission meeting.