ANNISTON, AL — The Anniston City Council met June 16 for a work session and regular council meeting, discussing potential financing options for future road paving projects, approving several budget-related measures, recognizing a significant donation to the Chief Ladiga Trail, and addressing nuisance properties throughout the city.
Mayor Ciara Smith-Roston presided over the meeting, joined by Council Members Tolson, Moss, Downing and Harrington.
Work Session
The work session began with a presentation from representatives of Stifel Public Finance regarding potential financing options for a future road paving initiative.
Representatives Baker Ellis and Ken Funderburg reviewed the city’s financial condition and presented several funding scenarios for a potential $10 million paving program. According to the presentation, Anniston’s financial position remains strong, with growing reserves, positive operating results and debt levels that compare favorably with similarly sized municipalities.
The representatives stated that an analysis of the city’s financial metrics placed Anniston within a AA credit rating category and indicated the city could potentially undertake additional debt while maintaining that rating.
Several financing structures were discussed, including a 10-year bond issue, a 10-year commercial bank financing option and a previously considered 15-year financing structure. Stifel representatives explained that shorter financing terms generally align better with the expected lifespan of road improvements and could reduce overall interest costs. According to figures presented during the meeting, a 10-year financing option could save approximately $2.2 million in interest costs when compared to a 15-year financing structure.
Representatives also noted that the city is currently working with Stifel on financing associated with the proposed retail development district project and suggested a road financing package could potentially be incorporated into future financing efforts if the council chose to proceed.
Following the road financing presentation, council members reviewed several agenda items scheduled for action during the regular meeting.
Those items included:
- Declaring a Public Works Department concrete mixer as surplus property.
- Evaluation of bids for replacement of roofs at Anniston City Hall and the Anniston-Calhoun County Public Library.
- Renewal of the Anniston-Calhoun HOME Consortium agreement.
- Budget amendments involving fire department overtime allocations.
- Recognition of donated funds and sponsorship revenue supporting the South Anniston Coalition.
- Emergency funding related to replacement of a septic system at the Anniston Museum.
- Corrections to previously approved mid-year budget adjustments.
- Reimbursement for Downtown Market Healthy Bucks vendor payouts.
- Nuisance abatement actions.
- Establishment of the City of Anniston’s Good Choices Program.
- Administrative updates from city staff.
Proclamation Honors Trail Donation
During the regular meeting, the council presented a proclamation recognizing Kathy L. Dreyer and Richard G. Thompson for donating the Moore Avenue block that will serve as the future terminus of the Chief Ladiga Trail.
The proclamation cited the donation’s expected impact on recreation, tourism, economic development and public access opportunities throughout the region.
Following the presentation, Thompson spoke briefly and explained that the donation was made in honor of his wife, Kathy Dreyer, whom he described as a lifelong public servant and dedicated member of the Anniston community. He highlighted her years of service through Legal Services and the Anniston Housing Authority and said he wanted to recognize her contributions through the gift.
Public Hearing on Nuisance Properties
Council members added a public hearing to receive comments regarding the proposed overruling of objections related to nuisance abatement proceedings.
During the hearing, city officials clarified that the affected properties under consideration included locations on McElroy Avenue, Noble Street and South Quintard Avenue.
One property owner addressed the council and explained that an agreement had been reached to purchase one of the affected properties and remove a burned structure located there. The speaker stated the cleanup would improve the area and potentially increase nearby property values.
City staff indicated the proposed plan was acceptable to the city.
Discussion also included a property previously classified as a criminal nuisance because of repeated criminal activity that required frequent responses from first responders. City staff stated an agreement had been reached allowing 30 days for corrective action.
No additional speakers came forward, and the public hearing was closed.
Council Action
Council members unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:
- Surplus property declarations.
- A transfer of fire department overtime appropriations.
- Participation in the Anniston-Calhoun County HOME Consortium for Fiscal Years 2027 through 2029.
- Authorized reimbursements for city expenditures.
- Nuisance declarations.
- Corrections to prior budget adjustment resolutions.
- Emergency museum septic system funding.
- Establishment of the City of Anniston Good Choices Program.
The council also approved a standalone resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2026 budget to recognize donated funds and sponsorship revenue supporting the South Anniston Coalition.
In additional business, the council approved on second reading an ordinance adopting and incorporating the 2020 edition of the National Electrical Code.
Public Comments
One public comment speaker had been scheduled to address the council; however, the individual was not present when called. No additional public comments were received.
The next regular meeting of the Anniston City Council is scheduled for July 1.
