ANNISTON, AL — The Anniston City Council convened for a work session and regular meeting on January 20, 2026, tackling issues ranging from childhood lead poisoning prevention to departmental restructuring and community safety concerns.
Work Session Highlights
Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Partnership
Janice Lee of Independent Reading/Counseling Services presented a proposal for the city to apply for HUD’s Lead Capacity Building Grant in partnership with the Healthy Homes Coalition of West Anniston. The grant, which ranges from $1 million to $2.5 million with a 10% match requirement, would address lead poisoning in children living in older homes built before 1978.
Lee emphasized that Calhoun County ranks among Alabama’s top counties for elevated blood lead levels in children. At a recent testing event at the Anniston Housing Authority, six out of approximately 20 children tested showed high lead levels.
“Lead affects behavior, mental health, and physical development,” Lee explained, noting the coalition has five certified members and has been working with agencies including the CDC, EPA, and HUD.
Mayor Ciara Smith indicated the city could potentially use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to satisfy the match requirement without tapping into the general fund. The council agreed to schedule a follow-up meeting with the CDBG coordinator and finance director to evaluate feasibility.
Municipal Judge Engagement Agreement
The council discussed amendments to the engagement agreement with the municipal judge, striking redundant language requiring pre-approval for reimbursable expenses already covered under the flat-rate compensation structure.
Finance Department Reclassifications
City Manager Kenneth Free proposed reclassifying two positions within the finance department to improve efficiency after one position was vacated. The Accounts Payable Clerk (Grade 5) would be reclassified to Accounts Payable Specialist (Grade 6), and the Accounts Receivable Clerk (Grade 5) would become Accounts Receivable Specialist (Grade 6). Free noted this approach saves money by eliminating a full-time position with benefits while distributing duties among existing staff with appropriate compensation increases.
Safety and Inspections Restructuring
The council addressed restructuring the Safety and Inspections division to report directly to the city manager rather than the fire chief. Free explained that code enforcement and building inspection employees are non-civil service personnel, making the previous reporting structure inefficient. Fire Marshal Jason Brown would return to fire duties under Fire Chief Phelps.
“The building safety and maintenance division will remain, we’re just changing the reporting structure,” Free clarified. The change requires no additional funding or personnel.
Board Appointments and Meeting Cancellation
The council discussed appointments to the Downtown Development Authority and Planning Commission. Mayor Smith requested recommendations for two vacant Planning Commission positions.
The March 17 council meeting will be canceled due to the National League of Cities Conference in Washington, D.C., and rescheduled for March 24.
De-Annexation Request Discussion
Councilmember Harrington presented a request from a property owner at 1010 Blarney Drive seeking de-annexation into the City of Weaver. The property owner, who purchased land to build a home, discovered the property was in Anniston rather than Weaver despite having a Weaver address.
The council expressed reluctance to establish a precedent for de-annexation requests. Councilmember Moss suggested developing a formal policy, while Mayor Smith noted the importance of consistency in such decisions.
“What do we do when individuals come asking to be annexed into neighboring municipalities?” Smith asked. “If we say yes to one, what’s our justification for saying yes or no to others?”
Chamber of Commerce Sponsorship
The council approved sponsoring two tables for the Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting scheduled for February 3 at 11:30 a.m.
Infrastructure Updates
Free presented a lighting services agreement for Inspire Avenue, including installation of four lights at a monthly service cost to be included in the city’s electric bill. The council supported the addition, citing safety concerns in the dark area.
Sunny King Criterium Budget Review
Free raised concerns about the financial structure of the annual Sunny King Criterium bike race, which costs the city approximately $200,000. Previously listed simply as “special events” in the budget, Free provided a detailed breakdown showing expenses including $6,000 for hotel accommodations at Courtyard Marriott in Oxford.
Free noted that the event coordinator has a city credit card and signs contracts on behalf of the city, practices he intends to change by requiring pre-approval for all expenses and working directly with the finance director.
Mayor Smith suggested partnering with Hotel Finial in Anniston and prioritizing local vendors when possible. “If it can be purchased in the city of Anniston, there should be some type of requirement to do so,” she said.
Councilmember Moss questioned whether beneficiaries of the event contribute to offset costs. Councilmember Millie Tolson added, “We’re spending too much on events and not enough on city business.”
Free committed to providing more detailed budget breakdowns for special events moving forward.
City Council Meeting
Human Trafficking Prevention Month Proclamation
The council proclaimed January 2026 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, recognizing that an estimated 27.6 million people globally are subjected to human trafficking, with cases reported in every U.S. state and territory, including Alabama.
Jessica from United Way of East Central Alabama’s Hope 59 program accepted the proclamation alongside representatives from Trafficking Hope and other coalition partners.
“Human trafficking is a public health issue that harms individuals, families, and communities, often across generations,” the proclamation stated, committing the city to strengthening prevention efforts and supporting survivors.
Public Comments
La’Sha Robinson addressed the council regarding excessive tire accumulation creating mosquito infestation hazards and fire risks. Robinson researched regulations from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and met with city officials about the problem.
“There are thousands upon thousands of tires,” Robinson said, displaying photos. “If this catches fire, it’s costly. You cannot put it out. It affects all of us.”
Robinson noted the state has only three people in the department to handle such issues and that Calhoun County has four dump sites. She emphasized the safety hazard extends beyond ward boundaries.
David Baker also provided public comment, though specific details were not captured in the meeting transcript.
Council Comments
Councilmember Downing thanked attendees and highlighted the importance of United Way’s human trafficking work. He acknowledged the concerns raised by Robinson and Baker, assuring residents that positive action would be taken. Downing also warned about upcoming cold weather and winter weather preparations.
Councilmember Tolson thanked the human trafficking awareness team and addressed Robinson’s and Baker’s concerns. She reflected on her recent town hall meeting, calling it “amazing” and emphasizing the importance of open communication with constituents.
“Let’s not get on Facebook and talk about what the city is not doing. Bring it to the meeting,” Tolson urged. “We all work together, and we want to see changes in the city.”
She encouraged residents to bring friends and young people to meetings: “These young generations need us. They need the love back into our city.”
Councilmember Harrington praised the Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast celebration organized by Mr. Burris, emphasizing the importance of community love and support. He reminded residents to be mindful of each other and thanked city staff and fellow council members.
Harrington also issued a weather warning about the upcoming cold snap, urging residents to check on neighbors and bring pets inside.
Councilmember Moss echoed praise for the MLK breakfast and announced a Ward 4 town hall meeting scheduled for January 31 from 2-4 p.m. at the Hodges Community Center. She encouraged attendees to bring concerns and potential solutions.
Moss emphasized weather preparedness, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel during the cold weather event and to check on elderly neighbors and bring pets indoors.
Councilmember Tolson announced a Ward 3 town hall meeting for February 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the South Holland Community Center, asking constituents what they expect from her during the next four years.
Mayor Ciara Smith commended the council for their community engagement efforts, particularly noting that the entire council attended the MLK breakfast together for the first time in recent memory.
Smith challenged the community on youth engagement: “What are you doing for our kids? Are you attending basketball games, football games? Are you going into classrooms and reading to our kids? Are you attending school board meetings?”
She emphasized the importance of being part of the solution rather than just complaining about problems, encouraging residents to invite city leaders to community discussions.
“You have a council that’s trying, a city manager that’s trying, and city staff that is trying,” Smith said. “It didn’t take one night to get us where we are, so it’s not going to take one night to get us where we need to be.”
The mayor also announced changes to the planned recognition of the Anniston High School football team, stating the city will partner with the school board to host an athletic banquet honoring all student-athletes this spring.
Ordinances and Resolutions Approved
The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, including:
- Resolution appointing members to the Downtown Development Authority
- Resolution approving position reclassifications within the finance department
- Resolution authorizing payment for Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting sponsorship
- Motion to authorize the mayor to execute the amended engagement agreement with the municipal judge
- Motion to suspend the rule requiring the council to meet on the second Tuesday of March 2026
The council also approved on first reading with immediate consideration an ordinance amending Chapter 11, Article I of the Code of Ordinances governing fire prevention and protection and establishing the Division of Safety and Inspections.
Executive Session
The meeting concluded with the council entering executive session to discuss potential real property transactions and preliminary negotiations involving matters of trade or commerce. The council stated they would not return to deliberate or vote on matters discussed in the executive session.
