ANNISTON, AL – The Anniston City Council conducted its regular work session and monthly meeting on September 16, 2025, addressing several key municipal issues including a proposed road transfer from the Alabama Department of Transportation, budget amendments, and ongoing discussions about transparency in educational funding.
Road Transfer from State to Local Control
The primary focus of the work session was a presentation by Shannon Jones, Area Engineer with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), regarding the transfer of the AL-21 and US-431 connector to city and county maintenance. Jones, a former district engineer for the region with 24 years of experience, explained that the state is offering to transfer ownership of road segments that are not designated as state or federal routes.
The connector, which runs from the intersection of AL-21 to the trail overpass, would be split between city and county jurisdiction. The city would assume responsibility for the southeastern portion up to AL-21, while Calhoun County would maintain the northwestern section. Jones clarified that the state would not resurface the connector prior to transfer, citing budget constraints.
The transfer would benefit future city planning initiatives, particularly regarding connections to the Chief Ladiga Trail, though no specific pedestrian crossing plans have been finalized.
Budget and Financial Matters
The council approved several routine financial items during the work session:
- Reimbursement of $174.20 to Municipal Court official Demarcus Fomby for attending a summit in Birmingham
- Two budget amendments for fiscal year 2025, including reflecting donations within the Parks and Recreation Department and year-end departmental transfers
- Authorization for disbursement from the New Business Sales Tax Revenue Education Fund to the school system
Educational Funding Transparency Discussions
A significant portion of the work session involved discussion about the city’s relationship with the local school system regarding the use of sales tax funds designated for education. Mayor [name unclear from audio] revealed that quarterly oversight meetings between the city and school board have not occurred since November 2022.
The breakdown in communication reportedly occurred during discussions about transparency in fund usage, particularly regarding security expenditures. Council members expressed frustration with what they characterized as a “just give us the money and don’t ask questions” approach from school officials at the time.
Mayor Smith noted that the city has never withheld education funds outside of audit compliance issues, explaining that in one instance around 2020, funds were temporarily held when the school system fell behind on required audits. The council emphasized that while they support educational funding, public accountability requires detailed reporting on how taxpayer money is utilized. The city allocates 20% of new business sales tax revenue to educational programs, but requires written requests specifying intended uses.
Homeless Services Support
The council considered waiving a $500 rental fee for the Anniston Meeting Center to host “Project Homeless Connect” on October 22, 2025. The event, organized by the Homeless Coalition of Northeast Alabama, will provide various services to community members in need and involves partnerships with United Way, local churches, Jacksonville State University, and other organizations.
Municipal Appointments and Speed Control
The council addressed routine appointments to the Anniston Museum and Gardens Advisory Board, recommending Sara Hellwege for a vacant position and reappointing three existing members.
Council Member Downing initiated discussion about amending the city’s speed recording devices ordinance, citing safety concerns in residential neighborhoods where residents report vehicles speeding through while avoiding main thoroughfares. Downing shared specific examples of residents having difficulty safely exiting their driveways due to speeding traffic on hilly residential streets. The discussion will continue as officials work with engineering consultants to refine the evaluation process for implementing traffic monitoring and control measures.
Formal Meeting Actions
The formal city council meeting began at 5:30 PM with an invocation led by Council Member Ronnie League, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Smith called the meeting to order and established a quorum with all council members present.
The council unanimously approved the minutes from their September 2, 2025 meeting. Before adopting the evening’s agenda, Mayor Smith made several amendments, including adding a resolution for the city manager to execute a leasing agreement with the FAA for airport purposes, modifying language for the museum board appointments, and adding provisions for an executive session to discuss pending litigation matters.
All consent agenda items were approved unanimously, covering the grant applications, budget amendments, education fund disbursements, official reimbursements, and museum board appointments discussed during the work session.
The council’s primary formal action was unanimously adopting the fiscal year 2026 budget. No public comments were scheduled for the evening.
During council member comments, Mayor Smith thanked community members for their service on the Anniston Museum and Gardens Advisory Board, particularly recognizing continuing members and welcoming new appointee Sara Hellwege. Council members kept their remarks brief, with several expressing gratitude to residents who attend meetings to observe city operations.
The session concluded with the council entering executive session to discuss legal ramifications and options regarding litigation matters that are either pending or likely to arise based on proposed city actions.
The next regular council meeting is scheduled for early October 2025.
