Anniston City Council Approves $46 Million Budget for FY2024 in September 19th Meeting

Anniston, AL – The city of Anniston held the regular scheduled work session and city council meeting on September 19th. 

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• Invocation
• Pledge Of Allegiance
• Call To Order
• Roll Call
  • Mayor Jack Draper – Present
  • Ward 1 Councilman Jay Jenkins – Present
  • Ward 2 Councilman Demetric D. Roberts – Present (arrived after Pledge)
  • Ward 3 Councilwoman Ciara Smith – Present
  • Ward 4 Councilwoman Millie Harris – Present
• Approve Agenda – Unanimously Approved
• Reading/Approval Of Minutes Of Previous Meeting September 5, 2023
• Public Hearing
  • To receive public comments regarding the petition for the vacation of a street, alley or highway (Goode Road) – No comments
  • To receive public comments regarding the petition for the vacation of a street, alley or highway (Castle Avenue) – No comments
  • To receive public comments regarding the Elk’s Lodge BPOE #189 permit application for bingo within the licensing jurisdiction located at 1019 South Noble Street – No comments 
  • To receive public comments regarding the proposed amendment to the proposed FY 2024 city manger’s recommended budget – No comments
    • In the first modification, there is an increment of $38,000 in the police administration’s budget designated for a wireless data service to enhance its camera system. This funding will be drawn from the city’s reserve.
    • The second revision involves an increase in funding for external agencies by $10,000, bringing the total allocation to the Coosa Valley juvenile center to $150,000.
    • The third amendment sees a rise in non-departmental funding by $15,000, resulting in a total allocation of $340,000 for the Anniston Express. This additional funding will be sourced from the city’s reserve funds.
    • In the fourth modification, the Regional Medical Center will receive an allocation of $400,000 for capital improvements and equipment. This funding will be drawn from the city’s American Rescue Plan Act funds.
    • Furthermore, there is an allocation of $225,000 for new playground enhancements and capital improvements, which will be funded through bond funds.
• Unfinished Business
  • Resolution adopting the budget for fiscal year 2024 consent agenda – removed from – Unanimously Approved
    • The fiscal year 2024 budget, totaling $46 million, has been finalized. This budget incorporates a series of amendments that allocate funds for specific purposes. These amendments were thoroughly discussed and deliberated upon during a council meeting earlier this month.
  • Content Agenda – Unanimously Approved
    • Resolution declaring a reported condition to be a public nuisance (group 2023-03 grass/debris/vehicles)
    • Resolution authorizing the city manager to execute the pre-application for federal assistance for fiscal year 2024 with the United States Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration for Airport Improvement Project at the Anniston Regional Airport
    • Resolution authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement with East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission for the Anniston Express fixed route system and the ADA para-transit services
    • Resolution to approve the vacation of Goode Road
    • Resolution to approve the vacation of Castle Avenue
    • Motion to approve bid for resurfacing of a portion of Mulberry Avenue and west 4th Street
    • Motion to authorize the city manager to execute an agreement with Kimley-Horn
    • Motion to approve Elk’s lodge BPOE #189 permit application for bingo within the licensing jurisdiction located at 1019 South Noble Street
• Public comments
  • Betty Jean Chapman – She is requesting that the grass next to her hour needs to be cut. She has requested this multiple times. She says it is breeding rats, snakes, and bugs. She has called, but was told it natural. She  also stated that she was told to remove the animals and put them on somebody else’s porch.
• Council comments
  • Councilwoman Smith addressed Mrs. Chapman and stated she would speak after the meeting.
  • Councilman Roberts thanked all for participating and coming out.
  • Councilman Jenkins reminded all to come out for the homecoming parade and game.
  • Mayor Draper thanked all for coming out. He acknowledged the city has major issues, but stated they are working on it diligently.
  • Councilwoman Harris – no comment
• Adjournment – Unanimously Approved