ANNISTON, Ala. — The Anniston City Council convened for a work session and formal meeting on December 2, 2025, addressing budget amendments, economic development strategies, and growing concerns about stray animals and infrastructure needs throughout the city.
Work Session: Economic Development Focus
During the 4:30 p.m. work session, the council heard presentations from two key consultants working with the city’s economic development efforts.
Kyle Cofer of The Retail Coach provided an update on retail recruitment efforts, explaining his firm’s targeted approach to bringing new businesses to Anniston. Cofer outlined ongoing work on the Summerall development and efforts to fill vacant commercial properties, including the former Long John Silver’s location.
Council members expressed particular interest in attracting grocery stores to underserved areas. Councilmember Downing raised concerns about Ward 3 residents traveling to Oxford for groceries due to the lack of nearby options. Cofer indicated there is potential for smaller-format grocery stores, noting that retailers like Aldi have been repurposing vacant locations across the Southeast.
Jennifer Green of the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) discussed her firm’s work in providing economic impact analysis for city projects and events. Green explained how geofencing technology allows the city to track visitor patterns and spending, providing data on where economic opportunities and gaps exist. She cited examples including the Heritage Festival, which drew approximately 12,000 visitors, and the McClellan horse trails.
The presentations sparked discussion about leveraging the Chief Ladiga Trail and other city assets to generate revenue while addressing infrastructure needs in residential areas.
Formal Meeting: Budget Amendments and Resolutions
Mayor Ciara Smith called the formal meeting to order at 5:30 p.m., with all council members present: Councilmembers Downing, Tolson, Harrington, and Moss.
Chief Ladiga Trail Final Payment
The council approved a budget amendment allocating $337,697 for the final payment on the Chief Ladiga Trail project. The resolution passed despite concerns from some council members about the project’s cost and impact on other city priorities.
City Manager Ken Free explained that five change orders throughout the three-year project brought the total cost to approximately $7.3 million, representing about a 5% cost overrun from the adjusted budget. The project had originally been budgeted at over $7 million before being reduced to $6.8 million through cost-saving measures.
Councilmember Moss expressed frustration about funding being diverted from road paving budgets, noting citizen complaints about deteriorating streets. “We have to think about our people,” Moss said, questioning the trail’s economic return to the city.
Councilmember Tolson acknowledged the project represents “a bill that has to be paid” and noted that failing to complete the project would have required reimbursing approximately $1.5 million in federal funds.
Mayor Smith, who voted against the original trail project, emphasized the need to now market the asset effectively. She cited data showing thousands of monthly visitors from across the country and stressed the importance of identifying where visitors spend money and filling gaps in local services.
Traffic Signal Infrastructure
The council also approved transferring $30,000 from the general fund to capital projects for a traffic signal and camera infrastructure project at 11th Street and Noble Street.
Other Business
The council reappointed James M. Sims as Municipal Judge and approved several consent agenda items, including declaring surplus property and authorizing a $5,000 donation to Anniston High School for travel expenses to the 2025 state football championship game.
In a significant action, the council approved a resolution setting a public hearing for December 16 on a petition to revoke the business license for Pierce Forts Bar and Grill (I-20 HD Lounge LLC). The petition cites violations of municipal ordinances and criminal activity on the premises.
Animal Control Crisis Takes Center Stage
Three citizens spoke during the public comment period, with two addressing what they described as a critical stray animal problem affecting residents’ safety and quality of life.
Fancy Steele of Ward 2 described being unable to walk her own dog safely due to roaming packs and recounted being told by police that if she didn’t like the situation, she should move. “Every time a cyclist from out of town sits at my bar and complains about being bitten or chased by wild dogs while trying to enjoy the bike trail… I get discouraged that things will never truly progress in Anniston,” Steele said.
Matthew Gravitt also of Pike Drive reported being attacked by stray dogs on his own property, resulting in thousands of dollars in veterinary costs and property damage. He cited an open animal abuse case with the police department that has seen no follow-up. “Our citizens deserve better than this, safe streets from wild animals,” Gravitt stated.
Mayor Smith announced that the city has entered into an agreement with Calhoun County for animal control services. The arrangement guarantees Anniston 10 kennels through December 31, 2025, increasing to 20 kennels starting January 1, 2026, with the city paying a proportionate share based on the number of animals housed.
Council members acknowledged the complexity of the animal control issue and committed to exploring additional solutions, including trap-neuter-return programs and enhanced pet ownership education.
School System Concerns
John Squires addressed the council regarding declining academic performance in the Anniston school system, noting that while graduation rates have increased to 92%, middle and high school academic achievement scores have dropped significantly. He called for better qualified teachers and more engaged school board oversight.
Mayor Smith and council members expressed commitment to strengthening the relationship with the school board and exploring ways the city can support educational improvements beyond financial contributions.
Infrastructure and Service Improvements
City Manager Free announced several operational updates:
- The city has eliminated phone trees in favor of direct access to staff members when citizens call City Hall
- The City Meeting Center was recognized as one of the top 10 conference centers in Alabama for 2025
- Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments will handle Chief Ladiga Trail maintenance in-house, saving approximately $1,600 in contracted services
- Employees will have the option to take liberal leave to attend the high school football championship game
Council members raised concerns about street lighting in the Belleair subdivision and tree maintenance needs on Nailwood Drive.
The council will hold its next regular meeting on December 16, 2025.
