Anniston, AL – The Anniston City Hall officially reopened its council chambers Tuesday evening as the Anniston City Council held its first meeting back inside City Hall following months of temporary relocation due to elevator accessibility repairs.
The May 5, 2026 work session and formal council meeting marked the return of meetings to the second-floor council chambers after sessions had been moved to the Anniston City Meeting Center while repairs were completed.
Mayor Ciara Smith-Roston and council members Lewis Downing, Erica Tolson, Joe Harrington, and Julie Moss were all present for the meeting.
Work Session Focuses on Paving Plans, Bond Options and City Business
During the work session, representatives from Goodwyn Mills Cawood presented a proposed two-year paving plan for Anniston streets. According to the presentation, approximately 4.48 miles of roads identified in the most severe condition category would require roughly $1.5 million in resurfacing costs, while nearly 65 miles of additional roads were identified as needing future resurfacing work.
Officials discussed potentially funding paving through a future bond issue, with several financing options presented by representatives from Raymond James. Scenarios included 15-year, 17-year, and 20-year repayment structures tied to possible road improvements and special projects.
Council members discussed how road priorities would ultimately be selected, with officials noting the original street condition study was conducted citywide rather than by ward in an effort to create an unbiased assessment process.
Mayor Smith-Roston also noted that some roads previously identified in poor condition had already been resurfaced through partnerships with the county. During the work session, she thanked Calhoun County Commissioner Frank Wilson for assistance with paving projects including City Street, Church Street, and 21st Street.
The council also discussed the proposed six-month employment agreement for interim City Manager Matthew Caballero, who requested the opportunity to continue serving in the role while demonstrating his capabilities.
Additional work session topics included:
- A new alcohol license request for Cost Kutter Grocery LLC doing business as Foodland 440 at 1408 Golden Springs Road
- A budget amendment transferring an administrative assistant position from the Main Street Department to the Public Relations Department
- A request from the Anniston Police Department to surplus and donate a 1994 GMC box van to the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office
- Discussion of possible speed calming devices on West 21st Street and Mont Leroy Drive after residents raised concerns about speeding vehicles
- A proposed $1,000 donation to Anniston City Schools for the school system’s athletic banquet
- An agreement with Rivertree Systems Inc. for examination services recommended by the finance department
Council members also discussed a proposed agreement with Grant & Eisenhower P.A. regarding a class-action lawsuit involving PFAS-contaminated firefighting gear. City Attorney Michael R. Jackson explained that the lawsuit seeks recovery costs related to turnout gear containing so-called “forever chemicals.”
Caballero Appointment Draws Split Vote During Formal Meeting
The most significant action during the formal council meeting came when the council voted on a resolution authorizing an employment contract for interim City Manager Matthew Caballero.
The resolution passed by a 4-1 vote.
Voting in favor were:
- Mayor Ciara Smith-Roston
- Lewis Downing
- Erica Tolson
- Joe Harrington
Council member Julie Moss voted against the resolution.
During council comments later in the meeting, Moss explained her opposition, stating she believed the city needed a city manager with more direct experience in municipal management and expressed concern that the council had previously discussed using a professional search firm for the position.
Harrington also addressed his concerns about the appointment, saying he believed the city needed someone already trained specifically for city management duties, though he stated he would continue working professionally with Caballero moving forward.
Mayor Smith-Roston defended the appointment during her comments, pointing to Caballero’s more than two decades of service within the city, his legal background, and his familiarity with Anniston’s operations. She stated that allowing Caballero to serve in the role for a defined period would allow the council to evaluate his leadership in real time while preserving the option of conducting a broader search later if necessary.
Other Formal Council Actions
The council approved the consent agenda, which included:
- A budget amendment transferring an administrative assistant position from Main Street to Public Relations
- Declaring personal property as surplus
- A donation to Anniston City Schools
- Approval of the Foodland alcohol license request
- Authorization for special legal counsel related to the PFAS litigation
- Added grass-cutting bids approved during the meeting
The council also approved a standalone resolution authorizing an agreement with Rivertree Systems Incorporated for examination services and amending the fiscal year 2026 budget.
Officer Martin Honored by Crime Stoppers
During presentations, Crime Stoppers recognized Anniston Police Officer Matthew Martin as its 2025 Officer of the Year. Diane Thomas with Crime Stoppers praised Martin for proactive narcotics investigations, professionalism, and leadership within the department.
Public Comments Address Trash Service, Infrastructure and Neighborhood Concerns
Resident John Squires questioned city leadership regarding garbage service costs, City Hall maintenance concerns, and the city manager appointment.
Resident Diana Michaels praised the Anniston Police Department for recent enforcement activity and also thanked city staff for neighborhood cleanup and code enforcement efforts. Michaels urged the city to continue supporting bulk trash pickup services through 121 Refuse.
Council members also used their comments to announce upcoming community events, including smoke detector installations with the American Red Cross, a Ward 2 cleanup event, and a celebration honoring former council member James Montgomery.
