ANNISTON, AL – The Anniston City Council held both a work session and regular meeting on September 2, 2025, addressing the fiscal year 2026 budget, property nuisance abatements, and a new fiber-optic franchise agreement.
Work Session
FY 2026 Budget Presentation
During the work session, Finance Director Jessica Leonard presented the city manager’s recommended budget of $51.7 million in expenditures against $50.3 million in revenues. The slight deficit will be covered by the city’s existing fund balance of $20.9 million, representing 41% of expenditures.
Key budget highlights include:
- Sales tax remains the largest revenue source at $28.8 million (57.6% of general fund)
- Property taxes projected at $4.2 million (8.5% of general fund)
- Public safety allocated $17.6 million (about one-third of total budget)
- 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for general employees
- $4.29 million allocated for capital improvements
Other Work Session Items
Nuisance Properties: The council reviewed a resolution to over-rule objections to the abatement of identified nuisances, examining the administrative process and property owner concerns.
Franchise Agreement: Members discussed details of establishing a new franchise agreement between Uniti Fiber GulfCo LLC and the City of Anniston, reviewing terms and community benefits of expanded fiber-optic infrastructure.
City Manager Updates: City administration provided updates on various ongoing projects and operational matters affecting city services.
Regular City Council Meeting
Public Hearings
The council held two public hearings during the regular meeting:
Budget Public Hearing: Citizens were invited to comment on the FY 2026 City Manager’s Recommended Budget that had been presented during the work session. Resident Megan Whiteside of Hathaway Heights Road used this opportunity to propose a one-cent sales tax increase that would raise Anniston’s combined rate from 10% to 11%. Whiteside estimated this could generate approximately $5.8 million annually, which she suggested could fund employee pay increases, eliminate residential trash fees, and support schools and public safety.
“A one-percent increase translates to roughly $5.8 million in new, reliable revenues each year,” Whiteside told the council. The city has not increased its sales tax in 13 years.
Property Nuisance Abatement Hearing: The council heard from multiple property owners requesting extensions on nuisance abatement orders. The properties, part of Public Nuisance Group 2025-02, involve issues with grass, debris, vehicles, and damaged structures across more than 35 addresses citywide.
Several residents received 15-day extensions after explaining their circumstances, including inherited properties and ongoing cleanup efforts. City staff worked with property owners to establish reasonable timelines for compliance.
Ordinance Approval
The council unanimously approved a franchise agreement with Uniti Fiber GulfCo LLC for constructing and maintaining fiber-optic transmission lines within city rights-of-way. The ordinance passed its first reading during the meeting.
Public Comments and Leadership Recognition
During public comments, La’Sha Robinson addressed the council about community expectations and accountability for elected officials, emphasizing the need to move beyond the status quo to address issues like property maintenance and community revitalization.
Council members congratulated Ciara Smith on her recent election as mayor, with Council Member Harris noting the historic significance of her election. The council also acknowledged the recent loss of a council member’s mother and upcoming transitions in council membership.
The next regular council meeting is scheduled for later this month, where final budget adoption is expected to take place.
