ANNISTON, AL — The Calhoun County Commission conducted its regular meeting on Thursday, November 14, 2025, addressing a comprehensive agenda that included courthouse renovations, nuisance property abatements, and economic development initiatives.
Courthouse Renovations Approved
The commission approved a bid award resolution for renovations and expansion of the district courtroom, along with HVAC and entrance lobby improvements at the Calhoun County Courthouse. After receiving five bids ranging from $284,420 to $420,700, the contract was awarded to Kilgore Construction for $316,000. The apparent low bidder was determined to be non-compliant after consultation with county architect Bill Whitaker and the county attorney.
Bridge Replacements Move Forward
Under the Rebuild Alabama program, commissioners approved bridge replacement projects at 64th Street and Mitchellville Road. The combined cost of $1,439,975.40 was awarded to Bridge Builders of Alabama, as recommended by the county engineer.
Property Nuisance Actions
The commission took action on numerous properties throughout the county:
Abatements Approved: Sixteen properties were approved for abatement, including locations on Hilltop Drive, Brentwood Drive, Gurnee Avenue, and various other addresses in Anniston, Ohatchee, and Oxford. Property owner Isabella Dowdy appeared regarding 5912 Medders Street, presenting court documents showing the property was no longer in her ownership.
Dismissals Granted: Four properties had their nuisance cases dismissed after violations were corrected, including locations on Hopson Avenue, Meadow Glen Drive, and West 51st Street.
New Declarations: Fifteen additional properties were declared public nuisances, requiring owners to address code violations.
Invoice Approved: The commission approved an $8,026 abatement invoice for 322 South Marshall Street in Anniston.
ABC License Applications
Two alcohol license applications received second reading approval:
- Raceway 7009, located at 633 U.S. Highway 431 in Alexandria (District 4)
- Dollar General Store 31472 in District 2
Both applications were for retail beer and retail table wine for on-premises consumption only.
Economic Development and Tax Abatement
The commission approved a tax abatement resolution for Bryant Machine Company, which is undertaking a capital investment and expansion exceeding $3 million. [See full article for complete details on this economic development initiative.]
Animal Control Facility Transition
Commissioners approved resolutions related to the One World Pet Resort Animal Control Facility, including authorization for the chairman to sign a notice of intent to transition and updates to the structure of the County Animal Control Department at the new facility.
Polling Place Change
The designated polling place for precinct V191 in Anniston will move from Saks High School to Hillcrest Baptist Church. Superintendent Tony Willis expressed appreciation for the move, noting safety concerns about opening school buildings to the general public on election days.
“We spend 364 days a year being careful about who’s in our schools for the safety and security of our kids,” Willis said. “I appreciate you being proactive and saying rather than waiting until something happens, let’s move them out of the schools.”
Contract Extensions
The commission extended contracts with Moore Printing Company and Working Pest Control for additional one-year periods, effective December 19, 2025, through December 18, 2026. Commissioner Shears abstained from the Moore Printing vote, noting he had sold the business over a year and a half ago but continues to abstain “to be on the safe side.”
Other Business
Additional actions included:
- Approval of a 2025 Chevrolet Blazer Police Pursuit Vehicle purchase from Donahue Chevrolet for the Sheriff’s Office
- Declaration of surplus radio tower equipment at the Sheriff’s Office, to be donated to Calhoun County 911
- Authorization to join litigation related to Alabama’s simplified sellers use tax
- Acceptance of right-of-way property transfers for the Alexandria-Wellington Road Bridge project
- Establishment of county levies for new ABC license categories created by the 2025 Alabama legislature
- Adoption of the 2026 holiday schedule
Community Announcements
During public comments, Warren Dorrity announced that Hillcrest Baptist Church will pack 30,000 meals on Sunday to feed hungry people worldwide, with approximately 250 volunteers completing the project in three to four hours.
Richard Friday invited the public to a special film series at the Bridge Theater in Talladega on Thursday evening at 5:30 p.m., featuring environmental programming in partnership with Alabama Rivers Alliance and Wild Alabama.
The Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention introduced new employee Jasmine Patterson, a recent Jacksonville State University graduate who previously interned with the organization.
The commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
All commissioners were present: Chairman Howell, Commissioner Wilson, Commissioner Shears, Commissioner Henderson, and Commissioner Patterson.
