Chamber event showcases growth, infrastructure improvements, and community development across seven municipalities
JACKSONVILLE, AL – Seven mayors and municipal leaders from across Calhoun County gathered at the Hampton Inn Jacksonville on Friday morning for the annual State of the Cities address, hosted by the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce. The event, sponsored by numerous local businesses and organizations, provided a platform for municipal leaders to share accomplishments, ongoing projects, and future plans with community stakeholders.
Hobson City: Preserving Heritage While Building Future
Mayor Alberta McCrory, who has served Hobson City for 21 years, emphasized the city’s unique position as the oldest incorporated African American city in Alabama. McCrory highlighted the community’s museum project, which tells the story of “everyday people” who built thriving communities despite facing racism and discrimination from 1899 to present day.
“These are people who don’t make the news but who, in spite of racism, discrimination, Jim Crow and all the other things, raised families, built schools and homes and churches and had a very functioning, thriving community,” McCrory explained.
The city recently secured $7.4 million to address water infrastructure challenges, including repairing leaks and upgrading the sewer system. McCrory noted that Hobson City previously paid for more water than residents actually used due to significant water loss. The mayor also discussed building renovation projects divided into three phases and the establishment of endowment funds to support ongoing community development.
Ohatchee: Small Town with Big Potential
Mayor Pro Tem Theresa Lott, representing Mayor Steven Baswell who was out of town with family, highlighted Ohatchee’s strategic location in the western part of the county. The city recently purchased 150 acres at the corner of Highway 144, though specific plans for the property remain under consideration.
Infrastructure improvements include installing a new generator for the water pump in the Mohawk Subdivision’s mountainous area, ensuring residents maintain water service during power outages. The city has also replaced water meters dating back to the 1960s and implemented new software systems for municipal operations.
Ohatchee is actively seeking a new restaurant to replace one that recently closed and is preparing for the August elections, including managing a change in polling locations.
Weaver: Fully Staffed and Moving Forward
Mayor Jeff Clendenning reported that Weaver has achieved full staffing across all departments – police, public works, water department, and city offices – a significant accomplishment in today’s employment climate.
The city recently completed paving 27 roads, representing 21% of Weaver’s total road network, and is planning another grant application for additional paving projects next year. Clendenning highlighted the city’s financial stability, noting they have “a little money in the bank” while preparing for upcoming multi-million-dollar water and park projects.
Weaver’s park system, featuring a splash pad and trail connections to both Anniston and Jacksonville, continues to attract visitors. “We have the best park in Calhoun County,” Clendenning declared, encouraging residents to visit and enjoy the walking trails.
Piedmont: Major Infrastructure and Recreational Investments
Mayor Bill Baker, who announced he will not seek re-election after 34 years of service (21 years as council member, 13 as mayor), outlined extensive infrastructure improvements throughout Piedmont.
The city completed paving 12.2 miles of the Chief Ladiga Trail from the Jacksonville line to the Cleburne County line and paved 14 streets. Piedmont, which owns all its utilities, has implemented automated meters, purchased new vehicles for the electrical department, and upgraded to LED street lighting.
Recent grant successes include $3.7 million to replace old cast iron gas lines, $1.7 million for city lagoon upgrades, and $63,000 for gas leak detection and safety equipment. The city also purchased Fagin Park, renovated its restaurant, and added three pickleball courts while upgrading the basketball court and civic center.
Baker praised Piedmont’s school system as “one of the best in the state and nationally ranked,” noting the football team’s undefeated season to the semifinals. The city’s fire academy has maintained its number-one state ranking for consecutive years.
“It’s been an honor for me to serve the city of Piedmont,” Baker reflected, “and I just hope somewhere along the 34 years that I served as an elected official that I did a few things to help a few people out.”
Jacksonville: Growth and Development on Multiple Fronts
Mayor Johnny Smith, who also announced he will not seek re-election, welcomed attendees to Jacksonville and highlighted the city’s recent growth and development.
New restaurant openings include establishments on the square, with Smith personally testing breakfast offerings at one location. The Roost Event Center is preparing to open by July 1 as a wedding and event venue on the square. Construction is also underway for a new tire store and the historic 80 Oaks property is being converted into a wedding venue.
The city anticipates construction of a new Fairfield Inn and Suites hotel, though the project has experienced delays since its planned February start. Additionally, AmStar Credit Union is renovating and expanding a former JSU facility at the intersection of Highway 21 and 204, while First Alabama Bank has purchased the old Wendy’s building for repurposing as a bank branch.
Infrastructure improvements include over $700,000 in street paving and a $1.4 million trail project connecting the area from 2nd Avenue west to the high school, extending to the Chief Ladiga Trail. The trail system provides safer pedestrian access for students and convenient access for trail users near Walmart.
The city is upgrading its Big Springs water treatment facility with a $1.3 million project to replace 17-year-old sand filters, and received a $5.8 million grant for gas line improvements.
Jacksonville’s Cheaha Challenge in May attracted 750 registered riders from 37 states and seven countries, demonstrating the event’s regional and international draw. Upcoming events include a senior celebration car show on June 14 and JaxFest, the city’s Fourth of July celebration, on July 3.
Anniston: Transformation and Renewed Purpose
Mayor Ciara Smith emphasized Anniston’s remarkable transformation over the past four and a half years, highlighting significant improvements in public safety and economic development.
Crime statistics show dramatic improvement: violent crime has dropped 51% since 2016, with Part 1 crime down 36%. From 2023 to 2024 alone, violent crime decreased another 10.6%. The Anniston Police Department responded to over 42,000 service calls in 2024, with only 1% involving violent crime, serving over 41,000 people with 47% residing outside city limits.
The fire department answered 6,225 calls, including 216 structure fires and 2,840 emergency medical calls, while completing over 10,000 hours of fire training and 4,000 hours of EMS training. The department’s airport firefighter training facility is projected to host 1,200 students annually from across the nation, positioning it as one of the only such facilities in the Southeast.
Economic indicators show unprecedented growth: business licenses have tripled since 2020 (up 291%), construction investment increased 295% from $14.49 million to $57.24 million, and general fund revenue rose 32%. Sales tax revenue increased 38%.
“Since 2020, business licenses have tripled, up 291%, with a 61% increase from FY23 to FY24,” Smith reported. “This progress is not accidental. It’s the result of bold planning, partnerships, and determination.”
Anniston received Main Street Alabama accreditation this year and will see City Hall return to downtown. The city invested over $117,000 in park improvements and completed a master plan for Michael Tucker Park, with construction improvements funded by ALDOT connecting to the Chief Ladoga Trail.
“In Anniston, we no longer wait for opportunity. We build it,” Smith declared.
Oxford: Continued Growth and Community Partnership
Mayor Alton Craft concluded the presentations by highlighting Oxford’s robust growth statistics for 2024: 142 new businesses, $92 million in private investment, 962 building permits, 900 new jobs, and 12.5 million visitors to the Exchange retail center.
Road projects continue throughout the city, including the long-awaited Leon Smith Parkway improvements. The city has demolished dilapidated structures while working to make downtown sidewalks ADA accessible and addressing drainage issues in the downtown area.
The Oxford Police Department reported double-digit crime reduction and gained national attention through a YouTube series called “U.S. Cops.” The fire department celebrated its 140th anniversary, while the healthcare authority operates one of only three critical air transport services in Alabama, equipped with blood supplies for emergency transfusions.
Recreation facilities expanded with eight new pickleball courts, and Choccolocco Park hosted seven major tournaments, including the Junior College World Series and state tournaments that attracted approximately 80,000 visitors. Retail sales increased 4.5% with a 15% increase in lodging.
Oxford participates in three trail systems incuding the newly added Alabama Birding Trail. “Birdwatching brings in more merchandise sales than the NBA, NFL, and Major League Baseball combined,” Craft noted.
The Oxford Performing Arts Center remains the busiest in the state, hosting the Rubato International Competition and the special needs baseball event with 190 participants. Oxford Library has expanded beyond traditional services to offer activities like yoga and quilting classes.
Looking ahead, Oxford has 235 new building permits in the first quarter of 2025, representing $20 million in private investment, with 400 homes planned for construction over the next two years.
“The one thing she said about us was that we are remarkably friendly people,” Craft shared, recounting a conversation with a Kansas visitor. “You can’t get a better compliment than that if you’re an elected official.”
The event not only underscored the momentum and vision driving Calhoun County’s seven municipalities but also served as a moment of appreciation for long-serving public servants. Mayors Bill Baker of Piedmont and Johnny Smith of Jacksonville were honored with standing ovations for their decades of leadership, leaving behind legacies marked by growth, resilience, and community impact. Their departures signal a transition in local leadership, but the morning’s presentations made clear that the future of Calhoun County remains in capable and committed hands.
