Anniston City Council Work Session | 08/04/26

The Anniston City Council held a work session on August 4, 2026, primarily focused on reviewing the city manager's proposed fiscal year 2027 budget. The proposed budget totals approximately $50.1 million in general fund revenues, with strategic use of reserves for one-time capital investments such as street paving, vehicles, equipment, and facility improvements. Key budget allocations include $10.2 million for police and $7.8 million for fire services, supporting personnel, equipment, and facilities. The council discussed a one-step salary adjustment for eligible employees and emphasized maintaining a minimum 17% fund balance. Additional agenda items included authorization of disbursements from new business sales tax revenue for education, continuation of transit services through an agreement with the East Alabama Planning and Development Commission, and approval of engineering services for a sidewalk repair project. The council also discussed designating the ML Lofts redevelopment project as an economic development catalyst and supporting a related federal grant application. A proposed zoning text amendment to regulate billboards and off-premise signs was reviewed and approved to clarify regulations moving forward. Lastly, the council agreed to continue a $2,500 sponsorship for the Hopson City Founders Day event. Several motions related to budget allocations, contract authorizations, and sponsorships were approved during the session.