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Coosa Riverkeeper is spearheading exciting community cleanups and vital water-quality initiatives in Anniston, aiming to tackle pollution and educate residents about PFAS contaminants.

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#AnnistonCalhounCounty #AL #PollutionPrevention #AnnistonCleanups #CommunityEngagement
Coosa Riverkeeper announces Anniston-area cleanups and PFAS outreach
Abby Brown, director of community engagement at Coosa Riverkeeper, outlined a three-year initiative with Auburn University that includes community cleanups, trash traps on Choccolocco Creek, a River Reels event in Anniston, and outreach on PFAS and drinking-water issues.
citizenportal.ai
October 11, 2026 at 9:07 PM
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Local attorney Jim Sterling commends the city council's bold move to withdraw from the 287(g) agreement with ICE, emphasizing the importance of protecting community resources and constitutional rights.

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#AnnistonCalhounCounty #AL #AnnistonImmigrantRights #CommunitySupport
Local attorney praises council for withdrawing from 287(g) agreement with ICE
Jim Sterling, a licensed attorney and resident, publicly thanked the mayor and council for withdrawing from the 287(g) agreement with ICE and framed the action as protecting constitutional rights and local resources.
citizenportal.ai
August 22, 2026 at 5:05 AM
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The proposed FY2027 budget reveals a $1.7 million gap fueled by rising public safety costs and reliance on sales tax, raising questions about the city's financial future.

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#AnnistonCalhounCounty #AL #PublicSafety #AnnistonFinance #BudgetTransparency
Finance director outlines FY2027 budget with roughly $1.7 million planned use of reserves
Finance Director Miss Leonard presented the city manager's proposed FY2027 budget projecting about $50.1 million in general‑fund revenues and $51.8 million in expenditures, leaving a budget gap of roughly $1.7 million proposed to come from fund balance; the plan highlights heavy public‑safety costs and a capital program for paving and equipment.
citizenportal.ai
August 22, 2026 at 2:38 AM
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Anniston is taking a bold step by proposing a 12-month moratorium on new data centers to protect community interests and address vital infrastructure concerns.

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#AnnistonCalhounCounty #AL #CommunityImpact #AnnistonDataCenters #UrbanPlanning #PublicSafety
Council puts proposed 12‑month data‑center moratorium on tonight’s consent agenda
Council members agreed to add a proposed temporary moratorium on permitting and licensing of data centers to the consent agenda for a vote tonight. The planning commission will have six months to recommend zoning and regulatory changes; the draft would last 12 months and includes narrow exceptions for existing businesses.
citizenportal.ai
August 22, 2026 at 2:37 AM
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A bold new initiative, West Anniston RISE, aims to transform distressed properties into affordable homes, sparking hope and revitalization in the community.

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#AnnistonCalhounCounty #AL #AffordableHousing #CommunityDevelopment #AnnistonHousing
Mayor proposes West Anniston RISE pilot to acquire and rebuild blighted blocks
The Chair proposed a pilot 'West Anniston RISE' land-bank model to acquire 2–3 contiguous properties, clear titles using CDBG/HUD or other sources, and issue RFPs to developers to create affordable housing under conditions that preserve affordability.
citizenportal.ai
August 13, 2026 at 4:12 PM
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The proposed FY2027 budget of $51.8 million focuses on essential services, public safety, and strategic one-time investments, all while ensuring the city's long-term financial stability.

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#AnnistonCalhounCounty #AL #PublicSafety #InfrastructureInvestment #AnnistonBudget
Finance director presents $51.8 million proposed FY2027 budget, cites one-time use of reserves
Finance Director Jessica Leonard presented the city manager’s proposed FY2027 budget, describing about $50.1 million in general-fund revenue, $51.76 million in expenditures and a roughly $1.66 million planned use of fund balance for one-time investments while preserving a 17% minimum reserve.
citizenportal.ai
August 11, 2026 at 12:31 AM
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The city is on the verge of a transformative redevelopment at McClellan, with plans to apply for a grant that could jumpstart vital infrastructure improvements without costing taxpayers a dime!

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#AnnistonCalhounCounty #AL #GrantFunding #InfrastructureInvestment
Council authorizes applying for EDA grant for McClellan redevelopment; developer to cover match if funded
Staff presented a resolution to designate the McClellan redevelopment as an economic development catalyst project and to authorize applying for an EDA grant to pay for infrastructure; staff said the developer agreed to cover any required matching funds if the grant is awarded and that the authorization does not commit city funds.
citizenportal.ai
August 11, 2026 at 1:08 AM
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The council is set to approve a $6.46 million contract to demolish 10 substandard structures, funded by CDBG money—what does this mean for the community?

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#AnnistonCalhounCounty #AL #UrbanDevelopment #AnnistonHousing #InfrastructureReform #CommunitySafety
Council reviews $6.46 million demolition contract for 10 substandard structures funded by CDBG
Council considered awarding a contract to Excel to demolish 10 substandard structures at a total cost of $6,464,500, and confirmed the project would be paid from Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.
citizenportal.ai
July 27, 2026 at 8:25 PM
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As Anniston's City Council considers funding for new stacking lanes on Quintard, the Vice Mayor raises a critical alarm about the potential loss of beloved mature median trees that define the city's identity.

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#AnnistonCalhounCounty #AL #UrbanPlanning #AnnistonTrees
Vice Mayor urges care for Quintard’s median trees as stacking-lanes funding moves forward
Councilors reviewed a FY26 amendment to fund stacking lanes on Quintard. The Vice Mayor warned the project could remove long-standing median trees and urged a coordinated landscaping plan that preserves boulevard continuity.
citizenportal.ai
July 27, 2026 at 8:02 PM
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A committee member is pushing for clearer recommendations on a new roof that promises durability and the longest warranty, but the final decision is still up for debate!

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#AnnistonCalhounCounty #AL #AnnistonRoofs #PublicInfrastructure #BudgetAccountability #CivicTransparency
Committee member urges clearer recommendation, backs modified roof option
At an Anniston work session a committee member asked staff to clarify why a modified roof was recommended over other bids, and staff highlighted the product warranty and durability ("a 20-year roof to a 30-year roof"). The council did not take a vote and deferred final action to the full council.
citizenportal.ai
July 16, 2026 at 3:09 PM
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The future of the museum hangs in the balance as councilors question the sustainability of an $800,000 annual subsidy while addressing urgent repairs.

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#AnnistonCalhounCounty #AL #CommunityEngagement #AnnistonMuseum #BudgetTransparency
Council discusses emergency museum septic replacement and questions recurring museum subsidies
Councilors authorized discussion of a reserve-funded emergency septic replacement for the museum and urged work with the museum board to reduce annual subsidy levels, noting council members estimate roughly $800,000 a year currently flows from the city budget to museum operations.
citizenportal.ai
June 20, 2026 at 5:48 AM
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Stifel's presentation reveals that opting for a 10-year financing term could save Anniston over $2.2 million in interest for crucial road repairs.

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#AnnistonCalhounCounty #AL #InfrastructureInvestment #PublicFinance #AnnistonRoads
Stifel presents 10-year bond and bank-note options to finance up to $10M in road work
Underwriters from Stifel told the Anniston City Council that a 10-year financing term—either a fixed-rate public bond or a 10-year bank drawdown note—would be cheaper over time than a 15-year wrapped bond, potentially saving roughly $2.2 million in interest in the example shown.
citizenportal.ai
June 20, 2026 at 5:20 AM
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Anniston is taking a big step towards revitalizing G Avenue with a potential $1 million grant for vital pedestrian and streetscape improvements!

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#AnnistonCalhounCounty #AL #AnnistonStreetscape #PublicSafety #AccessibilityImprovements
City seeks up to $1 million Transportation Alternatives grant for G Avenue streetscape and sidewalks
Anniston staff told council the city will apply for a Transportation Alternatives set-aside grant for pedestrian and streetscape improvements on G Avenue (10th to 11th and the trail), potentially providing up to $1 million in construction funds and requiring a local 20% match if awarded.
citizenportal.ai
June 6, 2026 at 3:17 AM
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Anniston is considering joining a nationwide class-action lawsuit to recover costs for contaminated firefighter gear, and they have just a short window to act!

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#AnnistonCalhounCounty #AL #AnnistonFirefighters
Anniston staff weigh joining PFAS class action to recover cost of contaminated turnout gear
City staff said an out-of-state law firm has asked Anniston to serve as the Alabama plaintiff in a nationwide PFAS class action seeking replacement costs for contaminated firefighters' turnout gear; staff described the proposal as "no risk" and noted a federal deadline to add parties.
citizenportal.ai
May 6, 2026 at 11:21 PM
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The Anniston City Council just took a significant step by amending their agenda to authorize participation in national opioid litigation settlements—what does this mean for the community?

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#AnnistonCalhounCounty #AL #AnnistonOpioids #CivicAccountability #CommunitySafety
Council amends agenda to add opioid-settlement participation, approves minutes and consent agenda, and moves into executive session
The council voted to amend the April 21 agenda to authorize the mayor to sign a combined participation form to join national prescription opioid litigation settlements, approved minutes and the consent agenda, and subsequently voted to enter executive session to discuss property negotiations.
citizenportal.ai
April 25, 2026 at 9:19 AM
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Anniston's mayor just announced a game-changing partnership with Orlando Health that promises to transform healthcare access in the community!

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#AnnistonCalhounCounty #AL #PublicAccess
Orlando Health to acquire Regional Medical Center in Anniston, city leaders say
Anniston officials announced Orlando Health will acquire the city-owned Regional Medical Center; leaders said the deal brings capital investments, staffing resources and expanded clinical services to Anniston and nearby counties, though financial terms were not disclosed.
citizenportal.ai
April 8, 2026 at 10:32 PM
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Exciting developments are underway in Ward 4 as Anniston officials unveil plans for the McClellan property, featuring a potential $10 million paving bond and a $6 million water tower project!

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#AnnistonCalhounCounty #AL #BusinessRecruitment #InfrastructureFunding #CommunityInput
Anniston leaders flag McClellan deed transfer, possible bond and water-tower funding for infrastructure
City officials said McClellan property deeds have been cleared for county processing and discussed a multi-year road plan that could use bonds and congressional funding, including a proposed $10 million paving bond and a $6 million appropriation for a water tower.
citizenportal.ai
March 8, 2026 at 12:14 PM
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Janice Lee is rallying Anniston City Council to take action against alarming lead levels in children, linking a potential HUD grant to urgent community needs.

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#AnnistonCalhounCounty #AL #CommunityDevelopment #AnnistonHUD #ChildSafety
Coalition urges city to back HUD lead‑hazard capacity grant after testing finds elevated levels in children
Janice Lee and partners presented a HUD Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building Grant proposal, citing local testing that found about six of 20 children with high lead levels; staff said the NOFO allows CDBG to meet the 10% match and proposed a follow‑up meeting with finance to assess city support.
citizenportal.ai
January 31, 2026 at 2:56 AM
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The Anniston City Council has officially revoked the business license of Pierce Sports Bar & Grill, citing alarming police-call data and disturbing body-camera footage as evidence of ongoing safety risks.

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#AnnistonCalhounCounty #AL #AnnistonPublicSafety #CommunitySafety
Anniston council revokes Pierce Sports Bar & Grill license after city presents police data and video evidence
After city staff presented police-call data and video evidence documenting repeated violent incidents and code violations, the Anniston City Council voted to revoke the business license of Pierce Sports Bar & Grill; the council also approved routine budget and purchasing resolutions.
citizenportal.ai
December 26, 2025 at 11:03 AM
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The Anderson City Council has made significant moves, from updating traffic rules to funding vital public works projects and even reappointing a municipal judge.

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#AnnistonCalhounCounty #AL #BudgetTransparency #AnnistonCouncil #CommunityInvolvement #PublicSafety
Anderson council approves traffic ordinance, budget transfers and reappoints municipal judge
The Anderson City Council approved an ordinance updating traffic-control rules, amended the FY26 budget to fund a traffic-signal camera project and to complete final payment on the Cheapwood Avenue Trail, and reappointed James M. Sims as municipal judge. The council also set a Dec. 16 public hearing on a business-license revocation.
citizenportal.ai
December 22, 2025 at 5:08 PM
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A groundbreaking proposal for a Foundry District incubator in downtown Anniston aims to transform the area into a vibrant hub for new businesses with flexible retail spaces and exciting outdoor opportunities.

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#AnnistonCalhounCounty #AL #AnnistonBusinesses #OutdoorRecreation
Anniston presentation outlines Foundry District incubator to boost downtown businesses
Presenters described a trail‑adjacent Foundry incubator aimed at low‑risk micro-retail for new businesses, tied to Get Up Anniston training and supported by a historic remodel grant and sponsorship tiers.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 8:19 PM
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Sierra Smith made history as Anniston's first African American woman mayor, pledging to unite the city and focus on infrastructure, workforce development, and revitalization.

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#AnnistonCalhounCounty #AL #InfrastructureImprovements #CommunityUnity #WorkforceDevelopment
Anniston swears in Sierra Smith as mayor; new council members take oath
Sierra Smith was sworn in as mayor of Anniston in a ceremony at Anniston High School Auditorium. Several newly elected and returning city council members also took the oath of office. In her inaugural remarks, Smith cited infrastructure, workforce development, neighborhood revitalization and a call for unity as priorities.
citizenportal.ai
November 7, 2025 at 6:15 AM
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The City of Anniston is stepping up with food drop-off locations and resources to combat potential food insecurity as SNAP benefits face suspension this November.

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#AnnistonCalhounCounty #AL #CommunitySupport #FoodAccess #AnnistonFoodInsecurity
Anniston sets up food drop-offs, referral channels ahead of possible November SNAP suspension
City of Anniston staff announced local drop-off sites, a United Way donation option and referral instructions for residents who may face food insecurity if SNAP benefits are suspended in November.
citizenportal.ai
November 2, 2025 at 3:44 AM
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The City Council has taken swift action to levy a local excise tax on vapor products, citing a pressing deadline before October – but what does this mean for local businesses?

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#AnnistonCalhounCounty #AL #PublicPolicy #AnnistonVapor #BusinessLicensing
Council reconvenes special session to consider excise tax and business licenses for consumable vapor products
City Council reconvened a special session to consider an ordinance that would levy a local excise tax and require business licenses for the sale of consumable vapor (vape) products; council approved immediate consideration and a title-only reading and opened a public hearing that drew no speakers.
citizenportal.ai
October 8, 2025 at 5:04 AM
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Mayor of Anniston thanks residents for their election support while unveiling exciting community changes, including a new trash service and the "Get Up Anniston" program for local entrepreneurs!

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#AnnistonCalhounCounty #AL #CivicEngagement #PublicServicesUpgrade
Mayor Celebrates Voting Support and Announces New Trash Services in Anniston
Mayor highlights voting turnout, upcoming runoff elections, and new trash services in Anniston.
citizenportal.ai
September 11, 2025 at 5:56 AM