Anniston Council approves contract for new City Manager

The city of Anniston now has a new city manager waiting in the wings. The City Council unanimously approved Brian Johnson’s contract Tuesday night. He expects to take the helm at City Hall no later than Sept. 30. Johnson is currently the city manager of the Savannah Georgia suburb of Garden City, Ga. The City Council voted to offer Johnson the position last Wednesday after he spent the morning touring the city and meeting city officials, staff, and members of the public. Mayor Vaughn Stewart called the council’s approval of Johnson’s contract “a watershed moment in the modern history of Anniston.” The contract that the City Council approved establishes Johnson’s base salary at $150,000 a year which is at the top of the advertised salary range. Johnson will also get a one-time $700 signing bonus once he begins his tenure at City Hall. Going forward, Johnson’s salary will automatically adjust with any cost of living increase offered to other city employees.