Proposed Anniston budget cuts more than 1 million

A proposed budget presented to the Anniston City Council Tuesday would cut more than $1 million, including cutting employee positions and closing some city park facilities. The Projected revenues adopted last September failed to meet expectations, leaving the city with a shortfall of more than $1 million. Next year’s proposed $35 million budget shaves an additional $157,000 off revenue expectations for the coming year. Proposed changes in the Parks & Recreation Department, where the budget is down $403,000 from last year, generated the most objections from members of the City Council. Under the plan, the city would close Woodland Park and The Hill golf course (the city’s 9-hole course on Johnston Drive), which would save nearly $218,000 and $65,500, respectively. Councilman Jay Jenkins voiced opposition to closing The Hill. Councilman Seyram Selase supports closing the course saying if the city is going to be serious about being fiscally responsible they have to let it go. Closing parks and community centers is nothing new to the cities budget process. Previous budgets have also proposed closing or consolidating several of the cities large number of parks in an effort to cut costs. Anniston reportedly has more parks per capita that any other city it’s size in the state. The proposal also calls for the closing of the pool at Carver Community Center replacing it with a splash pad at Zinn Park similar to the one installed at Norwood Park. Councilman David Reddick said he opposed that move. Recreation director Steven Folks said he targeted Carver pool because the city is paying lifeguards to keep it open, but it’s not being used enough by residents. He said he had one week where only seven kids came to swim there. The Department of Public Works also cut more than $400,000 from its budget. The council must approve a new budget before the new fiscal year begins on October first.