The Auburn City Council convened on September 16, 2025, to address various agenda items, including appointments to local boards, budget discussions, and community announcements. The meeting commenced with a roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence.
The Council began by appointing Dr. Kristen Herring to the Industrial Development Board (IDB) and reappointing Dolly Marshall to the Lee County Youth Development Center. Council members expressed their appreciation for the qualifications of all candidates, highlighting Dr. Herring's unique perspective as a school superintendent, which they believe will positively impact the city's educational and industrial landscape.
Mayor Ron Anders shared updates on recent community events, including the successful groundbreaking of the airport control tower and the dedication of the Benny Atkins Bridge, honoring a local Vietnam War hero. He also announced the upcoming State of the City address scheduled for October 2, inviting citizens to participate.
During the meeting, the City Manager reported on vacancies in the Tree Commission and the Education Building Authority, with appointments to be made at the next meeting. The Council then moved to the consent agenda, approving several items, including a lease renewal for the CityCare employee health clinic and a contract for equipment for the new fire department tiller truck.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the biennial budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Council members praised the thorough presentations from department heads and the finance team, emphasizing the importance of transparency and community engagement regarding budgetary matters. The budget was ultimately approved following a roll call vote.
The Council also addressed two annexation requests, one for approximately 5.83 acres on Lee Road 15 and another for 22 acres at Barron's Mobile Home Park. Both requests received unanimous support from the Planning Commission and were discussed in terms of their potential benefits to the city, including increased tax revenue and improved public services.
The meeting concluded with additional community announcements, including a reminder about the upcoming Heyday event on October 15 and a community meeting hosted by State Representative Evelyn Warren on September 22.
Overall, the meeting reflected the Council's commitment to community engagement, effective governance, and the ongoing development of Auburn as a vibrant city.