Anniston council approves six‑month contract for Captain Cavalero after split votes and debate

The Anniston City Council voted on May 5 to authorize an employment contract for M. Cavalero that will place the captain in a six‑month evaluation appointment as city manager. The measure passed by roll call after brief debate and at least one recorded dissent.

A council member who said they voted against the measure told colleagues the council had previously committed to using a professional search firm and that a six‑month appointment “represents a shift from that direction.” The member said the choice to appoint rather than open a full search risks undermining public trust in the hiring process and that the council should follow a transparent, competitive recruitment.

Supporters of the contract described Cavalero as a long‑serving municipal official with institutional knowledge and public‑service experience. One council member argued that Cavalero’s “22 plus years within our system” and local familiarity make him a candidate worth evaluating in real time and that the six‑month arrangement preserves the council’s option to pursue a broader search later.

The resolution approving the contract was introduced, seconded and adopted by roll call. The record in the meeting shows mixed votes during the roll call, and the presiding officer stated that the resolution "has passed." The council did not provide a detailed public breakdown of individual roll‑call votes during the portion of the record presented.

Council members also emphasized they would monitor the appointment and that the evaluation period would allow the body to assess performance before committing to a longer contract. The meeting adjourned shortly after the discussion.