During a recent city council meeting, Director of Development Services Stephanie Scott Sims presented a preliminary schedule and budget for an update to the Anna 2050 Comprehensive Plan, following feedback from a special meeting held on July 30. The update will focus on revising the future land use plan, the preferred scenario diagram, and the identified place types that characterize various community areas. The estimated budget for this update is $125,000, which will be funded from existing sources in the fiscal year 2025 budget, eliminating the need for additional funding at this stage.

Sims recommended continuing the partnership with Kimberly Horne, the original consultant for the Anna 2015 plan, citing their familiarity with the project as a reason for their selection. Council members raised concerns regarding transparency, particularly about Kimberly Horne's relationships with local developers. In response, it was noted that while the firm works with various developers, there are internal safeguards to prevent conflicts of interest.

The council unanimously approved the motion to proceed with the update to the comprehensive plan.

In a separate agenda item, Budget Manager Terry Dobie outlined the proposed fiscal year 2025 budget, which totals approximately $2.7 million—a 17.39% increase from the previous year. The budget emphasizes turning visions into reality, with allocations for a robust capital improvement program, modernization efforts, and staff recruitment and retention. Key projects include a new library, a plaza, and significant investments in wastewater treatment infrastructure.

The budget also includes provisions for hiring additional police personnel and maintenance workers as the city expands its park acreage. The council voted in favor of adopting the budget, marking a significant step in the city's financial planning for the upcoming year.