Bonnie Raffield

The session included department head reports from Public Works, which detailed infrastructure updates on resurfacing and drainage, and the Fire Department, which reported on a successful rescue during a Christmas Day structure fire. The Council received updates on current CHIP and CDBG housing projects and discussed planning for 2026 grant applications. A presentation was heard regarding a proposed public-private partnership with Cochran Helps to operate a community resource center, though no formal action was taken. The Council reviewed a proposal for building inspection and permitting services but requested additional review. Governance items discussed included reinstating standing council committees, noting the expiration of the Ethics Board terms, reviewing the proposed budget calendar, and discussing the potential establishment of a Public Facilities Authority. The Council also reviewed potential fee changes, such as an after-hours utility reconnection fee, and compliance requirements for EPA lead service lines. Finally, the Council was notified of an upcoming comprehensive plan meeting.

The meeting commenced with the swearing-in of the new Mayor, Carla D. Coley, which included a recognition of historic milestones and the presentation of the official City of Cochran flag. Administrative actions included the appointment of the 2026 Mayor Pro Tem and the approval of the 2026 Budget Calendar, along with authorization to pursue the creation of a Public Facilities Authority. Financially, the council accepted $46,135.89 in Hurricane Lee reimbursement funds, received the FY 2024-2025 audit which resulted in an unmodified (clean) opinion, and discussed enterprise fund performance and idle fund investment. Key decisions in Licenses & Fees involved the approval of two six-month liquor license extensions and the adoption of updates to the city fee schedule for after-hours utility reconnection, zoning verification letters, and double-wide mobile homes. In Building & Development, the agreement for county building inspections was terminated, and a new contract for building inspections was approved with Falcon Design. The council also approved applying for the 2026 CHIP Grant and pursuing a CDBG application for water and sewer infrastructure, alongside receiving updates on several capital projects. A proposal for the Peyton Williams Learning Center / Cochran Helps was tabled for additional review. During Executive Session, discussions covered property acquisition, personnel matters, and potential litigation. A significant action upon returning to open session was the majority vote to terminate City Clerk Candace Summerall's administrative leave and return her to work effective January 20.

The special call meeting began with an invocation led by the City Manager and the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Fire Chief. The order of the agenda was reversed by unanimous approval. Key discussions included a personnel matter, which required an executive session, and consideration for authorizing the filing of a 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for up to $1,000,000, which was unanimously approved. The executive session was held to discuss hiring, compensation, evaluation, or disciplinary action for a specific public officer or employee. The regular session concluded after the executive session.

The special called meeting included discussions under the personnel agenda, specifically concerning an employee's status. The council entered executive session to discuss hiring, compensation, evaluation, or disciplinary action for a specific public officer or employee. Following the executive session, a motion was made and ultimately passed, after a rescinded vote and clarification, to terminate the administrative leave of City Clerk Candace Summerall and restore her to administrative duties effective January 20th, subject to stipulations established during the executive session.

The Cochran City Council meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. The council addressed citizen concerns regarding high-water bills, Circle K signage variance, MLK Day Parade, 2026 Holiday Calendar, FY 2024-25 Budget Amendment, Solid Waste Services Contract, 2026 Council Retreat, Peacock Street Drainage Project, Roofs, Windows, and Doors Program, 2026 CHIP Grant Application, 2026 CDBG Grant Application, and Vape Shop Ordinance. The meeting also included a farewell to the Mayor and an executive session for potential litigation.