From Staff Reports
COCHRAN — Cochran City Council unanimously approved four agenda items Tuesday night involving the Cochran Municipal Airport, municipal treatment plant and the city’s financial advisory services.
Council approved an airport design project for Runway 11-29, the taxiway and North Apron that includes crack sealing, rejuvenation and remarking. The Georgia Department of Transportation has tentatively awarded Fiscal Year 2027 funding for the project, which requires $1,900 in matching funds from the city.
Council also approved an agreement between the Federal Aviation Administration and the city for maintenance of the Automated Weather Observation System at the airport. The agreement is required for the FAA to perform an inspection of the system.
An agreement with M.E. Sack Environmental for operations management services at the municipal treatment plant was unanimously renewed. The city originally entered into the agreement in August 2024.
Council also unanimously approved a new municipal advisory agreement with Crews & Associates. The city has used the firm since February 2021. According to information provided with the agenda, a reorganization within Crews & Associates required execution of a new agreement, but the scope of services and compensation remain unchanged.
During the meeting, Shaun Bass was recognized for 15 years of service to the City of Cochran. City Hall employees were also recognized.
Interim City Manager Angela Redding announced upcoming public informational meetings for the city’s 2026 Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP) Housing Rehabilitation Program.
The city received a 2026 CHIP grant to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to low- and moderate-income residents who own and occupy their homes. Improvements may include roofing, windows, flooring, HVAC and plumbing.
Informational meetings will be held Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the City Auditorium, 102 N. Second St. Both meetings will cover the same information, including details about the program and how residents may qualify.
During public comment, Ethel King questioned why a side door to the City Auditorium was locked when a public meeting was scheduled.
Brittany Foskey raised concerns regarding utility billing and the city’s communication with residents. Foskey spoke until reaching the three-minute time limit for public comments.
Earlier Special Called Meeting
The city had also advertised a special called City Council meeting for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. An agenda posted on the City of Cochran’s Facebook page four days before the meeting listed the City Auditorium as the location and included call to order, invocation, roll call and approval of the agenda before an executive session for personnel, litigation or real estate.
The Ledger was present in the auditorium before the scheduled 5:30 p.m. start time but did not observe those proceedings take place there.
The Ledger has requested clarification from city officials regarding what occurred during the scheduled special called meeting.
Cochran City Council met Tuesday, Aug. 11, at the City Auditorium. Council unanimously approved four agenda items during the regular meeting, including agreements involving the municipal airport and treatment plant. (Photo by Becky Holland/The Ledger)
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