By Becky Holland
COCHRAN — Aging infrastructure, major public facility needs and long-range financial planning are among the City of Cochran’s biggest challenges as officials begin looking toward the FY 2027 budget, according to Mayor Carla Coley.
In written responses to questions from The Ledger, Coley said the city is working to put itself in a financial position to tackle needs that have accumulated over time.
“In my opinion, planning is the biggest opportunity and placing ourselves, financially, in a position to address our challenges — aging infrastructure and public facilities,” Coley said.
She said residents should expect more discussion about how the city plans to address those challenges and, over time, hopes those efforts will help restore a sense of pride in the community.
Coley was particularly candid when discussing funding for outside agencies and the city’s larger capital needs.
“Unfortunately, we have not done a very good job of addressing issues in a timely manner, and we have found ourselves in a position where very large capital projects are needed sooner rather than later,” she said.
Planning and financing those projects will require both time and patience, Coley added, but she believes the city is prioritizing the needs and moving in a positive direction.
Outside agencies currently slated for level funding
As city officials prepare the FY 2027 budget, Coley said it is not unusual for outside agencies to request increases in their allocations and that increases are sometimes possible.
For now, however, the proposed numbers remain unchanged.
“Our draft budget currently provides level funding for all outside agencies,” Coley said.
The city provides funding to several community organizations and entities, including the library and airport.
More than $4.5 million invested in housing
Coley also pointed to housing rehabilitation as an area where Cochran has attracted significant outside investment.
The city has been conditionally awarded $500,000 through the Community HOME Investment Program, commonly known as CHIP.
According to Coley, Cochran has received CHIP grants in 2019, 2021, 2024 and now 2026.
Between CHIP and Community Development Block Grant funding for housing rehabilitation, Coley said more than $4.5 million has been invested in the community.
The programs have allowed the city to repair aging homes and, in cases where repairs are not financially feasible, construct new homes.
“This keeps people housed, stimulates the local economy, and ensures affordable housing,” Coley said.
Infrastructure a priority in Comprehensive Plan
Infrastructure is also playing a major role as Cochran updates its Comprehensive Plan and Community Work Program for the next five years.
Coley said four community listening sessions were held in January, February, March and April, along with a Comprehensive Plan public meeting in March.
“Our top priority is infrastructure long-range planning and improvement,” she said.
The city also wants to focus on planning for the restoration and upgrading of existing public facilities as well as possible new construction.
Coley said those facility needs will receive additional discussion at next month’s City Council work session.
Taken together, Coley’s responses point toward a FY 2027 budget process focused not only on the city’s immediate expenses, but also on how Cochran will pay for significant infrastructure and facility needs in the years ahead.
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