By Becky Holland
COCHRAN — The Cochran City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed FY 2026-2027 budget Thursday, Sept. 3, before beginning a work session that includes discussion of utility billing, downtown issues, the ICE 287 program and possible adoption of the new city budget.
The public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the City Auditorium. According to the agenda, the hearing will give residents an opportunity to comment on the proposed FY 2026-2027 budget. The city advertised notice of the hearing Aug. 20 and Aug. 27, and a copy of the proposed budget is available for inspection at City Hall.
The council’s work session will begin following the public hearing.
Two presentations are scheduled. Joshua Colley, RMEBS field services manager with the Georgia Municipal Association, is scheduled to discuss retirement benefits. Kevin Mixon, market development representative with the Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia, will give a presentation concerning MGAG programs.
Council members are also scheduled to discuss use of the City Auditorium for community theater, with Mi Waters and Kelli Greer listed on the agenda.
Utility billing is another discussion item.
Council will consider a request involving State Bank Lane near John Conner Avenue. According to the agenda, the request includes possible rental of space for events as well as the possible purchase of tables and benches to increase outdoor seating for everyday use and downtown events.
A proposed Special Event District is also scheduled for discussion involving the Cochran-Bleckley Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Authority.
Another notable item is discussion of the ICE 287 Program. The agenda states that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement met with Police Chief Jeff Trawick to discuss the program.
The 287(g) program allows ICE to enter into agreements with state or local law-enforcement agencies so specially trained officers can perform certain immigration-enforcement functions under federal supervision. The agenda does not indicate that Cochran has entered such an agreement, only that the program is scheduled for discussion.
Council is also scheduled to discuss a Great Pumpkin Festival sponsorship request from the Chamber of Commerce, a request from The Mule Barn, LLC to add a handicap parking space, and a mayor and council fall retreat.
The final listed agenda item is consideration of an ordinance to adopt the FY 2026-2027 budget.
An executive session for personnel, litigation or real estate is listed near the end of the meeting agenda, followed by adjournment.
The Ledger will follow the meeting and report on council discussions and actions.
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