By Becky Holland
COCHRAN — The City of Cochran’s proposed FY 2026-2027 budget shows an increase in anticipated General Fund revenues, with several city departments also seeing higher proposed expenditures.
The proposed General Fund revenue total is approximately $5.46 million, compared with about $5.02 million in the FY 2026 budget, an increase of roughly $433,000.
One of the largest changes is in projected property tax revenue. The proposed budget anticipates approximately $1.45 million in current-year real property taxes, compared with about $1.14 million in the current budget — an increase of roughly $308,000. The city also projects increases in local option sales tax and insurance premium tax revenues.
The city’s administrative budget is proposed at approximately $1.48 million, up from about $1.25 million, an increase of more than $223,000.
The legislative budget, which includes mayor and council expenses, increases from approximately $62,864 to $101,389. The proposed budget includes additional funding for council education and training.
Other notable changes include:
- Municipal Court: approximately $68,140 to $107,809.
- Police: approximately $1.26 million to $1.27 million.
- Fire: approximately $876,850 to $934,625.
- Animal Control: approximately $96,950 to $107,025.
- Code Enforcement: approximately $117,950 to $111,378, a decrease.
- Street Department: approximately $954,800 to $1.03 million.
Funding for listed outside agencies remains at approximately $210,350. Those allocations include the Industrial Development Authority, recreation department, library and Downtown Development Authority.
The proposed budget also includes the city’s water and sewer, gas and solid waste operations. Water and sewer revenues are projected at approximately $2.46 million.
The Ledger asked Mayor Carla Coley and Interim City Manager Angela Redding for clarification concerning the increase in the budget’s administrative overhead figure and how those costs are allocated.
Coley responded Friday afternoon, referring the questions to Redding.
“I will defer to Angela. I was not at the meeting last night and have not received an overview of changes yet from Angela,” Coley said. “Using this email, I am also letting her know that you are unable to access the online draft budget and need a copy emailed to you.”
The Ledger will publish Redding’s response and any additional clarification from city officials upon receipt.
The complete proposed FY 2026-2027 budget is being made available with this story so residents may review the figures for themselves.
READ THE BUDGET: The City of Cochran’s complete proposed FY 2026-2027 budget appears below.
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