By Becky Holland
The City of Cochran has a new city clerk following a September council vote approving Hannah Kennedy for the position.
The Cochran City Council voted 5-1 on Sept. 8 to appoint Kennedy as city clerk. Councilwoman Trecia Gardner, Councilman Gary Ates, Councilman Rufus Veal, Councilman Lonnie Tedders and Councilwoman Dianne Lester voted in favor of the appointment, while Mayor Pro Tem Shane Savant voted against it.
Kennedy received a formal offer of employment in a Sept. 17 letter signed by Interim City Manager Angela Redding. The letter stated that city officials were impressed with Kennedy’s qualifications and were “excited about the opportunity to welcome” her to the city team. Her start date was set for Sept. 21.
The position is full-time and reports to the city manager. Kennedy’s starting rate of pay is $31.96 per hour and includes the city’s employee benefits package. She will also serve a six-month probationary period during which her performance, attendance and overall suitability for the position will be evaluated.
Kennedy signed the city’s acceptance of employment on Sept. 21.
The Ledger obtained the employment information through an Open Records Request after an earlier informal email seeking information about the new city clerk went unanswered by Interim City Manager Angela Redding and Mayor Carla Coley.
The Open Records Request was sent to Bonnie Raffield, who was serving as acting city clerk at the time. Redding later told The Ledger by email that she would provide the requested information by 5 p.m. Oct. 5. The records were ultimately received at 3:56 p.m. Oct. 5 from Kennedy herself.
The city clerk serves an important administrative role in municipal government, including responsibilities involving official city records and documentation associated with city business.
The Ledger welcomes Kennedy to Cochran and looks forward to working with her as part of its continuing coverage of city government and the community.
No photo of Ms. Kennedy was available as of press time.
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