From Staff Reports
COCHRAN, Ga. — The Cochran City Council has released an amended agenda for its regular meeting Tuesday, October 13, with discussion of the city manager appointment, proposed natural gas customer rebates and several other matters scheduled for consideration.
The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the City Auditorium, and residents are encouraged to attend.
Among the most closely watched items is the discussion of the appointment of a city manager, listed as Item 7 on the amended agenda.
The discussion comes amid ongoing public interest in the city’s leadership and questions surrounding the permanent city manager position.
Angela H. Redding has served as interim city manager since April. In recent weeks, residents and business owners have voiced concerns regarding city operations, communication, utility billing and the process for selecting a permanent city manager.
During a recent town hall meeting, residents also expressed support for reopening the search for a permanent city manager.
Although the amended agenda lists the city manager appointment for discussion, it does not specify whether council members will vote on an appointment Tuesday night.
Proposed Natural Gas Rebates
Another item before the council is a proposed natural gas rebate program intended to encourage residential customers to switch from electric or propane appliances to natural gas or replace qualifying older appliances.
Under the proposal, eligible residential customers could receive:
$300 for tankless water heaters
$200 for gas furnaces
$200 for tank water heaters
$100 for ranges and cooktops
$100 for washers and dryers
$50 for vented gas logs
$50 for space heaters
Applications would need to be submitted within 60 days of installation.
The program requires council approval before implementation.
Additional Council Business
Council members are also scheduled to consider adopting the Joint Comprehensive Plan for Bleckley County and the City of Cochran.
Other agenda items include approval to declare Administration Department equipment surplus and dispose of it through GovDeals.com, consideration of a 48A T-Hangar contract for Cochran Municipal Airport and the reappointment of Howard Pridgen to the Housing Authority Commission.
Pridgen’s current term expires November 20. According to the agenda, the Housing Authority director has recommended his continued service, and Pridgen has expressed interest in another five-year term.
A discussion concerning the tax digest is also scheduled.
The council will hear departmental reports from Finance, Fire, Police and Public Works, including Code Enforcement, along with reports from several outside agencies.
A proclamation recognizing Fire Prevention and Safety Month is also on the agenda.
Public Participation Encouraged
The meeting includes a public comment period, providing residents an opportunity to address their elected officials.
The agenda also includes an executive session for personnel, litigation and real estate matters.
With several issues affecting Cochran’s residents and businesses scheduled for discussion, Tuesday’s meeting offers an opportunity for citizens to hear directly from their elected representatives.
The Ledger encourages residents to attend, remain informed and take an active interest in decisions affecting their community.
The meeting begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, October 13, at the Cochran City Auditorium.
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