By Becky Holland
COCHRAN — The City of Cochran is proposing to maintain its property tax millage rate at 10.727 mills for 2026, although the city’s tax digest indicates the total amount of property taxes levied would increase by more than $112,000 compared to last year.
According to information provided by Cochran City Clerk Hannah Kennedy, the Cochran City Council voted unanimously during a recent special called meeting to keep the proposed millage rate at 10.727 and establish dates for public hearings and adoption of the rate.
The proposed rate is identical to the city’s 2025 millage rate.
However, the city’s 2026 tax digest shows total taxes levied would increase from $1,382,557 in 2025 to $1,495,013 in 2026, an increase of $112,456, or 8.13 percent.
The city’s net maintenance and operations tax digest is also projected to increase, from $128,885,706 in 2025 to $139,369,139 in 2026.
The figures demonstrate that maintaining the same millage rate does not necessarily mean the city will collect the same amount in property taxes. Changes in the taxable value of property can result in additional revenue even when the millage rate remains unchanged.
In written responses to questions submitted by The Ledger, Kennedy confirmed that maintaining the current 10.727-mill rate was the recommendation discussed by council.
When asked what factors were being considered in determining the rate, Kennedy identified the potential effects of Georgia House Bill 581.
Kennedy also confirmed that council members unanimously approved motions to maintain the proposed millage rate and establish the public hearing and adoption schedule.
The Ledger originally submitted written questions to Kennedy with a request that they be forwarded to Cochran Mayor Carla Davis Coley and City Manager Angela Redding. Kennedy subsequently provided the answers herself.
According to the city’s official public notice, three public hearings are scheduled at the Cochran City Auditorium, located in the Municipal Building at 102 N. Second Street.
The first hearing is scheduled for Monday, November 16, at 6 p.m., followed by a second hearing Thursday, November 19, at 5:30 p.m.
The public notice lists the third hearing for Monday, November 23, at 5:30 p.m., with adoption of the millage rate scheduled for 6 p.m. that evening.
However, Kennedy’s written response to The Ledger lists the November 23 public hearing at 6 p.m., creating a discrepancy between the information provided by the city clerk and the published public notice.
The Ledger has submitted an email to Kennedy requesting clarification of the November 23 hearing time. Both times are being reported pending that clarification.
The public hearings will provide residents an opportunity to receive information and address the proposed property tax rate before its adoption.
The 2026 tax digest and five-year history of the city’s property tax levy were provided to The Ledger by Kennedy.
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