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Cochran council directs attorney to pursue creation of fire tax district over double-taxation concerns
Summary
The Cochran City Council authorized the city attorney to begin paperwork under HB 489 to address residents’ concerns that they are being taxed for Bleckley County fire services they do not receive; the motion passed 6–0.
The Cochran City Council on Feb. 14 authorized the city attorney to pursue steps to address what the council described as the double taxation of Cochran residents who pay to fund Bleckley County fire services that they do not receive.
City Attorney Jim Elliott explained the council’s concern and referenced language in HB 489 that the attorney said supports the city’s options for creating a fire tax district for unincorporated Bleckley County. City Manager Richard Newbern framed the action as direction to begin paperwork rather than final adoption of any tax or district boundary.
Councilmember Jimmy Jones moved to authorize the attorney to proceed; Councilmember Keith Anderson seconded and the motion passed 6–0. The vote gives the attorney authority to draft and file the necessary documents and to explore next steps; the council did not adopt a tax or district at the meeting.
The matter will proceed through whatever legal and procedural steps the attorney determines are required, including any public hearings and formal ordinances or resolutions the council would need to consider before any tax district could be created.
