Cochran council adopts FY 2025–26 budget, increases Chamber funding to $29,000

COCHRAN, Ga. — The Cochran City Council on June 10 adopted the city’s fiscal 2025–26 budget after a public hearing and a late amendment to increase Chamber of Commerce funding.

Mayor Pro Tem Gary Ates opened a public hearing on the budget at about 6:20 p.m., where business and Chamber representatives described recent activity and asked for sustained support. Mi Waters of Snow’s Asian Grill, a Chamber board member, highlighted the Chamber’s events and outreach, saying the Chamber “works beyond tourism to promote Cochran” and listing ribbon cuttings, regular networking events and scholarships.

Eugene Brannon, owner of Nabo’s Barbecue, praised the Chamber’s promotion and local partnerships. “Whatever the Chamber asks for, they deserve it and more,” he said during public comments. Melissa Barker, executive with the Cochran Chamber of Commerce, read several letters from member businesses and told the council the group sometimes feels “ignored, and unheard,” calling a prior comment about “free rent” a “slap in the face.”

City Manager Richard Newbern explained the ordinance adopting the FY 2025–26 budget, prepared using a version 5.0 draft that includes the General Fund, Water and Sewer Fund, Gas Fund and Solid Waste Fund. Council discussion focused on Chamber funding levels and budget line items: Council Member Shane Savant noted the county provides $10,000 annually to the Chamber (up from $7,500), reported the Chamber has nearly doubled revenue this year, and highlighted scholarship and training expenditures. Council Member Carla Coley asked for Chamber budget details to ensure hotel–motel tax restrictions are observed; Coley said such tax proceeds must be spent on tourism-related activities.

On a motion by Council Member Savant, seconded by Council Member Lonnie Tedders, the council approved a 10% increase in Chamber funding — raising the city contribution from $25,500 to $29,000. City Manager Newbern said hotel–motel tax revenue would cover up to $25,500 and the city would cover the remaining difference. The motion passed unanimously; all six council members present voted yes.

Council Member Carla Coley then moved, and Council Member Dianne Lester seconded, to adopt the FY 2025–26 budget as amended (including the $29,000 Chamber allocation). That motion also passed unanimously.

Clarifying details provided during discussion included a $16,800 request for permitting and notification software and a fire-department revenue projection of $215,000, with $65,000 attributed to a recently approved fee increase (excess to fund fire capital expenses). Council requested Chamber budget documentation similar to that supplied by other organizations.

The council’s unanimous votes concluded the budget process for the fiscal year; no public opposition to the budget was recorded during the hearing.