Cochran begins budget planning, adds House Bill 1570 to agenda for discussion

Cochran city leaders said they have begun preliminary work on the 2026 budget after the departure of former City Manager Richard Newbern and have engaged the Heart of Georgia-Altamaha Regional Commission to assist with preparation. The mayor told the council that initial work sessions, including a lengthy meeting to organize financial data, have already begun.

The council amended the agenda at the April 9 work session to add discussion of House Bill 1570, described in the record as relating to Airport Authority charter adjustments; the addition was moved by Councilman Lonnie Tedders, seconded by Councilwoman Dianne Lawson Lester, and recorded as passing unanimously. The record notes the bill was introduced "for discussion only" and no formal vote or council position on the legislation was taken.

Council also voted to remove several agenda items and deferred the Police Department work review to the next regular meeting pending receipt of information. Council members expressed a preference for handling substantive discussion items during work sessions when possible.

The record does not specify budget dollar amounts, a timeline for completion, or the specific tasks the regional commission will perform. The council adjourned at 6:34 p.m.; further budget hearings or action dates were not specified in the work-session minutes.