Council discusses reinstating advisory committees, ethics board appointments, budget calendar and proposed fees

At its Jan. 8 work session, the Cochran City Council discussed several governance and administrative items including standing committees, the ethics board, the budget calendar, a potential Public Facilities Authority and proposed fees.

Council expressed support for further consideration of reinstating advisory standing committees for Finance and Administration, Public Safety, Public Works and Community and Economic Development; members agreed committees would serve in an advisory capacity and asked staff to return with more detail.

Council reviewed the city’s ethics ordinance and noted that terms for the current ethics board have expired; members were asked to identify potential candidates for appointment. Staff presented a proposed budget calendar that outlines timelines for departmental input, council review, public hearings and a target adoption in June; formal adoption of the calendar was deferred.

Council also discussed establishing a Public Facilities Authority as a financing mechanism for major capital projects and asked staff to provide more information. On fees, council reviewed proposed charges including a $25 after-hours utility reconnection fee and a $25 zoning verification letter fee, and received updates on EPA lead service line compliance and the city’s use of the 120 Water platform; council requested further clarification before acting on fees or compliance items.

No motions to adopt committee structures, appoint ethics board members, adopt the budget calendar, create a Public Facilities Authority or set the proposed fees were made at the work session.