Cochran council approves Mercer Group to lead City Manager search, 4-1

The Cochran City Council voted 4-1 on March 5 to hire Mercer Group to conduct the city's executive search for a new City Manager, authorizing a base cost of $16,500 and up to $3,900 in additional fees for a maximum commitment of $20,400. Council Member Shane Savant made the motion, which Council Member Lonnie Tedders seconded; the motion carried 4-1.

Mayor Carla Coley presided over the work session and noted the council's discussion of proposals from multiple firms before the vote. The motion as recorded in the work-session minutes specifies the base and cap amounts but does not list individual roll-call votes in the minutes.

Council Member Shane Savant moved to award the search to Mercer Group; Lonnie Tedders seconded. The minutes record the outcome as "Approved 4-1." Council Member Rufus Veal was absent from the meeting. The minutes do not identify which member cast the lone opposing vote.

The decision authorizes staff to proceed with the engagement under the terms stated in the motion. The work-session minutes do not record additional contract terms or a timeline for the search.