Two representatives of the Tuscaloosa Area Human Trafficking Taskforce, Johnathan Lovejoy and Carey Branscome stand behind Mayor Corey Cockrell, as he signs proclamation

The Eutaw City Council met on January 13, 2026, for its regular meeting. Mayor Corey Cockrell and all Council members were present.
The Council approved a proclamation naming January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month and designating the City of Eutaw as a Trafficking Free Zone. Mayor Cockrell signed the proclamation during the meeting after the Council approved it. Human trafficking is a grave problem of exploitation of women and children for sexual purposes. Many of the victims are immigrants, homeless people or persons from other countries.
Shuryon Macon, a municipal bond specialist with the firm of Knight & Day Group of Houston, Texas addressed the City Council. He said he was available to help finance large projects to generate jobs and services for the people of the city and other communities. He said he had met with the mayor and was interested in helping to finance projects . In response to a question from Councilwoman Valerie Watkins, he said his fees were paid out of the bond proceeds and would not be an upfront obligation of the city.
The City Council also heard from Anita Lewis, Executive Director of the Greene County Housing Authority (GCHA) and Marilyn Armstead, grant writer for the Housing Authority on the need for funding to improve the sewage and water system serving Branch Heights and King Village, sub-divisions under the control of the GCHA . These water and sewer systems are tied into the City of Eutaw systems. Other Council members supported that sewage back-ups and water problems were occurring all over the city. Mayor Cockrell said the city was looking for grant funds from ADECA and other sources to deal with the city’s infrastructure problems – streets, water, sewer, park improvements and other needs.
In other actions, the Eutaw City Council approved travel for Mayor Cockrell and Joe Powell to attend a water infrastructure training in Demopolis on February 18, 2026; approved the K-9 contract for purchase of a police K-9 dog; and approved payment of bills.
In his Mayor’s report, Cockrell highlighted that he was holding community meetings in each council district to listen to residents and project some of the services and activities are planned. He also passed out a list of monthly special events, he was planning for 2027. He also indicated that a water department clerk had been employed and would start work soon. Cockrell also stated he was working with the County Commission to find solutions to the problems of the Greene County EMS ambulance services.