Featured above: city council with water and sewage personnel showing the new sewer jetter

by Maya Quinn, editor

City Council authorizes CDBG application to pave new roads

Eutaw City Council met for its regular session on Tuesday, May 26th, 2026. All council members were present for the meeting and approved the minutes of the May 12th session. The main topics of discussion for the meeting included the application plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Fund, roofing bids, and the purchase of a new sewage jetter. 

During the new business, Mayor Cockrell introduced Cara Stallman from Grant Management LLC, based in Baldwin County, to lead the discussion regarding the CDBG fund for the City of Eutaw. Stallman explained that the city’s demographics “are perfect for this money,” citing a high proportion of low-income residents and the need for newly paved roads as her reasoning. The CDBG funds would be used for streets such as Carver Circle, 1st Ave, Constantine Street, and Springfield Avenue. “We’re not gonna put a band-aid on it,” Stallman said as she explained that the roads would be stripped and completely paved anew when asked about patching and drainage. 

Stallman has also worked with other cities in the Black Belt, such as Boligee, where she helped them obtain funds for new roads and a playground near their city hall. Mayor Cockrell voiced his confidence in Stallman’s abilities, recalling her 85% success rate. “She has worked wonders,” he stated.

Following the grant discussions, Mayor Cockrell announced that the city had purchased a new sewage jetter, the Harben DTK 750 ET 180 Manual. The new jetter can clean the interior walls of pipes from grease sludge to tree roots. Cockrell also reminded citizens about the new sewage flushing equipment and to call city hall or council members directly if there is brown water.

Council members also shared status reports from their districts. Councilwoman Watkins of District 1 reminded attendees that the Caring People initiative, started by her late husband, will be handing out free produce on Saturday, June 13th, at 10 am. Councilwoman Hunter of District 3 stated that the gas bill had decreased significantly and thanked everyone for their continued efforts. Mr. Joe Powell requested prayers regarding a heart procedure.

Here are the approved agenda items for the meeting:

1. Accept the Four-Factor Analysis for Limited English Proficiency Persons: CDBG Program
2. Approve the Sample Citizen Participation Plan CDBG Program
3. Approve Resolution 2026-03: Authorizing Application for CDBG Funds for FY 2026 (Due July 2nd)
4. Approve Resolution 2026-04: Purchase of Harben DTK 750 ET 180 Manual from Patterson Equipment of The Woodlands, TX
5. Opening Bids for City Hall and R.H. Young Community Center Roofs
6. Approve Payment of Bills

The next Eutaw City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9th, at 5 pm.

 

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Featured image credentials: Maya Quinn on iPhone 15