By Maya Quinn, editor

Eutaw City Council met for a regular session on September 8th, 2026, at 5:00 pm in City Hall. Mayor Corey Cockrell, administrators, and council members were present. Councilman Woodruff established decorum before the council entered an executive session for approximately fifteen minutes. The agenda was amended to include items 7 and 8 that were discussed during the executive session; no other decisions were made. 

Mayor Cockrell began his report by thanking the councilmembers for their diligence and vigilance within their respective districts. He implored citizens to continue discouraging littering and “speak life into the city of Eutaw.” He reported that construction on City Hall’s roof is on schedule and the city’s workers are striving to ensure Eutaw is “looking good.” He also assured Councilmembers Valerie Watkins, Carrie Logan, and Lorenzo French that staff is working on locating the owners of properties in every district that violate Ordinance No. 2024-20-06 # 6: Ordinance Regulating Grass and Weed Nuisances, Accumulation of Rubbish, Abandoned and Inoperable Vehicles, Abandoned/Dilapidated Structures, and other Nuisances. Councilman French requested that they urgently start ticketing properties with hazardous debris. Councilwoman Watkins named a home on O’Neal Street in such condition. Property owners, business and residential, who reside outside of the city are still held liable. The ordinance will be reposted on greenecodemocrat.com along with enforcement procedures.

Eutaw City Council met for a regular session on September 8th, 2026, at 5:00 pm in City Hall. Mayor Corey Cockrell, administrators, and council members were present. Councilman Woodruff established decorum before the council entered an executive session for approximately fifteen minutes. The agenda was amended to include items 7 and 8 that were discussed during the session; no other decisions were made.

Mayor Cockrell began his report by thanking the councilmembers for their diligence and vigilance within their respective districts. He implored citizens to continue discouraging littering and “speak life into the city of Eutaw.” He reported that construction on City Hall’s roof is on schedule and the city’s workers are striving to ensure Eutaw is “looking good.” He also assured

Councilmembers Valerie Watkins, Carrie Logan, and Lorenzo French that staff is working on locating the owners of properties in every district that violate Ordinance No. 2024-20-06 # 6: Ordinance Regulating Grass and Weed Nuisances, Accumulation of Rubbish, Abandoned and Inoperable Vehicles, Abandoned/Dilapidated Structures, and other Nuisances. Councilman French requested that they urgently start ticketing properties with hazardous debris. Councilwoman Watkins named a home on O’Neal Street in such condition. Property owners, business and residential, who reside outside of the city are still held liable. The ordinance will be reposted on greenecodemocrat.com along with enforcement procedures.

During councilmember reports, Councilwoman Tracey Hunter asks citizens to keep Branch Heights uplifted in prayers, especially regarding the safety of their youth. Councilman Jonathan Woodruff complimented the work done on Robert Young Community Center’s Roof and reported that a meeting with the Finance Committee will be scheduled soon.


The following agenda items were approved during the session

1. Grover and Frazier General Contracting for Shutters to be installed at City Hall; racing commission funds will cover the amount agreed upon

2. Revised Supplemental Loan #1 Application Form-Revised on August 17, 2026

3. Quote from Red Clay Concrete Company LLC for National Guard Armory

4. FY27 American Red Cross Campaign Pledge

5. Registration, travel, and per diem for Councilwoman Watkins to attend NLC in Nashville, TN, November 19-22, 2026

6. Payment of bills

7. Approval for hazard mitigation plan as devised by the Greene County EMA

8. Disciplinary hearing for Officer Chief Kendrick Howell

During public comments, multiple citizens echoed concerns about big trucks damaging roads and road signs in their districts. Ms. Faye Tyree has observed trucks continuously passing through undesignated areas, creating holes in the asphalt. One citizen asked if the city will enforce designated areas for big truck traffic; no confirmation was given.

John Cashin from the Eutaw Airport Authority Board also provided a progress update. The board is working to remedy the airport’s remaining two violations, resurfacing the runway and moving a beacon. Cashin is seeking permission to move the beacon and renovate a fire engine into a parade vehicle, as the land and vehicle are under city jurisdiction. Administrator Joe Powell explained that under the agreement between the board and the city, he would be allowed to do so using Airport Authority Board funds.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for September 22, 2026, at 5:00 pm in City Hall and will be live on the City of Eutaw Facebook.