The Greene County Democrat

Tag: city council meeting

  • City council addresses sudden water bill increases and announces a myriad of June events

    City council addresses sudden water bill increases and announces a myriad of June events

    by Maya Quinn, managing editor

    On Tuesday, June 9th, the Eutaw City Council met for its regular session. All city council members were present for the session, with Councilwoman Watkins arriving shortly after new business discussions began.

    The City of Eutaw’s water system recently received updates through satellite upgrades and new meters. Mayor Cockrell explained that the city had been operating under a billing rate from 2024 and was required by state auditors to implement the 2026 rate moving forward. “We are working diligently to improve the water system,” Mayor Cockrell began, “We want to serve every customer the right way.” Cockrell acknowledged that many citizens are receiving heavily inflated bills due to antenna readings that do not account for water leaks. He urges citizens to come to city hall to have their rates adjusted, and that city workers are working up to 14-hour days on leaks. New pipe installations are underway as well.

    During council member reports, Councilman Woodruff also testified to the city workers’ efforts. “We have some tremendous workers,” he stated as he recounted personnel answering a 5:00 am call on a Friday morning in his district. Workers solved the issue in less than 2 hours and continued to work well into the evening, ensuring water services were not impeded by any leaks.

    Council members and attendees also presented several upcoming events across the city this June:

    • June 13: Councilwoman Watkins will be handing out free, fresh produce at 218 Boligee St. at 10:00 am
    • June 16: Councilman French reminded everyone that there are run-off and Senate elections to vote for
    • June 19: Councilman Woodruff announced a Juneteenth Celebration at Boligee Community Center Stadium from 5:00-8:30 pm
    • June 20: Councilman French announced a community play on bullying in Demopolis, performed by local youth
    • June 27: Councilwoman Logan announced a 250 Years of America Celebration starting with a parade at 3:00 pm and ending with fireworks at R.H. Young Community Center at 8:30 pm

     

    The following business items were approved or discussed during the session:

    1. Approved the proposal from Shawn Home Improvement, LLC for painting of the gym; Councilwoman Logan opposed. Council confirmed that there is no mold in the building.
    2. Approved travel, registration, and meals for Councilwoman Hunter to attend CMO training ALM 2026 in Birmingham, AL, on June 25, 2026
    3. Approved travel, registration, and meals for Councilwoman Logan to attend CMO training ALM 2026 in Montgomery, AL, on July 30, 2026
    4. Approved travel, registration, and meals for Chief Kendrick Howell to attend a Conference in Fort Payne, AL, June 9-12, 2026
    5. Approved ARSES/APEAL’s Retiree Longevity Bonus Legislation (Act 2026-608)
    6. Discussed intent to re-negotiate Property Use Agreement between the City of Eutaw and the Sixth Days Saddle Club

    The next regular session will be held on June 23, 2026, at 5:00 pm. Please urge your fellow citizens to attend and bring any concerns before the council. As Mayor Cockrell stated, the council is eager to “follow up on community engagements for ideas and visions from citizens.”

    Featured Image: Eutaw City Council members at the June 9th regular session (The Democrat media library)
  • Eutaw City Council meets to approve paying bills and announces up-coming events

    Eutaw City Council meets to approve paying bills and announces up-coming events

    The Eutaw City Council met for its second regular meeting of the month, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. All members of the Council were present: Valerie Watkins (District 1), Jonathan Woodruff (District 2), Tracey Hunter (District 3), Lorenzo French (District 4) and Carrie Logan (District 5) .

    Mayor Corey Cockrell, presided at the meeting, assisted by City Clerk, SheKelvia Spencer, Administrative Assistant, Joe Powell, Legal Counsel, Zane Willingham, and Kendrick Howell, Chief of Police.

    There were only two items of business on the official agenda, The Council approved both. The first was payment of $75.00 dues for 2026 to the Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce. The second was to pay monthly bills for the City of Eutaw.

    Mayor Cockrell gave a report of his activities on behalf of the city and plans for future events. He said the city was planning a clean-up day for Saturday, April 11, 2026, to clean-up litter on the streets and roadways, especially around city facilities such as City Hall, Branch Heights Community Center, Robert H. Young Community Center and others. There will be a cook-out at City Hall to provide lunch for those who volunteer as part of the clean-up effort.

    The Mayor called attention to a financial report, compiled by James Lewis, the city’s financial advisor. The report is a revenue and expense statement for the City’s General Fund for the first five months of the fiscal year ending February 28, 2026.

    The report shows the city is following its budget for the year so far. Mayor Cockrell asked council members to review the report and address any questions to him or Mr. Lewis.

    Mayor Cockrell announced his plans for a “junior mayor and council program” to involve young people in understanding and making city policies and decisions. He introduced a student from Greene County High School, Elias McGhee, who will be part of the program.

    Council member Valerie Watkins reported that the city staff had corrected some sewage problems on Roebuck Avenue but was not sure that this was a permanent solution to the drainage problems in her neighborhood. Tracey Hunter reported that work has begun to fix the lagoon, which should alleviate long standing problems with sewage in Branch Heights.

    Councilwoman Carrie Logan thanked the city for sending her to the National League of Cities training in Washington, D. C. She met with Congresswoman, Terri Sewell, and presented her with a copy of the city’s plans that are in need of funding. She also met with Senator Tubberville and learned about Federal resources to support cities and small towns.

    Councilman Lorenzo French said he was helping with the April 11th clean-up day and asked for people to volunteer. Councilman Woodruff said he had no report but was trying to live up to the motto, “Let’s respect each other and respect ourselves, as members of the City Council”.

    John Cashin, recently selected as the Chairperson of the Greene County Airport Authority reported on efforts to raise funds for resurfacing the runway, cutting down trees that were obstructing visibility and general working to re-open the Eutaw Airport, as soon as improvements movement could be made and certified by the appropriate state and Federal aviation authorities.

    A young man wearing a black shirt and brown pants stands next to an adult man in a blue blazer and jeans, both smiling, in front of a plain background.
    Elias McGhee and Mayor Corey Cockrell