Greene County Democrat

Tag: Larrie Coleman

  • Eutaw Chamber of Commerce holds Political Forum for Municipal Candidates

    Special to the Democrat by John Zippert, Co-Publisher

    The Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce held a Political Forum on Saturday, August 2nd, on the lawn of the old Greene County Courthouse in Eutaw. The forum was for candidates running in the August 26, 2026’s Eutaw Municipal elections. Over a hundred people turned out to hear the candidate’s views and answers to questions posed by the voters.
    All three candidates for Mayor of Eutaw, incumbent Latasha Johnson, Corey Cockrell and Tyrone Atkins were present. Most of the candidates for Eutaw City Council in Districts 1 to 5 were also in attendance to give their platform and views.
    Mayor Latasha Johnson, in her opening comments said, “ I love the City of Eutaw, and I have lived here all of my life. I have worked as Mayor for unity and progress. When I came into office in November 2022, the city’s finances were in bad shape. With help from a financial advisor, we developed a budget and began regular annual audits. We borrowed $500,000 for needed vehicles and equipment. That loan will be paid in full in September and we can borrow funds again for equipment and road maintenance which are needed.”
    Johnson, continued, “ We have received $9 million in state and Federal grants, with no matching requirements, based on our audits and financial system, to upgrade our water and sewer system, along with Boligee. We also received grant funding from the state to re-pave Highway 14 coming into the city and for the TAP- Streetscape project for sidewalks around the old Courthouse Square.”
    Corey Cockrell, who is currently a County Commissioner for District 3, said “I am the best candidate for Mayor based on my work on the County Commission and in community.” Cockrell, who is also a full time teacher and head football coach at Eutaw High School, passed out a sheet showing $19 million in road work projects the Commission got funded during his tenure on the County Commission.
    Cockrell said he was hardworking holding community events and cock-outs in the community to listen to the voters. He said, ‘I will promote jobs and housing for people in the city; and I will correct the financial problems of the city by getting more grants and revenues.”
    Tyrone Atkins, the third candidate for Mayor said, “ Not much has changed in Eutaw since 1995. Too many empty storefronts downtown. The city officials are not dealing with the everyday problems of people in finding jobs, shopping at one grocery store with high prices and lacking recreation for the children and young people. That is why young people are leaving Eutaw, as soon as they graduate high school and not coming back.”
    There was also a spirited debate among the candidates for Eutaw City Council positions. Tracey Hunter, incumbent candidate in District 3, is unopposed. She spoke briefly about her intentions to continue serving and developing more programs for youth in the community.
    Two candidates for District 1, Ke’Undra Cox and incumbent Valarie Watkins, both spoke and answered questions. Watkins said, “I am not going to make a lot of promises. I am running on my platform of honesty, integrity and transparency. I have helped to deal with an abandoned house on Roebuck and other places around the city. I have pushed for speed bumps for the safety of children in the neighborhoods. I want to cure some of the financial problems of the city. We have too many people paying their water bills late. We have too many city workers for our budget.”
    Cox said, “ I have returned to Eutaw after six years in the Air Force learning leadership skills. I am one of the youngest people running and I want to bring the perspective of young people to the Council. We have the potential to do better, and I want to help the city to serve young people so they will not move away but stay here to live and work.”
    In District 2, incumbent Jonathan Woodruff Jr. and Maurice Walton were present, Charles Naylor, Jr. was in the hospital and could not attend. Woodruff said, “ I will continue to work to improve infrastructure. I will work with a servant spirit and represent my district as well as the entire city. I will work to keep us within our financial commitments in the budget. Walton said, “I will work as a team member with the other council members and the mayor to make Eutaw a better city for all of its citizens. I will work to expand recreational opportunities for youth, beatification and improvement of our city, and recruiting new businesses and jobs.”
    In District 4, incumbent Larrie Coleman was not present because of a previous commitment. Sarah D. Brewer stated, “ I want to improve the infrastructure – too many potholes and exposed culverts; we need to fix the water system – water pressure is low, and the quality of water is often undrinkable. We need to be transparent with the finances, have regular audits and cooperation among the mayor and the council members.” In answer to questions on her vision for the city, she said, “ Build it and they will come, referring to infrastructure development.”
    Lorenzo French, another candidate for District 4, said” I will work to restore trust and accountability in the city council. I will work for more civic engagement by all people. Having worked at the Robert H. Young Community Center, I know the needs for more activities for our youth. You must love the place you live in – and I love Eutaw.”
    In District 5, the incumbent Suzette Powell, was absent due to a prior family commitment with her grandchildren. Carrie Logan, the only White candidate for City Council, and other candidate for District 5, said, “I have lived in Eutaw for the past thirty years and have volunteered with the Chamber of Commerce, my church, the Garden Club and others to improve the image of the city. We must improve our infrastructure and work with other governmental agencies, such as the County Commission and Industrial Development Authority to make things better for all.”
    The election is less than three weeks away, on Tuesday, August 26,2025. If a runoff is needed, in races where one candidate does not get a majority (50% or more) of the vote, it will be held on Tuesday, September 23rd. The last day to register to vote for the August 26th election is August 19, 2025. Absentee voting is going on now until August 19, 2025, to get a mail ballot or walk-in to vote. For more information, contact the city election managers, at City Hall, phone 205-372-4212.

  • Eutaw City Council meets to handle financial matters

    By: John Zippert, Co-Publisher

    Most of November 14, 2023, meeting of the Eutaw City Council was devoted to financial matters and a review of the revised budget for the Fiscal Year October 1,2023 to September 30, 2024. Three City Council members: Larrie Coleman, Valerie Watkins and Jacqueline Stewart and Mayor Latasha Johnson were present.

    The first item considered was leasing of a new 2023 John Deere Cab Tractor for 5 years, from Sun South LLC for $96,852, with 60 monthly payments of $1,926, a five-year warranty and a $1.00 buyout at the end of the lease. Mayor Johnson said it was critical for the city to get a new tractor for grass cutting. The old tractor is often in the shop and costs more to repair than the monthly lease on a new tractor.

    Councilwoman Valerie Watkins said she was reluctant to vote for a major capital expenditure without studying the revised budget to make sure funds were available. Financial Adviser Ralph Liverman explained some changes that he had made to the budget to meet state requirements and said the funds for the new tractor were included in the budget, along with other road and street improvements.

    Liverman said he reduced the General Fund budget by $300,000 for the new fiscal year, because the City was no long receiving funds from electronic bingo. “If these funds are restored, you can place them in the Capital Improvements Fund and fix more city roads and bridges.

    Liverman also said he reduced the General Fund by $450,000 to account for being required, by the State of Alabama, to move these funds to a new separate bank account. He indicated that the funds could be used for street and road improvements and that he had also moved some expenditures for road projects from the General Fund to this new fund for the local gas tax. Liverman also indicated that the city’s share of local gas tax collection increased from $70,000 to over $400,000 annually, since Love’s Truck and Travel Center was operating in Eutaw.

    After this discussion, it was moved by Councilwoman Stewart and seconded by Councilman Coleman to lease the tractor. The motion passed 3 to 1 with the Mayor’s vote in favor. A resolution was also approved to contract for Living Water Services to handle operations and analytical services for the City of Eutaw Lagoon for $1,850 a month, A resolution was also approved to pave a portion of the Lower Gainesville Road in the City of Eutaw.

    The Council was informed that two cadets sent to the police academy by the Eutaw Police Department were graduating on November 16th in Tuscaloosa. Several police officers and city employees plan to attend the graduation to encourage the cadets to join the city workforce.

    Mayor Johnson proposed that the City Council reinstate the old policy that police and other city employees can drive vehicles home to be ready to come to emergency situations quickly. After questioning, the Mayor said she never did implement the change in the policy, because the Council did not set dates and timetables for implementing the policy. The Mayor said that she was requiring the drivers to keep mileage and maintenance logs to take care of the cars.

    The Council heard a presentation on setting up a Greene County Saddle Club to encourage horse riding in an organized way. Once set up the Saddle Club would like to use the facilities in the City Park at Lock 7 for horse shows and other events. The Council asked the group to make a specific proposal that they could take action to implement.

    The Council passed a resolution declaring vacant the District 2 seat, held by Lajeffrey Carpenter, who pled quilty to the felony of using city property for personal gain. The Mayor said residents of District 2 could submit their names and a letter of interest in the position, so the Council could fill the position, within the next sixty days. The Council also voted to remove Carpenter’s name from all bank accounts on which he was a signatory.

    The Council approved resolutions for the revised budget for the FY2023-24 and opening a new account for deposit of a local gas tax funds.

    In other actions, the Eutaw City Council:

    • Approved Thanksgiving holiday for staff for November 22 (half day) and all of Nov. 23 and 24.
    • Approved Police Chief Tommy Johnson request purchasing 4 VHF Motorola, two-way radios, at a cost of $880 each radio.
    • Tabled payment of a $1,500 claim for Gloria Mobley.
    • Approved payment of bills for October 2023.
    • Agreed to hold a Council Work Session on November 27, 2023, at 3:30 PM, before the next regular City Council meeting on November 28, 2023.

  • New Eutaw Mayor, Latasha Johnson, and City Council members sworn in at ceremony on Courthouse Square; Council organizational meeting held later in day

    On a bright and sunny Monday, November 2, 2020, the new Mayor of Eutaw, Latasha Johnson, and five City Council members were sworn-in to their new positions for a four-year term.
    The Investiture Ceremony took place, starting at Noon, with masks and social distancing out doors on the Old Courthouse lawn. 300 family members, friends, guests and citizens formed the crowd to welcome in these new city office holders.
    Former City Councilman Joe Lee Powell served as Master of Ceremonies. Councilman LaJeffrey Carpenter gave a welcome. Several Greene County pastors, including Rev. Calvin Finch, Rev. Anthony Johnson, Rev. Edward Culbert and Rev. Randy Miller read scriptural passages from the Old and New Testament. Several solos were sung by Donald Young, Rev. Joe Nathan Webb and Kendrick Howell. Mollie Rowe read a poem about the life and challenges of the new Mayor.
    City Judge Josh Swords swore in the five new Eutaw City Council members as a group. Each Council member addressed the assembled group before the swearing in.
    Ms. Valerie Watkins of District No. 1 said she planned to work in unity and love with the new Mayor and council members.
    Tracey Hunter of District 3 said she wanted to work together with others in city government. She committed herself to work for transparency, unity and accountability with the other Council members.
    Larrie Coleman, District 4 councilman thanked his family and voters for their support.
    Jacqueline Stewart of District 5 said she was honored to serve and would have to begin to look at the problems of the city through the eyes of others and make decisions in accordance with the needs of others.
    Mayor Latasha Johnson was sworn-in by District Judge Lillie Osborne and gave some remarks. She said that she hoped to work together with the other council members and work through difficulties facing the city. She said she was humbled, hopeful and proud to serve the City of Eutaw. She said that she was ready to work together with the council members in unity. She asked for the assistance and prayers of all in the city.
    Rev. A. B. Griffin of New Peace Baptist Church and the Mayor’s pastor gave some remarks to offer a charge to the Mayor and City Council. He had three main themes: unity, maintain peace and be a servant leader offering support to others.
    Sheriff Joe Nathan Benison also gave remarks at the ceremony after which a lunch was served.
    City Council
    Organizational Meeting
    The City of Eutaw Council held its opening organizational meeting at 2:30 PM at the Carver School Gymnasium. The Council adopted Roberts Rules of Order as their procedural guide.
    They approved the employment of Attorney Zane Willingham as City Attorney and City Prosecutor and agreed to pay him for both roles. They appointed Kathy Bir as City Clerk and Joe Lee Powell, as Assistance City Clerk.
    The Council approved District 2 Councilman LaJeffrey Carpenter as Mayor Pro Tem, to serve in place of the Mayor when she is not available to participate in actions and activities.
    The Council reaffirmed its meetings to be held at 6:00 PM on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. The Council approved a list of standing committees, their chairpersons and members.
    Josh Swords was reappointed as City Judge and Bennie Abrams was appointed as Fire Chief.
    Tommy Johnson, a former Eutaw City policeman and Sheriff’s Deputy was named to serve as Chief of Police as the current Chief Derrick Coleman along with several other police officers resigned effective October 30. Office Kendrick Howell was named Assistant Police Chief.
    The Council tabled action on several positions until it could prepare and review its fiscal budget, to determine if these positions were necessary and affordable, including Director of Parks and Recreation, Building Inspector and General Superintendent of Roads, Streets and Water.
    The Council agreed that Latasha Johnson, Mayor, LaJeffrey Carpenter, Mayor Pro Tem, Councilwoman Tracey Hunter and Kathy Bir, City Clerk be check signatories of the city bank accounts with Merchants and Farmers and Citizens Trust Bank.
    The Council approved a motion to allow the Mayor to sign a three-year consulting agreement with Water Management Services to correct problems with billing and physical facilities of the city water system. Former Mayor Raymond Steele refused to execute this contract and when the Council approved the contract and had it signed by Carpenter, refused to allow the consultants to do their work in the City’s Water Department.
    Mayor Latasha Johnson said she spoke with Kathie Horne of Water Management Associates and agreed to sign a new contract and get them started working to correct the problems of the City Water Department.
    At an earlier meeting, the old City Council accepted the resignations of Ruthie Thomas, Water Clerk and Martina Henley, Court Clerk, effective November 3, 2020, as well as the police resignations.
    At this meeting, the outgoing City Council also approved an on-premises liquor license for John’s, located at 100 Main Street in Eutaw, Alabama. They also approved various procedures for changing locks on city property and return of city property and vehicles by outgoing officials.
    At the end of the organizational meeting, City Judge Josh Swords swore in Tommy Johnson as the city’s new Chief of Police.