By Maya Quinn, Editor

Eutaw City Council met for a regular session on Tuesday, August 25th, at 5:00 pm at Eutaw City Hall. The event was held in person and streamed on the city’s Facebook page. All council members and administrators were present. Councilwoman Hunter established decorum, and Councilwoman Watkins offered the invocation. The agenda for the evening was unanimously approved. 

Mayor Cockrell began the meeting by reciting a quote on the importance of coming together in unity for a shared purpose. The quote explained that unity does not mean likeness or agreeing about everything, but rather “standing side by side for something greater than ourselves.” The council then agreed to enter a short executive session in which no votes were cast or decisions made. Council members then approved minutes from the August 11th regular session before discussing new business items on the agenda.

The following agenda items were approved during the session:

1. Special Authority Loan Conditions Agreement between the City of Eutaw, Alabama Drinking Water Finance Authority, and Alabama Department of Environmental Management for $1.2-1.3 million; the city will receive 100% loan forgiveness
2. Resolution for 2027 Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday, February 26-28, 2027
3. City of Eutaw Rebuild Alabama Transportation Plan Fiscal Year 2027
4. Submitting an application to Alabama Communities Excellence (ACE) Plan for technical assistance in strategic, long-term planning by September 15th
5. Denied claim from Destin Cockrell regarding replacement of tires allegedly damaged by a pothole.
6. Payment of bills

Following new business, Mayor Cockrell gave a report regarding street cleaning and other infrastructure progress. City workers are currently being trained to operate the street sweeper and will meet with ADEM on garbage collection and burn boxes on September 1st at 9:30 am. He informed attendees that the city’s boom truck was down, meaning that large debris and waste cannot be collected at this time. He also reported that construction on City Hall’s roof is ongoing and the Robert Young Community Center’s gym roof has been completed. He encouraged citizens to use the community center, as it is open to the public and managed.

Councilman French raised concerns about events held in city-owned buildings that are organized by for-profit entities. He requested that a work session be held to discuss bringing all for-profit events scheduled in city-owned buildings to the council for review. He is particularly concerned about events such as “after parties” being held without regulation.

Councilwoman Hunter reminded citizens that it is everyone’s job to keep the streets of Eutaw clean. She implored citizens to wait until they get home, or to their destination, to dispose of trash instead of littering. “We have to take better pride in our city,” she stated. Danny Cooper, Chairman of the Greene County Industrial Development Board, thanked Hunter for her call to action. 

Before adjourning the meeting, Joe Powell wanted to thank Leah Banks, community relations specialist for Alabama Power, for helping the city procure a $500 grant for Christmas activities this upcoming December. He also informed attendees that water department employees will be trained on August 26th to begin accepting online billing payments.

The city also announced that garbage collection will run on Labor Day, September 7th, and National Night Out will be held in Eutaw’s historic square on September 24th from 5:00-8:00 pm. The next regular session is scheduled for September 8th at 5:00 pm.

Featured Image: Mayor Cockrell and city council officials discussing plans for the city’s streets