Family, friends and city officials turned out en masse to honor Mayor Judy B. Cochran as she retires from over 21 years of service to the City of Livingston – 13 years as a council member and eight years as mayor.
Cochran is the 12th mayor of Livingston and the first female mayor of Livingston. She has served eight and a half years as mayor and presented over 55 proclamations during that time, according to City Secretary/Assistant City Manager Ellie Monteaux, who presented a resolution of appreciation to her.
City Manager Billy S. Wiggins reviewed some of the city’s achievements during Cochran’s tenure as mayor.
“We purchased the Welcome to Livingston sign at the intersection of 59 and 190 in memory of Marilyn Sutton. The Pritchard family donated the property at Whataburger Pond which is now called Cannon Pond & Park.
“We installed a second electrical transformer in the Livingston Substation which gives the city additional electrical capacity to handle future growth. We installed an irrigation system at the Livingston Municipal Golf Course. We installed an eight-inch water line off Old Woodville Road which increases water quality and pressure in the northeast quadrant of the city.
“We held the dedication for the sixth largest loblolly pine tree in the State of Texas on Sprott Street.
“We approved the renewal of our raw water contract with the Trinity River Authority for an additional 50 years, assuring our citizens of quality drinking water. We replaced all of the city’s water and electric meters and converted to AMI meters which has served the citizens and the city staff well.
“We purchased Tower 3, a fire-ladder truck for the volunteer fire department and dedicated the truck in honor of former Fire Chief B.R. Haynes. The police department initiated their drug take-back program where they take back and dispose of expired medications.
“We brought pickleball to Livingston as we opened four courts in Matthews Street Park.
“She guided us during the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic. She guided us through the flood of 2024 and Hurricane Beryl.
“She has represented the city for nine years on the Sam Rayburn Municipal Power Agency Board and she will continue to serve for at least two more years.
“And though it’s probably been more of a challenge than a highlight for her, between First National Bank and the City of Livingston, she has put up with me for 41 years.
“On behalf of your fellow council members, the city staff, and me personally, we would like to thank you for your 21 years of service to our city – 13 as alderwoman and eight as our mayor,” Wiggins said.
Livingston Fire Chief Corky Cochran also spoke.
“She is not closing a chapter, this is just a bookmark. You’re a lady in the truest sense and a lady who will roll up your sleeves and fight for what’s right, a lady of conviction and character with strong Christian ethics,” Cochran said.
He mentioned her participation in so many different organizations, from youth activities to golf tournaments, as well as her involvement in Rotary Club, Trinity-Neches Livestock Show and First Methodist Church.
“There are things this lady has done that only she knows about for the good of the people of Livingston, thousands of hours she’s given for the betterment of the community.
Cochran mentioned the growth and the legacy she is leaving behind, including the city departments, public works, electric, police department, parks and recreation, library, maintenance, fire department and city staff.
“Thank you for the teamwork that we’ve developed over the years,” Cochran said.
Cochran’s daughter, Toni Cochran-Hughes, shared a story of when Cochran was fairly new on the council when Hurricane Ike arrived and though she didn’t have electricity, she took a bath in the hot tub and dressed in her professional business attire to head to City Hall, only to find all the men in shorts and T-shirts.
“She will look the part to the T, no matter the weather, no matter what. That’s her,” Cochran-Hughes said.
“She is also the first third-generation mayor of Livingston, following in the footsteps of my great-grandfather, J.W. Cochran, and my grandfather, Ernest Cochran, so that’s something to be really proud of,” her daughter added.
Visibly overwhelmed by the outpouring, the retiring mayor said, “Thank you, thank you, thank you for the love and all the gifts. I would like to especially thank God for getting me to where I am today. I also owe thanks to my family for putting up with me throughout my time serving the city.
“How did we get here so fast? It all started back in May of 2005 when I decided that I needed to give back to the city that had been so good to me. Dr. Parkhill’s seat came open so I ran for a place on the city council. There were six of us running for three at large positions. Dr. Ray Luna, Clarke Evans and I won that election. It was a good clean election with no controversaries. I served in that capacity for 13 years. Fast forward to 2008, Clarke Evans became the mayor and I was still on the council. Then in 2018, Clarke decided not to run again and I filed for that position. I became mayor in May of 2018. In 2024, the council decided to move our election date from May to November. I filed for the mayor’s position again and so did another one of our citizens. This was the first time that I had an opponent since 2005 when I ran for city council. I won that election, thanks to so many of you in this room and I have been mayor for another two years.
“During that time, I decided that it was time for me to step down. I have been mayor for eight and a half years and I am very proud of everything that has been accomplished during my tenure. However, I am pleased to pass the gavel to Andy Evans as the city starts a new council year with some great council members. Things were surely different this year than they were in 2024.
“The city has accomplished so much during my tenure, some of what Bill has already mentioned. Some of the things that I am most proud of are: paying off all of our debt and the city being debt-free; implementing a contract with Trinity River Authority for drinking water for 50 years; constructing the Welcome to Livingston sign; constructing three new water towers; attracting several new businesses to town and we are still waiting for McAlister’s to open. We have grown both in population and in retail establishments and we still don’t have an ad valorem tax.
“In 2017, the council appointed me to serve on the Sam Rayburn Municipal Power Agency Board to fill the term of the late Marilyn Sutton. I still serve on that board today as secretary. This agency provides power to the three cities of Jasper, Liberty and Livingston and two representatives from each city serve on that board.
“There have been some good times and some frustrating times but the good times have always prevailed. It has been an honor to serve the citizens of this city for these 21 years and I will miss it, but I’m not going away, I’ll just be in the shadows. So I have mixed emotions, but I know this is the right decision. I have made some very good friends throughout my tenure and some are like family. I will miss seeing them on a regular basis. If any of you are looking for me, you might look in my back yard as I will probably be sitting on this bench enjoying my plants. Thank you for this wonderful gift.
“I’ve lived in Livingston longer than I’ve lived anywhere else and I plan to stay here. After all, in the words of the late Marilyn Sutton, Livingston is a great place to call home. Thanks for the bench, I love it and thanks for the memories. Thanks to all of you for being here today, as you all have been a part of my history,” Cochran said.
