During its regular meeting Thursday, the Tallulah City Council addressed several issues that have caused a number of problems for city officials and residents alike over the last several years – some as recent as February.
In addition to unanimously approving the city’s annual submission of its municipal water pollution prevention audit for the Tallulah Wastewater Treatment Plant, the council also: approved April as “2021 Fair Housing Month,” designating it as a time for the city to express its renewed commitment to equal opportunity housing for all residents; approved Mon., April 5, through Fri., April 9, 2021, as “National Community Development Week”; approved entering into a contract with MicroSystems in Vicksburg for the support and operations of a new system for City of Tallulah servers – an upgrade Mayor Charles Finlayson said would enhance email capabilities and optimization and would prevent a system failure similar to one faced by the city several years ago.
Additionally, the council approved a contract with “Text My Gov,” a system which utilizes websites and a messaging app on any smartphone to allow citizens to ask questions of city officials and receive immediate responses, find links to information on the city’s website, address problems and report any issues, as well as upload photos.
Finlayson said the app will not only allow for a more streamlined way for city officials to answer questions and address concerns from citizens, but will also be invaluable during citywide emergencies, such as February’s severe winter weather event.
The city council also on Thursday unanimously approved a resolution to issue not to exceed $7,800,000 Aggregate Principal Amount of Water Revenue Refunding Bonds, in one or more series; making application to the State Bond Commission; and otherwise providing with respect thereto, a step Finlayson said moves the city one step closer to securing United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan funds toward refurbishing the city’s water plant.
