Dear Editor,
As you all know, Magnolia Water is now operating the water plant as a part of the Emergency Order we are under from the Governor’s Office. Magnolia is collecting all water revenue and using that revenue to operate the water plant. All Tallulah Water personnel at the plant have made the decision to leave the City and work solely for Patterson Professional Services, a subcontractor hired by Magnolia Water.
There has been a tremendous amount of work done at the water Plant since February 2025. To ensure clarity, we were told by the Governor’s Office that repairs done at the Water Plant would be paid by the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP). In fact, Magnolia Water actually paid the first $1.2 million dollars for repairs themselves and have recently been reimbursed by GOHSEP. It is my understanding going forward repairs will be funded by GOHSEP or other state allocated funds. The Governor has indicated his full support of bringing clean water to Tallulah. While improvements have been made, we still have a long way to go and we appreciate the Governor’s direct assistance, from the state level.
Magnolia has a one-year contract to be in Tallulah. There have been no conversations between myself and any entity about the Tallulah Water Plant being sold. The Tallulah Water Plant still belongs to the City of Tallulah.
Now, to Sewer. Once water revenue began being collected by Magnolia in March 2025, the City saw a tremendous drop in Sewer and Trash billing collections. We worked with Magnolia to develop a contract that would allow Magnolia to disconnect water services if customers did not pay their Tallulah sewer bills. On June 25, 2025, the City Council approved a contract with Magnolia which allows Magnolia to interrupt water service to a customer who has an outstanding sewer bill, even if that customer is current on their water bill.
We have over 400 delinquent sewer accounts. We are giving all individuals who have outstanding sewer/trash bills until July 15, 2025, to bring their account current. After July 15, 2025, we will turn over to Magnolia a list of delinquent customers and Magnolia will begin disconnections. There will be no notice so I would encourage anyone who has an outstanding sewer bill to please pay that bill to avoid water service interruption.
Although this is a trying time, I still believe in Tallulah. We are working hard to improve the quality of life in our City and we are going to need everyone’s help.
Mayor Charles Finlayson
Tallulah, Louisiana
