The Tallulah City Council convened Thursday, July 10, following the resignation of Mayor Charles Finlayson, with members clashing over administrative changes, the need for an investigative audit, and proposed amendments to the city’s curfew ordinance.
The council honored Joe Stroughter, Sr., for his 32 years of gospel singing. Mayor Protemp Marjorie Day presented him with a proclomation.
During the meeting, Councilman Toriano Wells expressed concern that the mayor’s resignation was not listed on the agenda. He then made a motion to remove City Attorney Pamela Grady, City Clerk Gerald Oldham, and Public Information Officer Yvonne Lewis from their positions. The motion failed.
Council members also approved a change order for the a Tallulah Park project, granting a 45-day extension due to rain delays. Some members voiced opposition, citing the contractor’s delayed start and previous equipment issues.
Wells introduced a motion to initiate an investigative audit of the city’s finances, which failed. He cited unanswered requests for financial information and a lack of cooperation from city clerk and city attorney as reasons for the audit.
The council then held a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the city’s curfew ordinance. The amendment, introduced by Wells, would have required a 30-day review period for curfews imposed during emergencies. Chief of Police Buster McCoy objected, arguing that the authority to enforce curfews falls under the chief’s executive powers and that a review period could hinder enforcement.
Several citizens and council members spoke on both sides. Some supported the curfew’s continuation due to its perceived effectiveness in reducing crime, while others called for a more structured review process or greater investment in youth programs.
The motion for the amendment failed to receive a second and was not brought to a vote.
Discussions also included enforcement of city codes related to overgrown properties. Residents raised concerns about lack of follow-through by the code enforcement officer and unclear procedures for addressing violations.
The council ended the meeting by discussing the need for a special session to address the mayoral vacancy. Members agreed to consider holding a meeting the following Thursday, pending confirmation from the Secretary of State’s office regarding the official receipt of Finlayson’s resignation.
