The Tallulah City Council approved a contract for a new city attorney, a renovation proposal for the Madison Community Center and a resolution supporting a $50,000 police equipment grant during its Feb. 12 meeting at City Hall.
Councilwoman Carla Turner-Harris was absent due to a family illness. All other members were present.
The council voted to add to the agenda an engagement letter for newly appointed City Attorney Donecia Banks-Miley. Miley was appointed at the Jan. 23 meeting. The engagement letter sets her compensation at $250 per hour. The council approved the agreement by roll call vote.
The council approved the minutes of the Jan. 22 meeting with corrections. Councilman Toriano Wells requested additions regarding meeting rules and annexation matters discussed at the prior meeting. The minutes were approved over Wells’ objection.
During a water update, Interim Mayor Yvonne Lewis said the city’s existing USDA and water sector funds remain tied to the original rehabilitation plan for the water plant. She said the state informed the city that Magnolia Water’s contract would not be extended through the governor’s office, and any future agreement would require action by the city.
Lewis said the state indicated additional funding may be available if the city agrees to operate under a limited fiscal administrator for water. No decision was made. Council members and residents discussed Magnolia’s financial reporting and the absence of water fund data in the city’s recent audit.
An attendee was removed from the meeting during public comments on the water discussion after exceeding the allotted time. Wells appealed the mayor’s decision, but the council voted 3-1 to uphold it.
The council approved an occupational license for Joseph Robertson and Antionette Cash, owners of The Potato Hut food truck, which plans to operate twice a month across from Dollar General in Tallulah.
The council also approved a $1,200 proposal from V&H Contractors to paint the hall and foyer at the Madison Community Center. Two higher bids were received.
Members adopted a resolution supporting an application for a $50,000 Local Government Assistance Program grant for police protective equipment, including vests and cameras. The application will require letters of support from area legislators.
City Clerk Gerald Odom presented financial reports through December 2025. He said the general fund budget for the year is approximately $3.7 million and that most departments are operating near budget at the six-month mark. The police department is about $2,000 over budget year-to-date, while the fire department is under budget. Sales tax revenue was below projections in December due to a state processing delay, which Odom said is expected to be corrected.
Odom also reported on the sewer fund and Section 8 housing program, stating both are operating near budget for the first half of the fiscal year.
Lewis said the city is seeking insurance reimbursement after a vehicle struck the water office. She also said FEMA reimbursement for storm damage appears unlikely unless repair costs at the sewer plant exceed the federal threshold.
