The Tallulah City Council debated the city’s water system plan, reviewed finances and revoked a previously issued occupational license during its regular meeting Feb. 26 at City Hall.
All council members were present and no public comments were made on the agenda.
The council approved minutes from the Feb. 12 meeting with corrections. Councilman Toriano Wells voted against the minutes pending corrections, while the remaining council members voted in favor.
Surplus property presentation
Paul Holmes of LaMATS, a consulting service associated with the Louisiana Municipal Association, presented information on a program that assists municipalities with selling surplus property online through the GovDeals platform.
Holmes explained the program allows cities to list unused equipment and other assets for auction while retaining final approval of any sale. The service also provides consulting on purchasing and procurement.
Council members asked questions about a previous auction involving city aerators and concerns about internet protocol addresses listed in bidding records. Holmes said the report reflected network protocols rather than identical IP addresses for bidders and said the equipment could be relisted if the city chooses.
Water system discussion
Much of the meeting focused on the city’s ongoing water system rehabilitation.
Interim Mayor Yvonne Lewis told the council the contract with Magnolia, which has been assisting with water system operations, expired Feb. 17 but would be extended temporarily while new agreements are prepared between the city and Magnolia and between the city and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
Lewis said the city has not yet received a comprehensive plan from the state and proposed using the existing rehabilitation project list to prioritize work and match projects with available funding sources.
She outlined several funding options, including $7.8 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a $5 million Water Sector grant and potential federal appropriations requests for additional projects such as wells and generators.
Lewis said the city may also seek funds from the state’s emergency subfund program but noted those funds would require the city to operate under a limited fiscal administrator.
Councilman Toriano Wells questioned the requirement and requested written documentation from the state before taking action.
Occupational license revoked
The council voted unanimously to revoke an occupational license previously issued to Andrea Hicks for “Turning Point to Rebuilding.”
City Attorney Donecia Banks-Miley said Hicks did not need an occupational license for foster care activities and that the issue instead falls under zoning regulations. Arvey said Hicks was informed of the recommendation and agreed with the revocation.
Hicks also said a lawsuit related to the matter had been filed against the city and would be addressed by the city’s legal department.
Cooperative agreement approved
The council also approved a cooperative endeavor agreement between the City of Tallulah and the Madison Parish Police Jury for property on Mulberry Street to benefit the Madison Parish Library.
Under the agreement, the property will be cleared and used for library parking and events. Library officials said the lot will be gated and may also house a bookmobile donated to the library.
Financial report
City Clerk Gerald Odom presented general fund financial results through January, reporting property tax revenue of about $196,000 compared with a $220,000 budget projection and sales tax collections running approximately $73,000 below budget.
Department budgets remained under projections, including the police department, which Odom said was operating about $4,500 under budget year-to-date.
Council members questioned several line items, including travel expenses and reimbursements listed under the mayor’s office, and requested additional documentation. Wells also asked for information on city cell phone usage and copies of the city’s travel policy.
Councilman Toriano Wells again asked for copies of city bills for payment. Interim Mayor Yvonne Lewis said providing copies to all council members would require making too many copies.The meeting ended after the financial discussion before public comments were completed.
