The Tallulah City Council addressed business, heard public concerns about a new park, and debated several issues during its regular meeting Aug. 14 at City Hall.
All members were present.
Meeting adjournment dispute
Councilman Toriano Wells said the council’s July 24 meeting had not been properly adjourned under Robert’s Rules of Order. City Attorney Pamela Netterville Grady said the council operates under the Lawrason Act because it has not adopted its own rules. Interim Mayor Yvonne Lewis said a council member could motion to adjourn the prior meeting before starting the new one. The council voted 3-1, with one abstention, to close the previous meeting.
Park concerns
Wells requested time for District 5 resident Gloria Hayden to address the new fairgrounds park. Hayden questioned its cost, lack of a fence, congested layout, and proximity to the street. Lewis said a fence would be donated and installed and that the park is in its first phase, with more equipment planned. Wells said neither he nor residents in his district were consulted on the design and accused Lewis of using the project for political purposes. Lewis said the park was funded by a 2022 grant under former Mayor Charles Finlayson.
Transitional housing proposal
Pastor Blessing presented plans for a transitional living facility for formerly incarcerated women at a former church on West Craig Street. Several neighborhood residents opposed the location, citing safety and property value concerns. Police Chief Buster McCoy said he did not support the chosen site. Lewis and other council members suggested exploring alternative locations.
Library property request
Library board chair Anthony Bridgewater asked the city to donate adjudicated property next to the library for demolition and conversion into parking. Wells said state law prohibits donating public property without a cooperative endeavor agreement. The council voted unanimously to begin the process of transferring the property.
Other actions
- Declared 15 old aerators at the wastewater treatment plant as surplus in a 4-1 vote, with Wells opposed.
- Voted 4-1 to terminate officer Michael Stewart at McCoy’s request, with Wells opposed.
- Approved a Section 8 report 4-1, with Wells opposed.
- Authorized Lewis to apply for a Delta Regional Authority grant for Beech Street repairs in a 4-1 vote, with Wells opposed.
- Discussed advertising the historic Coca-Cola Building for sale.
- Approved a partnership with Pelican State Credit Union for employees using Chime and CashApp, 4-1 with Wells opposed.
- Discussed introducing the 2025-26 city budget with debate over its preparation process. A budget committee meeting set for Aug. 21.
- Lewis said she would place a vote on a forensic audit on the next meeting’s agenda. Wells said her discussions with individual members about the audit were an illegal “walking quorum.”
- Before adjournment, Wells accused Grady of colluding with Magnolia Water staff against city interests.
