The Tallulah City Council voted March 26 to table the appointment of the mayor’s court magistrate pending legal review of the position and court procedures.
The issue arose after council members questioned whether a magistrate has been formally appointed since 2022. City officials said the current magistrate has continued to serve under a holdover provision.
Councilman Toriano Wells raised concerns about how long a holdover status can remain in effect and whether the city could face legal challenges if a formal appointment is not made.
Discussion also included questions about the structure of mayor’s court, including whether the police chief must be appointed by the council to serve in a prosecutorial role.
City attorney Donecia Banks-Miley said additional research is needed to determine compliance with state law and provide guidance on how the court should operate.
The council voted to table the appointment until that review is complete. The item is expected to return to the agenda at a future meeting.
