The Tallulah City Council appointed Yvonne Lewis as interim mayor during a special meeting Thursday night, following the resignation of Charles Finlayson on July 9 due to health concerns.
Lewis was sworn in by Madison Parish Clerk of Court Marion Hopkins on Friday, July 18, 2025, to serve the remainder of the term. The appointment came after a series of tie votes. Mayor Pro Tem Marjorie Day declined to be considered for the role. Councilwoman Carla Turner-Harris nominated Councilman Toriono Wells, but the vote resulted in a 2-2 tie. Day cast the deciding vote against the motion. Joseph Scott then nominated Lewis. The vote again tied, and Day voted in favor, securing Lewis’s appointment.
Under Louisiana law, the City Council is required to appoint an interim mayor within 20 days of a vacancy, otherwise Governor Jeff Landry would name an appointment.
Lewis previously served as the city’s spokesperson and has worked with three mayoral administrations. She said her experience has prepared her for the position. She also serves as board chair of the Northeast Delta Human Services Authority and is the past president of the Louisiana Association of Municipal Secretaries and Assistants.
Lewis said she plans to work with the city council on the city’s budget and transparency with the public. She identified the city’s water system and the budget as her immediate priorities.
“It would behoove us to go ahead and get this budget in place so that we can start working in a manner that we’re supposed to,” Lewis said.
“I thank everyone,” Lewis said, “from West Monroe all the way to East Carroll Parish,” who reached out following her appointment.
Lewis said she supports shared governance and looks forward to working with the City Council. The next mayoral election is scheduled for March 2026.
