Residents press Tallulah council for invoices, alternative operator proposals amid Magnolia concerns

Multiple residents told the council they have not received clear answers about what Magnolia has done with customer payments and whether the company is using those funds to pay for equipment or operations.

"Have you all read this information? Because this is this would be something to consider before you take a vote," said Janine Wall, who asked councilors to review a Wagner Engineering bio she distributed. Wall argued Wagner has offices in several states and could respond quickly if Magnolia leaves.

Speakers repeatedly requested invoices and bank statements so the council could see where customer payments were deposited and how the operator invoiced the city. Several residents said Magnolia had not participated at the meeting and that the company had sent a letter threatening to pull out rather than answering questions in person. The council and residents noted that any decision to accept a fiscal administrator would not immediately replace operational oversight until state or court actions occur.