Tallulah council approves resolution to authorize limited fiscal administrator for water system

At a special meeting, the Tallulah City Council voted 4–1 to approve a resolution authorizing the appointment of a limited-jurisdiction fiscal administrator to oversee the municipal water system.

Council member Watson moved to approve the resolution and Council member Morris seconded; in the roll call Fountain, Morris, Watson and Jackson voted in favor and Wells voted no. "The motion made by council member Watson, seconded by council member Morris," the presiding official said before the vote, and after the vote the chair stated, "Motion carries."

The resolution asks the state to appoint a fiscal administrator under Louisiana law governing municipal fiscal administrators (La. R.S. 39:1358 was cited in the meeting materials). Supporters at the meeting and on the council said a fiscal administrator is needed so the city can access state emergency funding and stabilize water operations. Opponents and several residents urged caution, saying the council still lacks invoices, bank statements and clarity on how operator contracts would affect long-term control of funds.

The council's action does not itself place a fiscal administrator in charge; meeting speakers explained the judge and state offices must still act. The council also provided an opportunity for public comment before the vote and then adjourned.