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Panel approves Tallulah request to order four media filters amid state receivership
Summary
The commission approved a request by Tallulah’s mayor to isolate and order four media filters (about $4 million) from existing water‑sector funds; the filters were part of the original scope and are intended as a permanent fix with a 25–30 year life.
The Water Sector Commission approved a Tallulah request to use existing water‑sector funds to buy and install four media filters and related electrical work that had been part of the town’s original rehabilitation plan.
Mayor Yvonne Lewis told members the state had placed Tallulah under receivership during 2024, and a state‑contracted operator (Magnolia Water) has been running the system under an emergency order. Lewis said eight of the 25 original rehabilitation items were completed under state action and that isolating the filters for immediate procurement would reduce the town’s continuing rental costs for temporary filtration units.
Staff confirmed the filters were included in the originally scored application and that the purchase would be consistent with the approved scope, subject to standard documentation. Representative Lacombe moved to approve the request; the motion passed by voice.
Mayor Lewis told the panel the four filters are permanent elements of the final project and have an expected service life of 25 to 30 years. She also said the town has a USDA loan/grant package of about $7.8 million (roughly $4.0 million loan and $3.8 million grant) in addition to a $5.0 million water‑sector award.
Next step: Staff will document the change in scope and the procurement timeline so filters can be ordered and installed.
