TALLULAH, La. (KNOE) - The City of Tallulah has a new interim mayor. Yvonne Lewis, a longtime city official and former spokesperson, was appointed on Thursday night by a majority vote of the Tallulah City Council.Former Mayor Charles Finlayson resigned from his position as Mayor on July 9th due to health concerns.State law requires the council to name an interim mayor within 20 days of the resignation.Yvonne Lewis was appointed, through a majority vote, by the Tallulah City Council as Interim Mayor.With years of e...
TALLULAH, La. (KNOE) - The City of Tallulah has a new interim mayor. Yvonne Lewis, a longtime city official and former spokesperson, was appointed on Thursday night by a majority vote of the Tallulah City Council.
Former Mayor Charles Finlayson resigned from his position as Mayor on July 9th due to health concerns.
State law requires the council to name an interim mayor within 20 days of the resignation.
Yvonne Lewis was appointed, through a majority vote, by the Tallulah City Council as Interim Mayor.
With years of experience working under three mayoral administrations and a background in statewide municipal leadership, Lewis says she’s ready to lead.
Lewis says, “So I was able to gain a lot of knowledge, a lot of experience under them,” said Lewis. “I am also the board chair for Northeast Delta Human Services Authority… and the past president of the Louisiana Association of Municipal Secretaries and Assistants. So my experience in running board meetings is already there.”
Lewis says she plans to meet with the city council soon to address Tallulah’s budget issues and improve transparency.
“Have your budget in by June 30th. Then you have to operate on 50% of your previous year’s budget, so that’s what we’re having to do now,” she explained. “So it would behoove us to go ahead, get this budget in place so that we can start working in a manner that we’re supposed to.”
Another key concern for Lewis is the city’s water system, which remains under an emergency order from the governor.
“Obviously, our water here in Tallulah is a big issue. As everyone knows, we are under an emergency order. He has sent in a company.. ”
Lewis emphasized the importance of shared governance and restoring trust between the city and its residents. She acknowledged the outpouring of support she’s received from across the region.
“The individuals up and down the I-20 corridor who have reached out to me this morning from West Monroe all the way to East Carroll Parish — I thank everyone.”
Lewis says the next scheduled election in March 2026.
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