by Wesley Harris
A specially called meeting of the Dubach Town Council Monday evening drew a larger-than-usual crowd, but few residents spoke as council members attempted to address concerns circulating in the community on the eve of Tuesday’s mayoral election.
The meeting’s original agenda listed its purpose as addressing “town issues surrounding mayoral race.” However, council member Kyle Hennigan moved to amend the agenda to simply “town issues,” removing the reference to the election. Monique Roberts seconded the motion, and the revised agenda was adopted.
A Dubach police officer and a Lincoln Parish deputy were present following the acrimony that has accompanied extensive social media discussions of community issues and the upcoming election.
Mayor Mona Wilson, who is on medical leave, did not attend the meeting. Council member Angela Dunn was also absent.
Council member Evelyn Graham explained she had requested the special meeting to give residents an opportunity to express concerns and obtain information about town operations.
Graham said the meeting was prompted partly by confusion surrounding the resignation of Town Clerk Tatjana Marsh, which had become public on social media.
Graham said she wanted residents to understand the town was not without a clerk and that municipal operations would continue.
She also cited hostility, misinformation, and accusations circulating in the community as reasons for bringing residents together for discussion.
Graham emphasized the gathering was not a regular council meeting and that officials would not address questions concerning Wilson’s personal circumstances.
“There are some questions we don’t have the answers to,” Graham said, explaining that other matters might have to wait until a regular council meeting.
She encouraged residents to ask questions about town business, including finances and municipal services, and urged those attending to remain respectful.
After the meeting was opened for public comment, several minutes of silence followed as the audience declined an initial invitation to speak.
When a resident asked whether Wilson would remain on Tuesday’s election ballot, Marsh confirmed the mayor had not resigned and remained eligible for reelection.
Marsh also addressed her own resignation, submitted last week, explaining she would continue working until the council hired a replacement.
“The town needs to run regardless,” Marsh said. “The bills need to be paid. The employees need to be paid.”
In response to another citizen, Marsh said the clerk position had not yet been formally advertised but that interested applicants could submit résumés. She explained that the council hires the clerk and that the mayor and council participate in reviewing applicants.
She also offered to assist her eventual replacement, noting that the position involves municipal procedures and legal requirements beyond routine bookkeeping.
None of the contentious issues circulating regarding candidates, town officials, finances, the water system, or recent accusatory social media posts were brought up during the brief meeting.
Near the end of the meeting, a resident questioned who had called the special session and whether the mayor had been notified.
Graham acknowledged she had requested the meeting and said she understood that a council member could initiate a special meeting by notifying the clerk, provided three council members attended.
Asked whether she had notified Wilson, Graham said she had not contacted the mayor and believed that responsibility rested with the clerk.
The exchange raised questions about the procedures used to call the meeting, but no formal determination concerning those procedures was made during the session.
Louisiana’s Lawrason Act states a special meeting of the town council can be called by the mayor or a majority of council members. Graham appears to have acted alone in directing the town clerk to post and circulate the meeting notice.
Following the meeting, Marsh provided additional information about allegations circulating on social media concerning town finances and her resignation.
Marsh, who began working as town clerk August 18, said she had provided a resident with financial records for July, August, and September. She believes a misunderstanding of transfers between municipal accounts may have led to allegations that money was missing. She said no funds were missing and attributed the rumor to misreading town financial records or mere speculation.
Marsh said the town’s accounts have balanced during her tenure and that Wilson does not have direct access to the municipal bank accounts. She said checks require two signatures and council members receive monthly financial reports.
Addressing speculation connecting her resignation to the financial allegations, Marsh said her decision to leave followed hostile emails and telephone calls by Dubach residents, criticism of her work, and what she considered a lack of support from town officials.
She said she had worked in finance for years and objected to suggestions that her resignation indicated wrongdoing.
Marsh said she remains willing to explain the town’s financial records to residents or council members who have questions.
“My office is open,” she said. “And I will gladly explain to people what I do and how it’s done.”
Marsh said she still
intends to leave the position but will continue assisting the town during the transition. She also confirmed Mayor Wilson is on medical leave.
