Council Confirms Tolliver

The Monroe City Council, at its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, confirmed Louis Tolliver as the new head of the city's Public Works Department. Council members voted 4-1 to confirm Tolliver, with council member Bishop Rodney McFarland recusing himself due to a personal relationship with Tolliver. The confirmation occurred without discussion before the vote, a stark contrast to the lengthy process leading up to the final confirmation. This decision may be seen by some as a step toward ensuring that positions are filled in a timely manner, following concerns about individuals serving in interim roles without proper confirmation. Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis praised Tolliver, describing him as a man of integrity and expressing his utmost confidence in Tolliver's leadership and ability to serve the citizens. Ellis also mentioned that Tolliver would be a responsible steward of tax dollars, work to grow the department, and care for the employees under his leadership. However, some have criticized the timing of the mayor's submission of Tolliver's application, which was received by the council on September 23, just one day before the scheduled meeting on the 24th. Council Chairwoman Juanita Woods sought legal clarification at that meeting because the request came after the deadline for adding items to the agenda. According to the city charter, council members must act on an applicant by the second meeting after receipt. City Attorney Brandon Creekbaum advised the council that Section 7:10 of the charter allowed them two meetings to consider the applicant, regardless of when the request was submitted. He also recommended that, out of caution, the council should act at the first meeting, which led to Tuesday night's confirmation, after the mayor's request was added as an "add-on" to the agenda. There is speculation about how future confirmations may be handled, especially if they are submitted close to scheduled council meetings.