The mayor of South Lake Tahoe has resigned after admitting to embezzling money from a local church.
The City Clerk says Tamara Wallace submitted her resignation by email late Monday night, effective immediately. In her letter, Wallace also urged Mayor Pro Tem Cody Bass to resign.
However, a new mayor pro tem must also be selected alongside a new mayor.
Both appointments will be discussed at the next city council meeting which is scheduled for October 21st.
City Manager Joe Irvin has assured residents that city services are continuing as normal and emphasized that no individual council member has access to city finances.
OCTOBER 8, 2025 (5:45 p.m.):
The City Manager of South Lake Tahoe has issued a statement on social media after recent incidents involving the city's mayor and mayor pro tem.
In a video on Facebook, City Manager Joe Irvin assured people that the city continues to offer services as normal.
"If you call, we will respond," he said. "We're here, committed to providing service to our community."
Irvin assured people that no one individual city councilperson has access to the city's finances, which are managed by Irvin and the city's finance director.
He also said the city is committed to transparency and that it will update people with important information if new developments arise.
OCTOBER 8, 2025 (10 a.m.):
A Tahoe area church is reacting after the South Lake Tahoe mayor apologized for stealing money from the congregation - and almost nearly ending her life amid the ongoing investigation.
The Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church says Tamara Wallace's admission of theft is a 'significant offense' against the congregation and has since been forwarded to law enforcement.
"She did not attend our church nor was she a member. Our congregation has suffered extensive loss, and as we address this loss and its impact, we remain committed to prayer, compassion, transparency, and justice."
In a public letter, Wallace said she is undergoing counseling and is being treated for her mental health.
OCTOBER 6, 2025:
South Lake Tahoe Mayor Tamara Wallace says she stole money from a church and almost ended her life amid the ongoing investigation.
Her letter was first printed in the Tahoe Daily Tribune. 2 News Nevada also obtained a copy of it - which you can read below -Â
In it, Wallace says she took funds from a Presbyterian Church for an extended period of time. And due to the ensuing guilt she felt after, she says she tried to take her own life last month.
Wallace says she admitted to the church thefts and is currently undergoing counseling and is be treated for her mental health.
She also says she accepts whatever consequences may come as a result of the embezzlement and says she will pay back "every cent".
Wallace's current term ends in November 2026.Â
We're working to get more information on the case, but for now, the El Dorado County District Attorney's Office sent us this response:Â
Our office is currently handling the investigation into the allegations involving Mayor Tamara Wallace. Because this matter remains an active investigation, we are unable to provide further comment at this time.
