Fact vs. Context: What Tallapoosa Residents Deserve to Know

I appreciate Mayor Jones finally joining the discussion with data, but it’s no secret that Mayor Brett Jones doesn’t use Facebook, so while his recent “Fact Not Fiction” post was signed under his name, it’s clear someone else wrote it for him. That’s fine. What matters isn’t who typed it — it’s whether it’s true. So, let’s break down the facts and the missing context.

1. Property Taxes: The Real Story

It’s true that the millage rate has gone down slightly over the past few years. But here’s what residents already know from their own wallets: the average property tax bill has gone up.

That’s because property values have increased sharply, and the City did not roll back the millage rate enough to offset those gains. So, while the Mayor can say “we lowered the rate,” most homeowners are still paying hundreds more each year.

And the “accounting issue” refund mentioned in the post wasn’t a tax reduction — it was the City refunding one commercial property owner who had been overcharged for years. That refund came from existing tax funds, not savings or growth.

2. Business Licenses & Permits: Numbers Without Progress

The city’s list of business license renewals and building permits sounds positive, but those numbers don’t reflect real growth. Most renewals come from the same small businesses that are barely hanging on. At the same time, Tallapoosa has seen multiple downtown storefronts close and other entrepreneurs set up shop just outside the city limits, often citing the cost and red tape of doing business within it.

The claim that “permits are processed within three days” misses the point entirely. The issue isn’t how long the paperwork sits on a desk, it’s how difficult the process is to navigate in the first place.

3. “Brett’s Codes”: What Really Happened

When I referred to the 2021 building code changes as “Brett’s Codes,” it wasn’t to be cute, it was to call attention to a serious problem. Those upgrades weren’t about safety; they were about control and appearance. They added unnecessary costs to builders and homeowners, slowing down construction and making it harder for families to build affordable homes here.

Even the Mayor admits those codes were rescinded this year, after years of frustration from contractors, homeowners, and realtors. If they hadn’t hurt growth, there would’ve been no reason to reverse them.

4. The “AI Joe” Comment

I’ve heard the nickname, and honestly, I’ll take it as a compliment. If using technology helps me research, write, and share accurate information faster, that’s not a weakness. That’s modern leadership. Tallapoosa doesn’t need a mayor afraid of new tools, it needs one who uses them to keep residents informed and involved.

5. Business Closures and Transparency

When I point out closed businesses, it’s not to attack anyone, it’s to start a conversation about what’s not working. I’ve personally spoken with several business owners who closed or relocated, and their reasons are consistent:

High taxes, low foot traffic, and a lack of partnership from City Hall.

That’s not misinformation, it’s firsthand feedback. And pretending these problems don’t exist won’t solve them.

Moving Tallapoosa Forward: With Transparency and Accountability

Tallapoosa deserves leadership that tells the whole story, not just the headline. Numbers mean nothing without context, and success means nothing if the people who built this town can no longer afford to stay here.

This election isn’t about who can argue better, it’s about who can lead smarter.

Let’s move Tallapoosa forward with transparency, common sense, and respect for the people who call it home.

– Joe Glass

The Clear Choice for Responsible Growth