Why Tallapoosa’s Tax Burden Keeps Rising, And What We Can Do About It
- Joe Glass
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Over the past several weeks, frustration has been growing among Tallapoosa residents over the sharp increases in both city and county property taxes. The concern is real, and it’s justified. Families who are already feeling the squeeze from rising costs are now being asked to shoulder even more of the financial burden of running our city.
But here’s the real question: Why does this keep happening?
The answer isn’t just about inflation or the cost of services, it’s about lost revenue.
The Hidden Cost of Empty Storefronts
For years, vacant buildings have lined Tallapoosa’s downtown and commercial corridors. Every one of those empty storefronts represents lost sales tax revenue and lost business license revenue.
When businesses close or never open in the first place, our city doesn’t just lose local jobs or downtown energy, we lose part of the very tax base that helps pay for essential services.
And here’s the reality: every time a business doesn’t open in Tallapoosa, that lost revenue doesn’t just disappear. It gets transferred directly onto homeowners’ backs through higher property taxes the following year.
Even a handful of closed storefronts can mean tens of thousands of dollars less in annual revenue for the city, revenue that must be made up by raising your tax bill.
How “Brett’s Codes” Push Taxes Even Higher
Mayor Brett Jones’ building regulations, commonly referred to as “Brett’s Codes”, were sold as a way to “raise standards” in Tallapoosa. In practice, they’ve had the opposite effect.
These overly strict and inconsistently applied rules have created three direct consequences:
New businesses don’t open. Entrepreneurs who consider investing here give up or choose nearby cities with fewer hurdles. That means no sales tax revenue, no jobs, and no new life downtown.
Established businesses leave. Companies that once contributed to our tax base have relocated to Bremen, Buchanan, and Carrollton — cities that are growing while Tallapoosa falls behind.
Vacancies grow — and residents pay. When the city turns away business investment, it doesn’t stop spending money. The shortfall is simply shifted to property owners through higher taxes.
In short, “Brett’s Codes” aren’t just red tape — they’re a direct pipeline from blocked business growth to higher residential tax bills.
A Lesson from Florida
Florida lawmakers have recently made headlines by debating the elimination of residential property taxes altogether. The only reason they can even consider such a bold move is that Florida’s strong business base generates enormous revenue through industry and sales taxes.
Now, Tallapoosa isn’t Florida, and no one is suggesting we eliminate property taxes. But the lesson is clear: the stronger your business base, the lighter the burden on families.
If Tallapoosa had thriving storefronts, new employers, and an active downtown economy, that increased revenue could ease the pressure on homeowners instead of raising it year after year.
A Better Path Forward
This problem isn’t permanent, but it does require leadership willing to act.
As Mayor, I will:
Cut unnecessary red tape and streamline the permitting process so Tallapoosa can compete with surrounding cities.
Support local entrepreneurs with fair rents, business-friendly codes, and real incentives to open downtown.
Invest in community assets and events that attract visitors, grow tourism, and keep dollars circulating locally.
With the right plan, Tallapoosa can once again become a city where businesses want to invest, families want to stay, and taxpayers don’t carry more than their fair share.
The Choice in This Election
This issue isn’t theoretical, it’s personal. It affects every homeowner in Tallapoosa.
For seven months, I’ve been listening to residents and offering real solutions to reduce the tax burden by attracting and supporting local businesses. Meanwhile, Mayor Brett Jones has remained silent.
Tallapoosa deserves more than last-minute politics. We deserve a clear, long-term plan that puts families first.
My phone, email, and door are always open to anyone who wants to discuss solutions.
The Bottom Line
The next four years will decide Tallapoosa’s direction.
We can continue down the same path, losing businesses, raising taxes, and asking homeowners to carry more than their fair share, or we can chart a new course built on growth, opportunity, and fairness.
So we must ask ourselves: Can Tallapoosa afford another four years of vacant storefronts, rising taxes, and missed opportunities?
I believe the answer is no. And with your support, together we can make Tallapoosa the city our families deserve.
— Joe Glass
Candidate for Mayor of Tallapoosa
The Clear Choice for Responsible Family-Focused Growth