Opinions...

Comments to the Tallassee Times

Dogs (1-25-11)

Dear City Officials

Today Jan 29th I walked out my front door face to face with two “BIG”  dogs. They did not belong to me. Now this has been reported to the city more than once. I don’t know who is over animal control, but  HE/SHE/THEY are “NOT” doing their job. This neighborhood is overrun with big dogs, you can’t even get out and walk for fear of them. If you do not keep your dog on a leash and be a responsible owner  your dog is going to take up residence at the Wetumpka animal shelter. It is 12:49, do you know where your pets are ?????

Please Control Your Animals - I.Rodgers

Balancing the budget (1-25-11)

Balancing the budget is not so difficult than most think. We are spending this year alone on the military 661 billion. Thats 176 billion more than the other top 9 countries combined.It is a 75 percent increase since 2000.The other govermental agencies are getting 378 billion only. The war in afghanistan will cost 117 billion and Ieaq 45 billion. There is the problem. We are not even looking for bin laden. It is about securing the country for the trans asian pipeline that will run through Afghanistan to the Caspian sea. We have over extended our military and borrowed 100s of billions to pay for the wars from China. No one has ever defeated the afghans. Rome fell this way. Her empire was to big to finance and control. Stop the wars, raise taxes on the rich to 45 percent, cut the military budget,and stop the massive flow of illegal immigrants, keep investing in american jobs.More jobs mean more revenue. That will go a very long way in balancing it.Take some of the war money and take care of the soldiers properly. Last thing, foreign aid only makes up less than 1 percent of the budget - Byron Burnett

Mayor (1-25-11)

I bet the mayor's shoulder is sore from patting himself on the back. Every mayor in the state of Alabama has Dr Bentley's phone number,especially if he campaigned in their town.

Business License (1-18-11)

Our business license at TREECO, INC. went up 400% Who is responsible for this increase ? - Frank Copeland

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Business License (1-18-11)

tallassee is not in line with other cities of its size no other cities in alabama raised their fees time will show that mc cain is really a payne - ray publican

Police using drones (1-18-11)

What a stupid idea. Using drones to fly over and video everything you are doing. You dont know what information they are collecting. But as usual America is easily convinced this is for their protection.It will make you safer. Ha! Ha! Theres a saying,When you give your liberties for more safety you deserve neither. Welcome to George Orwells 1984. Why not America ,you let George Bush repeal the basis of our constitution without a fight. He suspended Habeus corpus and due process of law. How you ask. Patriot act1 did away with this. What really frightens me is Patriot act2 which extends this madness further. Patriot act is such a feel good name isnt it. These drones along with fingerprinting,eye scanning and computer chips under the skin serve only to control your every movement and activity in life. Read between the lines,investigate and I know this is old fashion read about it. Dont believe everything the goverment says about these drones. Most of all dont believe CNN and worse Fox news.In the end it will do little to protect you but more to spy on you and collect information you might not want to get out. Examples are when you leave or come home everyday,What people you associate with, your possessions, and much more. New technology in survellence like infrared and thermal can see in the dark.Radiational imagery can see through walls. Thats why I say learn before you make a quick, feel good decision to accept this type of constant observation. If you dont then all your freedoms and liberties will be gone. But I know, Iam not a real American when I say this just a conspiracy theorist.Our goverment has lied to us many times about these things and believe me you dont want this. I have spoken to russians,and people from east Germany. They all say the same thing. You are never alone and live in constant fear of the goverment and thats why many tried to flee to the west. If you let this happen and embrace it, then dont complain when they miss use it and they will. You are more than welcome to it but I will not take it lying down. Anyone Senator or Congressman that votes yes will not get my vote - Byron Burnett

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Police using drones (1-18-11)

Tallassee Wrestlers (1-11-11)

WE ARE SO PROUD OF THESE BOYS! They work hard and have fun with eachother. They celebrate eachother's success, encourage and guide eachother on and off the mat.

They've got some of the bigger schools running scared now. Central Phenix backed out on the 11th, Homewood and Chilton cancelled for Monday, Arab tournament has been rescheduled due to "weather".
(yeah right)It's probably more an issue of "weather" they can stand the shame of losing to a bunch of Beast's from a poor little 'ol po dunk school that just keeps kickin tail and takin names! LOL
Good job boys, keep up the good work and keep 'em running. WE LOVE OUR TIGERS! - Margaret Self

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Tallassee Wrestlers (1-11-11)

You've got to love Margaret's enthusiasm! Although she jokes about the other teams running scared I think there's some truth to it. I have a sister in North Alabama where 5A wrestling is dominant and she tells me how respected Tallassee High School is in her area. My Millbrook friends also tease me about wrestling against us and how we are so strong. We've got a great team with great coaches supported by the greatest parents. When we host Sectionals on February 11th-12th, I encourage the community to stop in and see your THS Tiger wrestlers take the mat and put on a show - Kim Adams

Goodman coaching again (1-11-11)

I think having John coaching again is great! The softball team needs someone to push them and get them ready for a state championship someday in the future and I think John is the one to do it. I just want him to know I am very happy for the team and thanks for taking the job! - Vicki

FTH - Arizona Shooting (1-11-11)

People should have to go through FBI checks, and security checks to purchase weapons. Psycological test are hard to interpet sometimes and easily manipulated too. But most of all people must realise that the right to bear arms in the bill of rights must be applied to todays times. This was written in a time when people lived on the frontier and hunted for survival. The weapons were for protection also. There was no police,sheriff close by to protect them. Today we have the police. The vast majority of crimes are committed with stolen or illegal weapons. So, less weapons less crimes committed with weapons. Crime will always be there, but maybe not so violent as today. Its hard to rob a bank with a knife when the security guard has a 357 magnum. The claim its for protection is over. If you feel you need a weapon for protection then its time to start addressing some of these issues that cause crime. Unemployment, illegal drugs,disillusion with politics,the obsession with money and power in America, lack of hope,etc. A weapon wont protect you because most people dont have the stomach to kill someone in reality - Byron Burnett

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FTH - Arizona Shooting (1-11-11)

I knew illegal drugs was a cause of crime but unemployment,disllusion with politics,the obsession with money,power in America and lack of hope??ReallyI kinda thought it was crackheads needing to buy drugs and to worthless to work.I have been around guns most of my life and I'm a pretty good shooter and if I had been at the parking lot in Tucson when the madman opened fire I would have tried to take him out myself but I wasn't there and it appears no citizen was there with a firearm.Where the police were is anybody guess but they can't be everwhere and it did no good at all to call after he opened fire,it was to late.All the police could do is come and remove the bodies.I own several guns,have the proper training and experience and legally carry one for protection.Protection meaning you are not going to rob me,assault me,steal from me,threat me or harm me or anyone in my family.Period.The man who killed those 6 people was a person who was mentally ill and I don't think any amount of laws,rules,background or test would have stopped him from doing what he did.When you make all the thugs and criminals play by the same rules as you want us gun-owners to play by come talk to me,until then you can have my gun when you can pry my cold dead fingers from it - Danny Phillips

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FTH - Arizona Shooting (1-11-11)

Anyone that thinks that increasing gun laws in the United States is going to decrease crime needs to educate themselves on the matter. Use some common sense, where do you think most criminals that commit these major crimes (robbery, homicide, assault etc) get their weapons? I'll bet you they dont go to your local Academy, Walmart, or even Pawn shop and buy them. They buy them off the street. The only people that will be affected by making it more difficult to get a weapon will be law abiding citizens. Sure there will be some people that are buying them for the wrong reason that might be affected but not many. One of these days (hopefully not while im still around) the government is going to make it illegal to own a gun. And then criminals will have free reign over America. Because they will know that homeowners wont have guns to protect themselves and i can promose you that criminals will still have theirs. How long has DRUGS been illegal?????? Long time huh....guess who still sells it everyday. Thats right, the same criminals that you see on the news and read about in the paper everyday committing these awful crimes. You cant stop it, just like you cant stop criminals from buying guns. Remember, guns dont kill people, its the person behind that gun that kills. I hate crime as much as anybody, but sometimes you have to dig a little deeper to get down to the root of the problem. I dont see guns as the root of the problem. AS a matter of fact, it aint even close - Josh Hill

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FTH - Arizona Shooting (1-11-11)

If you think taking guns out of the hands of law abiding citizens is the answer to crime prevention, I have a couple of question for you. If you or your family are threatened by a drugged up bad guy with a gun and no value of human life, would you rather have a gun in hand or a cop on the phone. When seconds count cops are only minutes away. They can do a great job of cleaning up the mess. If the government takes our guns away then they will make a criminal out of me - Longtime NRA member

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FTH - Arizona Shooting (1-11-11)

As usual you NRA and gun owners dont listen correctly. I didnt say take away your precious guns. Of course criminals dont go to gun stores, because they have background checks. Thats right let everyone carry weapons around like the wild wild west. No one has a problem with weapons to hunt or for your home for protection.when you feel you need them. Watch how many people are killed when idiots take them everywhere. All you wannabe Wyat Earps and Doc Holidays are so ridiculous. Shooting at a target on the range or weapon safety course and hunting is one thing,but shooting a real person is a whole other level. Have you ever killed someone ,watch his guts or brains fly out. You are walking down the street With you family, and your so called crackhead pulls a gun sticks it in your kids face. You have no time to react, your gun want help then, will it. Its to easy to say I would do this or that. You never know until it happens and then most of the time its to late. When you start shooting in a crowd what happens most, is innocent people are shot and all because tough guys like you choke, freeze or panic. Let the real professionals do their jobs and people like you play police, soldier and Mr. FBI agent in the woods. I was an infantry soldier and fired and trained with pistols, M16, machine guns, and a sniper rifle and couldnt guarantee a clean hit in a crowd. It takes a very long time with highly specialized training to do that. So cut the crap, and quit saying I would have done this or that.I forgot you are all Lethal Weapons. That was you with Danny Glover,Iam sorry.Please, get real - Byron Burnett

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FTH - Arizona Shooting (1-11-11)

Mr. Burnett, Let me guess;Democrat? - observer

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FTH - Arizona Shooting (1-11-11)

What's wrong with being a Democrat? Not everyone in the state of Alabama is a Republican. And not every Christian is a Republican. And not every Democrat is a non-Christian. Democrats and Republicans, in other parts of the country, draw their demographics from a wide variety of folks.

Tallassee Now - Resolutions (1-11-11)

I haven't had a drink in two weeks and have almost give up gambling. Happy New Year! - Jimmy Cole, THS Class of 66, Montgomery

City passes sales tax (1-11-11)

Until this City hires a professional manager to run the City Water,Sewage, and Gas departments the City system will always be poorly managed. I will not believe that the money will be used wisely as long as the mayor and city council manage this department. We had them running the system now for 50 years and it has been poorly managed with no vision for the future because it has always been politically ran with favors and ignorance.

The 1 cent sales tax will not save teacher jobs if they were already getting 80% of it to start with? Math is math and money is money and your only getting and additoinal 20% on 800,000 = 160,000 per year divided by 12 months = 13,333 divided by 30 days = 444.44 per day divided by 8 hours = 55.55 per hour that may equal 1 teacher with fixed and variable overhead if you do not give any of that to the teachers already employed?

We should raise the property tax by 20 mil by how do you collect if from the citizen who live outisde the city limits but send their children to city school. I live inside the city limits but the school board have already admitted that the majority of students live outside the city limits - Citizen

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City passes sales tax (1-11-11)

In regards to the one cent sales tax for education, I would like to briefly explain the differences between the one cent sales tax that expires in February and the one cent sales tax just approved by the City Council that will begin in March.

The old one cent sales tax was split 80% for education and 20% for the city. All of the 80% for education was earmarked for capital purchases only. None of those funds could be used for Teachers, classroom supplies, or any other day to day operation need for the schools. That money also had to be requested by the Board of Education and approved by the City Council in order to be spent by the schools for capital projects only. The old sales tax had very limited uses. Neither the School Board nor the City Council could change the uses of those funds until now.

The new one cents sales tax is not limited to capital purchases and allows for much greater flexibility in spending by the School Board. The school board will be able to use this money for teachers, teacher supply funds, and other things involved in the day to day operations of the schools. Since the School Board could not use the old tax for anything other than capital purchases, it was important that the new tax allow the School Board more flexibility to spend the funds where they are needed the most.

I applaud the Mayor and the City Council for taking this bold step for education in Tallassee.

Jim Jeffers, Superintendent

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City passes sales tax (1-11-11)

Dr. Jeffers is the TES Loan paid off and is that why the old 1 cent sales tax will expire in February of 2011. We will be collecting a 1 cent sales tax that the school board will spend and control, but the mayor and council who voted for it will be the ones that suffer politically if the school board does not use the money wisely. No school board member had to vote to approve the 1 cent sales tax? Please provide a breakdown of how you and the school board plan on spending the future 1 cent sales tax starting in March of 2011. Please provide a capital expenditue for the year and a 10 year plan.

I was wrong because in what I wrote before. I now understand the old 1 cent sales tax and the new 1 cent sales tax and the difference. Please place another article on Tallassee Times for year 2012 and 10 years out on how you plan to spend the money projected to be collected. Also what Board Members represent the majority of students that attend Tallassee City Scholls that live outside the City Limits. Since Annexation does not seem to be the way most people want how do we justify a City Scholl System when the majority have no one representing them on the School Board are City Council - Citizen

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City passes sales tax (1-11-11)

A sales tax is a regressive tax. It hurts the working poor the most because even though the rate is the same for everyone, sales tax a greater percentage out of the working poor man's pocket than it does those from a higher income bracket. If we want our city to improve its infrastructure and school, we need a city property tax and a payroll or occupational tax. Because more than half of the people who work here live outside the city limits, that would allow those workers to contribute to the upkeep of our town. Although a property tax and occupational tax still might not include everyone because so many Tallassee students live outside the city limits, it would be a start. Our other alternatives are to either charge students who live outside the city limits, which is being done in some city school districts, or force all those kids to go to a county school. Then we could probably drop down to a 3A classification. Or perhaps the state should just let students go to any public school they want to as long as they can get there by car, bus, or on foot. Originally students out of the city limits were zoned for Tallassee to create a racially balanced school system. Minorities on the east side were sent from Wall Street to Reeltown and minorities out in the country in Friendship and Flat Rock were sent to Tallasee. It worked out well; as I recall there were not too many problems with integration here.

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City passes sales tax (1-11-11)

Since WHEN can a City Council pass a sales tax without a referendum. Is this even legal? If it is, We as citizens need to BOYCOTT the new sales taxes and force a referendum. Why is it OK to tax if the word SCHOOL is mentioned? We as individuals have learned to cut back and do without. Lets have some restraint in our local government. Times are hard. Deal with it Councilmen - Frank Copeland

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City passes sales tax (1-11-11)

PIGGLY WIGGLY, RITE AID, BEN ATKINSON CHEVROLET, MISS NOELS, BORDERLINE, KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN, THE DRESSING ROOM, E.T.SUBS, MOVIE GALLERY, JOHNNY G'S, RADIO SHACK, TACO BELL. How many more have to close before the City Council wakes up. Adding a 2 cent sales tax WILL be detrimental to Tallassee businesses. They (City Council ) have taken away the only incentive we had to shop here. LOWERING TAXES is the only way to increase commercial activity. Property taxes up 40%, City of Tallassee Business License up 400%, and city council has the nerve to raise sales taxes. Its shameful that they care so little about local businesses - Frank Copeland

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City passes sales tax (1-11-11)

Don't worry Mr. Copeland. We're gonna get a donut shop. Maybe they won't have to dig up someone's property to get this one - Gary Stiff

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City passes sales tax (1-11-11)

when the seven gables property is restored will the city be paying the possible $50,000.00 lead abatement charges or will the city ignore the fact of lead presence and skirt the federal laws it self - ray publican

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City passes sales tax (1-11-11)

if the city is in such dire straits why are city employees at mcdonalds every morning in their city vehicles after they clock in - ray publican

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City passes sales tax (1-11-11)

I hope someone will fix Seven Gables.  In September of 2010 my 83 year old father fell, had to have stitches, and now his right hand has atrophied because of a pinched nerve somewhere in his right arm.  (He fell on his right side.)  He could have broken any number of bones that night, including his hip.  Thank God he did not.  He called City Hall the next day and asked the mayor to see about putting some light at the entrance so that people could see and also to install a handrail.   Even though it is only one step you still need a handrail.  A handrail is also needed inside because there is a step down from the entrance into the main living room.  The mayor told my father it was the responsibility of the Chamber. 
There are no outside lights except one over the front door and no handrail.  This could have been taken care of in one day.  The high school kids could have built the handrails; this would have been a good project for them!

Daylight Donuts (1-11-11)

They are expensive and not that good to me. I feel if we get them they will close within a year because of lack of sales - Citizen

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Daylight Donuts (1-11-11)

Just hope the location has good parking and easy access to traffic. There are many places in town were it is almost impossible to get in or out of with out causing an accident - trying to be safe

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Daylight Donuts (1-11-11)

I am excited about Daylight Donuts coming to town. I bring them home from Auburn alot. The owners are very nice and friendly too. I this will be a great addition to Tallassee. I wish them well - Citizen of Tallassee

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Daylight Donuts (1-11-11)

I hope they are as good as Krispy Kreme - Harriet

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Daylight Donuts (1-11-11)

BEST EVER MADE!!!HOORAY!!!!

Tallassee Athletics (1-4-11)

Can someone please enlighten me on the situation of Tallassee athletics. I read on al.com Carrol has a new coach and Tallassee is looking for one. Is this true or rumor. Also, what is this with Girls basketball scoring 3,5,7, and 10 points in games this season. Someone needs to take a long look at this. Tallassee has great athletes, one will play for a National Championship, but what is all the turmoil with the programs. There needs to be some respect restored to our programs. ALL OF THEM. I also see no listing for a softball coach, maybe they will coach themselves - concerned

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Tallassee Athletics (1-4-11)

Maybe you should come out and support the girls program rather than reading articles and making negative comments about the program. These girls as well as all the athletes at THS work very hard to represent their school and town. The athletic program at THS is well respected around the state. Football has won 17 games the past 2 years and made the playoffs, wrestling is well respected statewide with several state champions, volleyball is in the playoffs every year and has one back to back area titles, and baseball has won almost 50 games in two years with an area title and has been in the playoffs. Sounds like you need to get your facts straight and SHOW some RESPECT! - Tiger fan

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Tallassee Athletics (1-4-11)

Read the article, it did say the athletes were working hard and Tallassee does have excellent athletes. We do have state championships in wrestling, bt why no where else. 3 points in a basketball game is not respectable. I think the article was referring to the stability of QUALITY coaching for all programs. QUALITY and KNOWLEDGE of coaching. The nice records mean nothing when you get put out first round of playoffs - concerned

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Tallassee Athletics (1-4-11)

If your so qualified and have such knowledge maybe you should apply - Tiger fan

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Tallassee Athletics (1-4-11)

Yes we do need some changes in our athletics. We are lacking in the understanding that the amount of games you win in the regular season does not mean anything if you haven't played quality opponents. We continue to win but we can't make it out of the first round. Imagine in baseball if 5 years ago we played the first and second round like we do now, that group of kids would have had a chance to go all the way,same with 2008. After all how hard is it to beat Beauragard in the second round when you have already beat them in the area? Must be pretty hard they keep knocking us out!! But it is quite apparent when you start looking at our area it is weak, after all the one who beats us gets knocked out in the second round in football and third round in baseball.

I do think we have the talent but we lack leadership and discipline. That begins with our coaches, administration and our parents! - Respect is Earned

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Tallassee Athletics (1-4-11)

If I remember correctly Spanish Fort won the State Championship in football this past year and that was Tallassee's first round opponent in football. As to playing weak schedules, I believe the state determines who is in your football region, so schools have no control over that. Also, I believe Tallassee played 6A Benjamin Russell to start the year, Elmore County, and Beauregard for non-region games, I wouldnt call that weak. The problem with your comments are that you have no clue what your talking about - Tiger fan

Alabama (1-4-11)

enough is enough about if this would've happened and that would've happened...Guess what, it didn't!! AND..."Alabama can beat anybody in the country." HMMMM? I do have to admit, they are the best 3 loss team in the country - Eugene

Business License (1-4-11)

Could someone from the city hall please give an explanation as to why business licenses doubled and in some cases tripled?I could maybe understand a $10-$15 increase but this is "asinine." There are already enough businesses closing down we don't need more!

So I ask,please give a detailed explanation for the steep increase.Please don't reply by saying it's public record come by the city hall and see for yourself.I know two different people who have inquired and got two different answers.So let's hear it,what is the extra money going to? - Business Owner

Ice cream man (1-4-11)

Don't know about the ice cream man in the 80's, but during my East Tallassee childhood (late 30's-40's), the roving ice cream man was known simply as "Mr. Leslie," who lived on Central Avenue in a house long since demolished but which sat just south of the East Tallasse Baptist Church. Mr. Leslie's home-made, barrell-shaped cart was mounted on two metal wheels and pushed along by Mr. Leslie with protruding side handles similar to a wheelbarrow's. To attract attention, about every half block Mr. Leslie blew a coach's whistle. From the first warm day of Spring through the hottest summers, Mr. Leslie---who, at the time, seemed ancient to us kids---pushed his cart full of fudgecicles, popcicles, black cows, dixie cups (with movie star's pictures inside the tops) and ice cream sandwiches, along every street in East Tallassee, keeping his wares frozen in his rolling barrell with chunks of dry ice. Nobody today would push a barrell loaded with ice cream around the hot streets of our city to make a buck. Mr. Leslie was a memorable part of my childhood, a rare individual who apparently felt society should not be his keeper as long as he had strength to push that cart and blow that whistle - W. C. Bryant

Tax Increase (1-4-11)

Correct me if I am wrong but the 1 cent tax for the school is already in place but about to expire and its the continuation of that percentage that is question. If that tax is already being collected how does Mr. Jeffers justify continuing it will miraculously allow for teacher hires, construction projects, and teaching supplies when he laid off 10 or more teachers while collecting the tax just a few months ago.

I have no problem with continuing the tax for the school system, I do how ever hope this time the Board will honor their word and utilize the funds for what they were intended. Not increasing a lame ducks salary by $30,000 a year.

As for the additional tax for infrastructure, this should be a no brainer for those living in the city limits. Our storm sewers can't handle the rain runoff, sewer systems date back 40-50 years, we lose half again as much potable water as we use due to old water lines, and how often do you take a deep breath in the late afternoon and smell the distinct odor of natural gas. These repairs cost money and lots of it. The additional tax would only cover a portion but its a start - Jerry Beasley

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Tax Increase (1-4-11)

I am for the tax increase as long as it goes for the teachers and schools and not in someones pocket as a pay raise. Unless that pay raise is going to the teachers.

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Tax Increase (1-4-11)

I live in Tallapoosa County and work in Opelika. I pay an occupational tax to that city.It helps pay for some of the services I use at work and on my way to work-police and fire, streets, industry dev., utilities,ets. I heard that Tallassee had considered this. Way to raise money and probably not hurt business much. Industry workers and teachers who live outside the city can support the city and local education if they don\'t shop in Tallassee. Does Auburn have an occupation tax? - 1bamared1

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Tallassee Times
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