By Michael Butler

The qualifying window has closed for the upcoming 2025 municipal election with a surprise on the final day for candidates to register. Sarah Hill announced that she will run to retain the mayor’s seat after all.

Hill stated in April that she had no intention of seeking a second term.

“When I first chose not to seek another term, I believed Tallassee was on solid footing,” Hill noted in a press release. “We have made real progress – strengthening our infrastructure, restoring financial responsibility, and encouraging business growth – and I felt ready to pass the torch. But after watching how quickly the conversation around city leadership has shifted in the past few days, I knew I couldn’t stay silent.”

A conversation ensued at the Monday night council meeting between Hill and Joey Wiginton, who will also be on the ballot for the mayor’s seat. The discussion regarded a move by the council approving the sale of the city’s airport property.

Hill pointed out in the release that she and the council were “confronted inappropriately after the meeting by individuals aligned with the opposing campaign.”

“While I remained calm and professional,” she continued, “the moment was a reminder of how far we’ve come—and why steady, respectful leadership still matters.”

Wiginton responded to Hill’s remarks.

“We can’t be giving all of our city property away like what has been done in the past or even trying to sell the airport. That’s our airport. The reason it has sat there for many years is because no one had the vision of what it could become. I want to bring vision to this wonderful city.”

Hill responded.

“As the former chair of the airport committee, I am well aware the Tallassee Reeves Airport is not eligible for any grants,” she said. “The city doesn’t have the funds to restore it and that’s why it is the way it is now. We have a vested party who took the initiative to research all options, paid for an appraisal and agree to pay the highest amount. We’ve made similar moves with Seven Gables and Restoration 49 and they’ve turned out wonderfully.”

Wiginton welcomed the competition for the Aug. 26 race.

“I am so excited to be running for the mayor of Tallassee,” he added. “We have been drifting aimlessly long enough. It’s time to lift our head up and look to the future.”

There will be two contested council races. Ward 5 qualifiers are Terrel Brown and Jeffery Wilcox. Ward 6 qualifiers are Sarah Jones and Rosemary Glass.

2025 Tallassee Election Qualifiers:

Mayor
Sarah Hill
Joey Wiginton

City Council
Ward 1: Carpenter Easterling
Ward 2: Linda Mosher
Ward 3: Damian Carr
Ward 4: Bill Hall
Ward 5: Terrel Brown, Jeffery Wilcox
Ward 6: Rosemary Glass, Sarah Jones
Ward 7: Fred Randall Hughey

School Board
Ward 1: Eric Watson
Ward 2: Heather Johnson
Ward 3: Brandi Clark
Ward 4: Nathan Bridgman
Ward 5: Melanie Goodman
Ward 6: Heather Hawkins
Ward 7: Galerie Wilson