A TPC Check-in: Taxes Going UP; News on the State House & Senate Races; Odds & Ends

 Howdy, Folks! Hope it's all good out there. 

Well, TPC enjoyed its annual summer vacation (forgot to put up the Gone Fishin' sign again ), but we're ready to get back at it. 

Property Taxes Going Up 

After the summer tradition of the budget process, we've now seen everything become official in terms of the setting of the millage rates. 

Quick aside. You may be wondering - "what the hell is mill?!" A mill is one-tenth of one percent, or, in decimal format: .001. So, ten mills would be .01 (or 1%).

Why still use this archaic form of math to quote ad valorem tax rates? Good question.

It's either because of the famous 6-word motto of most governments & large institutions: "We've always done it this way,"; or, it's because they know most folks have no idea what a mill or millage is & that's exactly how they like it, folks not knowing what's going on. 

Here's some real estate Dad-type humor for you. You know the old saying - that's just the old 2 cents. You could start to say - "That's just the ole 20 mills!" Hardy hardy har. 

So, the home county's tax rate went up 10%. The City of Covington? 11%. Hell, at least we're not Walton Co. They went up 20%! 

Something's gotta give soon. We're going to really have to rethink the proper size & scope of local government. Property taxes are out of control. We're pricing the lower & middle class folks as well as seniors on fixed incomes out of our beloved home. We need to get some serious people elected willing to make serious decisions leading to serous cuts of government spending. 

We'll see... 

State House 

Right now it's still a two-way race between Wendell McNeal & Brett Mauldin though apparently a certain former Newton Co Constitutional Officer is still mulling a run. 

As many have said it would be nice to have a Newtonian representing us in the lower chamber of the Gold Dome for the first time in a decade. 

With that said, if this person were to run then naturally I would be 100% behind him. If not, I'll definitely be supporting Brett in this one. 

State Senate 

I'm going to take this opportunity to make the rare, official MBM/TPC endorsement. 

I hereby fully endorse & support Bret Dunn for this race. I've known Bret for right at 10 years & have always thought a lot of him. I've been talking w/ him a good bit lately & I'm very excited about his vision for the 42nd Senate District of the Great State of Georgia. 

Newton BOE Member Trey Bailey also endorses Dunn 

More to follow down the road...


Odds & Ends 

- Looking like they're about done getting Floyd St repaved. That's been a long time coming; however, as many have noted, they're going to have to do something about those traffic islands. 

- This upcoming Wednesday. August 13th. 9am. Morgan Co Courthouse. A battle against government overreach & the Kemp/Carr/DCA/JDA/Economic-Development leviathan. A fight for freedom & basic constitutional rights. Be there! 

- 23 days until we have UGA football! 

Okay for now, scamps, 'til next time. 

- MBM 

[TPC Guest Post] --TWG/TaxDogs: [Jasper Co] BOC DECLINES TO SUPPORT RESOLUTION FOR FEAR OF STATE RETALIATION [in re Rivian]

*originally posted at TaxDogs 

 July 13, 2025

At their meeting on July 7, Commissioners were presented a Resolution Opposing the Pursuit of Legal Fees by the State of Georgia and the Joint Development Authority against Concerned Citizens.  Commissioner Asher Gray (District 4) added this Resolution as the last item on the agenda.   (See copy of the Resolution below.)

When this item came up Commissioner Gray started the conversation saying that it was wrong to sue citizens fighting the Rivian plant with their own money.  He also made the point that the BOC had been lied to with emails they had received about this issue.  He wanted the Jasper County BOC to condemn the action and support the citizens’ rights to do so.

Commissioner Steven Ledford (District 5) said if this resolution was passed they would bite the hand that gave out LMIG (road) funds. 

Commissioner Rob Alexander (District 3) said this action by the JDA and State was wrong, wrong, wrong.  He added that Rivian was never vetted and he questioned if it would be a viable company.  Commissioner Alexander also asked what would happen if the JDA decided that Jasper County would be the host county for a hazardous waste landfill for the Rivian plant.  Would the BOC let that happen if citizens here in Jasper County fought it?

Commissioner Gray asked if anyone had any trouble with the wording of the Resolution.

Commissioner Ledford said he personally felt the same way as Commissioners Gray and Alexander, but was hesitant to sign a resolution that could possibly result in the county being adversely affected when it comes to money from the State.

Commissioner Gray read the resolution out loud, and then he made a motion to have the commissioners sign it. That motion failed 2-3. Gray and Alexander voted for it, with the other three voting no.

For more information on this case refer to a previous post—Pure Citizen Intimidation
https://taxdogs.wordpress.com/2025/06/21/pure-citizen-intimidation/

This court hearing will be August 13 at 9am in the Morgan County Courthouse.

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”—Desmond Tutu

Resolution by the Jasper County, Georgia Board of Commissioners

Opposing the Pursuit of Legal Fees by the State of Georgia and the Joint Development Authority Against Concerned Citizens

WHEREAS, six citizens of Morgan County—Edward Clay, Candance Beam, Alan D. Jenkins, Felton Jenkins III, Deborah Crowe, and James Gunn—filed lawsuits seeking judicial clarity on the legality of zoning exemptions and land use decisions related to the $5 billion Rivian Electric Vehicle (EV) factory slated for development on a 2,000-acre site between Rutledge and Social Circle; and

WHEREAS, these citizens—known collectively as the No2Rivian plaintiffs—acted in good faith out of concern for the environmental health, rural character, and lawful governance of their communities, particularly as it relates to potential impacts on groundwater, creeks, wells, and other shared natural resources; and

WHEREAS, the State of Georgia and the Joint Development Authority (JDA) of Jasper, Morgan, Walton, and Newton counties have initiated legal action to recover nearly $1 million in attorney’s fees from these plaintiffs, including $600,000 tied to the Morgan County case and $365,000 related to a near-identical case in Fulton County; and

WHEREAS, the pursuit of legal fees from private citizens—who were exercising their constitutional right to petition their government and seek judicial oversight—represents a troubling escalation that could deter future civic engagement and public accountability across the State of Georgia; and

WHEREAS, such action may create a chilling effect, sending a message that ordinary citizens who challenge powerful state-backed projects may face financial ruin for asserting their legal rights and raising community-based environmental and land use concerns; and

WHEREAS, this tactic sets a dangerous and undemocratic precedent, undermining trust in government institutions, discouraging public participation, and compromising the fundamental American principle that access to the courts must be available to all, regardless of income or political influence; and

WHEREAS, the Jasper County Board of Commissioners believes that citizens must be free to question, challenge, and participate in government decisions without fear of retaliation;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Jasper County, Georgia Board of Commissioners formally opposes the continued pursuit of legal fees by the State of Georgia and the Joint Development Authority against the No2Rivian plaintiffs;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board respectfully urges the State and the JDA to withdraw all petitions for reimbursement of legal expenses from the plaintiffs and to refrain from using public resources to pursue punitive legal actions against private citizens engaged in lawful democratic processes;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Jasper County Board of Commissioners affirms the right of all Georgians to seek judicial review of governmental decisions—particularly those that affect environmental health, public resources, and community planning—without fear of reprisal or financial intimidation;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Board encourages civic and legal advocacy organizations across Georgia to stand in defense of the citizens’ right to petition the government.

Denied  this _7th__ day of ___July______, 2025, by the Jasper County Board of Commissioners.

Citizens, be informed and stay informed!  Only by being informed, can the citizens understand what is being done and talked about, and then press our officials to make good decisions for everyone in Jasper County. 

 TWG    
www.taxdogs.wordpress.com
www.facebook.com/taxdogs

### 

This, to me, notwithstanding all of the other stuff going on at the national, state & local level, might be the single, most important issue right now in the GA Piedmont. My sincere thanks to Mary for being on the front lines of fighting this good fight. 

To Hell w/ Kemp, the DCA & the JDA & the all the rest of them no account bastards! 

'Til next time, 

- MBM 

An Update on Things, including Yours Truly; Local REAL Politick; Odds & Ends

 Peteetong, Fearless Readers! 

Hope it's at least okay out there. 

And these days, okay ain't half bad. 

So, after a flurry activity, the ole site's gone a little quiet the last week or so. As longtime, regular readers can no doubt attest to, that is nothing new for TPC; however, this latest break in the action was a little different. 

I won't be going into much detail but I'll just tell you that I've been dealing w/ that thing known as life. Specifically, what many have to deal w/ once you've reached a certain age & when those most closest to you are older than you are. 

For the last week most all of my time has been dedicated to familial responsibilities & that seems to probably be the case for a good while moving forward. I will try to do my best to do some pieces here & there but am certainly not promising anything. 

Appreciate your understanding. 

Local REAL Politick 

Fleeta. 

I'm tempted to just leave it at that. 

So apparently she's been telling folks for quite some time that she never has voted for or been involved w/ any of the approvals of the plethora of multi-family developments we've seen over the "last six years." Interesting timeline as that's when she was first elected to the Covington City Council. 

However, this is obviously a falsehood as she did vote for the rezoning of the Billy Fortson property to facilitate the apartments behind the west-side Ingles/Five O'Clock shopping center (along w/ ole "Dirty" Don Floyd). Furthermore, she voted for the apartments next to the east-side Ingles across from the old Newton Package Shop (it obviously ain't NPS anymore, is it?) naturally as it benefitted one of the old money families. 

So, by all accounts, a misrepresentation. 

And even though we're TWO years away, Sista Mayor has already announced she's running again for Mayor because she has to.

I've been seeing some very interesting screenshots from some who've communicated w/ the ole gal. Some late night (alcohol-induced?) rants & screeds. 

Sad. 


Movin' & Shakin' 

As some have known for months, Tim Fleming has officially announced for the Custodian of the Great Seal of Georgia - the Georgia Secretary of State. Apparently he's got Trump's endorsement as well as the GA GOP power elites. We'll see. But most likely it's a slam dunk for him. 


State Senate 

As previously reported, Newton BOE member & righteous dude Trey Bailey has decided that his passions remain w/ the Board & he is not running for this seat. With that development, I think Bret Dunn is a lock. 


HD 114 

As previously reported, Newton BOE member & righteous dude Trey Bailey is not running so for now we have Wendell McNeal & Brett Mauldin who've officially announced. I know both of these gentlemen & I like both of them. Wendell is a big mover w/ the state GOP. Brett seems like a really good man. The wild card for this one would be a certain former constitutional officer of the home county that is seriously considering a run. 

It'd be nice that have Newton Co folks representing us in the GA General Assembly again for the first time in years. 

Was planning to get into the July 3rd celebration & a couple of other things but I've changed my mind. 

Best, 

MBM 

[TPC] - Around Town & REAL Politick, 6/30/25: Talkin' 3rd of July, Apparently Georgia Hates Its Citizens, Fleeta, Odds & Ends, etc

 

 

Hello, friends, and welcome back. 

So, apparently in order to placate Fleeta (more on her in just a bit), the City of Covington has decided to hold its 4th of July celebration on the 3rd of July. 

More on her later. 

Georgia Hates Its Citizens, as well as Free Speech, Apparently 

When the news broke a few weeks ago that the State of Georgia was actually going to do this - to try to harass, punish & silent those citizens of the GA Piedmont who rightfully tried to redress their grievances against our state government for this egregious violation of home rule - so many were so appalled. 

Surely, given the context & the optics, Chris Carr - especially since he's running for Governor - would NOT actually do this?

UPDATE: Apparently Carr the AG is not involved at all. Mainly, as I'm told, this is Kemp along w/ possibly the DCA & GA Director of Economic Development. 

We're going to be researching this further & will report more later.  

Sad. 

Madam Mayor Fleeta 

So, as maybe a few of you already know, that gal was the guest of the latest rendition of a local podcast. 

It was everything Fleeta wanted, apparently, while her hosts, by all accounts, fully facilitated it. 

She was in full-on "bad ass, bad momma, boss mayor mode." 

Allegedly.

I sure as hell didn't waste my time listening to it. 

Per the word, she basically told the entirety of the home city to suck it.

Either recall her, run against her, or just simply STFU. 

Quick sidebar. 

For the life of me, I can not figure out why some of our fellow citizens bow down to this woman. 

I mean, I can get that she's a natural politician, but I just don't get how some of the people in our orbit - decent, seemingly smart folks that I have respect for - are so enamored w/ her. 
I really don't.

It all seems to be a cult of personality.



 




Also, as I've been told by multiple sources for some time, she's allegedly still bragging about how she still has me blocked on social media (what a bad, weak look for her. Not to mention the fact that she's using her personal FB page in her official capacity of Mayor [LAWSUIT potential, anyone?]). 

To that point. 

Fleeta is a magnet for lawsuits.

As has been reported by the other local news outlets, -- allegedly Fleeta was the main reason for a lawsuit brought by a former Fire Battalion Chief against the home city a few months back. 


Allegedly a gal pal of Fleeta's got an inappropriate picture from someone. Purportedly, she then shared it w/ Fleeta.

Fleeta, being Fleeta, naturally, shared it w/ half of Covington, supposedly. 

Just a profound lack of judgement. 

And, people - as some of you know - that's simply Fleeta. She just can't seem to help herself, or get out of her own way.  

I know it.
You know it.
Everybody knows it. 

Sad. 

At least she's not browbeating city employees as much these days as I understand it.  

Also, I'm hearing that Fleeta has told folks that she's had nothing to do w/ any of the multi-family development we've seen over the last six years (interesting timing considering six years ago was when she was first elected to the council). Well, I know for sure there's one that she did vote for. Will be doing a dedicated piece on that soon. 

Odds & Ends

Well, the news recently hit that Trey Bailey bailed on running for either State House or State Senate. 

Sad, but not all surprising. I don't think his heart was fully into it. The BOE is where he wants to be. 

Regardless, he would've had a tough row to hoe taking on Bret Dunn in the Senate race, but I believe he could've. Now, barring a big name jumping in, It's looking as if Bret's going to be a lock for the upper chamber of the Georgia General Assembly. 

And, considering this news, this writer is assuming that there's a former county constitutional officer of the home county who is running for the State House seat. 

We'll keep an eye on it. 

###


Until next time, 

- MBM 

20 June 2025: 15 Years of The Piedmont Chronicles

 

Friends, welcome back to The Chronicles, and - as always - it's so good to be back w/ you. 

15 years. Wow.

Man!

Hard to believe. 

Going back all the way to the very beginning, here's this oldie: 

From Salem to Buckhead 

(and yes, this was first published to Blogger on June 28th, but June 20th was when I first made TPC officially official, which, not necessarily coincidentally, coincided w/ my birthday)

Back then, I'd set up a Blogger website in order to share my pieces from About Covington to Madison magazine on the World Wide Web. 

In the first five years of the site's existence, I only had 47 posts, ranging from local history to local people. 

It was 2015 when TPC would really truly become TPC. 

The Top 5 most read pieces from TPC all time: 

#1 - John Williams Saga (Peonage Murders) 

#2 - A Primer on Driving Around The Square &  in Covington 

#3 - Brunswick Stew: What Is & What Should Never Be 

#4 - [Ellis Millsaps] - The Russians Are Coming & Kansas City Shitweed 

#5 - Tommy Craig Continues Ridin' the  Newton County Taxpayer Gravy Train 

Acknowledgments


There are so many I wish to thank. 

First & foremost would be my better half - my wife. Always understanding, always accommodating.  Right from the start, she always knew how important & vital, for me, what I was doing was. 

Thank you, Babe. I'm such a lucky man. I love you so much. 

*****

Next, it is YOU - The Reader. 

None of this happens w/out you.; you mean everything! 

Thank You! 

Moving on... 

### 

- Ellis "Da" Millsaps. Editor Emeritus of TPC 

Da was key to TPC truly becoming TPC. 

----------

My Sista from another Mista 

- Kayla Leasure 

Author of dozens & dozens of great pieces at TPC. An amazing & beautiful soul - inside & out - I think so much of her & am so grateful for her contributions over the years. 

******* 

And, of course, my old Terry College of Business (UGA) classmate & former CF Floyd Feature Writer of National Affairs, Mr Perrin Lovett. 

And to all other former & inactive contributors: 

Ryan Ralston
Bess Tuggle 
Melissa Parker 
Alisa Johnson Brown 

And all Guest Writers: 

- Fred Wheeler 
- Sam Hay 

Etc & Et Al 

15 years. Wow. Here's to 15 more! 

- MBM 

For The Home City! 

GMD 462! 

Odds & Ends, 6/19/25: Revised Budget, Cigar Bars, Running Man & local REAL Politick Heatin' Up

 Welcome back, friends. 

So Tuesday night the home county adopted a budget. It was the better, more beautiful revised budget that we discussed a few days back. 

There were major concerns due to the apparent disdain that the Hays/Ezell?(WTC?) faction had for the revised budget that included around $4 million in cuts to both the Sheriff's Office & also for Jail Operations. 

The big concern, as I had mentioned previously, was that if there were only a 3-vote consensus for the slightly better, revised budget, then the Chair would hold veto power. 

However, those fears were unfounded as the newbie on the Board - the interim BOC 3 Rep - voted along w/ Edwards, Long & Mason. 

Not the budget that many of us wanted, and we're still seeing a tax increase, but it was way better than the initial proposal. A small victory, but a victory nonetheless. Further, this is a pretty big deal as it shows that the other side doesn't have the consensus that some were afraid they might've had. 

We'll take it! 

Cigar Bar Coming to the Home City? 

A couple of months ago & the Covington City Council went full-on Nanny State & banned smoking for the two spots - Five O' Clock & The Depot - that still allowed it. 

My intel says that they did this mainly because they believed that smoking cigarettes is why The Depot had been wildin' ever since they reopened a while back (apparently nothing to do w/ the distilled spirits or the clientele they serve).

Fast-forward to this week & now Covington is wanting to add a new license type. A Cigar Bar. Where they will be pouring distilled spirits but unlike everyone else has been having to do forever, won't have to meet the 50% food requirement AND!!! they can have smoking in their establishment! 

Make it make sense, somebody, please. 

Sad.


The Running Man Goes Down 

That fella that runs around town in the short shorts got arrested Tuesday evening. I'll share my FB post: 

- Confirmed & Verified -

Per multiple sources.

It is true that the infamous Covington "Running Man" was arrested yesterday for indecent exposure.

Apparently one can do that around town for years & years in front of the regular Citizenry w/ no consequences but if you do it in front of a Hollywood film crew then that's when the CPD - The Boys in Blue - will quickly & firmly spring into action.

DEVELOPING...

As predicted, the comment thread on that one was quite at least mildly entertaining. You can check it for yourself. 


REAL Politick 

As I understand it a well known & well regarded gentleman will be officially announcing his candidacy for the East Ward of the City of Covington Council tomorrow. So far only one other has stated his intent to run. There's speculation that a multi-time candidate will also throw her hat into the ring (why? Why would anyone want to get obliterated for a third time?). 

Regardless, this is a Good Fella. Believe he'll win comfortably. 


State House & State Senate 

These aren't until next year but there's been a lot activity already. Bret Dunn has already declared for State Senate. He may or may not have a challenger in the primary depending on whether or not a certain Covingtonian may or may not declare for State House. If he does, Bret will have a formidable challenger because the 3rd party wouldn't run for the House seat if that other fella runs & would then instead run for the Senate seat; however, if o'er fella doesn't it, then Bret would most likely be a lock for the primary & would be guaranteed a victory in the General. 

For the record - Bret better be careful of "The Erickson Curse."

Js. 

Okay for now, scamps. 'Til next time. 

- MBM 

P.S. Been taking a deep dive into the Covington budget. Not impressed. And a link showing all of the top salaries for city employees have been making the rounds lately. Ungodly. 

P.P.S. Georgia suing the plaintiffs in the Rivian court action is literally one of the worst examples of government overreach I've ever seen. Kemp's a bastard; Carr is worse. Just awful! 

The Monday Edition, 16 June 2025: Talkin' Ezell, Madam Chair, WTC, the Newton Co Budget & More!

 Greetings, Fearless Piedmonteers, and welcome back to Your Source For The Real Story! 

Hope all the Dads out there had a great Father's Day. 

So, here's a Sunday Monday edition for your reading pleasure. 

Celebrating 15 years of The Chronicles
June 20th, 2025

Sheriff Ezell Brown 

Last week, the Newton Co BOC revised the proposed budget & found about $4 million to cut. A majority of these cuts came from two of the biggest line-items - Sheriff's Office & Jail Operations, both under the purview of Newton Co Sheriff Ezell Brown. 

Well, by all accounts, Ezell was not impressed & made his displeasure known to interim BOC Chair Linda Hays who made her displeasure known to the members of the BOC along w/ several others on an late night email she sent out. 


Madam Chair Linda Hays

In that email, the main thing that Hays was complaining about was how the County Manager's office had been separated out from the BOC as its own line-item. This was done, apparently, for accounting purposes & seems to many to be the way it should be done; however, the Chair, in her "own"* words, certainly didn't think so. But this change had already been discussed for quite some time & was that way in the initial proposed budget. 

And remember. This went out late Tuesday night after the budget meeting had ended when it seemed as if a consensus had been reached & everyone seemed to be on the same page. 

However, some are thinking that the real problem were to cuts to the Sheriff & that's what ultimately caused the pushback.

To me, that seems fairly obvious. 

*many who've read the email are certain that Madam Chair did NOT write it


The Budget Situation 

The initial proposed budget, as it usually is every year, was basically a joke. We see this every time. 

Regardless, those numbers are always whittled down & additional cuts made, and they're almost always heavy on the biggest line items.

Plus, as I understand it, there were unspent funds that the Sheriff still had on hand. 

If we're trying to get serious about taxpayer relief, we've got to have responsible  & disciplined spending. 

To that point...

Good Work If You Can Get It: WTC still Ridin' the NCSO Gravy Train


And not to bury the lede here, but, yeah, okay maybe a little (I will be doing a dedicated piece on this later), as TPC has written about a few times & as recently as last year, Sheriff Ezell Brown is sending a lot of money to former caustic county attorney William Thomas "Tommy" Craig, Esq (WTC) every single year. 

Ezell has paid Tommy Craig over
$2.5 million
 over the last 9 years on record going back to when Craig was first fired as the County Attorney. 

Here the last several years, that annual amount has been growing to now over $350K per year. 

After FY 2025 is officially official, it'll be right at $3 million.

It has been documented by several that this amount of spending for legal services by a Sheriff of the county the size of Newton, is absolutely OUT OF CONTROL!

Talking about irresponsible spending, let's look at money spent on overtime by the Sheriff. 

An amount that used to always be a few hundred thousand dollars per year has completely exploded the last several years due to the fact that - as I understand it - the NCSO hasn't been properly staffed in years. Not because they don't have the funds (they do). Not because they're not paying competitive wages (they are). As I've been told on very good authority, it's because folks don't want to work at the NCSO. That, presumably, they don't want to work for Ezell. That there is "a culture problem." 

Let's look at the numbers for overtime the last few years: 

FY2024: $2.7 million 
FY2023: $2.1 million
FY 2022: $1.5 million 

Just crazy... 

And a quick add-on: 

Former Tax Commish Marcus Jordan's LLC is now receiving $5,500 per month from Ezell for, *checks notes*, data analysis. 

And who did Marcus Jordan utilize as legal counsel when he was Tax Commissioner?

If you said WTC, you're a winner! 


The Rub


While we know that spending is irresponsible throughout the entirety of Newton County's government, we know it is especially so for the Sheriff's Office & Jail Operations w/ a combined proposed budget of over $35 million. 

That's the behemoth. That's where the money has got to be saved. 

We know there's going to be tax increase. That's obvious. What The People are wanting is to get that increase decreased as much as possible. 

But now, it's time for the sobering reality. 

As many have surmised, there does certainly seem to be an alliance between our Interim Char, the Sheriff & WTC. 

Unless the revised budget has 4 of the 5 members of the BOC on board, then that means Linda holds the veto power on any 3-2 vote. 

Best, 

- MBM