Mayor Fleeta Baggett: Straight Talk on Fireworks, Stormwater Fees, and the Future of Covington – Episode 46
The Incomparable Mayor is Back
In Episode 46 of The Town Square Podcast, Mayor Fleeta Baggett returns for her second appearance and doesn’t hold back. From fireworks and stormwater fees to gun violence and government bureaucracy, the Mayor gives us the real story on what’s going on in Covington—and makes some breaking news while she’s at it: she’s running for re-election.
If you want a dose of humor, humility, and hard truth from a leader who pulls no punches, this is the episode to hear.
🎇 A New Spin on Covington’s July Celebration
After last year’s chaotic Fourth of July celebration, Covington is making a strategic pivot. Mayor Baggett breaks down how the city, after consulting with public safety officials from the GSP to Homeland Security, is moving the fireworks to the night of July 3rd.
“It’s not going to be an all-day thing anymore,” she said. “We’re going to shut down the Square at 8 p.m., shoot fireworks around 9:45, and then folks head home. It’s about safety—and bringing it back to the locals.”
This year’s event is meant to be more manageable, more secure, and more local-focused.
💧 That Stormwater Fee Explained
One hot topic on social media recently has been the sudden appearance of a stormwater utility fee on residents’ bills. Mayor Baggett gets right into it.
“It’s not a tax—it’s a utility fee,” she explains. “The stormwater infrastructure under our roads is aging and has been neglected for decades. If we don’t fix it now, we’re going to end up like Atlanta—with sinkholes and water spouts downtown.”
The stormwater fee, based on the impervious surface area of your property, helps the city avoid massive emergency repair costs later. And no, the revenue from the fee doesn’t even come close to covering the full cost of the infrastructure work. But it’s a necessary start.
🚒 New Fire Station & Emergency Infrastructure
Mayor Baggett confirms rumors about a new fire station being constructed on Highway 36, right across from Magnolia Heights.
“It’ll have fire, police, and EMS bays—a fully multifunctional facility,” she shares. “We’re also putting in a new 911 center in the same area. These are critical needs for a growing Covington.”
The episode includes an eye-opening conversation about the conditions of the current 911 center—cramped, outdated, and barely suitable for the kind of emergency coordination Newton County needs today.
🏗️ Strategic Planning & Local Voices
Covington is launching Phase 2 of its downtown master plan, and Mayor Baggett wants local input. A kickoff event is happening at Legion Field on June 24th, followed by presence at summer events like Christmas in July and concerts on the Square.
“This is for locals—not tourists,” she says. “We know what the tourists want. Now we need to hear from our citizens.”
Residents can expect survey booths, feedback cards, and interactive opportunities to shape the future of downtown Covington.
🔥 Breaking News: Mayor Baggett Is Running Again
After two intense years of learning the ropes and forming relationships across the state, Mayor Baggett announced her intention to seek a second term.
“I just hate to see us fall behind the learning curve,” she said. “Now that I’ve got the connections and the knowledge, I want to use it to keep Covington moving forward.”
🧠 Institutional Knowledge, Real Talk, and Teamwork
This episode also highlights the deep bench of Covington’s leadership—from department heads to city council members with strong professional backgrounds.
Mayor Baggett emphasizes how important it is to understand how different parts of the city work—and how to get the right people in the room to get the job done.
“You can’t just go hire a new person and hand them a book of institutional knowledge. That comes with time.”
🔫 Teen Gun Violence: “You Can’t Fix Stupid”
The conversation takes a serious turn when the topic shifts to youth gun violence. Mayor Baggett’s response?
“You can’t fix stupid. We don’t have a gun problem—we have a society problem.”
The Mayor goes on to point out that generational shifts, lack of home training, and social media have all played a role in creating a culture where consequences seem non-existent.
She also hints at a future Town Square Podcast episode where District Attorney Randy McGinley and a local defense attorney will tackle the issue head-on.
📞 The Power of Face-to-Face Conversations
One of the most powerful moments of the episode? A story about a facility key and six months of back-and-forth emails. Mayor Baggett skipped the red tape, drove across town, asked for the key, and returned with it in hand.
“How much of the problems in the world could be solved with just one conversation?”
This theme echoes the podcast’s entire mission—creating unity through conversation, not division through silence.
🎙️ Key Quote Moments
“When you see it, it’s too late. The apartments you’re seeing now were approved six years ago.”
“If you want change, come to the meetings. Not just the comments section.”
“Water is king. You can generate electricity—but you can’t make water.”
🧠 Bonus: Parenting & Phones
Baggett leaves us with some unconventional wisdom: “It’s not the phone. It’s the cord. Take the charger, and you’ve got all the power.”
🔗 Important Links
Episode 46 with Mayor Fleeta Baggett: Listen Now
Donate to the podcast: thetownsquarepodcast.com/donate
Email Mayor Baggett: fbaggett@cityofcovington.org
City Hall Phone: 404-385-2000
Downtown Covington Master Plan Info: Coming soon to City of Covington Website
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