At Monday night’s Tarrant City Council meeting, a longtime resident used her final public comments to criticize city leaders, thank them for forcing her to educate herself on municipal government, and leave them with a pointed gesture.

Jackie Beltaine addressed the council during the public comment period, saying their dysfunction taught her more about government than any civics class — before raising her middle finger and saying “F*** you” to each city council member, the mayor, and the city clerk.

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Beltaine, who has regularly spoken at meetings, said this would be her last appearance before the council as she is moving away next week. She told the council she had spent years studying government materials so she could better understand how the city is supposed to operate and present her arguments effectively.

“I learned more from you guys than I ever did in any civics class ever,” she told them. “This is the last time I’m going to be addressing y’all. Some of you are going to be very happy to see me go and get rid of me and my loud mouth.”

She said she had read the entire municipal code of Tarrant multiple times, most of the Alabama state constitution, the Handbook for Mayors and Councils and Selected Readings for the Municipal Officer published by the Alabama League of Municipalities, along with Supreme Court opinions, court filings, ethics publications, and Robert’s Rules of Parliamentary Procedure.

She concluded her remarks by turning to each person at the table, raising her middle finger, and saying “F*** you” to each, before turning around to exit.

Mayor Wayman Newton laughed at Beltaine’s comments and did not appear offended.

According to AL.com, Beltaine is also known for founding the Tarrant Tattler. This Facebook page began as satire but evolved into a site for posting city documents, commentary, and resident concerns about city government. Residents used the page to share information about lawsuits and council disputes.

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Mayor pro tem Tracie Threadford, who is running against Newton in the Aug. 26 mayoral election, told AL.com Beltaine’s remarks were “uncalled for” and said she would not have allowed a resident to speak to the council that way.

“Has Tarrant gone this low?” she asked.

Beltaine said her comments were directed at all city leaders, including Newton.

“I flicked them all off. He drives me crazy, too. I’m not aligned with the mayor. That’s what everybody thinks, but I’m not,” she told the news outlet.

The video of Monday’s Tarrant City Council meeting, including Beltaine’s remarks, can be viewed here.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].