The Regular Meeting of the Franklinton Mayor and Board of Aldermen was held on Tuesday, February 10 Following the approval of minutes of the January 13 Regular Meeting, the Board addressed nine items of new business.
First, the Board heard the Audit Report for year ended October 31, 2024, from Kushner Lagraize CPAs & Consultants. This was the final audit of former Mayor Greg Route's term. Michelle Treschwig of Kushner Lagraize CPAs and Consultants explained that the audit focused on the financial health of the town as well as administrative policies and procedures.
As of October 31, 2024, the General Fund balance had a healthy $3.1 million with $5.6 million in revenue and$ 5.1 million in expenditures.
Moving on to administrative policies and procedures, Treschwig noted ten exceptions. According to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor website where the audit is published in full, these exceptions included: In Non-Payroll Disbursements (excluding card purchases/payments, travel reimbursements, and petty cash purchases) a lack of segregation of duties for the responsibilities listed above were noted with one employee who was processing electronic disbursements not authorized to sign checks; disbursements were not approved by only those persons authorized to disburse funds and/or by the required number of authorized signers per the Town's policy. Credit Cards/Debit Cards/Fuel Cards/P-Cards statements examined lacked evidence of review and approval by appropriate personnel. Supporting documentation lacked evidence of review and approval by someone other than the authorized card holder.
After examining 17 credit card transactions (10 from one statement and 7 from a second statement), 2 of 17 transactions were not supported by an original itemized receipt and 12 of 17 transactions were not supported by documentation of the business/public purpose.
One contract was not bid in accordance with Public Bid Law.
Payroll documentation for 5 employees was examined, and it was noted that 3 out of 5 employees' attendance and leave records were not properly reviewed and approved. All employer and employee portions of third-party payroll-related amounts have been properly paid and forms filed; however, it was noted that several of these payments were not made in a timely manner. Five employees were examined and 3 out of 5 did not complete the required sexual harassment training. Per discussion with management, the Town did not complete the annual sexual harassment report for the FY2023 before February 1, 2024.
Treschwig ended by adding that the new management and Mayor Darwin Sharp have implemented policies that address all the exceptions noted.
The Board approved alcohol permits for Rouse's Enterprises and LK Franklinton Shell, LLC. This was followed by an authorization for the Mayor to sign an intergovernmental agreement between Washington Parish Government and the Town of Franklinton for maintenance of streets, bridges, drainage, and other projects. The Board was to vote to approve the policies and procedures for Samsara. However, Alderwoman Patrice Crain noted several items that she felt needed further attention. Alderman Butler asked if procedures would be in place for a "wrong place, wrong time" accident by a town employee and wondered if a policeman was involved in an accident would he/she be drug tested? Mayor Sharp explained that if it is an employee of the town, all procedures would be strictly followed. After further discussion, the Board agreed to table the item until the next meeting to ensure the noted changes were made.
Cody Sumrall from the Franklinton Girl's Softball Association addressed the Mayor and the Board concerning their support for the upcoming season. Sumrall outlined that the existing batting cages are wood-framed and are rotted. It is the goal to replace these with metal and eventually cover the cages. The association also wants to erect a canopy over a set of bleachers. This was done with funds from the town last year. The total cost of these two projects is $25,000. Approximately 275-300 girls play softball on the fields. The Board tabled the item until they could look over the bids for the construction. Aubrey Posey Sr. from the Franklinton Youth Baseball Association then addressed the Mayor and the Board with a list of needs and plea for support for the upcoming season. With 400 boys/girls playing baseball, Diamond Baseball allows them the opportunity to host tournaments that bring folks into town to spend money on food, gas, etc. Posey reiterated that the items being asked for were primarily for player and/or fan safely. The itemized list came to $17,514. The Board tabled the item until the next meeting to study the proposed purchases.
The Board opened and attempted to evaluate two proposals for a disaster relief consultant, both who were present at the meeting. However, the bulk of material made it difficult to discern the most cost-effective proposal in the limited time of the meeting. The Board was to award a contract for a disaster relief consultant but tabled this item for further study. Ms. Crain noted, "It is hard to select-verry comparable companies offering [the] same services.
The final agenda item was Ms. De Ann Davis with Washington Economic Development who gave a progress report on activities the agency is conducting to bring industry to Franklinton. Alderwoman Crain noted, "DeAnn is an asset to our town."
Pepe Tate gave a brief update on the Krewe of Pepe parade set to roll on Sunday, February 15. Rev. Tate was emphatic that any floats with music containing profanity would immediately be removed from the parade. He also reminded everyone that 2027 will mark 50 years of the Krewe of Pepe parade and he is already making plans for a huge celebration.
Alderman Randy Reed implored everyone to keep their eyes on the elderly of the town and offer them assistance when possible. Alderwoman Crain reminded everyone that February is Black History Month. Mayor Sharp congratulated the new Krewe of Odysseus, Franklinton's second Mardi Gras organization on their inaugural year.
