The Regular Meeting of the Franklinton Aldermen and Mayor Darwin Sharp was held on Tuesday, October 28. The Board approved the minutes of October 14 Regular Meeting, and in new business a public hearing was to be held on the proposed budget for 2025-2026 with changes made from the October 14 meeting.
The budget wasn’t approved at the October 14 meeting after Alderwoman Patrice Crain raised concerns about items included in the budget. The Board had to have a budget approved by November 1 or the Town would operate at only 50 percent of the budget. However, prior to the October 28 public hearing, Alderman Seth Descant pointed out that the new/revised proposed budget was only mailed to the Board on Friday, October 24 and thus was not state compliant. A ten-day advertising period must be completed before a budget can be approved. Town attorney James Knight confirmed that this was correct.
Therefore, the Board could only vote on the original budget presented on October 14. Alderwoman Patrice Crain interjected, "We voted against it." Following discussion, it was concluded that the only budget that could be voted for or against was the original proposed budget. A public hearing was opened for discussion of the original proposed budget, and no one came forward so the hearing was closed.
It was then determined that the Board would have to approve or disapprove the proposed budget. It should be noted that the November 1 deadline was looming, and the lack of a 2026 budget would result in employees being laid off or not receiving their wages.
Alderman TJ Butler appeared indignant and said, "Someone should have been given information."
This led to a rather heated exchange between Butler and Descant, who stated, "You have been on the Board since 1997 so you would know the law."
Alderwoman Crain made a motion to approve the original budget so that it could be discussed.
At the October 14 meeting Crain, Butler, and Alderman Randy Reed had concerns about the budget and did not vote to approve it. Alderman Descant reiterated, "We cannot discuss proposed changes. We can only discuss the original proposed budget." Attorney Knight clarified the Louisiana law on this matter. Ms. Crain further questioned what could be discussed. Descant added, "I didn't make the law. You can't take Darwin [Mayor] aside in a back room and agree on changes. My goal is for employees to be able to clock in next Monday and get paid and not have to worry about Thanksgiving and Christmas."
The Board then agreed to discuss the original budget and items with "problems." The budget calls for the purchase of two new police cruisers at a cost of $130,000. Ms. Crain pointed out that the police department budget will increase from $2.5 million to $3 million. She suggested selling surplus vehicles to help pay for new ones so as not to strain the budget.
Mayor Sharp replied that there is no strain. Units are essentially rotating in and out of the mechanic's shop and maintenance costs are huge. "We need units to protect and serve the community."
Crain pointed out that Franklinton is only 4 miles in radius and questioned if cars are being taken care of. Alderman Descant explained that there are 2010's, a 2009, and a 2005 police vehicle. He added, "We cannot keep old. We are spending a fortune on maintenance."
Alderman Butler interjected, "It's about the money. We don't have the money. Mayor doesn't know how to say no. We see people dogging these units." He then asked to be shown how the 2026 budget is only $60 more than 2025's. He added, "A year and half ago I said, 'The parish police department will take over the PD.' Three million dollars! We need police but we also need common sense. They want new cars. We have 3 new cars. You can't wait?"
Alderman Descant responded, "We spent $110,000 on maintenance."
Butler responded, "We will be able to afford it. I am very protective of our money. There comes a stopping point."
When Descant asked if Butler wanted to stop funding the police, the two began to bicker. The Mayor emphatically stated, "I was elected to fix this town and that's what I'm doing. We have funds available. We have substandard vehicles, and my job is to protect this town. This budget can be adopted and will work."
Heads cooled and the Board went on to discuss the landfill rebate and the amount to put in Economic Development and a two percent raise to all employees instead of a three percent to supervisors. Alderman Descant was against this and supports differentiation but agreed to give only two percent to all. There was also discussion of the Fire Department needed a boat as they are "swift water rescue" certified. It was suggested the department could use the police or sheriff's departments boats if needed. Descant added, "I think first responders should be fully funded and be able to save lives."
Mayor Sharp explained that a new fuel pump is being purchased, and he and Superintendent Reginald McMasters have spoken about his department's budget. It was also noted that once approved, the new budget can be amended as needed throughout the year. After several from the audience spoke, the Board voted to approve the budget with some changes noted during the night's discussion. This included a 2 percent raise to all employees, $83,000 to Economic Development, and no boat purchase. Alderman Descant said he was relieved that no town employees would have to worry about feeding their families or the holiday season.
The last item of business was setting one meeting on November 10th and one on December 9th to allow for the holidays.
Mayor Sharp then detailed several projects that are on tap for next year such as fire hydrants in Lynwood Subdivision, renovations at the airport hanger and work on the runway, evaluating gas pipes with many slated for replacement and overall moving Franklinton forward. He said he was pleased that, "We worked together (on the budget) and got the job done! That's what it is all about."
The next meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be held on Monday, November 10 at 6:00 pm.
