The Mayor and Board of Aldermen for Franklinton met on Tuesday, October 14. With only two items on the agenda, it looked to be a short meeting once the minutes from the September 23 meeting were approved.
First was a public hearing on the amended budget for 2024-2025. With no one commenting or asking questions, the public hearing was closed and the Board voted to adopt the amended budget.
Next was a public hearing on the proposed budget for 2025-2026. Dr. Vincent Johnson asked the Board to consider adding to the proposed budget $2,500 to $3,000 to help support the "Night Out Against Crime." The public hearing was then closed, and a motion was made to adopt the proposed budget for 2025-2026. Following the motion and before a vote was taken, the Board had the opportunity for comments.
Alderwoman Patrice Crain stated that she has several concerns about the proposed budget and she emailed these to all the aldermen and to Town Clerk Ellen Waskom. Crain also spoke with Alderman Reed and Alderman Butler separately regarding the budget.
She said she had not heard anything about possible job cuts nor that supervisors would receive a 3 percent raise and others a 2 percent raise. She stated that if other employees are cut, administration should be cut as well and that all departments should receive a 2 percent raise. She added that the budget called for the purchase of vehicles that she feels "we cannot afford. We don't need them added to the budget. We may be able to afford the vehicles but not the insurance."
Crain added, "We need to be transparent."
There was further discussion about landfill rebate money being put in the general fund when this has usually gone into economic development. Crain does not think it is fair to take all the money from this source and put it in the general fund. Other issues she has with the proposed budget include that a park needs a plan if it’s in the budget; police department needs a boat and there are no waterways in town limits; and there is a consistent problem with fuel use.
The discussion progressed to the number of employees in each department with 37 in police, 19 in public works, 7 in fire department, and 5 in administration. Public Works usually has 26 employees, and Crain has been waiting for interviews with potential employees. She further stated that Public Works funds the city and questioned why it cannot get the personnel needed.
Ms. Crain had several suggestions to address to her concerns. First, rework the budget and hire 4 additional people in the public works department. Second, there will be no new vehicles until next year as funds for them and a boat could instead go to salaries. Third, try to keep staff but hire to help departments run efficiently.
She also suggested contacting the company supplying the new water meters and determine the cost of installing the meters instead of the understaffed public works department carrying that responsibility. Public Works Superintendent Reginald McMasters responded that the cost will be approximately $50 per meter, and he needs an accurate accounting of the number that have already been installed by his department, which he estimates to be between 200 and 300. The problem is that the workers are called away when inevitably things happen during the course of the day.
Alderman Butler expressed his concerns about service and asked why he has not seen any spraying for mosquitoes in recent weeks. McMasters responded that spraying is ongoing but some of those employees have been on vacation.
Mayor Sharp pulled attention back to the budget where the general fund is anticipated to have revenue of $4,712,140.00. This includes increases in pay for administration, police department, public works, gas, and safety/fire gear for the fire department. Expenses and revenue are expected to remain constant, and sales taxes are expected to increase. Sharp added that the proposed budget is only $60 more than last year. He stated, "We need this to operate, and I am excited about this budget."
Alderwoman Crain responded, "I don't think the numbers are accurate. Wait on vehicles but hire personnel."
The Mayor countered with, "When we don't buy the police department new vehicles, expect maintenance costs to increase." Crain stated that three new police vehicles were purchased this year and questioned how the budget is only $60 more but the police department budget is half million more than last year's $2.5 million. Alderman Butler interjected, "$3 million for the Town of Franklinton! What's going to happen next year and the next year, and the next? Are we going to go up on water, sewer and gas?"
The Mayor responded that fire and safety are more expensive, and Fire Chief Brandon LaSalle gave an example of equipment that will become obsolete and the exorbitant cost to replace it. Mayor Sharp also added that several police vehicles need to be retired and replaced to keep the department efficient and effective.
After more discussion and input from Superintendent McMasters on departments' needs, the Mayor stated, "This is what we need to vote on, and we can always amend if needed. We have to move forward."
Aldermen Reed, Butler and Crain voted no to the proposed budget with Alderman Dillon voting yes. Alderman Descant was absent. The Mayor explained that a budget must be in place by November 1. He will be available October 20-24 to discuss the proposed budget, and a vote will take place at the next meeting on October 28.
In final comments, Sylvia Burkhalter thanked everyone who participated in the bike ride for cancer and thanked the Sheriff's Office as well.
Imploring citizens to "see something, say something," the Mayor then encouraged everyone to have a wonderful time at the Washington Parish Free Fair.
