The Franklinton Board of Aldermen and Mayor Darwin Sharp met on Monday, June 23. The minutes from the June 9 meeting were approved and the Board addressed a very brief agenda.
The first item was a Public Meeting on the 2026 millage rates for properties located within the city limits of the Town of Franklinton. No one among those in attendance spoke on the item. The millage rates are the same as the previous year. The Board then voted to adopt the resolution to levy the 2026 millage rates.
The final agenda item was a public meeting on the ordinance to update the zoning ordinance including the new zoning map. Again, no one among those in attendance spoke on this matter. This will likely be the last time a public meeting will be held on this matter, and the Mayor expects the Planning and Zoning Commission to present an ordinance at the next meeting.
In comments, Alderman T. J. Butler reminded the Board that the budget should be ready to be discussed by August so that the Board will not be "caught unaware" like last year and embarrassed before the town. Alderman Butler also noted that the soil near the boat launch that is being developed in an initiative by Senator Beth Mizell should be tested, especially the area where the playground will be located. The area in question was once the town's dump, and he does not want the town to put all its money into the project and then find out that children are sick from contaminated soil.
Alderman Lee Dillon wished everyone a Happy Fourth of July.
Alderman Seth Descant reminded residents that the limb dump is available for residents of Franklinton. The town will attempt to assist with this if at all feasible. He also noted the heat and reminded everyone to stay hydrated and check on elderly neighbors and family.
Mayor Sharp reported that surveyors are at the Industrial Park as the Fast Sites project progresses. He also shared that the Chess Jones canal is being cleaned out which will help with flood abatement in town. He also wants to check on spraying the canal each year to prevent such an extensive cleanout having to be done again.
The Watermelon Festival is July 10-11 and will culminate with a fireworks show at 9:45 on July 11.
Mayor Sharp ended by reminding everyone to consider what the 250th anniversary of America really means.
The next meeting of the Board of Aldermen and Mayor will take place on Tuesday, July 14 at 6:00 pm.
