Franklinton Mayor Darwin Sharp and the Board of Aldermen met on Tuesday, July 22.
Immediately following the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, Alderwoman Patrice Crain read a statement on behalf of herself and Aldermen Butler and Reed. Ms. Crain spoke concerning the Rules of Protocol read to the public at the July 8 meeting and the subsequent removal of a citizen deemed out of order.
Referring to the Town of Franklinton Charter, she stated that the rules had not been discussed or adopted prior to the meeting and that no one in attendance should be threatened by the Mayor or the Board. She said the public should be allowed to share and/or ask questions and there should be no abuse or disrespect by the public, the Mayor, or the Board.
Ms Crain stated that the public should be comfortable asking questions. She agrees that people should be removed if a threat or disruption takes place, but never for simply asking a question. She added that appointments by the Mayor must be voted on and a Sergeant at Arms must be approved by the Board. She also asked for a review of the rules.
Mayor Darwin Sharp responded that he is trying to keep order and is asking speakers to be respectful, professional, kind, and courteous.
Alderman Seth Descant, the designated Sergeant at Arms, added that the rules in question were established in January 2025, at the first meeting of the year. He added that everyone was on board, and these were following state law.
Descant then read the law into the record and explained that attendees may speak on agenda items from the meeting and not have free-range with comments. Descant also noted that 3 minutes during a public meeting is likely not enough time for a citizen to effectively speak on an issue. Instead, he suggests folks contact the Mayor or an alderman and discuss problems and work towards a resolution. Descant gave his phone number and reiterated, "I want to communicate with you."
Ms Crain was not in agreement with the past meeting but she does agree that there should be no attacking of the Mayor or the Board. But, she said, people must be able to bring concerns to the meeting.
Alderman Randy Reed interjected that "if we are going to do things right, let's do everything right."
Alderman TJ Butler added, "You are the mayor. You will have questions every day. People's eyes are wide open. I won't call you, Descant. I will call the mayor. We gonna do what's best for Franklinton. I never seen nothing like two weeks ago."
Alderman Descant asked who he was referring to and Mr. Butler responded, "None of your business."
Refusing to allow the meeting to deteriorate further, Mayor Sharp stated, "I am after a meeting that is not disruptive. Let's have a constructive, nice meeting and respect each other.”
The agenda resumed with the Board voting to approve the minutes from the July 8 meeting. This was followed by the Board voting to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract with Safe Haven for the installation of a Franklinton baby box.
Next, Ty Dillon, Secretary of the Krewe of Odysseus Mardi Gras Organization addressed the Board and Mayor. Franklinton's newest Mardi Gras organization will feature a night parade two Fridays prior to Fat Tuesday. The inaugural parade will roll on Friday, February 6, 2026, at approximately 5:30 pm.
Dillon and Treasurer Major McElveen were on hand to invite participants to join the organization. There is a $250 membership fee that will be used to cover the costs of insurance and security. The organization is also hosting a golf tournament in September to raise funds.
Other officers include Chris Bautista, President; Brandy Crain, Vice-President; Austin Main, Captain; and Dillon and McElveen. The Krewe is hoping to have a big event and is looking forward to Franklinton's first nighttime carnival parade.
The next item on the agenda called for Mrs. Jennifer Jackson to address the Mayor and the Board on behalf of the Franklinton Football and Cheer Association, asking the Council to vote to amend the budget and approve purchases of up to $5,100 on their behalf.
Two former participants in the Football Association spoke. Franklinton High School Demon quarterback Jacob Crain spoke first. He began playing football in the association at age 8. He lauded the great coaches and explained how much he learned about the sport which prepared him for his current role and potentially playing at the next level following high school.
Jacob was followed by Shyanne Burris who gave a rousing speech about her experience with the cheerleading group and how she got to be "loud, confident and learned life lessons." She said she was able to use her voice for something positive and cited the role models she was able to observe who helped "train future leaders."
Mayor Darwin Sharp added that "supporting children is what it's all about."
Alderwoman Crain felt the item should be in two parts. First, she supported the $5,100 in purchases to benefit the association by the town, but she felt that the amended budget should be a separate point. Ms. Crain wants to see the budget. Mayor Sharp explained that the budget is in good shape.
During the public's opportunity to comment on this item, a citizen asked specifically about where in the budget the money would come from and felt this should be delayed until the budget is looked at more closely. Mayor Sharp repeated that there is sufficient money in the budget.
Alderman Butler asked why the association waited until late July to ask for money since the softball and baseball associations have already done so. Mrs. Jackson responded, "We are starting (our season); this is the time we come, and it has never been a problem." The Mayor added that a delay will hurt the organization so the item to purchase up to $5,100 for equipment and other expenditures was approved. Alderwoman Crain repeated that she would like to look at the budget. Mayor Sharp responded, "We are amending the budget and will meet and then vote."
The Police and Fire Department's monthly reports were provided to the Mayor and Board in their packets. No one had questions concerning either report.
In closing comments, Alderman Reed felt it had been a decent meeting, and he hopes to get things resolved. He believes the public is most important as they voted the Board in and it must work for them.
Alderman Butler stated, "This is our town. We have to work together."
Ms. Crain noted that Alderman Dillon's father had heart surgery and Dillon's grandson Ty reported he was in ICU and doing fine.
Ms. Crain also reported that after a recent meeting, a lady who reported she needed help with downed trees and their removal. Alderman Reed and others helped her, and this evolved from her speaking at the meeting.
Alderman Descant expressed his frustration that "following the state law is controversial." He also urged everyone to be cautious of the heat.
Mayor Sharp reminded everyone that a back-to-school giveaway will be held on Friday, August 1 from 5:00-6:00 pm at the Town Hall. The school-aged child must be present, and donations are being accepted for this event and will be appreciated. He also mentioned that a licensed contractor is needed for repairs on the airport hanger and at the sewer plant.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 12.
