The Franklinton Board of Aldermen and Mayor Darwin Sharp met on September 9. The meeting was conducted at a brisk pace and the Board first approved the minutes from the August 25 Regular Meeting.
In New Business, the Board voted to enter into an intergovernmental agreement between Washington Parish Government and the Franklinton Fire Department for the use of federal opioid litigation settlement funds. The purpose of the $18,000 the fire department will receive is to purchase resuscitation equipment, items that are needed for use in a patient distress event or potential drug overdose. Washington Parish Government oversees opioid funds and each fire department in the parish received money to purchase the equipment.
Next, the Board voted to enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement between the Town of Franklinton and the State of Louisiana for the expenditure of the Act 3 of 2026 funds awarded for purchase of a tractor and equipment.
Alderman TJ Butler asked several questions concerning the equipment.
State Sen. Beth Mizell was on hand to explain the funding and the purpose. When Mizell first approached the Board about the development of the Bogue Chitto Landing, one concern by the Board was the lack of equipment to maintain the property. Mizell explained that this is a one-time endowment to purchase a tractor. She further explained that it will be the property of the Town, and that servicing the machine, gasoline or diesel and manpower will be supplied by the Town. The tractor can be used anywhere in town and is not limited to the river development area.
The Board then voted to enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement between the Town of Franklinton and the State of Louisiana for the expenditure of the Act 3 of 2026 funds awarded for additions to the Bouge Chitto Landing. Sen. Mizell explained that this is "seed money" from the state for the new recreational area. The town owns the property and the basics are already there. The $50,000 will allow the town to see what the state can do. She reiterated that this is a starting point.
The Board next voted to adopt a resolution supporting the consideration of Greenleaf for landscape architectural services for the Bouge Chitto Riverfront Development.
Sen. Mizell explained that in order to get the project off the ground and make it eligible for federal funding, there must be a Master Plan in place. Greenleaf or a similar agency will design this Master Plan by evaluating the property and mapping out trails, pavilions, the playground, and parking. She said that having a solid plan will go a long way toward obtaining federal grants to open this recreation area.
Alderman TJ Butler asked how much this will cost.
Mizell explained, "We will have to see what it comes back as."
She added, "The town will not be getting 'free' money without a Master Plan. There is money we have access to that we didn't even know about. The money is there. We must have a Master Plan and then we can ask for it."
Mizell went on to explain that the money the town already has for the playground will be seen as a match for funding other projects such as a kayak landing. Federal grants will ensure the town is compliant. Not a lot of municipalities are asking for money for a trail or waterway grants. She concluded that we waste an opportunity if we don't take advantage now.
Alderman Butler responded that his desire is to remain informed. He stated, "I think it's something fishy when we are not told what is going on." Senator Mizell offered to share the minutes of the Bogue Chitto Landing Committee meetings with the council. She also noted that Greenleaf was recommended by locals, but any landscape architecture firm can bid on this.
The Board voted to hire a dispatcher and three reserve officers for the Police Department.
Alderman Butler resisted the hirings and stated, "3 reserve? Seems like the PD is the only place hiring. The town is going down. We have 12 or 13 people in maintenance. What is going on? If its policemen, you got it. If maintenance, not. We need to look at this and correct it. We are a municipality. The Town of Franklinton."
Each reserve officer and the dispatcher was voted on separately and the Aldermen had the names available in their packets. Mayor Sharp did memtion that there are 19 or 20 employees in the public works department, not 12 or 13. Alderman Butler ended with, "We don't have enough help."
The night's agenda then called for the Board to introduce an ordinance to update the water rates and provide for an annual increase to the rates that are charged by the Town. Mayor Sharp explained that he and Alderwoman Patrice Crain were going to meet in the next two weeks before the September 22 meeting to fine-tune the numbers for this ordinance.
In closing comments Alderman Randy Reed reminded everyone that it is still hot outside and to be mindful of neighbors and family members and to check on them. Alderman Butler asked everyone to continue to pray and hope for our country. He also urges everyone to "pay your debts --- pay your water bill." Alderwoman Crain reminded everyone that there has been lots of tragedy in Washington Parish in recent days and urges everyone to be a community that prays together. Alderman Seth Descant gave a "shout out" to the new playground erected by the Washington Parish Fair Association at the fairgrounds. The Mayor added that he hopes everyone takes care of the playground because it belongs to everyone. He also mentioned that Code Enforcement Officer Danny Knight is ill, so he asks that everyone bear with staff as they work to fill in the gaps. He ended with a reminder that the Fair Flag Raising will be on Friday, September 25 at the Courthouse at 10:00 am.
