The Franklinton Board of Aldermen and Mayor Darwin Sharp met for the final time of 2025 on December 9. The Board voted in October to hold only one meeting in each of November and December because of the holidays. The minutes from the November 10 meeting were approved and the Board moved through the agenda items at a brisk pace.
First, the Board voted to adopt a resolution for the repair projects at the airport. The work will be done on one hanger and TC Construction came in with the lowest bid at $20,000. Repairs at the airport have been a priority as the hanger is a valuable piece of property as airport traffic grows.
The board then voted to advertise proposals for a solid waste contract. The current contract for garbage pickup in the town will end on February 15, 2026. This was followed by a vote to advertise for requests for proposals for a disaster recovery assistance contract. Mayor Sharp explained that this is for FEMA work following a weather event. The Board next voted to advertise for bids for a six-yard capacity dump truck and then approved allowing the Mayor to sign a Right of Way easement between Landen and Hannah Williams and the Town of Franklinton. This is necessary to run a water line to a fire hydrant in Lynwood Subdivision. Folks may remember that a fire destroyed a Lynwood home last year and the lack of hydrants became apparent. This should help remedy the situation.
In other business, the Board voted to introduce an ordinance regulating the use of the Town of Franklinton limb and yard debris dump.
Mayor Sharp expressed his displeasure at commercial entities who are cutting down trees for residents and including the charge for hauling away the logs. Some of them are then leaving the debris at a free "limb" dump designed for residents to drop off sticks and smaller limbs after cleaning their yards or after a minor weather event. If this continues the dump will be full in a short time, the Mayor said. He hopes this will stop the unlawful usage of the dump.
In a related matter, the Board voted to introduce an ordinance governing scrap metal collectors, scrapped motor vehicle dealers, or scrap metal recyclers within the Town of Franklinton. A new scrap yard is opening at the site of the former Thigpen Concretesouth of downtown, and the state has regulations already in place. According to attorney James Knight, the town will adopt the state statutes so there is coverage in the instance of questions. Alderwoman Patrice Crain added that "we are trying to draw people to our town." Having a policy in place will benefit both owners and the town as the standards of operations will be set.
The Board was then to vote to change the employment status of William Brandon Manning from part-time to full-time with the Police Department. Manning worked for several years for the PD and then pursued private endeavors. He recently returned as a reserve officer and would like to return to full-time duty.
The PD currently has two vacancies for a full-time officer. Alderman T.J. Butler Jr. protested the police department's budget at the October 28 meeting, especially the purchase of two new units. He then stated at the November 10 meeting that he would not vote for hiring any police department personnel unless the police chief was present to answer questions. Mr. Butler said he had some questions about Brandon Manning and since Chief Justin Brown was present, he approached the podium for Butler's questions.
Chief Brown reminded the Board that he emailed all the aldermen about Manning's former service record and his experience. Mr. Butler stated, "I want it on record. I've been complaining that you haven't been here. You should be here!" The Chief responded, "I appreciate your opinion. I am answerable to the Mayor." (It should be noted that department heads attend town meetings at the decision of the Mayor.)
Alderman Butler continued to chastise Chief Brown about the number of officers at the police department and questioned the budget which Brown countered that he sent the budget to everyone in a timely manner with explanations of each budgeted item. Butler replied, "This is something we need to look at. This is our tax money. We have to pay for these things. You all elected me!"
The Mayor then interjected that the PD is down two officers and this (hiring Manning) will help.
"There is a procedure," Butler replied. Chief Brown assured him that procedure was followed.
Alderman Seth Descant asked if moving Manning to fulltime would help with overtime pay, etc. which ultimately helps with the budget. The Chief responded that hiring an additional (budgeted-for) officer will help with overtime expense and that burnout from longer shifts is also a concern. Alderman Butler continued to question the police department budget. Chief Brown answered that prices increase and salaries and equipment must stay competitive to provide comprehensive protection for the citizens of the town. He added that the PD staff "turns off lights, mows the grass, and cleans their building." He assured the Board that the PD goes over and beyond to be fiscally responsible and invited Mr. Butler to come by the department headquarters to have a look himself.
Mr. Butler responded, "I'm talking about money. Everything is going up. What's going to happen? Mr. Mayor? We’re spending like it's going out of style. People won't approve a new tax."
The Board then voted to approve the hiring of Manning. It is notable that Alderman Butler never asked Chief Brown a question about Officer Manning.
Next, the Board approved holding a special meeting on January 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM to review applications and accept a proposal for the solid waste contract and award a bid for the purchase of a dump truck.
Deann Davis from the Economic Development Foundation presented the Board with a proposal to work with the state through a matching grant program to help reduce barriers to development in the industrial park. The fact that the National Guard and Grand Isle Shipyard are already in place should help with receiving the money. Davis stated, "Businesses want infrastructure in place already. This will help us attract buyers for the remaining lots." The application deadline is December 15 so the Town must move on the matter. She asked for a $250 application fee and appraisals of the property along with permission to move forward. The Board approved the process. Attorney Knight cautioned that he has not seen a contract or any further information on this so the Board should move forward carefully. Alderman Randy Reed jokingly offered to loan the Town the application fee is this will increase activity at the industrial park.
The final agenda item was Senator Beth Mizell addressing the Mayor and Board about an exciting project she has been working on with Lt. Governor Billy Nungessor and his staff. The project calls for utilizing the beautiful Bogue Chitto River more in the Franklinton area as the Bogue Chitto State Park is expanding and hosts over 150,000 visitors a year. The proposal features a kayak rental facility and upgrades to the existing Franklinton boat ramp property on Pearl Street. There is also a longer-range plan being developed for pavilions and rentable facilities. Senator Mizell added that the possibilities are endless and can make Franklinton a more attractive destination to those visiting the park with money to spend. The Board indicated that they are very interested in the project.
Sen. Mizell added, "A society becomes great when old men plant trees whose shade they will never sit under." She asked the Board for allowance to take the next step.
Reginald McMaster, Franklinton Superintendent of Public Works, said he is not opposed to the project but questions the maintenance. He believes such a project will overwhelm maintenance crews, especially after a flood. McMasters does not want the Town to end up in a financial bind and feels this needs to be studied for potential financial returns to equal the cost of upkeep. After more discussion, the Mayor gave Senator Mizell his and the Board's blessing to move forward.
The Mayor then asked McMasters to further explain the failing infrastructure of the town. McMasters described the aging of gas, sewer, and water pipes as well as pumps and treatment plants that send the wastewater back into the river. Upgrading such items will cost money, he noted. Some piping is estimated to be near 100 years old. The gas pipe that is currently out of service at the intersection of Hancock and Main streets is army surplus pipe purchased in the 1950's and to fix the leak is costing more because of being unable to replace the original pipe with a comparable product. McMasters seemed obviously troubled about this situation and reiterated that he wants progress but there are many variables.
Fire Chief Brandon LaSalle ended the meeting on a positive note by announcing that the Baby Box has been paid for by the Franciscans with Our Lady of Angels Hospital thanks to efforts by Senator Mizell. However, donations are still needed for the construction area to house it. He also mentioned that training will be conducted for when an actual baby is surrendered.
Alderman Lee Dillon asked everyone to "remember the reason for the season" and Alderwoman Patrice Crain wished everyone a "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year." Mayor Sharp announced that on December 22 gifts will be handed out to children by Santa Claus at the Town Hall with light refreshments. Sharp is also pleased that Rouses, Spectrum/Charter, and Stevens Scrap Metal are new business to Franklinton and he welcomed each.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
