A standing room only crowd gathered for the meeting of the Franklinton Aldermen and Mayor Darwin Sharp on Tuesday, March 11. WDSU News (Channel 6) was also in attendance to cover the meeting's proceedings.
Of particular concern for many attendees was the shooting that took place on Sunday, March 2, approximately four hours after the conclusion of the Krewe of Pepe Mardi Gras parade.
Following the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, the Board approved the minutes of the February 25 regular meeting. Mayor Darwin Sharp prefaced the new business with an announcement that no parade would be cancelled despite misinformation that has been circulating. He stated, "The Krewe of Pepe parade will take place in 2026." He then invited those in attendance to remain for the meeting.
In new business the Board voted to allow the Mayor to form a committee to establish rules and regulations for special events and parades. The regulations that the town currently has are somewhat outdated and need to be addressed. The committee will consist of Franklinton Chief of Police Justin Brown, who will serve as chairman, the parade chairman for the Washington Parish Fair Parade, the president of the Krewe of Pepe organization, the manager of the Lighted Christmas Parade, two aldermen, and two citizens appointed by the mayor. Once the new policy is ready, it will be brought before the Board for a public hearing and approval.
Next, the Mayor and Board approved the transfer of Darlene Bennett to accounts payable and payroll clerk and the hiring of Belinda Crain as a utility clerk.
These were followed by three items concerning hiring personnel for the police department. In a 3-2 vote, the Board did not approve the hiring of a reserve officer, a parttime officer, and a fulltime patrolman. In each case Aldermen Randy Reed, T.J. Butler Jr., and Patrice Crain voted no, with Aldermen Lee Dillon and Seth Descant voting yes.
Alderwoman Crain asked if the jobs had been advertised. Alderman Reed stated, "We haven't seen any of the ads."
The final agenda item was the introduction of an ordinance allowing the Town to conduct an on-line sale of properties that have unpaid property taxes. Town Attorney James Knight explained that online sales have been in place for the past two years and an ordinance is in order.
In public participation, Billy Sumrall said he placed deposits on bids for two adjudicated properties in the summer of 2024. He was not the highest bidder and wanted to know when he will get his $1,000 deposits back. Attorney Knight explained that one of the properties Mr. Sumrall bid on was not actually an adjudicated property or on the list the town provided. Alderman Butler asked Knight to start at step one and explain what had transpired step-by-step. Knight did so and reiterated to Mr. Sumrall that it is not the town’s job to investigate bidders. The final word was that Mr. Sumrall can be reimbursed for his $1,000 deposit on one property but not for the property that was never on the Town's adjudicated list.
Dr. Kendric Stewart then spoke as a member and representative of the Krewe of Pepe. He began by thanking the Board for not cancelling the 2026 parade. He then asked if there was a violation of current policy by the parade and Mayor Sharp replied, "Not to my knowledge." He asked for a copy of the policy and if there is a policy for all parades. He said he wants to make sure that the Krewe of Pepe is following policy and wants transparency for the betterment of Franklinton. He wanted to verify in an open forum that there were no violations and would like to work with the new committee.
Henry Harrison spoke next as a supporter for the Krewe of Pepe. He gave a short history of the 48-year-old organization and stated that it is a "tremendous, well-organized event." He added that the krewe members are "law-abiding citizens" and will follow all rules and regulations. He asked that "we" work together in harmony for a better Franklinton. He then listed the events the town hosts each year and noted that nearly everyone in attendance has enjoyed and been supportive of events that present the community in a harmonious light. He then had the audience chant "Franklinton Strong."
The Mayor added, "That sums it up."
Rev. Pepe Tate stated that he created the parade at age 16 or 17 and since Mayor Haley Carter was in office, he has been dealing with mayors. He thanked the Board for helping feed the Franklinton High School and Varnado High School bands "real food" after the parade. He added that this year was one of the best parades the Krewe of Pepe has ever had.
He noted that there is no charge to be in the parade and will not be as long as he lives. He is working on the 50-year edition of the parade in 2027 and will need money to bring Southern University, Grambling State University, and Jackson State University bands to participate in the parade.
As a side note, Tate asked if property sales would only be online to which Attorney Knight stated that it has been online for the past two years. Tate disagrees with this as some cannot get online or do not know how to navigate online. The Mayor will take this under advisement.
In Council Discussion, Alderman Reed stated that there are things to address, and he is willing to work with anybody. He wants to see the town grow and will be transparent.
Alderman Butler stated that his heart goes out to those who were injured in the shooting and emphasized that such acts are "not Franklinton." He encouraged everyone to pray and look out for neighbors. He also vows to work on improvements.
Alderman Dillon agreed with Alderman Reed that he is available if needed. He also mentioned a medical helicopter that crashed in Mississippi, killing three, and asked everyone to pray for "my line of work." Dillon also announced the Team Up to Clean Up on April 5 from 8:00 to 12:00 at the parking lot between Main and Cleveland. Jambalaya will also be served to participants when done.
Alderwoman Crain mentioned the James Ballard family who lost a great member of the community. She also rode in the Pepe parade and was impressed by the thank-you's received for throws and how appreciative the crowds seemed to be. She wants to encourage the Krewe of Pepe and praised that it is a family-oriented event that has loved ones coming back to attend.
Alderman Descant explained that he is disappointed with three failures to hire personnel for the police department. The positions were advertised several months ago and when there are several potential hires, the board does not want to act. He feels Mr. Butler and Ms. Crain should understand the concerns of being short-handed as they worked with the police department last year. He noted that by not hiring, the town is paying more in overtime and officers are exhausted.
Descant said, "A vote against hiring is a vote against the PD." He ended by encouraging the board to adjust for the times and take public safety seriously.
Alderwoman Crain responded that the police chief had not yet explained the need for a part time investigator that was on a recent agenda. She added that she has been told the positions do not have to be advertised because of police but she was also told this is against "our" regulations.
The next Town of Franklinton meeting will be on Tuesday, March 25.
