The Alderman of the Town of Franklinton and Mayor Darwin Sharp met on June 24. Rev. Jerome Warren opened the meeting with prayer. The minutes from the June 9 regular meeting and the June 11 special meeting were approved.
First, the board voted to consider the sale of three acres of town-owned property to Fair City Health and Rehab pending the survey and appraisal. Mayor Sharp added that Fair City will pay for the survey and appraisal. Alderman Lee Dillon further explained that the former Heritage Manor Nursing Home wants to expand with construction of a chapel as well as expand patient rooms and add to the number of employees. Alderman TJ Butler asked how much property the town owns in the vicinity of the Center and Mayor Sharp responded that it is approximately 20 acres. The Board will be kept up to date on the process.
The Board then voted to authorize the Mayor to sign a Maintenance Agreement with Louisiana DOTD for mowing and litter pickup. Mayor Sharp explained that this is for state highways inside the city limits.
The final item of business was the approval of alcohol permits for Winn Dixie Store #1501, Market Max of Franklinton, M+R, Valero, Y and M, Alford Shell Two LLC, Fair City Truck Stop, Mains Market Franklinton LLC, Twelve Thirty-One Daiquiris, and Don Juan Mexican Restaurant LLC.
Alderman Butler asked to be sure that none of the applicants have been cited for selling alcohol to minors. Town Clerk Ellen Waskom responded that background checks are on-going, and none will be issued until these are returned. Alderwoman Patrice Crain added that this is a concern as it was a problem with a business last year.
In Departmental Reports, Fire Chief Brandon LaSalle gave statistics for the period of May 26-June 24. These included 52 medical calls, six car accidents with a fatality, seven weather-related calls and one water rescue. LaSalle also reported that the Baby Box contract has not been finalized as the attorney involved has been deployed with the National Guard. However, another attorney will take over and hopefully the contract will be ready soon.
In other matters, LaSalle reported that puppies have been abandoned around town in the past week. He is working to get some of the animals taken. He also reminded citizens that if they feed an animal, they assume ownership. This is a problem behind Winn Dixie and the WSTE warehouse. Animals are in the area and posing hazards with equipment. Finally, he added that all fire-related vehicles are cranking and driving ok.
In the absence of Superintendent Reginald McMasters, a public works report was provided in the Aldermen's binders. Town Clerk Waskom gave the financial report for May 2025. The General Fund had receipts of $365,000 and expenses of $718,000 resulting in a loss of $369,000. Alderman Butler questioned the loss in the Economic Development Fund. She explained that approximately $16,000 was spent during May on baseball, softball, and fireworks. She added that this should even out, and the fund return to a positive balance. The baseball organization is bringing in items to be purchased and the Town is actually placing orders so that no money is "exchanging hands."
In Public Participation, three residents asked about any assistance with removal of trees and limbs that occurred during the storm on Sunday, June 22. The Mayor explained that the Town cannot go onto private property. He also stressed that if residents privately hire anyone to clean up limbs or cut trees, that person must remove them from the property. He asked for patience by residents in picking up debris as the Town currently only has one dump truck in service. Sharp explained that new equipment is needed. He also added that the debris pile is located behind the softball fields on Boat Ramp Road for residents.
In other public participation, Rev Jerome Warren, President of the Watermelon Festival, expressed concern about funds that were donated by Washington Parish Tourism to the Town to pay for fireworks on Saturday night of the Festival. He has spoken with Rep. Wyble and Sen. Mizell on the matter. Rev. Warren said he wishes to clarify that the fireworks show is a Town of Franklinton event held in conjunction with the festival. If the money was intended for the Watermelon Festival, they want it. Town Attorney James Knight stated that if was given to the Town mistakenly, it will be returned to the Tourism Office. Rev Warren just wants the Town to "do what is right." After some discussion, a motion was made by Alderwoman Crain and seconded by Alderman Dillon that since the Town has the money in the budget for fireworks, the $11,000 should be returned to the Tourism office so it can give the money to the appropriate organization. The Board approved the motion. (See Tourism Commission statement below.)
In closing remarks, the Mayor stated he will make some calls about assisting folks with storm cleanup. However, the Natioan Weather Service has not determined whether a tornado occurred.
Alderman Randy Reed encouraged everyone to stay hydrated in the Louisiana heat and stay in prayer for each other. He also volunteered to help with storm clean- up. Alderwoman Crain agreed that we are vulnerable to storms and resources need to be available to residents, especially senior citizens. She added that everyone needs to pull together and pray about the matter, with Alderman Butler adding that "we have to pull together and work together." The Mayor also announced that Town offices will be closed on July 4, and the Watermelon Festival will begin on Friday, June 11.
Finally, the Mayor stated that the Town cannot "give away water." There are many delinquent water bills and people owe a great deal. He encourages anyone with a high water bill to come to City Hall during office hours to make payment arrangements.
Editor’s note: With the intention of clarifying any confusion about the Watermelon Festival fireworks funding allocation, Patty Alford, the Executive Director of the Washington Parish Tourism Commission, released the following statement:
"The Tourism Commission has received a one-time excess funding allocation to be spent by June 30, 2025. These funds are designated for promoting and advertising Washington Parish, including its destinations, events, and businesses. The Tourism Commission has the discretion to determine how these funds will be utilized.
One decision made by a committee was to sponsor a fireworks show in support of promoting the Watermelon Festival. It is important to note that these funds are exclusively for the fireworks show and are not intended for the Watermelon Festival to use at its discretion.
The Town of Franklinton completed the required Washington Parish Tourism Grant/Sponsorship form and submitted all necessary documentation to acquire these funds. In contrast, the Watermelon Festival has neither requested nor submitted a Grant/Sponsorship form. No funds are released from the Washington Parish Tourism Office without the proper forms completed, reviewed, and approved by the Commission.
The allocated funds were presented to the Town of Franklinton to cover the costs of the fireworks, as the invoice for the fireworks was addressed to them and submitted along with the grant application. At no point has the Watermelon Festival raised this concern with the Tourism Commission.
The goal of the Washington Parish Tourism Commission is always to be focused on promoting key events and destinations that showcase our wonderful parish, including the Watermelon Festival."
