Editor, The Era-Leader:
The October 14th town meeting saw the proposed 2025-2026 budget fail to be passed.
Alderwoman Crain spoke at length about the need to trim the budget in the purchase of replacement vehicles and reducing the proposed salary raises.
Alderwoman Crain brought up the subject of not being able to accurately record how much fuel the town is using due to a faulty pump. She stated this has bean going on for years.
Fire Chief LaSalle informed the council of the cost, $41,000 , of 4 SCBA harnesses that need replacement. That would be 4 out of 28, which all will need replacement eventually. These harnesses are vital in keeping firefighters alive on the job when they enter burning structures to save lives.
Public Works Superintendent McMasters spoke of how hard his crews work, as short-handed as they are, to maintain water, gas and sewer utilities for the town. Personnel need to be hired.
The 2025-2026 proposed budget is only $60 more than last year's budget.
Alderman Butler just about went through the roof on the Police Department budget. Is he going to propose doing away with the Police Department as he once did?
What I find kind of ironic, in regard to money needed for town infrastructure, is that these same Aldermen, Butler and Crain, didn't raise any kind of fuss when former mayor Route spent $67,000 on two obsolete electric vehicle chargers. That money could have replaced that faulty fuel pump that Alderwoman Crain complained about.
What I find even more ironic is that Franklinton has money needs, but still holds onto funds for a recreation park. Why? There are two great parks within minutes in Bogalusa and the Bogue Chitto State Park. Folks, a park is a luxury, not a necessity.
Costs go up every year for many items, as we all are painfully aware. If these aldermen think that a municipality has any protection from rising costs, they are very naive and uninformed.
A $60 increase difference from last year's budget to this year's budget; Aldermen Crain, Butler and Reed, you should count your blessings.
Ben M Sarro
Franklinton
