The Franklinton Board of Aldermen and Mayor Darwin Sharp met on July 28. Following the approval of minutes from the June 23 Regular Meeting, the Board moved into new business.
Theo Jones, candidate for Judge in Division G of the 22nd Judicial Districtt addressed the Mayor and Board about the upcoming election. Judge William Burris of Franklinton is now serving on the Louisiana Supreme Court. This means that Judge Ellen Creel is now the only Washington Parish resident serving as a district court judge, and Jones said he is the person to make sure the parish is well represented on the bench. An Army veteran, he is a product of Franklinton schools and has 15 years of legal experience. He resides in Franklinton.
Merrill Schiro from Acme Machine & Welding addressed the Mayor and Board about the Franklinton Industrial Park. Acme Welding is located in the park, and Mr. Schiro is very concerned about the entrance to the complex from Louisiana Highway 10.
He believes the turn radius was configured incorrectly and large trucks have difficulty making the turn into the entrance. Bricks from the entrance signage are knocked off and the entrance area is damaged. The sign needs to be updated, and the landscaping is mostly dead foliage. he said.
Mr. Schiro is excited about the possibilities of the industrial area and urged the Board to look at moving forward. He wants a good impression to be made when outsiders come in to possibly locate businesses in the complex.
Mayor Sharp has looked at this, and it is not on the front burner at present. He feels a turn-lane will be needed. However, this is on the town's "radar" and will be addressed, he said. Alderwoman Patrice Crain agreed that we don't want our industrial park to look shabby. It needs to be beautiful, and lots of intentional planning is needed, she said.
The Board next voted to hire Nicholas Hunt for the Public Works Department. Alderman TJ Butler questioned if this was an "add on" or a replacement. The Mayor responded that this is a replacement.
Ms. Crain added that the Public Works Department is currently five workers short. Mr. Butler asked if there were any applications. The Mayor explained that applications are received all the time, but applicants must meet requirements.
Mr. Butler further questioned why the town is hiring only one when five are needed and asked, "Are we going to fill this need?" The Mayor explained that this is ongoing. It was also mentioned that a job fair or the assistance of “Geaux Jobs” might help. Mayor Sharp added that open positions are posted on the town website.
The Board was then to vote to adopt the amended budget for 2025-2026. However, Alderwoman Crain only received the final amended budget copy earlier in the day and had not had an opportunity to study it and review for possible discrepancies. She wishes to look at all the line items. She suggested this be tabled until the next meeting and added that in August the new budget would need to be addressed. Mayor Sharp urged the Aldermen to get with the various department heads and determine needs and then work with Town Clerk Ellen Wascom on the projected budget.
Timmie Lemoine from the Louisiana Rural Water Association then addressed the Mayor and Board about the recent water rate study. This study is free of charge and determines if the rate being charged is sufficient to maintain a water system.
Lemoine admitted that it is not popular to go up on rates. He shared graphics and comprehensive information that showed how rates are determined and what is needed to maintain a water system such as the town's.
Mr. Butler then brought up the Washington Parish Fair and campers who come in and hook into the town's water system. The conversation veered to that topic until attorney James Knight stated, "Focus on water rates --- not the fair."
Public Works Superintendent Reginald McMasters asked to speak and was the voice of reason on the matter. He is a board member on the Louisiana Rural Water Association and is well-versed in the matter.
McMasters said, "We are behind the 8 ball. We'll take care of the Fair when that comes. At some point we have to do something about the water rates!"
He further explained that to get state or federal assistance, the Town must have specific rates set. He added, "We are arguing about raising rates $5 when in two to three years it will be $15. We need to take small steps now."
He suggested setting a decent rate that residents can afford “so we can get state and/or federal assistance. “
He added, “Ultimately, the Board will have to figure this out and bring it back for a vote. This is when the public can have input. “
McMasters further stated, "Our brown water is safe. Users pay to get it to their homes. However, chemical prices have gone up; repair equipment has gone up. We must take small increments to keep it affordable and not hit residents at one time."
He noted that there has been no increase in Franklinton water rates since 2017.
Mayor Sharp agreed that the Board will have to make the ultimate decision on water rates. Mr. Lemoine reiterated that this was an information-only session and no decisions had to be made right away.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, August 11 at 6:00 pm.
