Franklin Fire Department personnel recognition highlighted agenda items at the Franklin Town Council meeting this past Monday evening, June 2. Leading off, Fire Chief Ben Ormond presented Fire Fighting Life Saving Awards to firefighters Darian Green and Joe Templeton (pictured above).
On May 8, during a storm, firefighters were dispatched to a house fire at which a 96-year-old male Alzheimer’s patient was rescued.
After the presentation, Ormond said, “Sadly, this is not a common occurrence. Too many times, we get there too late, but in those instances where seconds count, we got there in time and these guys didn’t hesitate to act.”
Ormond next presented three department employees with N.C. Fire Fighter Certifications. With Josh Anderson absent, Aiden Carpenter, and Maveric Waldroop each received a certificate from Ormond, who commented on the rigors required during the training.
“Southwest Community College partnered with Franklin High School to put on a Fire Academy. Last August, the academy started with 15 students. Nine months later, after over 500 hours of rigorous training and a whole lot of blood, sweat, and tears, 10 cadets graduated – 30% didn’t make the cut,” said Ormond.
Ormond also presented Driver Operator Aerial Certifications to seven department members: Dennis Carpenter, Killian Carpenter, Michael Gerra, Clay Gibson, Zach Ledford, Gabe McKay, and Mark Stanfield. The certification is a precursor to operating large ladder trucks used by the fire department. In addition to driving, the training covers maintenance, tactics positioning, fire suppression operations, and rope rescue.
Following the presentations, Mayor Jack Horton commented, “This is what makes the Franklin Fire and Rescue squad the best. We appreciate the dedication, the hard work, and the sacrifice you and your families make to protect our town.”
Franklin Police Chief Devin Holland presented an Associate of Applied Science Degree certification to Evidence Technician/Executive Assistant Diane Mahoney. Holland noted that Mahoney graduated summa cum laude with a 4.0 grade point average.
He added, “The coolest thing is that she did all this at age 71. I feel like she is an inspiration us all.”
Not present, but also achieving AAS degrees, were Sgt. Garret Hovis, Officers Logan Mack, and Jonathan Lauffer.
Tap cost increase waived by council
Attending the meeting was long-time Franklin resident Larry Fouts. He purchased a 1.5-inch water tap from the Town in October of 2000 for $1,000. For numerous reasons, he was unable to install and use the tap within his water system. He instead dug a well and has been using it for 25 years. Because the well produces iron-heavy water, and due to new neighbors granting easement through their property, Fouts again approached the Town of Franklin to obtain a tap.
Upon doing so, he learned that not only had tap sizes decreased to 1 inch, but the cost had risen to $5,278, leaving him liable for an addition $4,278 on top of what he paid in 2000. After discussing the issue and debating what was fair, Councilman David Culpepper moved to charge Fouts only an additional $500 and waive the associated availability fee. Council Member Rita Salain seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved by the Board.
Budget highlights
The Fiscal Year 2026 (FY-26) budget public hearing opened following allowance for public input from citizens. With no one signed up to speak, Town Manager Amie Owens submitted her department’s proposed FY-26 budget to the Council. Some highlights included:
- No tax increase ($0.33 per $100 valuation)
- 10% increase for water/sewer fund costs, to cover Water Treatment Plant Phase II and to purchase/install water meters
- Fire Dept. tax remains $0.700 per $100
- 4% cost of living allowance increase for Town employees (last increase was in FY-’21)
- Appeals of Planning and Zoning Decisions increased from $25 to $100
After numerous questions posed by Vice Mayor Stacy Guffey were addressed by Owens, the Council unanimously approved the new budget as submitted.
TDA Vacancies
A Tourism Development Authority (TDA) position vacancy has existed since November 2024. The council approved Franklin business owner Heather Dombroskie to join the TDA with her term ending in June 2028. An additional two positions for the TDA were advertised on June 2. Those positions must be filled by someone in a tourism-related business or who is collecting occupancy taxes. Applications must be submitted no later than July 1. TDA terms are for three years.
Closing the meeting, Horton announced that he does not intend to run for re-election to a third term this year and will finish out his term that will conclude in December.