Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Franklin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in taxes budget
City-Wide Priority Setting and Strategic Plan
The board reviewed progress on the Franklin Forward strategic plan and picked which issues the city should focus on next. The priorities chosen here will steer department work plans and shape what gets funded in the FY 2028 budget.
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 City Budget and Tax Levy
The first budget amendment of the fiscal year moves money to cover employee raises, carried-over equipment like police cruisers and a leaf vacuum, and about $1.25 million for water pipe repairs and engineering. Fund balances drop in sanitation, city facilities, stormwater, and water funds.
Mooney Alley Surplus Declaration (Resolution 2026-82)
The board put off deciding whether to declare Mooney Alley surplus property until January 12, 2027.
Billing and Licensing Department Restructuring
The city is reclassifying an accounting officer position to an accounting supervisor to improve operational efficiency and streamline reporting lines in the Billing and Licensing Department. This change is budget-neutral and shifts financial technicians to report directly to the new supervisor.
Non-Pension Investment Portfolio Performance
City officials reviewed the performance of over $200 million in public funds invested through Government Portfolio Advisors. Thanks to favorable market interest rates, the portfolio is generating nearly $10 million in annual earnings for city revenues.
Closed Defined Benefit Pension Plan Funding and Demographics
The committee advanced a resolution to update administrative provisions for the city's closed employee pension plan, granting the mayor more flexibility in committee oversight.
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget and Revenue Projections
The committee reviewed proposed budget enhancements, agency appropriations, and ranking priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. Staff will present the final recommended budget in May.
FY 2027 Outside Agency Appropriations
The committee reviewed base funding requests and program enhancements for various non-profits and government agencies, including the Williamson County Public Library, ShareBuilt, and Doorstep Project.
State Comptroller Audit Review and Road Impact Fee Budgeting
The city uses impact fees on new homes to build parks in the same neighborhood quadrant, but developers have concerns about paying these fees as early as the final plat stage. Staff and commissioners reviewed how these fees support the Capital Investment Plan and why collection timing remains strict.
FY 2027 Public Works and Departmental Budget Requests
City staff are working with purchasing to ensure remaining U.S. line markers are acquired using current fiscal year funds.
Hotel-Motel Tax Increase
The board enacted a final 1% increase to the city's hotel-motel tax, raising it from 4% to 5% starting April 1.
FY 2027 Support Services and Governance Budget Requests
City departments presented their funding requests for the upcoming fiscal year, featuring targeted investments in software, staffing enhancements, and equipment replacements while keeping base cost increases near inflation.
Annual Beer Privilege Tax Compliance
City staff announced that all local businesses successfully paid their annual $100 beer privilege tax by the January 31 deadline, achieving 100% compliance.