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CARIE EDWARDS

CORRESPONDENT TO THE DAILY NEWS

The Franklinton Mayor and Board of Aldermen met Tuesday, June 24, to discuss a wide range of town matters, including healthcare expansion, emergency response, town finances, community concerns, and local business permits.

The board unanimously approved an appraisal on roughly three acres of town-owned land near Riverside Medical Center and Fair City Health and Rehab. This step precedes a possible sale to Fair City Health and Rehab that would allow the facility to increase capacity from 105 to 121 residents, build a chapel, and hire additional clinical and support staff. Mayor Darwin Sharp emphasized the expansion’s importance to keep more elderly residents close to home with their families instead of having to go to Covington for care. Fair City Health and Rehab will reimburse the town for appraisal and survey costs. The land sale depends on appraisal results and further approvals.

The board discussed a pending agreement with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to authorize the town to provide mowing and litter pickup along state highways within town limits. A vote on the agreement is expected soon.

Alcohol permits were approved for several local businesses, pending background checks and verification that no violations for selling to minors have occurred in the past year. Businesses approved include Winn-Dixie, Market Max, Valero, Y and M, Alford Shell Two, Mains Market, Twelve Thirty-One Daiquiri’s, and Don Juan Mexican Restaurant.

From May 26 to June 24, the Franklinton Fire Department responded to fifty-two medical calls, seven vehicle accidents (including one fatality), three structure fires, five fire alarms, seven weather-related incidents, and one successful water rescue in Mt. Hermon.

Ongoing problems with stray animals specifically puppies being abandoned around town was discussed. Several puppies have been dumped in various locations and are now needing homes.

Town officials remind the public that if you feed stray animals, the law considers it yours. A specific issue was noted behind Winn-Dixie and the WST warehouse, where someone has been feeding stray animals. This is reportedly interfering with WST’s equipment and creating operational issues. It is important to note that while compassion is appreciated, unregulated feeding can lead to serious consequences.

During public participation, one resident voiced opposition to the planned Safe Haven “baby box” installation, raising concerns with the board. The contract for the baby box remains under review with an update expected soon.

Several citizens raised concerns regarding clean up efforts following recent storms. Mayor Sharp acknowledged that the town is behind on debris pickup but assured residents that town crews are working on it. He emphasized that the town will remove debris placed on the roadside but cannot enter private property. Additionally, questions were raised about support for residents unable to afford private tree removal. While no formal assistance was outlined, residents were told that the matter would be checked into. In the meantime, the board stated that they hoped the community could come together to help those in need. The board also reminded citizens that they may bring their debris to the town rubbish dump but asked that they back all the way into the rear of the site to avoid blocking access and allow better use of the space.

The president of the Watermelon Festival addressed the board with concerns about an $11,000 payment from the Louisiana Tourism Bureau that was believed to be intended for the festival. The town had received the check but was not notified that it was designated for the festival. The board determined the best course of action would be to return the funds to the tourism bureau so they could be reissued to the appropriate organization.

Town officials brought attention to a growing number of delinquent water and gas accounts. Residents who are behind on payments were encouraged to contact the town office for assistance if needed. However, officials warned that the town will be tightening enforcement on overdue accounts moving forward.

Franklinton officials continue to focus on responsible growth, improved services, and open communication with residents. As the nursing home expansion appraisal progresses and decisions on the baby box and DOTD maintenance near, the board remains committed to addressing both immediate and long-term community goals.