Franklin Co. Town Halls on Millage Start Today

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR Radio, Lavonia

Two town hall meetings will take place today for citizens to attend to ask questions about Franklin County’s plan to increase the property tax millage rate.

At the June Board of Commission meeting, Franklin County Manager Beth Thomas told the board the millage must be raised in order to replenish the County’s dwindling cash reserves.

Thomas is calling for a Fiscal Year 2016 General Fund budget of $13,253,100 – up from this fiscal year’s budget of $11,832,230, because of a number of major projects next fiscal year, including new jail pod construction, the hospital bond debt, and an increase in employee health insurance costs.

Thomas said she sees no other way than to raise the millage in Franklin County to 11.13 mills.

Today, citizens will be able to meet with Thomas to ask questions or voice their concerns and opinions.

The first meeting takes place this morning at 10 a.m. at the Rocky Ford Recreation Center in Carnesville.

A second meeting takes place this evening at 7 p.m. also at Rocky Ford.

Another set of town hall meetings takes place next week on June 23, again at 10 a.m. and at 7 p.m.