In the heart of Franklin, Kentucky, city officials gathered on November 25, 2024, to discuss critical updates regarding the city's utility rates and infrastructure funding. The meeting, held in the city hall, was marked by a sense of urgency and responsibility as officials reviewed the financial health of the city's water and sewer systems.

A key highlight of the discussion was the city's current cash position, which stands at approximately $9 million. This solid financial footing allows the city to fund essential operations while planning for future capital projects. However, as the city prepares to implement a recommended rate increase, officials emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy cash balance to ensure public safety, particularly in the areas of drinking water and wastewater treatment. "You don’t have the luxury of waiting six months for emergency repairs," one consultant noted, underscoring the necessity of immediate access to funds for urgent repairs.

The proposed rate increase, which would raise water bills by about $2 per month for the average residential customer, is seen as a necessary step to keep pace with inflation and the growing demands of the community. Currently, residents pay around $39.40 monthly for water, which will rise to approximately $41.40 after the increase. On the sewer side, rates remain competitive, with only two out of ten surveyed communities having lower rates than Franklin. The typical sewer bill will see a modest increase of $1.50.

City officials expressed pride in their financial management, noting that Franklin's utility operates on a cash basis, avoiding excessive debt. This approach has allowed the city to maintain lower rates compared to many peer communities, even after the proposed increases. "Congratulations to the city," the consultant remarked, praising the proactive stance taken by local leaders in funding their utility needs.

As the meeting progressed, discussions shifted to the high-strength industrial surcharge rates, which are applied to commercial customers generating waste that requires more intensive treatment. The city plans to gradually increase these rates over the next four years to ensure that these users contribute fairly to the costs associated with their waste.

The sentiment among city officials was clear: maintaining and upgrading infrastructure is vital for Franklin's growth. With no rate increases since 2019, the city is now catching up to inflationary pressures that have impacted operational costs. "We need to keep up with the growth," one official stated, highlighting the importance of strategic planning for the future.

As the meeting concluded, the city council left with a renewed commitment to ensuring that Franklin's utilities remain robust and responsive to the needs of its residents, setting the stage for a sustainable future.