Franklin County explains Transportation Grama program history and approves 2025 disbursement

The Franklin County Commission approved disbursement of Transportation Grama program funds and discussed the program—s history and current balance.

County staff said the program originated when voters approved a local tax in 2007—/2008; at the time, county officials publicly stated that 5% of revenue from that tax would be earmarked for communities, with the remaining 95% for county road improvements. "Back in 02/2007, it was 07/2008, when the, request for the citizens to pass that tax... it was presented as if we pass this, 5% will be earmarked for the communities," a county staff member said.

Staff told commissioners that the program has sometimes seen demand exceed available funding and sometimes had surplus funds. "We have a surplus. I could have awarded more this year," the staff member said, noting that in 2019 and 2020 there were more requests than funds available. The staff member said unused awarded grant money rolls back into the fund if an entity does not use its award.

Commissioners discussed scheduling further background meetings with staff to review the program—s history and administration. After discussion, the commission voted to approve commission order 2025Dash206 to disburse Transportation Grama funds.

What commissioners and staff said at the meeting provides four clarifications about the program: it was presented to voters as carrying a 5% community earmark when the tax was proposed; the disbursement is variable year-to-year depending on grant requests; unused awards roll back into the fund; and recent years show a modest surplus available for award.

No detailed list of 2025 awardees or a dollar total for the disbursement was provided during the meeting record available to reporters.