Franklin aldermen set 2025-26 property tax levy after amendment fails

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen of Franklin on May 27 voted to send a proposed municipal property tax levy of 32¢ per $100 of assessed value to a public hearing in June after an amendment to lower the levy to 28.6¢ failed on a 3-3 vote.

The amendment, offered by Alderman Baggett, would have changed the ordinance text to set the rate at 28.6¢ and equalized the operational portion at 2.1¢ instead of 2.5¢. Baggett said the lower rate would allow the board to present a specific list of road projects to voters instead of tying the tax to large, unnamed projects. Mayor (presiding) and several aldermen debated whether to tie the levy to specific capital projects or use the larger rate to fund a broader transportation program.

Alderman Barnhill, Alderman Blanton and Alderman Peterson voted against the amendment; Alderman Caesar, Alderman Burger and Alderman Baggett voted for it, producing the 3-3 tie that defeated the motion. After the amendment failed, the board voted 5-1 to proceed with the original motion to set the proposed rate at 32¢ and establish a public hearing in June. Alderman Baggett cast the lone no vote on the final motion.

The debate focused on whether the city should identify a discrete list of projects to justify a lower rate or adopt a higher rate to increase available funding for transportation work across the city. Speakers referenced projects in the capital improvements plan such as Mac Hatcher, a Northwest loop, and a $30 million South Carothers Road project. Aldermen emphasized differing priorities: some favored a higher levy to secure funding now, while others wanted a line-item project list to present to voters before asking for higher taxes.

The ordinance was identified in the meeting as ordinance 2025-14; the board set a public hearing on the tax levy for June 2025. No final tax rate was adopted at the meeting—the vote sent the proposed 32¢ levy to the required public hearing process and further local review.