Franklin City Council approves 2024 carryforwards, asks for more details on proposed UTV purchase

Franklin City Council on an audio-recorded meeting approved recommendations to carry forward multiple 2024 purchase orders and to reallocate one-time funds, while asking staff for more information about a proposed shared UTV purchase for public safety and public works.

Danielle, director of finance for Franklin City, told the council the memo attached to meeting materials lists remaining budget encumbrances for public works, parks, sewer, engineering and streets and recommends three actions: carry forward outstanding purchase orders with no impact on the 2025 budget; consider moving a one-time operational surplus to a capital purchase; and carry forward several budgeted 2024 projects that did not have purchase orders attached.

The discussion focused on three highlighted items. First, public works requested use of unused 2024 operational funds — primarily vehicle fuel and maintenance — to buy a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) to be shared with the police department. Danielle said department staff estimated the UTV under consideration would cost roughly $60,000 to $65,000 and that public works had over $85,000 available. She noted the city does not typically move operating dollars to capital but brought the proposal forward as a one-time request.

Second, the council heard project carry-forwards including a $70,000 capital carryforward for the fire department’s fitness equipment, with Danielle saying a grant would cover 90 percent (about $63,000) so the city’s net exposure would be roughly $7,000 if the grant is awarded. Danielle also asked to carry forward roughly $3,500 for finance office furnishings and displays; about $300,000 originally budgeted for police squads (the department bought four squads in 2024 and moved to a fleet lease arrangement through Enterprise, so remaining squad funds are proposed to cover 2025 lease costs); and approximately $20,000 for IT computer equipment that the IT director asked to repurpose for staff training (Danielle cited an estimate of about $16,000 for Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 training sessions).

Council members asked several clarifying questions about the UTV: whether it would be “souped up,” what police and parks uses were anticipated, whether rental might be cheaper for occasional events, and what happened to an earlier UTV the city had used. Danielle said she would request a formal quote from public works detailing specifications, price, and anticipated uses, and agreed that the council could withhold final approval until that information is provided.

A motion to approve the three recommendations, amended to require additional information on the UTV purchase and its intended usage, passed on a voice vote. The meeting record shows those present indicated support and the presiding official announced the motion carried.

The finance director also listed smaller carry-forward requests and reallocations for recognition/employee events and for IT training; she said any unused training funds would remain available and not be mandatory for all employees.

Votes at a glance

• Approval of minutes dated Feb. 25, 2025 — motion passed (voice vote). • Approval of three carryforward recommendations with amendment (require UTV quote/usage details) — motion passed (voice vote). • Adjournment — motion passed (voice vote).

Danielle said staff will return with the requested UTV specifications and cost quotes before the council finalizes the specific capital purchase.