Franklin City Council removes fines for timing of trash-container placement

Franklin City Council voted to amend the municipal code to remove fines and criminal penalties tied to the timing of when residents place and remove their household refuse containers.

City Manager Ms. Hokusby told the council the amendment responds to an earlier change the council made in May 2024 and was intended to remove punitive consequences for routine placement and removal timing. "I don't think it was council's intent to have that apply to placement of garbage cans at times for them to place it out and remove it," Hokusby said, adding the proposed language would specify that violations "shall not include any fines or criminal prosecution."

The amendment, presented as an ordinance to amend the city's code concerning placement of containers and collection sites, passed on a motion and voice vote with the mayor announcing the motion carried unanimously. The change means enforcement will rely on voluntary compliance and warnings rather than fines or misdemeanor charges for residents who put containers out early or do not remove them promptly.

The city manager also noted practical limits on enforcement: public employees can remove signs or items in the public right of way, but private-property placements require permission from the property owner. Council did not attach a new enforcement mechanism or civil penalty in the discussion recorded in the meeting transcript.

The city will publish the amended ordinance in the city code once clerical and codification steps are complete.