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Franklin council approves small grants, honors youth athlete and hears economic updates
Summary
Council accepted a $10,000 grant for local volunteer fire departments and a $51,385 state grant with a $36,565 appropriation for schools, adopted a resolution honoring Nolan Hatch and received updates on business center activity and local projects.
Franklin City Council voted on several routine items during its Aug. 11 meeting, accepted community grants and heard city economic development reports.
Grants and motions: Council accepted a $10,000 grant from Franklin Southampton Charities to benefit the Franklin Fire Department and the Hunter Volunteer Fire Department (item 2025‑62). Council also accepted a $51,385 grant from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services; $36,565 of that award was appropriated into Franklin City Public Schools’ FY26 operating budget (item 2025‑63). Both items were moved, seconded and carried in roll‑call votes recorded during the meeting.
Community recognition: Council adopted a resolution honoring 12‑year‑old Nolan Hatch for his selection to the U.S. U12 national baseball team and applauded his family and coaches. The resolution was approved by motion and vote.
Economic and community updates: City staff reported that the Franklin Business Center had 123 full‑time and 41 part‑time employees at the end of 2024 and generated roughly $180,000 in revenue for the city; staff also described the Lighthouse startup project and plans for an incubator commercial kitchen in partnership with the food bank. Ryan Homes reported continued homebuilding activity, and staff said they are pursuing tourism grant opportunities (including potential kayak launch projects) and planning small‑business events in the fall.
Procedural notes: Council discussed a previously raised procedural concern about a severance payment that had been approved during a special meeting; legal counsel advised that council action following a closed session is council action but that any legal requirements would be addressed as needed.
Votes at a glance: 2025‑62 (Franklin Southampton Charities grant, $10,000) — approved; 2025‑63 (Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services grant, $51,385; $36,565 appropriated to schools) — approved; 2025‑65 (Hunger Action Month proclamation) — approved; Nolan Hatch resolution — approved.
What’s next: Council set application deadlines for a Ward 6 school board vacancy (applications accepted through the Aug. 25 meeting) and said staff will continue to post application materials and reconcile online forms.
