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Franklin County residents urge alternatives to proposed 2026–27 budget and levies
Summary
At public hearings, dozens of Franklin County residents urged the Board of Supervisors to cut proposed hires and capital spending — not raise taxes — and pressed for transparency around consultant work and volunteer fire funding.
The Franklin County Board of Supervisors opened public hearings April 14 on the proposed 2026–27 county budget and proposed tax levies, drawing a steady stream of residents who urged spending cuts, grant pursuit and clearer county communications rather than tax increases.
Residents highlighted specific budget items they said should be reconsidered. Dawn Kingrear, speaking for a group, said eliminating 18 proposed full-time positions would save about $1.7 million and recommended prioritizing 12 EMT and EMS positions to preserve rural response times. "Without them, response times in rural areas like Fairham and Glade Hill, they suffer," Kingrear said. She also urged deferring certain vehicle purchases…
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