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Council discusses granting Jan. 2 holiday for city employees, flags $80,000–$85,000 cost estimate
Summary
During the city manager report council discussed whether to grant January 2 as a city holiday (not on the state calendar). Members said it could boost employee morale but cited an estimated cost to the city of roughly $80,000–$85,000 per day; council asked staff to forward the matter for formal consideration.
Franklin City council discussed during the city manager report whether to provide the day after New Year’s Day, Jan. 2, as an additional paid city holiday. The day is not on the published state holiday list for 2026, but staff said municipalities may grant extra holidays to their employees.
The city manager noted the practice is typically up to the governor and state but that Franklin can independently offer the day to city staff. Council members said granting the day would be a benefit for employees and could ease travel/family plans; others cautioned about the budgetary impact. Council discussion referenced an estimated cost to the city of about $80,000 per day for a paid municipal holiday, with figures later in the discussion cited near $85,000 per day when accounting for coverage for essential services.
No formal vote was taken on the holiday at the Dec. 15 meeting; the city manager said he would treat the exchange as a consensus to forward the proposal for further consideration and to circulate options to council. Council also asked staff to ensure any change to holiday schedules includes public communication about impacts to services such as garbage pickup.
The matter will return to council for formal action once staff provides a fiscal estimate and recommended implementation details.
