Franklin County supervisors adopt FY2026 budget amendment, authorize transfers and approve permits

The Franklin County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday adopted a fiscal-year 2026 budget amendment, approved operating transfers to county departments, and approved several permits and agreements during a regular session at the Franklin County Courthouse.

At 8:30 a.m. the board — Chris Vanness, chairman; Supervisor Lukensmeyer; and Supervisor McVicker — approved the meeting agenda and minutes from May 19. The board then voted unanimously to approve a series of utility and right-of-way permits, including an Aureon Network Services permit to install fiber at the Mallard Avenue and Hardin Road intersection; an Alliant Energy application (work by Monson & Sons Inc.) to temporarily widen the southwest radius at 210th Street and Dogwood Avenue and work at Tower T484; and a Franklin REC permit for new underground electric service at 2440 Nettle Avenue.

Following a brief public hearing with no public comment, the board adopted Resolution #2026-45, an amendment to the FY2025/2026 Franklin County budget. The resolution lists expenditure increases in several categories — Public Safety & Legal Services ($67,100); Roads & Transportation ($1,137,000); Government Services to Residents ($7,280); and Administration ($42,345) — and revenue increases (Intergovernmental $5,000; Miscellaneous $69,464). The resolution as printed in the meeting materials states a total of $154,312.75; the board did not provide an on-the-record explanation for the arithmetic discrepancy between the line-item figures and that stated total.

The board also adopted Resolution 2026-44 authorizing general operating transfers from the General Basic Fund: $58,259 to Conservation and $17,000 to Veterans Affairs. Both resolutions passed by roll call, with Lukensmeyer, McVicker and Vanness voting aye and none opposed.

Other business included approval of a project proposal from MACC to repair the courthouse top statues and a Non-Profit Agreement with Access, Inc. for FY2027 funding; both motions carried unanimously. The board approved claims as submitted but held one Veterans Affairs claim tied to John Rusinack for additional documentation before payment.

Supervisors voted to change the county mileage-reimbursement rate effective May 26, 2026. The motion, made by Supervisor McVicker and seconded by Chairman Vanness, passed on a 2–1 vote with McVicker and Vanness voting aye and Lukensmeyer opposed. (The meeting transcript recorded the rate as “72.5 cents per gallon.” This appears to be a transcription error; the board set the reimbursement rate at 72.5 cents per mile.)

The board approved a fireworks permit for Garland Koch and adjourned at 10:59 a.m., setting the next regular session for June 3, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. The meeting minutes were attested by Chairman Chris Vanness and Katy A. Flint, Auditor and Clerk to the Board.