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Franklin council rejects manager’s authority to buy property at sheriff sales; approves rezoning and tax certifications
Summary
Council voted 4-3 on Sept. 17 to reject a resolution that would have empowered the city manager to acquire property within the charter $25,000 spending limit without prior council approval. The council unanimously approved a 62-acre rezoning and adopted tax rate certifications for 2019; members also endorsed the Franklin City Schools renewal levy.
The Franklin City Council narrowly rejected a resolution on Sept. 17 that would have given the city manager authority to acquire title or interests in real property, within the charter spending limit, without a prior council meeting. Law Director Lynnette Dinkler told council the measure was intended to allow quick bids at sheriff’s sales and similar opportunities to address blight or redevelopment; she emphasized that the charter’s spending cap would still apply.
The proposal prompted repeated objections from council members who urged retaining council oversight. Council member Brent Centers voiced concern that the authority would bypass the council’s role in land decisions. Council member Denny Centers said any exchange of property should be reviewed by council before it occurs. Supporters said speed and a clear paper trail matter when short-notice opportunities arise. After debate the resolution failed on a roll call vote: Michael Aldridge, Debby Fouts and Paul Ruppert voted yes; Matt Wilcher, Denny Centers, Brent Centers and Mayor Todd Hall voted no.
Council also moved several other agenda items. By unanimous vote council adopted Ordinance 2018-17 to rezone approximately 62.0 acres at the end of Heritage Drive from O-RP (Research Park District) to I-1 (Light Industrial District); the Planning Commission had recommended approval (5-0). Council adopted Resolution 2018-53 to accept the amounts and tax rates certified by the Warren County Budget Commission for 2019. City Manager Sonny Lewis reported the property tax certification rose from $454,000 to $489,000 and Fire & EMS levy proceeds increased from $1,347,000 to $1,392,000; the state local government distribution rose by $2,000.
Separately, council unanimously endorsed Issue Two, the Franklin City Schools renewal levy on the Nov. 6 ballot. That endorsement was moved by Council member Michael Aldridge and carried 7-0.
What’s next: with the manager-acquisition resolution defeated, any time-sensitive land purchases would require council authorization under existing procedures; staff said they will return with reworded legislation if council wishes to revisit the issue.
