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Franklin City Council appoints Lisa Justice to housing authority, hears residents on utility costs and schools
Summary
At its April 27 meeting, the Franklin City Council held closed sessions on appointments, adopted proclamations for The Links and Small Business Week, appointed Lisa Justice to the Franklin Housing Redevelopment Authority, and heard residents urge help with high electric bills, tax increases and support for local schools.
The Franklin City Council met April 27, 2026, held closed sessions on appointments and a legal matter, approved proclamations for The Links Incorporated and National Small Business Week, and appointed Lisa Justice to the Franklin Housing Redevelopment Authority.
During the public-comment period, Naomi Davis of 321 Woodland Drive urged the council to address sharply rising electric bills and to explore programs and partnerships to ease the burden on families, seniors and residents on fixed incomes. "Electricity is a basic and plus it's a necessity for the community," Davis said, and she urged the city to examine its tax structure to improve long-term affordability.
Regina Hill encouraged the city to prepare residents for upcoming Medicaid changes in 2027 and 2028, recommending a task force to educate beneficiaries about shorter renewal windows and possible co-pay requirements. Hill also urged more community attention to public-safety concerns, including recent unsolved homicides.
Eureka Rawlings praised Franklin City Public Schools and local programs such as the CTE Academy and Camp Scholars, saying the community should "keep the main thing the main thing" and work across divides. "I see a team that looks beyond a job and see this as a calling," Rawlings said, urging support for programs that help students.
The council presented a proclamation recognizing the Suffolk chapter of The Links Incorporated for a March health fair in Franklin that connected residents with screenings and local services. Carl Heck of the city's economic-development team told the council about a related National Small Business Week event at the Franklin Business Center and said the Links event reached dozens of residents; Links representatives reported that of 24 children screened in Franklin, about 20 percent needed urgent dental care and that the Colgate Dental Van will return.
City Manager (speaker 4) reminded council members of a May 18 retreat at Smithville Station to set council priorities.
After reconvening from closed session and completing the required statutorily mandated certifications, the council moved to appoint Lisa Justice to the Franklin Housing Redevelopment Authority (Ward 6). The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. Council members then considered several additional appointment motions; one motion drew an abstention and another failed after recorded aye/nay votes.
The meeting concluded after final motions and a vote to adjourn.
Next steps: the council set its next regular meeting for May 11 and will continue follow-up on appointments and the topics raised during citizen comment.
