Boma - Regular Meeting

Hi everyone, I'm Melissa Ryerson, the Chief Communications Officer for the City of Franklin. And in today's June 9th BOMA brief, we have some exciting updates on infrastructure in the city and budget news to break down for you. So let's dive right in. First up, a major project on the horizon. The Harpeth River Bridge is nearly 100 years old and it's time for a serious upgrade. Construction kicks off later this year and here's the good news, the bridge stays open during the work, but pedestrians won't be able to cross it. The city will step up with transit shuttles running to the factory on Harlinsdale Farm, so you've got options. Expect completion in 2028. TDOT is hosting a public meeting later this month, so stay tuned for those details. Remember that right turn only rule at South Margin and 3rd Avenue? The one implemented last year? Well, city staff has been evaluating how it's working, and the numbers are impressive. We're talking 98% compliance and has improved overall traffic flow. About 5,300 people drive through that intersection every single day, and traffic is moving smoothly. Yeah, there were 112 violations, and some local businesses had concerns, so city staff is working directly with them and the Downtown Franklin Association and the Downtown Neighborhood Association to make sure everyone's heard. The bottom line, it's working for traffic, but will determine the effect on business. Something beautiful is happening in downtown. A brand new one-acre park is coming right next to City Hall and it's going to feature a beautiful fountain, symbolizing unity and resilience in our community. Here's the cool part. Parks and Recreation and Friends of Franklin Parks want you to be involved. They're creating ways for people to contribute and support the park. More engagement events and details are coming soon, so watch for those opportunities. Safety and a pedestrian connection to the new Pearl Park is top of mind for residents in the Ladd Park area. Aldermen received more than 50 emails and 100 petition signatures asking for better pedestrian access on Carruthers. City leaders heard them loud and clear. The plan? a proposed separate paved pathway costing about $800,000. That's an interim solution for the next 10 to 15 years while they work on the ultimate goal, a full sidewalk and multi-use trail when Carruthers gets widened to a four-lane median divided street. City staff will bring the board more details soon to move this project forward. And last but not least, budget news. Finance staff presented the city budget at a public hearing and second of three readings. The city's 2026-27 budget is $273.4 million. That's a 2.7% increase from last year. The new budget is balanced and maintains the city's low property tax rate. The lowest for a city our size in the state of Tennessee. The budget adds three police officers and restores two parks maintenance workers to maintain the city's growing park system. There is a $1 per month increase in residential trash and recycling collection fees and $5 per ton increase for commercial haulers at the city transfer stations. These rate adjustments keeps sanitation self-sufficient and covers equipment upgrades. This is the second of three readings, so more to come. And that's a look at your June 9th BOMA Brief. For more details, go to franklintn.gov slash BOMA Brief.