Town of Franklin PRESS RELEASES

November 17, 2022
Franklin Seeks Volunteer Board Applicants

The Town of Franklin Town Council is accepting applications to fill the following vacancy on a community board. Applications should be submitted no later than December 28, 2022 for consideration. Applications are kept on file for one year. Unless indicated, applicants must be a resident of Franklin to qualify.

• ABC Board – one vacancy

The term for this board is three years.

Applications are available online at www.franklinnc.com/boards-authorities-franklin-nc.html or can be obtained at Town Hall, 95 East Main Street, Franklin. For more information, contact Town Manager Amie Owens at 828-524-2516 x 305 or via email at aowens@franklinnc.com .

November 16, 2022
Voluntary Water Restrictions Lifted

The Town of Franklin thanks its citizens for their understanding related to voluntarily restricting the amount of water being used over the past three weeks. When there is little measurable rainfall, and the water levels in Cartoogechaye Creek drop at the intake to the water treatment plant which prompts various restrictions.

Very little rain fell during the late summer and early fall -- with long stretches of no precipitation -- but due to recent rainfall, the situation has improved. The Town is encouraging all residents to continue responsible water use and self-regulation, and to observe good conservation practices since the region as a whole is still in a rain fall deficit for the year.

October 12, 2022
Franklin Announces Next Police Chief

Town Manager Amie Owens announced that Devin Holland will be appointed as Franklin’s next Chief of Police effective December 1, 2022. Mr. Holland is currently serving as Captain of Patrol for the Town of Franklin.

Soon-to-be Chief Holland is a veteran officer with over twenty-five years of experience in law enforcement all of which has been with the Town of Franklin. He has served as Patrol Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Patrol Captain. He holds a BS degree in Criminal Justice from Western Carolina University and his Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Southwestern Community College.

In addition to his formal education Holland graduated from the following programs or obtained certifications in:

- FBI Leadership Training from the Law Enforcement Executive Development Association with concentrations in Supervisor, Command and Executive Leadership

- Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate, NC Criminal Justice Training and Standards

- Various Course offerings in Leadership and Law Enforcement Management from NC Criminal Justice Academy, NC League of Municipalities, and the Dolan Consulting Group

The Town received nine applications for the position and several qualified candidates were interviewed. “Captain Holland has the education, experience and established relationships in Macon County and the region which will allow for a seamless change in leadership.  His familiarity with department procedures and existing staff will ensure that the police department will continue to excel into the future,” said Owens.   
Chief Harrell and Captain Holland will work together to ensure that the staff, citizens and visitors continue to receive exemplary service during this transition period.

Police Chief Bill Harrell announced his retirement in August 2022.  A reception will be held on Monday, November 7 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. to honor his service. The public is invited to attend.  

September 9, 2022
Payment Hours Changing at Town Hall - October 3

The Town of Franklin Town Hall payment hours are changing effective Monday, October 3, 2022.   Due to accounting system changes, payments at the window will be accepted from 8:30 a.m. until 4:55 p.m.  Monday through Friday.   The drop box will remain available for payments before and after hours and on weekends.  

The window will be open and staff will still be available to assist customers beginning at 8:00 a.m. but payments cannot be taken prior to 8:30 a.m.   “Due to a system upgrade, we were experiencing some delays with payment batches posting on the same day and carrying over to a second business day.  This impacted other financial reporting activities,” said Finance Director Sarah Bishop.  This change will allow for reconciliations to occur in the early morning hours and daily transactions to post on one day.   

All offices in the Town Hall will continue to operate from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.  Information will be included on the monthly water bills and posted at the Town Hall related to the new payment hours.   

For more information, contact Town Manager Amie Owens at 828-524-2516 x 305 or via email at aowens@franklinnc.com .

September 7, 2022
BOIL WATER ADVISORY CANCELLED

The Town of Franklin has canceled the precautionary boil water advisory for residents and businesses impacted by the water line break in East Franklin on September 5.  The town received results of its water samples, which show that no contaminants were found and the Franklin Water System complies with all state and federal regulations.  These tests confirmed that water in the area is safe to drink and can be used for cooking, making ice and other personal needs.

Customers who have not used their water supply during this boil water advisory are advised to flush their internal and external plumbing by running water through their system for several minutes.

The Town of Franklin is committed to providing safe drinking water, and this precautionary boil water advisory was issued out of an abundance of caution to ensure the public’s safety.  We thank the impacted residents and businesses for their patience and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.  We also commend the timely and professional work of the Town employees, and are thankful for the excellent cooperation and communication with the NCDOT, Macon County School System, Macon County Health Department and local media resources during this event.

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August 15, 2022
Franklin Seeks Tourism Development Authority Applicants

The Town of Franklin Town Council is accepting applications to fill three (3) vacancies on the Franklin Tourism Development Authority (TDA).  The TDA is responsible for overseeing how room occupancy tax dollars are spent to promote travel and tourism in Franklin. The Tourism Development Authority board consists of nine (9) members.   The TDA meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Board Room. 

Applications should be submitted no later than September 23, 2022 for consideration.  Applications are kept on file for one year. 
•             One vacancy – for an individual who collects occupancy tax within the Town limits
•             Two vacancies – for individuals who promote tourism or who are in a tourism-related business within the Town limits

The term for these positions is three years and will begin on October 10, 2022 and run through October 31, 2025. 

Applications are available online at https://www.franklinnc.com/boards-authorities-franklin-nc.html or can be obtained at Town Hall, 95 East Main Street, Franklin.    For more information, contact Town Manager Amie Owens at 828-524-2516 or via email at aowens@franklinnc.com .

August 5, 2022
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Now Operational at Town Hall

The Town of Franklin partnered with Duke Energy to install a level 3 fast-charging station in the town hall parking lot. Town Planner/IT Director Justin Setser worked closely with Duke to have the installation done without cost to taxpayers.

This is a fast-charging station and the cost is set through Shell Recharge via the Green Lot App. The fees are paid via a credit card scanning system and the Town does not receive any funding from the stations. “The need for EV charging was brought to our attention and we felt that the location would be beneficial for downtown visitation,” Setzer said.

There are two charging stations available with one indicated for handicapped accessibility. The charge time is dependent upon a vehicle’s battery status at the time of charging.

August 2, 2022
Franklin Police Chief Announces Retirement

Police Chief William “Bill” Harrell has announced his retirement effective December 1, 2022. Chief Harrell issued the following statement -

"Dear Citizens of Franklin, Mayor, Council, Madam Manager and Staff,

After much discussion, thought and prayer with my family and friends, I have made the bitter sweet decision to announce my Retirement from the Franklin Police Department effective December 1st, 2022.

My career in law enforcement and public service began with the Franklin Police Department almost 3 decades ago, and when I tell you it was my honor and privilege, I mean that whole heartedly. I have worked very hard to earn the opportunities given, some of which I never imagined for myself, but God carved a way for me to experience those possibilities.

I want to THANK all of my family, but most especially my Wife Patti and my young adult children Tyler and Taylor for your support and sacrifices that you have endured during my career. I know there have been times that work interfered with family time, but I hope that you understood why there was a need for sacrifice. I LOVE each of you so very much!

To the former and current Police Officers and staff that I have had the privilege and honor to work with over the years, I want to say THANK YOU to those who gave and continue to give tireless dedication to the Communities we serve. I am so blessed to have worked beside you over those many years. I also hope during times of reflection that you can genuinely say that with the integrity, and courage of a good leader that you would follow anywhere, I left behind a legacy of fighting the good fight to provide you with every wherewithal at my disposal to serve the public to the best of our abilities for their enhanced quality of life, along with the career opportunities for growth and leadership of your own.

I would like to take this time to say a heartfelt THANK YOU to past and present Mayors, Town Councils, Boards, Managers and Staff Members and frontline emergency service colleagues for your dedication and sacrifices to Public Service and for the support that you have shown me. I know I cannot possibly address and thank everyone specifically in this letter that has done so much to influence my career path and successes, but you are NOT forgotten, for your memory in my heart and mind has an eternal place.

Finally, I want to say THANK YOU to all the Citizens that have supported me and my family over the years, especially during the difficult times. It has meant the world to us to be the recipients of so much Love and Encouragement during those times. Although this part of my career may be coming to an end, I can assure you that this will not be the final chapter of my service to the community I love with new envisioned and prayerful leadership opportunities. I am making this decision to retire to pursue future endeavors and improve the quality of life for me and my family and I humbly ask that you keep us in your thoughts, prayers, and it is my hope that I can count on your support in the future."

With the Utmost Respect and Gratitude,
Chief William “Bill” Harrell

Chief Harrell will continue to work closely with his command staff to ensure continuity of service and a smooth transition leading up to his retirement date. A job announcement will be developed and shared at a later date.