Franklinton Aldermen Issues Statement on Park Equipment Vote

A Statement by Aldermen Darwin Sharp, Seth Descant, and Heath Spears to clarify and address misinformation of their July 25th votes in regard park playground equipment. Click here for background on the issue

“We as Alderman of Franklinton are very much in favor of building a first class Recreational Park for all of our children and residents. 

Let us clear up a misinformation which has appeared on a social media platform. At the July 25th Board Meeting, we did not vote against the park. We refused to ratify a bid which the mayor had already accepted. He solicited and accepted a bid without Board approval which is illegal. In doing so he unilaterally obligated the town for expenditures without the board ‘s input and approval.  

It has been said that the park won’t cost the town a dime. This is totally false. The mayor ‘s bid of $705,000 only included the cost of playground equipment, installation and equipment maintenance.

The Board has not approved the site of the park nor has a cost study been performed. Many other costs go into building and maintaining a Recreational Park. Such expenditures are lighting, rest room facilities, parking, sewerage, water, and sod just to name a few.  Also, no consideration has been given to a ongoing maintenance cost, such as security, supervision, utilities, insurance and grass cutting. None of these other costs have been identified or anticipated. 

We have seen parks falling into disrepair, in other communities, due to lack of or poor planning. As aldermen, we have a sworn duty to properly safeguard the finances and affairs of the town of Franklinton. Approving the mayor’s unlawful motion would have violated our oath. The mayor should not obligate the town without prior board approval.

Thank you for allowing us to serve the Town of Franklinton.

Respectfully submitted: Darwin Sharp, Seth Descant, Heath Spears"