FRANKLIN, Ind. – Opening up his ninth State of the City address, Mayor Steve Barnett highlighted the many accolades of the city. Franklin Community Schools received praise for having the Indiana teacher of the year, counselor of the year, elementary principal of the year, tennis coach of the year, and Custer Baker Intermediate School named a School of Distinction.
Mayor Barnett then highlighted the importance of public safety, which was very evident in the city council’s passing of its 2025 budget. The city passed a $22.3 million budget, $16.3 million of which was allocated to police and fire. “That is 69% of our budget going towards public safety, as it should be,” noted the Mayor. In the new year, the Franklin Police Department will add its fifth K9 unit and a new fire ladder truck will be delivered after two years in the next weeks.
In 2025, Mayor Barnett notes that many quality-of-life improvements are on the horizon, including the planning to reconstruct the Franklin City Pool and improve and expand Scott Park. The U.S. 31 Project will also begin soon, reshaping the corridor from Main St. to Israel Ln., making the area safer, and adding multi-use trails to both sides. Another quality-of-life improvement is the Commerce Point development, which includes a Chic-fil-A restaurant and three other businesses.
“As we move forward, our vision for Franklin remains ambitious. We are committed to growth, innovation, and a place where everyone can thrive,” concluded Mayor Barnett. The Mayor also announced that he plans on running for re-election at least one more time. The full State of the City Address video is available on the City of Franklin Facebook page.
