The National Night Out event, organized by the Franklin Township Police Department, promises to be a community-focused gathering aimed at fostering relationships between residents and law enforcement. Scheduled for August 5th, the event will offer a variety of activities, including a car show and emergency vehicle displays, aimed at engaging community members of all ages. In addition to entertainment, the event serves as a platform for the police to demonstrate their commitment to community engagement and transparency. A police recruitment test is also slated for September 3rd.

While the police department prepares for this community event, residents voiced their concerns over increases in property taxes, which have become a issue in the township. A council member addressed these concerns, acknowledging that residents might have noticed a 2.6% rise in the municipal tax, which the council directly controls. However, it was noted that larger tax increases were partly due to school and library service taxes. This has led to widespread frustration among residents, some of whom reported tax bill hikes between 20% and 30%.

The municipal representative proposed a town hall meeting in August to address these tax concerns, inviting the township’s assessor and other officials to explain the factors contributing to the tax increases. This meeting aims to offer residents a platform to voice their frustrations and seek clarity on the reasons behind the steep hikes. The council member emphasized the importance of communication and transparency, urging residents to examine their property assessments and consider appealing if they believe their properties have been overvalued. The variability in assessed values across different neighborhoods was highlighted as a factor contributing to the unequal tax burdens faced by residents.

In addition to the police and tax discussions, the meeting also touched on Franklin High School’s challenges and initiatives. The principal provided an overview of the school’s status, highlighting a diverse student body of 2,029 with significant portions facing economic challenges or requiring special education services. The principal detailed efforts to enhance student engagement through clubs and community service initiatives, aimed at fostering leadership skills. Concerns were raised regarding chronic absenteeism, particularly among Hispanic and economically disadvantaged students, which the school is addressing through supportive environments and crisis intervention services.

The principal also discussed the issue of competition with charter schools, noting that while some parents choose alternative education options, Franklin High School offers a variety of programs to meet different academic interests. Enrollment trends showed a slight decrease, with the Road to Success Alternative Program highlighted as an option for students struggling in traditional settings. Partnerships with external organizations were mentioned as crucial for supporting at-risk students in obtaining GEDs and job training.