Local News

Franklin County School Bond Taken Off Nov. Ballot

Posted Updated

FRANKLIN COUNTY, N.C. — Franklin County will not put its $45 million school bond package on the ballot in November. The decision comes after voters said no to the school bonds in the May primary.

"Recognizing the fact the bond was defeated we've got to step back, look at the plan package that was presented, improve upon it and take it back to the voters within the next year to 18 months," said Franklin County Manager Chris Coudriet.

Some parents who picked up their children at Terrell Lane Elementary on Wednesday weren't pleased that the next referendum could be more than a year away.

"They completely took it out of the hands of the taxpayers of parents," said parent John Davis. "It's kind of like they kicked us to the side."

From high schools to the elementary grades, Franklin County schools are bulging at the seams as new homes dot the landscape. Growth in the southern end of Franklin County has had the greatest impact on crowding schools.

Three trailers help provide additional room at Royal Elementary. The school was full the day it opened.

"With the highest concentration down between the area of Youngsville and Franklinton and over west of U.S. 1, you can see depicted by the numerous subdivisions," said Franklin County Planner Pat Young.

Overall, Franklin County is the ninth-fastest growing county in the state. The bond debate now is likely a sign of future growing pains.

Had the school bond package passed, Franklin County property owners would have seen a 5-cent tax increase, in addition to an 8-cent tax hike from a school bond issue approved just two years ago.

 Credits 

Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.