Civic Celebrations Commission Meeting 10-19-2026 - 6:30 PM

The City of Franklin Civic Celebrations Commission met on October 19, 2026, primarily to review its proposed festival budget for presentation to the Common Council on November 4. The draft projects donations of $22,000, down from $26,000 because a major donor is not expected to contribute, and ticket sales of $65,000. Members discussed applying a 20% commission to vendor sales made with volunteer tickets, reducing the parade budget from $15,000 to $7,000, and budgeting $31,000 for entertainment. The draft also includes a $2,000 T-shirt expense, with the commission considering the House of Correction print shop and seeking ticket-printing prices; Marlin Printing was mentioned as a prior ticket supplier. The chair estimated the proposed budget would yield about $9,000 in net income. No vote on the budget was recorded.

A major discussion concerned police and Department of Public Works charges: the draft budgets $33,000, compared with approximately $43,000 paid last year, but members asked that the Police Chief and DPW superintendent provide accurate estimates before the budget is submitted, particularly clarifying which labor and benefit costs are properly chargeable. Members also reviewed other event costs, including ice cream, rentals, supplies, fireworks, and parade participation. The commission discussed recruiting business donations and planned its December 5 tree-lighting event. The only recorded motion was to adjourn; no procurement award or contract approval was recorded.