05/27/2026 Franklin County WA Board of Commissioners Meeting

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners held a meeting on May 27, 2026, which included a detailed presentation from Kevin Sliger, Chief Planning and Development Officer of Ben Franklin Transit. Sliger provided an overview of the transit system's operations, ridership statistics, and budget, noting a 2026 operating budget of $65 million and a six-year capital program budget of $205 million, with $20-25 million expected to be spent on capital projects in 2026, primarily on vehicle replacements. New transit services were highlighted, including a pilot flea market shuttle and the state-funded Wheat Line shuttle connecting rural areas. Commissioners discussed concerns about ridership efficiency, costs, and the transition to electric buses, with caution urged regarding the reliability and expenses of electric vehicle technology. The meeting also covered updates on planning and economic development, including increased commercial permit activity and efforts to update development regulations. Additionally, the Franklin County Department of Corrections was recognized for achieving accreditation, and community programs such as Special Olympics received support. Public comments addressed concerns about transit tax rates, social services funding, and local judicial and educational issues. No formal votes on procurement or budget allocations were recorded during the meeting, but the transit budget and capital projects were a significant focus of discussion.