Franklin County Board of Supervisors Meeting 03/17/2026

The Franklin County, VA Board of Supervisors held a meeting on March 17, 2026, with significant focus on broadband infrastructure updates and school facility improvements. The Broadband Authority provided detailed progress reports on fiber optic projects involving River Street Networks and American Electric Power, highlighting milestones such as pole replacements, fiber installation, and upcoming customer sign-up efforts. The Board also discussed a $4 million contract with ABM for efficiency improvements at Liam Wade Elementary School, which was ultimately not approved due to concerns over procurement processes and contract terms. The discussion emphasized the need for competitive bidding and better planning for future capital projects. Additionally, the Board received a comprehensive financial report covering county revenues, expenditures, and budget pressures, including potential impacts from state mandates and health insurance renewal options. The health insurance renewal presentation outlined a 10.2% premium increase with various cost-sharing scenarios for employees. The Board considered deferring some decisions to upcoming work sessions to allow further analysis and budget considerations.