Amid noticeably heightened security for its monthly meeting, Franklin’s town council spent it’s time focused on the proposed county-wide quarter-cent sales tax increase, a new strategy by the tourism authority and recognition of the town as a Purple Heart community.
Even though there were some concerns about holding a regularly scheduled public meeting because of credible threats made to officials over flock cameras, the council and town staff moved forward with key issues facing Franklin constituents.
Third time the charm?
Kicking off the meeting was former mayor Jack Horton and Eric Haggart, a local photographer and marketing professional, to present the case for the latest quarter cent sales tax proposal before Macon County voters in November.
It’s the third time this issue has been on the Macon County ballot.
To set the stage, Horton said every county in the western North Carolina has a quarter-cent sales tax, and of the 100 counties in the state, 48 passed a sales tax hike. He expects numerous more to do so this coming November.
He added that the sales tax would generate approximately $2 million a year, and could be used for law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, the senior center, animal shelters, capital improvements and education.
“For every four dollars you spend, it costs you another penny. I don’t think that’s an overdue burden for most of us,” said Horton waiving four $1 bills and a penny (pictured top). “And we hope the people in the county will understand that as well.”
This sales tax is an attractive option because over 40% of the money would be paid by tourists, said Haggart, instead of the other option – a property tax.
From a percentage standpoint, a passed referendum in November, would increase county sales tax from 6.75% to 7%.
Horton concluded that while no one really likes taxes, citizens need the services that we all come to rely on and tend to take for granted. Someone or something has to pay for them and the money has to be generated from somewhere.
Following the presentation, Councilwoman Rita Salain offered to endorse the sales tax increase, instead the council decided to vote on an official resolution at the September 8 meeting.
If passed, the former mayor said the sales tax would not take effect until April.
Authority wants to partner for events
Tim Crabtree presented Tourism Development Authority’s five-year strategic plan receiving applause from the audience. The goal of the plan is to create an improved experience for visitors to Franklin while maximizing the impact of local events by partnering with event promoters.
The concept was created after discussions by Mayor Stacy Guffey and Councilman Robbie Tompa asked the TDA to develop a vision and strategy. A subcommittee was created to identify priorities and objectives in preparation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
Crabtree, the TDA chairman, and Morgan Stewart, a marketing consultant, emphasized cohesiveness with current and future town plans. The presentation included event optimization, marketing, and infrastructure plans for the next year plus additional long-term goals.
“We are working strategically with the Chamber of Commerce and TDC (Tourism Development Council), Visit Smokies (a regional destination marketing organization), the Franklin Town Council and staff, and with the Highlands,” said Crabtree. “This will allow us to bring money together and accomplish some larger projects.”
An interesting aspect of the TDA presentation was qualifying what defines “tourism support.” Both Crabtree and Stewart emphasized that aside from marketing, which formally constitutes two-thirds of their budget, numerous other areas can be associated with area tourism.
“We can spend money on a public bathroom, parking, beautification, murals, and things that promote tourism in Franklin,” Crabtree said. “Regarding tourists, our goal is for overnight stays. We want people to come here and spend some time; stay more than three hours and maybe overnight and the next day.”
A Purple Heart Community
In a sometimes emotional part of the meeting, Mayor Guffey turned the focus to local veterans.
“We are honored tonight to have in this room many individuals who have sacrificed for this country and continue to sacrifice for their fellow Veterans and the organizations that support Veterans,” he said.
He then read numerous proclamations to honor those wounded in combat and a local veterans organization dedicated helping veterans.
Guffey read a resolution from the Council designating Franklin as a Purple Heart Community. The resolution was accompanied by a proclamation also recognizing August 7, 2026 as National Purple Heart Day.
“Whereas throughout the Town of Franklin there are many Veterans who served their Country and community with honor and distinction, and were wounded in battle defending this Nation and community. Some who were wounded multiple times have received the Purple Heart, the Nations oldest military award, for their unselfish service,” he said.
According to Gregory Hunt, a former Marine and an 828 Vets member, Macon County has the highest per capita of Veterans in North Carolina, with nearly 10% of the county made up of Veterans, or around 3,000 who call this county home.
“I have identified 450 Purple Heart recipients who have listed Macon County as their residence at some point and time,” he said. “Without community support, we could not do what we do. The Purple Heart award is only given to those who have left part of themselves on a battlefield.”
He then displayed one of the five signs identifying Franklin as a Purple Heart Community. The signs will grace different entrances into town to ensure visitors know the town’s status and the value it places on veterans.
And with a final flourish, Guffey proclaimed August 28 as the annual 828 Vets Day and September 13-19 as Help Homeless Veterans Week.
Town Employees Recognized
Six Town of Franklin employees were recognized at the meeting for various accomplishments and certifications.
Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP):
- WTP Supervisor Kyle Pocquette and Operator Pedro Ruiz received their Plant Maintenance Technologist I designations,
- WTP Operator Jake Slagle received his Wastewater Lab Analyst II certification,
- Jeff Shuler received his C Surface certification,
- Brian Tallent was introduced as the newest WTP operator Streets, and
- Supervisor Chris Waldroop received his OSHA Manage of Environmental Safety and Health Certification.
