Voters in Franklin will examine a proposal on August 4, 2026, to create special funding for local police services and contribute to upholding the high standard of public safety that our community demands.
The proposed millage is intended to lessen the financial burden on the General Fund while supporting the continuous provision of essential police services throughout the community.
The Village’s General Fund has been the primary source of funding for the Franklin Police Department for many years. Along with other vital Village services, the General Fund currently provides about 65% of the money for the police department.
The Village’s General Fund is under increasing financial strain due to rising personnel, pension, equipment, and operating expenses, making the current funding model unsustainable over the long term.
In addition to helping the Village responsibly handle future financial duties and maintain vital community services, the proposed millage would establish a reliable, dedicated source of revenue for public safety.
The current level of police activities cannot be sustained by the General Fund without further taxing other Village services.
The Village budget's limited funds are being challenged by vital community programs.
Long-term planning and operational stability require consistent and committed funding.
Maintaining competent training, modern equipment, and efficient public safety services requires ongoing investment.
Voters’ approval of the proposed millage would help fund long-term police department demands as well as vital public safety activities.
Funding to keep the professional staff and skilled officers that serve the Franklin community with round-the-clock public safety services.
Helping in fulfilling the rising mandatory pension contributions and properly handling current commitments.
Assisting with traffic enforcement, patrol services, investigations, emergency response, and community policing programs.
Giving officers the latest instruction in topics including problem-oriented policing, crisis response, liability awareness, and de-escalation tactics.
Investing in the modern vehicles, equipment, communications systems, technology, and facility upgrades required for efficient law enforcement operations.
Watch brief statements from people about the proposed police presence and how it will affect the community.
Resident
Supporter
For every $1,000 of taxable value, a millage rate of 3.4 mills equals to roughly $3.40 in taxes.
Examples of projected yearly expenses based on taxable house value are shown below.
Expense Examples
Taxable Value: $200,000
Around $680 annually
Taxable Value: $300,000
Around $1,020 annually
In addition to enabling the Village to responsibly manage long-term financial responsibilities and continue providing residents with important services, the proposal aims to provide steady funding for public safety.
A millage is a property tax rate used to fund local government services. One mill equals $1 in taxes for every $1,000 of taxable property value.
Over the next five years, the proposed millage would provide specific financing for police services.
The Village’s General Fund is under increasing financial strain due to rising personnel, pension, equipment, and operating expenses, making the current funding model challenging to maintain over the long run.
Police employment, pension responsibilities, daily operations, officer training, emergency response services, and equipment and technology advancements would all be supported by funding.
On April 22, 2026, the Franklin Village Council voted 7–0 in favor of putting the initiative on the ballot for August 4, 2026.
The proposed millage is intended to support the ongoing provision of vital public safety services throughout the community while reducing the financial strain on the General Fund.
Do you have any questions concerning the August 4, 2026 ballot proposition or the planned police millage? We are here to help with information provision and to respond to inquiries from the community.