FC Quorum Court Approves Budget Dispatcher, Court Security Positions Cut But May Be Reconsidered
by Robbi Roberts
The Franklin County Quorum Court approved the county’s 2026 operating budget during a special meeting on Monday, Dec. 22.
Justice of the Peace Lacey Clark questioned whether the budget for the service that opens and closes graves, could be cut and the money put toward bringing back one of the dispatchers.
County Judge Rickey Bowman said removing the graves service would hurt the poor residents of the county and the graves service had been used 62 times so far.
Clark responded, stating by bringing back a dispatcher, the county would be serving the living rather than the dead.
The graves budget costs the county $32,000, while a dispatcher position costs $52,000. It was decided there would be further discussion at a later date after the budget was approved.
Ken Kelly, whose company handles billing for the county, was present and spoke to the fact that billing for the county has remained constant since 2007 and has achieved the industry’s benchmark in collections for EMS services.
Further, he said steps would be taken to improve collection rates, one of which is reducing the days to submit self-pay claims to collections agency from 120 days to 90.
Kelly and Bowman agreed more frequent and open contact was needed to make sure the budget remains on track.
Justice of the Peace Dennis Fisher stated by April, the county should be able to add back the dispatcher and security positions for the courthouse.
It was also decided the budget committee meetings will be incorporated into the Quorum Court meetings so all members can participate in the budgeting process.
After further discussion, the budget passed with only Justice Roy Day voting against.
The Court also unanimously approved the airport budget for 2026.
Read this story and others in the Dec. 31 issue of The Graphic, available online and at businesses throughout Franklin and Johnson counties. Subscribe or donate here to support more hometown journalism.
