An additional year of service from City Manager June Fleming is outstanding news for the citizens of Franklin.

The City Council this week extended Fleming’s contract until the summer of 2011, ensuring a steady hand of leadership during what will be a challenging time for city government.

When Fleming stepped in to fill the void left by Bucky Taylor’s resignation in the summer of 2008, it was assumed she would finish out the fiscal year, giving the council adequate time to find Taylor’s permanent replacement. After all, Fleming, a longtime city manager in Palo Alto, Calif., had moved to Franklin to retire and enjoy life.

It speaks to Fleming’s passion for her new hometown that she not only agreed to serve through fiscal year 2010 but has now extended her commitment to June 30, 2011. For a modest annual salary of $60,000, Fleming is providing leadership to city government that would cost twice as much if the council paid going rates for a capable administrator.

Fleming will earn every penny of her salary over the next couple of years as the City Council comes to grips with a shrinking tax base and rising demand for services.

City government’s ability to serve its citizens adequately without increasing property taxes the past couple of years is due largely to Fleming’s influence. She runs a tight ship, holds city workers accountable and carries out the City Council’s renewed commitment to transparency and responsiveness.

She is the right person at the right time for the critically important job of city manager. Franklin is blessed to have her on board until 2011.