Editor’s Note: This is the third in a four-part series focusing on Franklin City Council candidates for the May 1 election.

How should the City Council address the recent news of Franklin Power & Light’s budget deficit?

Ward 1 Candidates

Barry W. Cheatham

It needs to be handled exactly as it is being handled. We first need to know the causes of the problem and put in place the fix and the safeguards to prevent it. It is not as was said, a general fund transfer for its excess expenditures; it is completely in the electric company.

Earl Blythe

The city manager will address the loss the reserve fund when he presents his budget recommendations to the council. I would prefer to wait and see what the manager’s recommendations are and then offer alternatives, if necessary.

 

Ward 4 Candidates

Mona Murphy

I believe council should look at the funds we transfer from the power and light department reserves to the general fund. If that transfer had not been made perhaps our reserves could have helped to defray some, if not all, of the 14 percent increase. I am a firm believer in being fiscally conservative with spending.

Linwood Johnson

The council must direct the city manager to examine ways to eliminate unnecessary spending to prevent raising utility fees on the backs of our hard-working citizens.