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City of Franklin's proposed budget focuses on infrastructure, includes water and sewer rate increases

City of Franklin's proposed budget focuses on infrastructure, includes water and sewer rate increases

Yahoo14-05-2025

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN) — Franklin's budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year includes a highly-anticipated road widening project.
The proposed budget includes an update to the city's 'Invest Franklin 2.0' initiative. As part of the initiative, the City of Franklin is partnering with the Tennessee Department of Transportation to expand Mack Hatcher Southeast — from Murfreesboro Road to Columbia — and Mack Hatcher Northwest — from Hillsboro Road to New Highway 96 — from two to four lanes.
RELATED: Franklin State of the City address highlights road widening project, resources for crime victims
TDOT leaders told News 2 they were looking forward to collaborating with Franklin leaders on the project, both to increase the quality of life for citizens and for the city's tourists.
As part of the proposed budget, water and sewer rates would increase by 6% and 5% respectively starting on January 1, 2026.
Do you have news happening in your neighborhood? Let us know by sending an email to neighborhoodnews@wkrn.com.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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