The Franklin County Board of County Commissioners held a regular meeting on July 30, 2025, focusing on community development and housing issues. The meeting began with discussions aimed at strengthening connections with surrounding communities, emphasizing the importance of local agriculture as the primary economic driver for the region.

A key point raised during the meeting was the concern regarding low-income housing. Ben Shearer, a recently retired member of the fire department, highlighted an issue where individuals from the West Side were utilizing Franklin County's low-income housing programs but subsequently relocating back to areas with higher living costs. This raised questions about the effectiveness of the current housing assistance programs and their impact on the community.

Commissioners discussed the need for a more sustainable housing strategy that could transition residents from rental situations to homeownership. Suggestions included exploring rent-to-own programs and developing housing options such as townhouses or duplexes, which could better serve the community's needs.

The meeting concluded without further public comments, indicating a focused discussion on the pressing housing challenges facing Franklin County. The commissioners plan to follow up on the housing concerns raised, particularly in collaboration with local stakeholders like Shearer and other community members.