Tim Johnston, City Councilor for Franklin NH

05/01/2026

I have been looking into the Community Power situation that the residents of Franklin have found themselves in.
If you're not aware, just pull out your electric bill and see who your electric supplier is. If you thought it was Eversource, you might be surprised to find out that it is Merrimack County Community power. Even if you did the same as my wife and I did and opted out of Merrimack County Community Power being your supplier previously, you may have been changed back to them without your knowledge.

For the last four or five days, I have been combing through City Council meeting agendas and minutes.
Here is what I found.....
On July 01, 2024 at the City Council meeting, on page 8, agenda item VI, the city council voted on Resolution #26-24 relating to joining Merrimack Community Power program. Thereby making them the default electric supplier for all Franklin residents with an option to opt out and go back to Eversource as your supplier. Notices were mailed out to all residents shortly after the vote.

If you would like to have your supplier changed back to Eversource, you can contact Merrimack County Community Power at 866-603-7697. If you don’t want the possibility of your supplier being changed again, tell them you want to permanently opt out. You may also need to contact Eversource and definitely check you future bills to ensure it was changed.

I am still working on this, so more information will be coming soon.

03/27/2026

At the City Council workshop meeting on Monday, March 23rd, we discussed how to fund a settlement with Eversource for an overassessment and overpayment of taxes totaling approximately $354,000 from 2017.

The City Manager’s recommendation was to take $31,000 from the overlay fund and $320,532.83 from the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), money that was intended to pave a road, any road, here in Franklin. Residents and taxpayers have been demanding something be done with the roads for years.
If we take this money from the CIP, there is no requirement to replace it. Once it’s gone, it’s gone, and that means further delays in addressing the condition of our roads.

Another option is to use the reserve fund, which is specifically set aside for unexpected expenses like this. The key difference is that reserve funds must be replenished within five years. A responsible approach would be to budget approximately $88,500 per year over four years to restore those funds. Basically a 4 year interest free loan from your own money.

In my view, protecting funds intended for long-overdue infrastructure improvements should be a priority, and we should carefully consider using reserves with a clear plan to pay them back.
There may be additional options that have not yet been explored, and public input is important as we move forward.
A public hearing is scheduled for the City Council meeting at 6pm on Monday, April 6, 2026, at the Franklin Lodge of Elks 1280.
I encourage you to attend and make your voice heard. If you’re unable to attend, you can email the City Council... contact information is available here:
https://www.franklinnh.gov/city-council-mayor

Note: Figures above for 4 year budget payment are approximate, but close, and could be higher or lower depending on final amount paid for the settlement.

Ward 1 Councilor Ben Forge(603) 545-5436January 2029 TermCouncilor Delaney Carrier(603) 455-7124January 2028 TermCouncilor Timothy Johnston (603) 934-6404January 2027 TermWard 2 Councilor Sam Jacobson(215) 840-4386 January 2029 TermCouncilor Thomas Boyce(603) 783-6643January 2028 TermCouncilor Susan...

02/13/2026

Yesterday, work began on a timber harvest on Franklin Falls Dam property in New Hampton. The map below shows the work zone boundary in pink between the end of Sumner Way and the Pemigewasset River. The cut method to be used here is group-selection harvesting; denoted by the yellow areas on the map. This method of forest management protects soil integrity, promotes forest regeneration, and increases biodiversity by increasing habitat types within the forest. This work is scheduled to wrap up by the end of March.

02/05/2026

The date for coffee with the City Manager has changed, it will be Tuesday February 10th.

01/11/2026

5 weeks until this year's 45th Webster Lake Ice Fishing Derby Get your tickets on our website NOW. They will be available at our normal selling locations this coming week. Great raffle prizes this year!!
www.websterlakeicefishingderby.com

01/11/2026

Congratulations to our newly sworn-in Mayor, City Councilors, and School Board members. The January 5th 2026 inaugural meeting was an important moment for Franklin, and it was encouraging to see residents show up to witness the transition of leadership and the start of a new term.

While the meeting proceeded well overall, there were unfortunately a few outbursts during the former Mayor’s closing remarks from supporters of the newly elected officials. I believe we should expect better conduct during public meetings, and I hope such behavior will not become the norm. Respectful civic engagement strengthens our community, and disruptions do not serve anyone, least of all the residents we are elected to represent.

As we look ahead, I truly hope the new office holders will keep Franklin’s citizens front and center when making decisions, especially regarding taxes and affordability. Many residents are already struggling with the rising cost of living, and any decisions to raise taxes through bonds or otherwise must be made with full transparency, accountability, and a clear understanding of the financial burden being placed on our community.

My priority remains ensuring that city government is accessible, responsible, and reflective of the people who call Franklin home. I look forward to working with my colleagues, and I will continue advocating for residents, taxpayers, and the long-term health of our city.

01/11/2026

Congratulations to our Citizens of the Year!
For years, people have talked about wanting an ice-skating rink for the community, these amazing residents actually made it happen. They created a nonprofit, raised funds, rallied volunteers, and in less than a year Franklin is skating!
All they asked of the City was access to a small corner of Odell Park and use of the cottage for warm-ups, snacks, and loaner skates. Over the summer they transformed the cottage and prepared the rink site through volunteer labor and donations. True community spirit at its best.

Thank you and Congratulations to:
Stu Smith
Kathy Fuller
Eric Nolan
Myla Everett
Steve Donohue
Thomas Boyce Sr.
Barbara (and Dave) Therrien
Jonathan Wolfgram
Krystal Alpers

01/07/2026

New Hampshire is doing away with manditory Vehicle Safety Inspections.
That doesn't mean the Laws for vehicle requirements are going away.
Link to NH DMV.
Inspections & Emissions | NH Division of Motor Vehicles https://share.google/1YfX0GRFIT9qt0VvJ

12/23/2025

Edited to include the following.

City of Franklin Fire Department conducted annual ice rescue training this week. A huge thank you to the residents that allowed us to use their property for access!
Remember that there are many areas of open water on the lakes. Streams, drainage, weeds, water bubblers, and more, all cause open water or weak ice. Always check the ice for thickness and wear winter gear with flotation built in for your safety.

12/23/2025

From the City Of Franklin.

Motor Vehicle Kiosk Payment Portal Disabled from December 29th - January 5th

The motor vehicle Kiosk payment portal will be disabled for transactions from December 29th to approximately January 5th. If you need to renew your motor vehicle transactions during that time, you will have to do this in person. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Any motor vehicle transaction completed effective January 1, 2026 will be subject to the increased state fee schedule.

Please remember, this is NOT the City of Franklin that is increasing the fees; this is due to the passing of 2025 HB 2.

This software update does not affect property tax, water, or sewer payments. You may still pay those bills during that time.

Please be advised that the City Clerk’s Office will be closing December 24, 2025 at 11 AM and resuming normal business hours Monday, December 29, 2025. We will also be closed January 1, 2026.

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