Franklin’s lodging tax collections have reached their second-highest level on record.
The town’s Tourism Development Authority collected nearly 189-thousand dollars during the fiscal year that ended June 30th. That’s up from about 181-thousand dollars the previous year, and just below the record set in 2023.
The three-percent tax applies to overnight accommodations within Franklin’s town limits, including hotels, campgrounds and vacation rentals.
The authority spent nearly 154-thousand dollars last year, with most going toward tourism marketing and advertising. Another 23-thousand-300 dollars supported local events and related projects.
Board members are reviewing their funding process, with a renewed emphasis on attracting visitors who stay overnight. They’re considering hearing funding requests quarterly instead of monthly.
At their September meeting, members approved five-thousand dollars for the Macon County Farmers Market and 16-hundred dollars for the inaugural Plein Air Art Festival, scheduled for October 22nd through the 24th.
The authority’s next meeting is October 12th at 5:30 p.m. in the lower-level board room at Franklin Town Hall.
