Franklin City Manager Judie Milner resigns

FRANKLIN — City Manager Judie Milner has submitted her resignation, indicating her last day is Friday, Feb. 28. Milner's resignation was noticed through a press release sent by attorney Mark Broth of Drummond Woodsum, a law firm which works with the City of Franklin, to Mayor Desiree McLaughlin. McLaughlin heard rumors about Milner's resignation Thursday morning.

“People in the city who had heard similarly, and I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, I got to get to the bottom of this,’” McLaughlin said.

Milner started working for the city in 2009, starting her role as city manager in 2017. She led economic development efforts, in the city including the creation of the Economic Development Task Force, which helped establish the whitewater features at Mill City Park, and a bond authorization to fund renovations of the Franklin Opera House.

Milner’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

The city council has contracted with Scott Clarenbach to serve as acting city manager after Milner’s departure, according to the release. Clarenbach served over 25 years as Franklin’s fire chief, on the city council and as interim mayor. He has served before as acting city manager. He currently serves on the Franklin Savings Bank Board of Directors. McLaughlin spoke favorably of Clarenbach.

“He has my complete trust. He is familiar with budgets. He was a fire chief, forever,” she said. “I'm feeling very positive. This is not going to leave our city in any sort of flux.”

A quote from the city council was included with the release.

“The City Council has great confidence that Mr. Clarenbach will be an effective Acting City Manager while the search for a new City Manager is underway. The City Council thanks Ms. Milner for her long service to the community and wishes her well in her future endeavors.”

Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct Milner's tenure as city manager.