MA FY 20 budget ends $700M in red; Legislature gears up for FY 21 budget in October

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"MASSACHUSETTS ENDED 2020 with a nearly $700 million budget gap, Gov. Charlie Baker said Wednesday, as he filed a proposed closeout budget with the Legislature.

Baker, in his filing letter, wrote that tax collections for the fiscal year that ended July 30, 2020, were $693 million below expectations, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Much of this was due to lower-than-anticipated sales tax revenues, as economic activity ground to a halt from mid-March to mid-May and only gradually rebounded. Deferral of business taxes, lower gaming revenue, and lower gasoline taxes also hurt the state’s bottom line.

But somewhat surprisingly, Baker wrote that income tax collections remained largely steady – likely due to a mix of people moving to remote work and people collecting unemployment benefits, which are taxed. The state also benefited from an influx in federal coronavirus relief money. "

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/massachusetts-ends-fiscal-2020-with-700-million-budget-hole/

From the Mass Municipal Assoc (MMA) we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"After keeping watch on the economy and state finances over the summer, the House and Senate budget committees are gearing up to attempt a full-year spending plan for fiscal 2021, which has been delayed due to uncertainties arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and the related recession.

So far this fiscal year, state spending has been governed by interim budgets to cover July 1 through the end of October. The state has made monthly payments to cities, towns and school districts, and has deducted assessments, using temporary rules that were updated in September based in part on fiscal 2020 amounts."

Continue reading the article online  https://www.mma.org/legislature-restarts-fy21-state-budget-process/

Franklin, MA: Budget Update Memo to School Committee - Sep 3, 2020

To: Franklin School Committee

From: Miriam Goodman, School Business Administrator 

Date: September 3, 2020

Re: Updated Budget Information

Due to the pandemic, we find our budgetary needs changing rapidly. Concurrently, we find our revenue sources also changing. This memo is to provide you with some updated information relative to budget fluctuations based on the information that we know at this time.

Budgetary Savings:

We anticipate some favorability based on retirements and resignations that currently approximates $414,000. We are still filling some vacant positions as well, so this figure will change as the year progresses.

Midyear leaves of absences would be replaced by a substitute which would generate savings as well. Additionally, contract negotiations were favorable, and after school stipends are likely to be reduced due to the pandemic and the limitations of what we can provide for students.

We expect there will be some savings in transportation due to the reduction in the number of student in-person days by about 45 days. Additionally, there are fewer students being transported on any given day due to the AAXBB hybrid schedule. While there is still reduced capacity on buses, I expect that we will be able to reduce the number of buses used on our contract by at least ten. We will be negotiating with our vendor and will keep you apprised.

At the end of last year we were able to prepay additional tuition amounts in excess of the amount that was budgeted, so there is additional favorability there as well.

Changes to Revenue:

The local appropriation budget is currently approved at 65,658,500. As of now, we expect Chapter 70 funding to be fully funded.

We expect to see a reduction in transportation fees collected. The School Committee should consider a reduction in the fee based on the AAXBB hybrid schedule in place for the year. Most students will only be riding a bus 2 times per week. Some would ride more, many would ride fewer. None are riding until at least October 1, 2020. Additionally, based on current signups, we have about 30% fewer students riding.

We will see a reduction in Preschool Tuition revenue based on the current climate.

With changes to the Athletic program, we expect reduced revenue in this area.

Our Lifelong Learning program suffered significantly last year and will not be able to continue to support the cost of healthcare or central services as expected. This amount could approximate $200,000 and we are still working on finalizing this.

Added Expenses:

Due to additional enrollments, which has increased class sizes at the elementary level, and significant space constraints due to physical distancing requirements, we need to hire three additional elementary teaching positions.

Of course, as you know, the School Committee’s budget is a bottom line budget, and we expect as usual, to stay within the constraints of this bottom line.

 GRANT FUNDING:

Entitlement Grants such as Title I, Title IIa, Title IV, IDEA and IDEA preschool have all been received as expected and the budget has been adjusted accordingly.

ESSER - Federal Grant - Allocation $123,235 - This grant was identified during the budgetary process and will support interventionists. The budget was already reduced accordingly.

CvRF - Federal Grant - Allocation $!,156,275 - This grant will support the addition of 3 Digital Learning Integrationists as well as monitors, long-term and permanent substitutes, ESPs, LPNs, and Crossing Guards through December, 2020. These will be strategically hired as the need arises. Additionally, these funds will be used for the rental of tents at each location to support outdoor mask breaks. Vendor professional development is included as well as additional software subscriptions to support learning in a remote environment. And finally, there is an allocation for personal protective equipment (PPE) also included in this grant.

Thank you for the opportunity to present this information to you. Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

Memo PDF copy on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/budget_update_for_school_committee_9_2_2020.pdf

School Committee agenda for Sep 8, 2020 meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-sep.html

Franklin, MA: Budget Update Memo to School Committee - Sep 3, 2020

In the News: "July tax haul plugs some of state’s fiscal ’20 deficit"

 From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Massachusetts recorded $4.456 billion in tax collections in July, with just more than half of that money being counted toward the budget year that ended June 30 about $3 billion short of expectations.

The Department of Revenue said about $2.293 billion, or roughly 51% of July’s collections, came from income tax payments and refunds originally due in fiscal 2020 but received in the first month of fiscal 2021 because the Legislature and governor extended filing deadlines due to the pandemic.

About $2.163 billion in July revenue will be counted toward fiscal 2021, including an estimated $50 million in corporate and business taxes that were deferred from the spring when state waived penalties for late filing and payment, the DOR said. Once the numbers are adjusted for tax deferrals, tax collections last month were about $88 million or 4.3% higher than the equivalent tax collections in July 2019, the DOR said.

“July total collections were also boosted by corporate and business tax payments attributable to returns due in April, which will be recorded as FY21 revenue, following the waiver of late filing and payment penalties in connection with such returns,” Revenue Commissioner Geoffrey Snyder said. “Sales and use tax revenue also increased as compared to the same period in 2019, despite the deferral of certain regular sales, meals, and room tax payments from FY2020 to FY2021, which are due in September.”

 Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)  https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200806/july-tax-haul-plugs-some-of-states-fiscal-20-deficit?rssfeed=true

FM #309 "Talk Franklin" with Jamie Hellen 6/26/20 (audio)

FM #309 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 309 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about

• Water conservation measures vs. ban

• Virtual Coffee session with Brutus on Tues, June 30, 9:00 AM

• Budgets

• Closing FY 2020, Starting FY 2021

• Re-opening

• Restaurants, July 4 weekend

And close with some comments about Concerts on the Common opening Friday, July 24. Farmers Market will be there in the afternoon. Plans for a movie and a band, with space for the audience appropriately socially distanced on the common. Reinforcing the need for Social distance, face coverings, hand washing, etc to keep re-opening gradually

The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie

Audio link: https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/News-and-Happenings-in-Franklin-eg0dsn/a-a2inm0e



--------------

FY 2021 budget info
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials

Water Ban info
https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/water-ban-now-effect

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!
------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Jamie on the FHS field for the Town Council budget hearings

Gov Baker: “Reopening Massachusetts is working”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Restaurants that have been serving patrons on patios and sidewalks for the past two weeks will be able to welcome diners indoors beginning Monday as Gov. Charlie Baker announced Friday that he was triggering the next stage of his economic reopening plan.

In the midst of a heat wave, no less.

Baker, at a State House press conference, also said offices would be able to bring back to work more employees and increase their capacity from one quarter to 50% of their workforce. And close-contact personal services offered at nail salons, massage and tattoo parlors and personal training can resume on June 22.

The progress through the phases of the Baker’s administration’s reopening strategy comes as Massachusetts has continued to see downward trends in hospitalizations, which are now under 1,000, and positive test rates, which have fallen to 2.3%."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200620/baker-reopening-massachusetts-is-working/1

Additional info on the re-opening Part 2, Phase II
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/reopening-massachusetts-baker-polito.html

"With the state’s finances in disarray and the COVID-19 pandemic making it extremely difficult to predict the next 12 months, Gov. Charlie Baker on Friday filed a $5.25 billion interim spending bill that would keep government running beyond June 30 through July.

The new fiscal year is set to begin in less than two weeks, but neither the House nor the Senate have produced an annual spending proposal as they wait to gauge how severely the pandemic-caused recession will erode state tax revenues, and how slowly or quickly the economy might rebound.

House and Senate leaders have not laid out a timeline yet for completion of a budget for the full fiscal year, but Baker said the money that would be authorized in the temporary budget would be sufficient to cover government operations through July."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200620/baker-seeks-525b-interim-state-budget

Town of Franklin: COVID-19 portal

FM #296 Capital Budget SubComm - 6/10/20 (audio)

FM #296 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 296 in the series.

This session shares the Capital Budget SubCommittee meeting held on Wednesday, June 10, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Debbie Pellegri opened the meeting and member Matt Kelly did the honors outlining the protocol for how the meeting will be conducted.

The recording runs about 45 minutes, let’s listen to the Capital Budget SubCommittee meeting of Wednesday, June 10

Audio file - https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H1xF88Y7



--------------

My notes captured during this meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/capital-budget-subcommittee-recap-june.html

The agenda for the meeting is posted
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/capital-budget-subcommittee-meeting.html

The budget for FY 2021 is available
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials

Additional info on the Finance Committee meeting where these items were discussed can be found   Budget Hearing #4 - 6/04/20

• audio = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-finance-committee-budget_55.html
• notes = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/finance-committee-budget-hearing-4.html

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!
------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #296 Capital Budget SubComm - 6/10/20 (audio)

Capital Budget SubCommittee - Recap - June 10, 2020

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #cbsc0610
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23cbsc0610&src=typed_query

• Real time reporting underway for the capital budget Subcommittee meeting today. Chair Pellegri has Kelly read the protocol statement as she was connected via phone only. #cbsc0610
• First up, a van for the electrician to use, purchased from Franklin Ford, passed via roll call as 4-0 (Kelly, Chandler, Dellorco, Pellegri) 2nd item the additional funds for the server replacement missed the first time around. Also passes 4-0 #cbsc0610
• Next item to close out some road/sidewalk work already started and underway. Will leave $300k in 'free cash' unencumbered for something needed down the road. Can be used in July/Aug per recent Legislation #cbsc0610 vote to approve passed 4-0 normal road money is chap 90
• Good piece of info, to add sidewalk where not already cost about $100/foot. Beaver St up next, followed by Washington St. #cbsc0610
• Next up another ambulance, $350k, would give us 2 in reserve, can only put 2 on road at a time. To fund a third is major personnel requirements. #cbsc0610
• Next up debt authorization, rationale for some other capital improvement to be done with less than a debt exclusion (which is used for complete new or refurbed schools). This method did the Library, Senior Center, fire station, etc. Previously. #cbsc0610
• Combined great credit score and low interest rates, as well as likely obtain favorable pricing just sets us up for doing needed for very cost effectively. Recommend for Council next week, actual authorization would be later. #cbsc0610
• That completes the agenda, the FinCom had voted 8-0 on all of these last week. Worried about the windows in the municipal building, not sure what's behind the walls. #cbsc0610
• Motion to adjourn, that completes reporting for this meeting. Stay tuned, Economic Development Subcommittee up at 6:30 #cbsc0610 #edc0610 and we'll roll along!

 

screen grab of virtual meeting

screen grab of capital funding project list

 

MassBudget: COVID-19 - Updates: Progressive Revenue Amid the Pandemic

"In this week's video update, our President, Marie-Frances Rivera, discusses shorter and longer-term policy solutions to ensure just recovery from the pandemic's impact on the Commonwealth, with Senior Policy Analysts, Phineas Baxandall and Kurt Wise, and Communications Director, Reggie Williams."

https://youtu.be/XNsogxfW0c4





For more from MassBudget:  https://medium.com/massbudget

Single Stream Recycling features DPW Director "Brutus" Cantoreggi on Boston TV

Franklin's DPW Director Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi shared this on Facebook: 

"Self promoting! In case you missed it had an awesome morning at Fox 25! Did a live interview and “the girl” was able to join me for the experience. All the folks at Fox 25 were just so welcoming and kind!"

Direct link to video clip https://www.boston25news.com/video/?id=4823650





As noted previously, one of the "watch items" for 2020 is the multiple fiscal challengers. The trash/recycling rate increase Brutus mentions is part of the list.

Franklin Issue on the 2020 'Watch List': Multiple Fiscal Challenges
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/franklin-issue-on-2020-watch-list_6.html

Single Stream Recycling features "Brutus" Cantoreggi on Boston TV 

As mentioned in the video clip, China shut down the recycling stream going to them, as a results, one of the Chinese companies dependent upon recycling for their own production use is now renovating a paper mill in Maine. Read the full story in this New York Times article (subscription may be required)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/15/us/maine-mill-china.html

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 15, 2020

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Municipal Building

355 East Central Street, 3rd Floor Training Room Franklin, MA

January 15, 2020

6:00 PM

1. Free Cash Overview

2. Department Presentations

• a. School Department
• b. Facilities Department
• C. Recreation Department
• d. Technology Department
• e. Administration Department
• f. Fire Department
• g. Police Department
• h. Public Works Department

3. Final Recommendation of the FY20 Capital Plan


Capital Budget agenda document
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/capital_budget_agenda_1-15-2020.pdf

Capital budget supplemental information
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/fy20_capital_plan_2_supplemental_materials_1.pdf

This is a meeting of the Franklin Town Council Sub-Committee; under the Open Meeting Law, this subcommittee is a separate "public body" from the Town Council. Therefore, unless the Town Council has separately noticed and posted its own meeting, Councilors who are not members of this subcommittee will not be permitted to speak or otherwise actively participate @ this meeting, although they may attend and observe. This prohibition is necessary to avoid the potential for an Open Meeting Law Violation.

The Finance Committee reviewed and approved the capital budget over two session and the recording segments are available here

Dec 10, 2019
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/fm-188-finance-committee-capital-plan.html

Dec 17, 2019
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/fm-186-finance-committee-capital-budget.html

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 15, 2020

FM #188 - Finance Committee - Capital Plan for FY 2020 (audio)

FM #188

This internet radio show or podcast is number 188 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares Finance Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Dec 17, 2019 at the Senior Center beginning at 6:30 PM.

This is the second of two sessions to review the Capital Plan for FY 2020. This session covers the DPW and the enterprise Water and Sewer accounts.

The documents for the meetings are available on the Town of Franklin page as well as Franklin Matters. The links are contained here so you can follow along.

Agenda doc - 12/17/19
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/fincom_agenda_12-17-19.pdf

The Finance Committee approved the three recommendations that the Town Council will take up at a January/February 2020 meeting

• 20-01 Recommends Capital FY 2020 of $1,640,579 (as detailed on page 20 of the agenda document)
• 20-02 Recommends transfer of $348,000 for the OPEB Trust Fund (page 22)
• 20-03 Recommends transfer of $570,000 from Free Cash to the appropriate stabilization accounts (as detailed on page 24 of the agenda document)

The meeting runs about 50 minutes so without further ado here is the Finance Committee meeting of Dec 17.

https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HN2yBvXX



--------------

Audio File - 12/10/19 meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/fm-186-finance-committee-capital-budget.html

FY 2020 Capital Budget document
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/fy20-capital-budget

FinCom Agenda doc
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2019-12-10_finance_committee_agenda_fy20_capital_plan_1.pdf

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

Overall:

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
• If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

sidewalks have been part of the plan but not this year

 

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - Dec 17, 2019

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING =Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 6:30 PM

Franklin Senior Center, Conference Room
10 Daniel Mccahill Street, Franklin; MA 0203.8

AGENDA

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes of 12/10/19 Meeting
3. Public Comments
4. Capital Budget Presentations:
a. Department of Public Works
5. Final Recommendations and Vote
6. Storm water Presentation
7. Adjournment


Balance Update
• General Stabilization $6,137,866
• Recreation Fields $304,951
• Open Space Acquisition $1,121,867
• Budget Stabilization $396,332
• Free Cash $3,482,875
• OPEB $5,852,978
• Property Acquisition $269,781
• Fire Truck Stabilization $209,595

OPEB Obligation as of 6/30/18 (PAYGO): $68,554,870

The full agenda and documents released for this meeting can be found
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/fincom_agenda_12-17-19.pdf

rain garden at Parmenter, one of several around Franklin part of the storm water mitigation plan

FM #186 - Finance Committee - Capital Budget FY 2020- session 1 of 2

FM #186

This internet radio show or podcast is number 186 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Dec 10, 2019.

This is the first of two sessions to review the Capital Plan for FY 2020. This session started with the Schools and covered all the departments except for the DPW and the enterprise Water and Sewer accounts. Those will be addressed in the second session scheduled for Tuesday, Dec 17 at the Senior Center beginning at 6:30 PM.

The documents for the meetings are available on the Town of Franklin page as well as Franklin Matters. The links are contained here so you can follow along.

The meeting runs about 90 minutes so without further ado here is the Finance Committee meeting of Dec 10.

FY 2020 Capital Budget document
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/fy20-capital-budget

FinCom Agenda doc
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2019-12-10_finance_committee_agenda_fy20_capital_plan_1.pdf

Meeting Recording  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hr1R4CkX





-------------


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like this, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

sidewalks have been part of the plan but not this year

"Replacing old and damaged turnout gear is a financial challenge"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito today announced $920,000 in grant awards to 174 Massachusetts fire departments for gear and equipment that will reduce firefighters’ exposure to cancer-causing chemicals on the job.

“These grants will help local departments purchase critical gear to support firefighters as they put themselves in harm’s way to protect the Commonwealth’s communities,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Helping to protect them from the physical and occupational hazards of the job is a key way we can show our appreciation for the dedicated service of our first responders.”

“Many fire departments across the Commonwealth are all too familiar with the increased risk of occupational cancers faced by fire service personnel,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “These grant awards will support many ongoing cancer prevention initiatives at the local level by reducing the amount of cancer-causing chemicals thousands of firefighters are exposed to in the coming years.”

“On a daily basis, modern firefighters face countless dangers, but we now know that occupational cancers caused by exposure to smoke and other combustion byproducts are as dangerous to them as knocking down fires and conducting rescue operations,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Thomas A. Turco III. “Fire departments across Massachusetts have made significant changes to the way they work to combat these risks in recent years, and these grant programs will help many to move their cancer prevention efforts forward.”

https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20191210/fire-department-grants-geared-toward-reducing-cancer-risk

Franklin is on the list to receive $2480 from this grant
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-920000-in-fire-department-grant-awards

This kind of gear and the cleaning equipment for it was part of the capital budget discussion on Tuesday, Dec 10. The Finance Committee will complete their discussion with the DPW next Tuesday, Dec 17 and forward the recommendation to the Town Council for action to vote on to approve all or part of the $1.7M capital currently in the discussion.

The meeting recording is available
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/fm-186-finance-committee-capital-budget.html

Franklin Fire Department

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - Dec 10, 2019

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 6:15 PM

Franklin Town Hall, 3rd Floor Training Room 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

AGENDA

1. Call to Order
2. Departmental Capital Budget Presentation:

• a. Schools

3. Public Comments
4. Approval of Minutes
5. FY20 Town Administrator Capital Plan and Free Cash Overview
6. Departmental Capital Budget Presentations:

• a. Facilities
• b. Recreation
• c. Technology
• d. Administration
• e. Fire
• f. Police

7. Adjournment (Next meeting December 17, 2019 6:30@ Senior Center) 


Balance Update
• General Stabilization $6,137,866
• Recreation Fields $304,951
• Open Space Acquisition $1,121,867
• Budget Stabilization $396,332
• Free Cash $3,482,875
• OPEB $5,852,978
• Property Acquisition $269,781
• Fire Truck Stabilization $209,595

OPEB Obligation as of 6/30/18 (PAYGO): $68,554,870


The full agenda doc including supporting capital budget materials
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2019-12-10_finance_committee_agenda_fy20_capital_plan_1.pdf

King St and Washington Sts intersection before the snows covered the ground

Live reporting: Finance Committee - Oct 9, 2019

Present: Nicole Corbosiero, Mike Kasberg, George Conley, Mike Dufour, John Grace, fill in
Absent: to be filled in


1. Call to Order 

2. Introduction of New Members Nicole Corbosiero and Mike Kasberg 

3. Vote for Officers 
motion to keep existing slate of officers as is
seconded, passed 6-0

4. Approval of Minutes 
approval of Apr minutes, seconded, passed 6-0

5. Citizen’s Comments 
none

6. Capital Appropriation of Roads: Earmarking of Hotel Excise Tax ($900K)
combined with Chap 90 would be about 2 M to work the roads this coming year FY 2020

money for crack sealing, chip sealing, sidewalks and curbing which can't be done with the water/sewer funding for the road rebuild
important to get now is good for bidding purposes

The RT 140/i495 roadwork is being done by the State
Some modifications are being done at the intersection, not all will be resolved with this work. more needs to be done to re-time the intersection

motion to approve fund transfer, seconded, passed 6-0

7. Town Administrator Supplemental Budget Message 
Why are we still talking about the FY 20 budget?
the budget is actually not fully closed out until the tax rate hearing (this year on Dec 4, 2019).
The State numbers are not final in May, nor are the assessors growth numbers, local receipt expectations, etc.
hotel motel tax, meals tax, etc. are also better understood by now

8. FY20 Budget Adjustments; Schools, Facilities, Council on Aging, Veterans’ Services, Fire, Assessors, Town Administrator and Legal Services 

additional $1.4M from various sources of revenue over the  number used to set the initial FY 2020 budget in May/June

(see end of the memo for the summary of the increases)

this is a record year for new growth, the highest amount we seen in 20 years
not just the new buildings, it also includes all the property value increases from various improvements (additions, re-models, etc.)

cant use this as a new trend, the 10 year average will be used 
propose to use all of the 'extra' new growth to put aside for the open space fund to all for purchase of open space as it becomes available

$231,500 half of the local aid number increase
approx $102K was already approved for the budget by the Town Council
took the parking fee off the high school and added the 2 aides for kindergarten to start the school year.

Supt Ahern: 
2 consultants - one for enrollment projections based upon census and housing data; another around the facility adequacy study for Davis Thayer, also need to include the other buildings to see what capacity exists in the district for new demands of instruction

restoring funds previously cut from the budget in the Spring
site based supplies to be added back ($54K)
professional development ($25K)

hard to restore positions at this time as the year is underway but these would be the best additions at this time

Q - would they go so far as redistricting?
A - no they would not include transportation but the numbers they come with would be the basis for further decisions

Q - what types of supplies?
A - reading books for the classroom libraries, markers, etc. for use in the classrooms, consumable materials for the math program

Q -how many seats would we handle?
A - that is what the study should do for us? We have taken down modulars, we have special programs in place so what spaces could we legitimately handle
currently at 5080 (Oct 1 number)

Jamie
looking to get a marketing person to help with joint work on the Town and Schools stories to tell

we need to re-evaluate what we do where, this is why we are hiring
social media generates 'white noise' so it is hard to make sense of

$110K for facilities 
deputy director for facilities and schools
no metric available to help substantiate this need, the demand is there, one person can not do it alone

Mike D'Angelo has been here 2 decades and has built or reworked every building we have, I am afraid it is all in his head, and we need to build some backup for that; need to get out of the ditch before we add new projects to the mix

The library had a panel door was locking on Sunday's properly, it took months working with the manufacturer's, the owner got involved before it got resolved

Q - for $110K, what is the quality of the candidate we can get?
A - fair question, Mike is probably underpaid per market, have not done a full market analysis, will be doing this sometime this year, we do expect that it will be someone will be good quality; all their licenses, ready to hit the ground running

on the Senior Center
$11,500
an unanticipated retirement
evaluated position and requirements,  to get this nurse

adding a dollar to the tax work off projects

Q -what is the Senior Tax workoff?
A - typically about 100 hours, to do some clerical or other work to offset their property tax, we get way more applications than we have positions for; the Senior Center runs the program working with the departments to determine needs, etc. and then match the applications; only available to Franklin residents

propose $13K for Veterans Services
veterans assistant grant expires, this is to the cover the difference in the amount available from other funding

Dale brings in a large amount of Federal and State money that comes in for the veterans

$20,300 for Fire Dept
an unknown affiliation agreement for M&M rounds
with Milford Reg Hospital

an unforeseen promotion of an EMS lieutenant to handle the medical and ambulance accounting

this would cover classes taught by medical staff at Milford Reg 2 at the hospital, 2 elsewhere; approx 53 fire personnel required to be covered

could estimate 12-18% being left on the table from the ambulance company, we'll see what it works out to be  (approx 1.2M)

$60K to hire another assessor for property appraisals
collective bargaining underway, could exceed prior years

Open Space fund $1.2M currently, would add the $900K to this
would give us some ability to evaluate a purchase of some open space
without Community Preservation Act revenue available


9. Land Acquisition Trust Fund Appropriation and Transfer 
motion to approve the budget adjustments as describer, seconded, passed 6-0
motion to approve the Open Space appropriation as discussed, seconded, passed 6-0

capital program ramping up soon, due from Dept heads likely by end of month and for the FinCom at end of November

ops budgets due end of November, review FY 21 during December
we won't have a lot of numbers and assumptions until early in the new year
particularly with health care

10. Adjournment 
motion to adjourn


Balances as of June 30, 2019 

• General Stabilization $ 6,072,943 
• Recreation Fields Stabilization 302,065 
• Traffic Stabilization 4,643 
• Property Acquisition Stabilization 267,228 
• Budget Stabilization 2,705 
• Fire Truck Stabilization 207,612 
• Open Space Acquisition Stabilization 1,107,863 
• OPEB Trust 5,706,986

The agenda was shared from the Town of Franklin  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/finance_committee_agenda_10-9-19_amended_v2.pdf

Finance Committee - October 9, 2019 - Agenda

Town of Franklin 

Finance Committee Agenda (Amended) 

Wednesday, October 9, 2019 @ 6:00 PM

Municipal Building - Council Chambers 

355 East Central Street – 2nd Floor 

Franklin, Massachusetts 02038 

Meetings are recorded and broadcast on Franklin TV and may be recorded by others.

1. Call to Order 
2. Introduction of New Members Nicole Corbosiero and Mike Kasberg 
3. Vote for Officers 
4. Approval of Minutes 
5. Citizen’s Comments 
6. Capital Appropriation of Roads: Earmarking of Hotel Excise Tax ($900K)
7. Town Administrator Supplemental Budget Message 
8. FY20 Budget Adjustments; Schools, Facilities, Council on Aging, Veterans’ Services, Fire, Assessors, Town Administrator and Legal Services 
9. Land Acquisition Trust Fund Appropriation and Transfer 
10. Adjournment 

Balances as of June 30, 2019 

• General Stabilization $ 6,072,943 
• Recreation Fields Stabilization 302,065 
• Traffic Stabilization 4,643 
• Property Acquisition Stabilization 267,228 
• Budget Stabilization 2,705 
• Fire Truck Stabilization 207,612 
• Open Space Acquisition Stabilization 1,107,863 
• OPEB Trust 5,706,986

The agenda was shared from the Town of Franklin  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/finance_committee_agenda_10-9-19_amended_v2.pdf

Supporting documents released for this agenda (the before 'amended' document):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13BAc_EoO2p_A9lxwIox9fIq_UoHR7yBs/view?usp=sharing

DelCarte Open Space