Showing posts with label treasurer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label treasurer. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Annual Report for the Treasurer-Collector: FY 2023 Report

I am pleased to present the fiscal year (FY) 2023 Accountability Report for the Treasurer-Collector office.

The Treasurer-Collector's office mission is to perform in the highest professional and ethical manner to safeguard the Town of Franklin's public resources. We also strive to provide a high standard of customer service to the residents and employees of the Town of Franklin.

In Fiscal Year 2022, Franklin was awarded a AAA (Triple-A) bond rating by Stand and Poor's Global Ratings in May. Progressing from the town's previous AA+, the new rating is indicative of exceptionally high credit- worthiness in the eyes of municipal bond issuers.

The Treasurer Collector's office went Green! We now offer our residents the option to go paperless and for the residents' convenience the Town is waiving the ACH fee when paying by electronic check.

During FY 2023, $175,198.20 was collected in back property taxes, interest and fees. Eight (8) property owners paid off all outstanding taxes and redeemed their properties out of tax title. We continue to pursue delinquent taxes through the foreclosure process and there are currently 9 properties in Land Court.

There were 535 Municipal Lien Certificates issued by the Treasurer-Collector's office generating revenue of $26,750. Also collected was $3,355 in fees for duplicate bills and files that we supplied to tax services and escrow agents. During FY23, the Treasurer- Collector's office printed and mailed 10,795 Real Estate Tax bills and 640 Personal Property Tax bills four times a year. We also sent out 35,269 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax bills, and 42,525 Utility bills. The following Demands were also printed and mailed, 546 Real Estate Tax, 109 Personal Property Tax, and 4,900 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax. There were 3,126 Motor Vehicle warrants issued in FY23. There were nine (9) Betterment releases (water, sewer and road). We also collected $104,477 for backflow testing and $59,500 for Sprinkler/Hydrant charges.

The Treasurer also acts as the town's parking clerk. Our deputy collector, Kelley & Ryan Associates of Hopedale, handles the billing and collection of parking tickets. During FY23 we collected $10,869.80 for parking violations.

I would like to thank all town departments for the timely and accurate turnover of fees to the Treasurer-Collector's office. I also would like to acknowledge my team, I am constantly impressed by your performance. Thank you for using your remarkable talents and skills to fuel our mutual efforts. I am really proud to be part of this team. Finally, I like to thank the residents of Franklin for their kindness and support.

Respectfully submitted,

Kerri A. Bertone 
Treasurer-Collector

Treasurer-Collector Interest FY 2023 Report
Treasurer-Collector Interest FY 2023 Report

Treasurer-Collector Chart 2 FY 2023 Report
Treasurer-Collector Chart 2 FY 2023 Report


The Treasurer-Collector Report can also be found in one PDF ->

The full Town of Franklin FY 2023 Annual Report can be found online

Annual Report for the Treasurer-Collector: FY 2023 Report
Annual Report for the Treasurer-Collector: FY 2023 Report

Monday, July 3, 2023

Fiscal Year 2024 1st Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills due August 1, 2023

Fiscal Year 2024 1st Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills due August 1, 2023

Notice from the Treasurer/Collector

Fiscal Year 2024 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - First Quarter

Treasurer/Collector Kerri A. Bertone has mailed the Fiscal Year 2024 first quarter real estate and personal property tax bills.  Payment is due by August 1, 2023. 

Payments received after the due date are charged 14% interest.

Read more

Saturday, March 25, 2023

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Fourth Quarter

Notice from the Office of the Treasurer/ Collector:

Treasurer Collector Kerri A. Bertone has mailed the Fiscal Year 2023 fourth quarter real estate and personal property tax bills.  Payment is due by May 1, 2023.  Payments received after the due date are charged 14% interest.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/notice-treasurer-collector-fy-23-real-estate-and-personal-property-tax-bills-fourth

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Fourth Quarter
Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Fourth Quarter

Thursday, December 29, 2022

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Third Quarter

Notice from the Office of the Treasurer/ Collector:

Treasurer Collector Kerri A. Bertone has mailed the Fiscal Year 2023 third quarter real estate and personal property tax bills. Payment is due by February 1st, 2023. Payments received after the due date are charged 14% interest.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/notice-treasurer-collector-fy-23-real-estate-and-personal-property-tax-bills-third-quarter

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Third Quarter
Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Third Quarter

Friday, September 30, 2022

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Second Quarter

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Second Quarter

Notice from the Office of the Treasurer/ Collector:

Treasurer Collector Kerri A. Bertone has mailed the Fiscal 2023 second quarter real estate and personal property tax bills.  Payment is due by November 1, 2022.  Payments received after the due date are charged 14% interest.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/notice-treasurer-collector-fy-23-real-estate-and-personal-property-tax-bills-second

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Second Quarter
Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Second Quarter

Saturday, August 20, 2022

Financial Audit Report for FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s Annual Report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election.

Melanson and Heath presented the recent Audit Report for their review of Town of Franklin financial operations. The presentation and discussion occurred at the May 4, 2022 Town Council meeting. It was a clean report.

FY21 Annual Financial Audit - Melanson and Heath  

Audio of the Town Council meeting

Audio of my Town Council Quarterbacking session with Council Chair Tom Mercer

Congressman Auchincloss poses with Town Council, Town Administrator, and Town Clerk
Congressman Auchincloss poses with Town Council, Town Administrator, and Town Clerk at the May 4, 2022 meeting

Prior year audit report are found on the Town of Franklin page:

Monday, August 15, 2022

Annual Report of the Treasurer Collector - FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election. Updated - 08/15/22

In Fiscal Year 2021, the Treasurer Collector’s office had many staff changes. The first change was our new Assistant Treasurer Collector, Marina Malamud. Marina has demonstrated her ability to learn quickly and has made several improvements since she started. Also, Patti Wyllie retired after 33 years with the Town of Franklin.

The Treasurer Collector’s office went Green! We now offer our residents the option to go paperless and for the residents’ convenience the Town is waiving the ACH fee when paying by electronic check.

Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services, a municipal credit rating agency, affirmed the Town’s AA+ bond rating again this fiscal year.

Standard and Poor’s stated “The rating reflects our opinion of Franklin’s history of balanced finances and strong reserve levels, supported by a very strong, growing and affluent property tax base, in addition to a strong management team that maintains several formalized financial policies and practices.”

During FY 2021, $209,381 was collected in back property taxes, interest and fees. Eighteen (18) property owners paid off all outstanding taxes and redeemed their properties out of tax title. We continue to pursue delinquent taxes through the foreclosure process and there are currently 20 properties in Land Court.

There were 1,615 Municipal Lien Certificates issued by the Treasurer-Collector’s office generating revenue of $80,350. Also collected was $4,673 in fees for duplicate bills and files that we supplied to tax services and escrow agents. During FY21, the Treasurer- Collector’s office printed and mailed 11,841 Real Estate Tax bills and 668 Personal Property Tax bills four times a year. We also sent out 34,152 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax bills, and 42,411 Utility bills. The following Demands were also printed and mailed, 541 Real Estate Tax, 110 Personal Property Tax, and 4,199 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax. There were 2,860 Motor Vehicle warrants issued in FY20. There were one (1) Betterment release (water, sewer and road). We also collected $110,432 for backflow testing and $59,496 for Sprinkler/Hydrant charges.

The Treasurer also acts as the town’s parking clerk. Our deputy collector, Kelley & Ryan Associates of Hopedale, handles the billing and collection of parking tickets. During FY21 we collected $5,163.70 for parking violations.

I would like to thank all town departments for the timely and accurate turnover of fees to the Treasurer-Collector’s office. I also would like to acknowledge my team, I am constantly impressed by your performance. Thank you for using your remarkable talents and skills to fuel our mutual efforts. I am really proud to be part of this team. Finally, I like to thank the residents of Franklin for their kindness and support.

Respectfully submitted,

Kerri A. Bertone 
Treasurer-Collector 


The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found

The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

Annual Town Report Of The Town Clerk’s Office - FY 2021
Annual Report Of The Town of Franklin - FY 2021

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills

Notice from the Office of the Treasurer/ Collector:

Treasurer Collector Kerri A. Bertone has mailed the fiscal year 2023 real estate and personal property bills.  Payment is due by August 1, 2022.  Payments received after the due date are charged 14% interest.

Shared from Town of Franklin page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/notice-treasurer-collector-fy-23-real-estate-and-personal-property-tax-bills

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills
Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills

Thursday, May 12, 2022

Town of Franklin gains AAA bond rating

"The Town of Franklin was awarded a AAA (Triple-A) Bond Rating today for the first time in the Town's history. AAA is the highest possible rating by the major credit rating agencies and depicts financial management and creditworthiness is at the most exceptional levels."

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1524509099181887489 

Listen to my conversation with Town of Franklin Finance Director/Comptroller Chris Sandini and Treasurer/Collector Kerri Bertone. We had this conversation in the Franklin studio on Thursday, April 14, 2022. One of the topics we discuss is the AAA bond rating. https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-780-town-of-franklin-budget-cycle-finance-terms-04-14-22

v
Town of Franklin gains AAA bond rating

Thursday, April 21, 2022

The Town of Franklin Budget Cycle & Financial Terms - 04/14/22 (audio)

FM #780 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 780 in the series. 


This shares my conversation with Town of Franklin Finance Director/Comptroller Chris Sandini and Treasurer/Collector Kerri Bertone. We had this conversation in the Franklin studio on Thursday, April 14, 2022.  


We cover the following key topics

A typical day for Finance Director/Comptroller

A typical day for Treasurer//Collector

The budget cycle, and fiscal year (July to June)

Three financial years; past, current, and future all in the mix


Our conversation runs about 62 minutes. Links to the documents referenced during this meeting are included in the show notes.  Let’s listen to this recording of my conversation with Kerri and Chris. 


Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-780-town-of-franklin-budget-cycle-finance-terms-04-14-22



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Town of Franklin budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 


Budget process low chart -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/new_budget_process.pdf 


MA Division of Local Services (DLS) Municipal Finance Glossary -> https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/08/qc/dlsmfgl.pdf 



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I hope you enjoy!

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Town of Franklin budget cycle
Town of Franklin budget cycle

Thursday, December 30, 2021

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 22 Third Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 22 Third Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills

Treasurer Collector Kerri A. Bertone has mailed the fiscal 2022 third quarter real estate and personal property tax bills.  Payment is due by February 1, 2022.  Payments received after the due date are charged 14% interest.


Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 22 Third Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills
Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 22 Third Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills


Saturday, August 21, 2021

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Treasurer Collector

Fiscal Year 2020 brought a lot of challenges due to COVID-19. Many operational changes had to take place in order to comply with the “new normal”. Thank goodness for the drive-up window at the municipal building. The drive-up window was also utilized so that residents could return their ballots directly to an employee.

Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services, a municipal credit rating agency, affirmed the Town’s AA+ bond rating again this fiscal year.

Standard and Poor’s stated 
“Our opinion of Franklin’s strong and balanced finances, supported by a very strong, growing, and affluent property tax base, in addition to a strong management team that maintains a number of formalized financial policies and practices. In addition, due to conservative capital-project management through the annual budget process, the town has maintained a favorable debt profile, in our view, coupled with manageable costs.”

During FY 2020, $149,000.00 was collected in back property taxes, interest and fees. Five property owners paid off all outstanding taxes and redeemed their properties out of tax title. We continue to pursue delinquent taxes through the foreclosure process and there are currently 20 properties in Land Court.

There were 1,350 Municipal Lien Certificates issued by the Treasurer-Collector’s office generating revenue of $67,525.00. Also collected was $3,600.00 in fees for duplicate bills and files that we supplied to tax services and escrow agents. During FY20, the Treasurer- Collector’s office printed and mailed 11,818 Real Estate Tax bills, 694 Personal Property Tax bills, 30,653 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax bills, and 42,326 Utility bills. The following Demands were also printed and mailed, 590 Real Estate Tax, 124 Personal Property Tax, and 4,424 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax. There were 2,984 Motor Vehicle warrants issued in FY20. There were 5 Betterment releases (water, sewer and road) generating revenue of $7,587.81. We also collected $96,213.24 for backflow testing and $56,872.83 for Sprinkler/Hydrant charges.

The Treasurer also acts as the town’s parking clerk. Our deputy collector, Kelley & Ryan Associates of Hopedale, handles the billing and collection of parking tickets. During FY20 we collected $20,393.56 for parking violations.

I would like to thank all town departments for the timely and accurate turnover of fees to the Treasurer-Collector’s office. I also would like to acknowledge my team, you made me believe once again that hard work and coordination can accomplish anything. I am really proud to be part of this team. Finally, I like to thank the citizens of Franklin for their kindness and support.

Respectfully submitted,

Kerri A. Bertone 
Treasurer-Collector 

Visit the Treasurer Collector on the ToF page


Continue reading the Annual Report for 2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  Treasurer Collector
Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  Treasurer Collector 

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Fiscal Year 2021 4th Quarter Real Estate & Personal Property Tax Bills have been mailed

Fiscal Year 2021 4th Quarter Real Estate & Personal Property Tax Bills have been mailed

Treasurer Collector, Kerri A. Bertone has mailed the Fiscal Year 2021 4th Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property tax bills. 

The due date for these bills is May 3, 2021


Shared from: https://www.franklinma.gov/treasurer-collector/news/fiscal-year-2021-4th-quarter-real-estate-personal-property-tax-bills-have


Fiscal Year 2021 4th Quarter Real Estate & Personal Property Tax Bills have been mailed
Fiscal Year 2021 4th Quarter Real Estate & Personal Property Tax Bills have been mailed

Thursday, January 14, 2021

Friday, January 1, 2021

Franklin Tax Payers: A Notice from the Treasurer/Collector's Office

A Notice from the Treasurer/Collector's Office

Dear Taxpayer,

Recently you received a 3rd quarter actual real estate tax bill that incorrectly calculated one day of interest on the amount due. 

If you pay your taxes through your mortgage company you do not need to take any action.

If you have already paid your bill, that interest will be reflected as a credit on your 4th quarter actual real estate tax bill in May.

If you have not paid yet, please discard that bill. A corrected 3rd quarter tax bill is currently being mailed to and will arrive by next week.  

To accommodate for this inconvenience we have extended the due date to February 19, 2021 without any interest or penalties.

The online payment portal has the correct amount due.  All taxpayers and citizens can pay the correct amount online. 

We apologize for any inconvenience.

These bills can be paid in a variety of ways: 

Shared from the Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/notice-treasurercollectors-office-0

Franklin Tax Payers: A Notice from the Treasurer/Collector's Office
Franklin Tax Payers: A Notice from the Treasurer/Collector's Office


Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Fiscal Year 2021 3rd Quarter Real Estate & Personal Property Tax Bills have been mailed

Fiscal Year 2021 3rd Quarter Real Estate & 
Personal Property Tax Bills have been mailed

Treasurer Collector, Kerri A. Bertone has mailed the Fiscal Year 2021 3rd Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property tax bills. 

The due date for these bills is February 1, 2021


Fiscal Year 2021 3rd Quarter Real Estate & Personal Property Tax Bills have been mailed
Fiscal Year 2021 3rd Quarter Real Estate & Personal Property Tax Bills have been mailed



Friday, December 4, 2020

OCPF Reports: FAQ on campaign treasurer role (video)

via The Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance  https://www.ocpf.us/
 
"FAQ: I'm running for office. Can a family member be my campaign treasurer? #mapoli "

Shared fromTwitter:https://twitter.com/OCPFReports/status/1334455154310049794?s=03
 
Direct video link -> https://youtu.be/w0vkEUQgviQ


Thursday, December 3, 2020

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Franklin Residents: a message from the Treasurer/Collector on bill pay options

The FY2021, 1st Quarter Real Estate, and Personal Property Tax Bills will be mailed out on July 1, 2020. The due date for these bills is August 3, 2020.

A few reminders for payment options:
  • You can pay online at https://www.franklinma.gov/files/
  • If you choose to mail your payment, please be sure to include the remittance copy with your check.
  • If you use your Online Banking to pay your bills, please remember to reference the bill number(s) you are paying.
  • The dropbox/drive up is available at the Municipal Building as well.

Thank you!

 
a message from the Treasurer/Collector on bill pay options
a message from the Treasurer/Collector on bill pay options

Saturday, May 9, 2020

Town of Franklin Department Re-entry Updates - May 8

Hello Franklin,

Our COVID-19 Information Portal is updated regularly with the latest information and resources. You can find it HERE.

Please find our Department Re-entry Updates attached below and visit our website and/or social media frequently for news and announcements.

Have a good weekend!

"Based on the escalating global COVID-19 pandemic and Governor Baker’s most recent Executive Orders, the Franklin Town and School Administration offices, as well as all Franklin public buildings will be closed to the public and most employees through May 18th, 2020. We are following the guidance coming from Governor Baker. We are working on a measured plan to initiate baby steps toward re-opening limited services that cannot be performed remotely, while keeping the safety of our employees and community at the forefront.

On May 11th, the following departments will be re-opening with limited staff and services as an initial phase in. Careful decision-making and return to work procedures will take place in the coming weeks, with safety as the top priority.

● The drive through window at the Municipal Building will be re-opening for service on May 11th for regular business hours. The window will serve as the point of contact for all municipal services for both the Town Clerk’s Office and the Treasurer/Collector. Cash will not be accepted at this time. The public will not be able to access the building in any way other than the drive through.
● The Library will be reopening with a skeleton crew for online orders and no contact pickup/dropoff of requested materials. Patrons can place material holds online or by phone. (limit of 5 items over the phone) Search our catalog at find.minlib.net , and limit the collection location to Franklin. Once you receive a text or email that your items are ready, visit the Library entrance at School Street. Hours will be Monday - Saturday 10am - 1pm. Please stay tuned to the Franklin Public Library websites for children's programming and other offerings that will be available to residents remotely.
● The DPW and Facilities Departments will begin with a soft opening on May 11th, with limited employees returning to work to assess and plan for the weeks ahead. Beginning May 18th, the DPW and custodial staff will be fully open, with work crews returning in one man vehicles where necessary. The DPW Administration Building will remain closed through May 18th.
● The Senior Center is aiming to develop a curbside lunch program for members to access Cafe prepared grab-and-go meals. The goal is to have this service available beginning June 1st, with the hope of adding the same service for breakfast in the future. More details will be released as they become available..
● On May 11th, we will begin a very limited phase in of staff at the Municipal Building. The building will not be open to the public.
● The Recycling Center is currently open regular business hours, with the addition of noon - 3pm on Thursday May 14th for yard waste only. Beginning May 18th, the Recycling Center will be open regular hours for full services. No cash or checks will be accepted. All residents who wish to use the recycling center for item drop off will need to go online prior to pay the required fee(s). A printed slip detailing the fees paid will be required to show proof of payment. The online payment portal for recycling fees is on our Viewpoint site.
● Curbside Clothing Recycling restarted the week of April 27th on your normal trash day. Please have bags out prior to 7am for pickup.
● All municipal parks and playgrounds will be closed to the public. Nature trails are OK to use.
● All public and private schools are closed through the end of the year. Childcare facilities (other than emergency centers for first responders) will be closed until June 29th.
● Trash and Recycling Pickup will continue to be picked up on their normal schedule.

While the Municipal Building and most other departments are closed for direct, in-person service, staff will be available for all regular business activities via phone, email and our online services center at www.franklinma.gov. For an emergency, please continue to dial 911."

Additional details on the Re-entry Updates: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/department_protocols_covid_19_8.pdf

Town of Franklin Department Re-entry Updates - May 8
Town of Franklin Department Re-entry Updates - May 8