Professional Firefighters Of Franklin Local statement on Town of Franklin FY 2026 Budget

Professional Firefighters Of Franklin

IAFF Local 2637

P.O. Box 161

Franklin, Ma 02038

508-528-2323x1962

Professional Firefighters Of Franklin Local

Brian Hamann, President

Joshua Impey. Vice President

David Ogilvie, Treasurer

Michael Mcconaghy. Secretary

To the Residents of Franklin:

On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, a Town Council meeting was held where Town Administrator Hellen outlined the proposed FY 2026 budget for the Town of Franklin. This budget model reflects a S3.8 million structural budget deficit. In this proposed budget, a S250,000.00 cut was highlighted for the Franklin Fire Department. These budget cuts will directly result in a reduction of staffing for the Franklin Fire Department. 

Over the past 6 years, the Town Administrator, Town Council, and the residents of Franklin have made great strides to improve and invest in the Fire Department so that we are able to respond to the increased demand for service in our community. These budget cuts would be detrimental to our organization and to all of the residents, businesses, and visitors to our town. These cuts mean that the Yd ambulance is no longer staffed and therefore unable to respond to emergencies in the community. These cuts could result in a delay in service and decrease the availability of the Tower Ladder to respond to incidents. 

We cannot afford to go backwards. The Town's population is growing, our call volume is increasing, and the demand for Fire Department services is higher than ever. These cuts would undo years of progress and take our department back to a time where our resources were  stretched far too thin. The fire department has been responsible and transparent with its budget. 

We have never asked for more than what is needed to keep the community safe.

If an override does not happen and cuts move forward, public safety will suffer.

This is your town. 

Your tax dollars. 

Your Safety:

Professional Firefighters of Franklin

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For additional information on the FY 2026 Town budget visit the Town page ->  https://franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=500