Voices of Franklin: Arielle Shearer - 3 Reasons to Vote Yes

There’s been a lot of discussion about the override — and understandably so. People care about this town, its services, its taxes, and its future. But somewhere along the way, a few misconceptions have taken on lives of their own, and discussions meant to be productive have sometimes turned... well, let's just say they've become about as fun as untangling old holiday lights or trying to find that one missing sock. But here we are. It's important that these things get talked about, though. Not just because there’s a vote coming, but because decisions like this shape what kind of town we live in — and what kind of town our kids, neighbors, and future residents will inherit. It deserves clear information, honest reflection, and yes, some tough conversations. So, in that spirit, here are some key considerations for your vote: BENEFITS OF VOTING “YES” 1. Investing now helps stabilize our community’s financial future and can mitigate future increases. A crucial way to stabilize the taxes families pay over time is through responsible growth that contributes more in taxes than it costs the town in services. For example, homes that contribute to our tax base with minimal immediate impact on services can help balance our financial needs. Investing in maintaining and improving our community, including well-funded public schools, can attract growth that strengthens our overall tax base and supports property values. 2. Financial stability provides greater control over future development. When our town is financially stable, we have stronger leverage to ensure that new development aligns with our community's vision and needs. This means we can thoughtfully guide growth, ensuring it contributes positively to our town without disproportionately increasing municipal costs. Strong finances allow us to insist on development that fits our community’s character and long-term sustainability. 3. Delaying necessary investments leads to greater costs and challenges in the long run. Inflation on large items, like essential town equipment, has been significant in recent years. Postponing purchases doesn't save money; it often results in higher costs later due to inflation and increased repair/maintenance needs as equipment ages. For example, delaying a $100,000 purchase could increase its cost by $5,000 to $11,000 within a year, while our standard tax revenue growth may not keep pace. Furthermore, delaying maintenance or replacing aging equipment can lead to more frequent breakdowns, more expensive repairs (as parts become scarce), and even increased safety risks for our public safety and public works personnel. Using outdated or inefficient tools ultimately costs more in terms of labor and productivity. Proactive investment helps maintain efficient operations and ensures our town services can operate effectively. CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR VOTE Addressing affordability and fixed incomes:

The concern about affordability and the impact of taxes on those with fixed incomes is a genuine and serious issue that our community must address. It’s important to understand that property taxes can still rise significantly even without an override, primarily due to increasing property valuations. For instance, a homeowner with a $350,000 assessed home could see their annual tax bill climb by nearly $600 over two years simply due to rising assessed values, even without an override. A financially stable town is in a much better position to explore and implement assistance programs for residents facing financial hardship. A town that is struggling to maintain essential services may lack the resources and capacity to adequately develop and offer such crucial support programs. While every dollar matters, a stable town can build the foundation for real, systemic solutions to help our neighbors. Understanding shared community investment:

It’s true that property taxes fund a wide range of services, and individuals may not directly use every single one—whether it’s schools, libraries, senior centers, or public safety.This is a fundamental aspect of living in a community: we collectively contribute to services that benefit the whole, even if our personal use varies. We support schools to prepare the next generation, recognizing their future role in our community. We care for our seniors, building a community that values and supports all its residents. Choosing to live in a community means accepting a shared responsibility for its well-being. This collective investment provides the infrastructure, safety, and quality of life that often attract people to our town in the first place and keep them here. Being part of a community involves contributing beyond what we or our immediate family directly use, fostering a place where everyone can thrive. Impact of leadership concerns on critical services:

It’s important to address concerns about current town leadership, and these should be addressed through appropriate channels, such as elections. However, refusing to fund essential services as a response can cause cumulative harm to the entire town. Based on publicly available audits and our strong bond rating, there is no evidence of financial impropriety that would suggest a reason to fear disastrous spending in the next few months if your goal is to voice a need for change in the November elections. Delaying critical investments due to leadership concerns only increases costs over time, as seen with our large equipment needs. While some may view a "no" vote as sending a message, it’s crucial to consider the practical consequences of underfunding essential services like public safety, education, and public works. These problems will continue to grow, becoming more expensive and challenging to fix, regardless of who is in leadership. It’s important to maintain respectful dialogue and address concerns constructively. Our town needs continued investment to maintain vital services and protect our future. Addressing immediate fiscal needs through this override allows us to then focus on longer-term solutions and improvements for our community MOVING FORWARD Yes, there are problems to fix, and those conversations must continue. But we can’t wait any longer. This override is critical to keep essential services running and protect the future of our town. Delaying only makes everything harder and more expensive. Nobody really wants an override, and nobody wants taxes to go up. It's kind of like needing a plunger. You're never thrilled to pull it out, but you use it when necessary. And once the immediate problem is fixed, you then work to prevent needing it again, whether that means being more careful or fixing the plumbing. Refusing to unclog a toilet because plungers are "gross" or because it "might clog again anyway" only worsens the problem, risking damage, health concerns, and even more costly cleanup down the line. We know some residents worry that approving this override might mean we'll face requests for more overrides in the future. It’s a valid concern, and the fear of a recurring cycle of increased costs would unsettle anyone. The goal with this override is to stabilize our town's finances and ensure we have the foundation to proactively plan and manage our resources. This will help us minimize the need for such measures in the future and work toward long-term financial stability. Only then can we change our focus to how to prevent needing a plug—an override—in the future.

Arielle Shearer

Franklin Resident

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Arielle Shearer - "3 Reasons to Vote Yes"