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Thursday, April 16, 2026

FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Treasurer-Collector section

From the Town Administrator's FY 2027 Budget narrative, each department's story is worth sharing. 

General Purpose

The office of the Treasurer/Collector is responsible for the receipt, investment and disbursement of all Town funds. The goal is to achieve these responsibilities while providing the highest level of customer service and support to all of the Town's taxpayers, employees, retirees, and vendors, as well as satisfy the legal requirements set forth in Massachusetts General Laws and the Town Code.

Since May of 2022 the Town has maintained the AAA bond rating awarded by S&P Global Ratings. AAA credit rating signifies a high level of creditworthiness, demonstrating a strong capacity to meet financial commitments and a very low risk of default.

Core Functions

● Accept Real Estate and Personal Property tax commitments from the Assessors. Bills are printed and mailed on a quarterly basis to all Franklin property owners (approx. 44,000 per year).
● Accept Motor Vehicle Excise tax commitments from the Assessors. Bills are printed and mailed yearly to owners (approx. 35,000 per year).
● Accept Water, Sewer, Trash and Stormwater commitments from the Department of Public Works. Utility bills are printed and mailed on a quarterly basis to customers (approx. 40,000 per year).
● Accept, record and deposit in person and drive-thru tax payments, process payments, answer telephone and email inquiries from taxpayers, mortgage companies and law firms as well as accept monies turned over from all Town Departments; all while providing the highest level of customer service in a professional and ethical manner.
● Research and prepare Municipal Lien Certificates that are requested in person, online or through the U.S. Mail.
● Use services provided by our Deputy Tax Collector, Kelley & Ryan Associates, to collect delinquent Motor Vehicle Excise, Real Estate and Personal Property taxes.
● Receive and account for all State and Federal disbursements.
● Maintain and reconcile bank accounts on a monthly basis.
● Invest the town’s monies in secure funds with the highest possible rate of return and retain adequate liquidity.
● Account for and fund bi-weekly payroll. Quarterly reporting of payroll taxes to DOR and IRS.
● Account for, fund and prepare weekly vendor checks for distribution.
● Responsible for the preparation of authorized borrowing and issuance of timely debt payments. Prepare and submit Continuing Disclosure Statement to Fiscal Advisors, Bond Council and Auditors.
● Manage Tax Title accounts from time of Tax Taking to Redemption or Foreclosure. Work closely with Town’s Tax Title Law firm, Hill Law.
● Yearly management of resolving checks not yet cleared according to Massachusetts General Law.

Staffing

● One (1) Treasurer/Collector
● One (1) Deputy Treasurer/Collector
● Three (3) Collection Specialists
● One (1) part-time Passport Acceptance Agent

Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments

● The Treasurer/Collector’s Office will continue to take advantage of professional development opportunities.
● Continue to streamline in-house procedures by utilizing available technology as demonstrated in FY2026 by offering customers the option of auto-payment for Real Estate, Personal Property and Utility bills.
● Since the successful use of our Deputy Tax Collector’s services beginning in January 2025 for collection of delinquent Real Estate bills, we expanded the process for collection of outstanding Personal Property bills.
● Continue to invest the town’s monies in secure funds with the highest possible rate of return yet retain adequate liquidity.

FY27 Requested Budget Highlights

● Contractual and Professional Services: These lines have increased due to higher costs for billing and printing services, driven by inflation.
● Added expense line for Passport Acceptance Office due to high demands.
● Other Line Items: All other items remain level-funded.

FY27 Requested Budget Summary

The Treasurer/Collector’s FY2027 budget should be approved as the services provided by our office are essential to the Town's revenue. To maintain consistent cash flow, it is critical that we adequately fund the costs associated with printing, mailing, and distributing all tax bills.

Additionally, an expense line has been added to accommodate the high demand for passport and passport photo appointments. This requires an increase in the supplies necessary to produce passport photos.

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