Town Council takes almost 5 hours to approve FY 2027 budget, the CPA funded projects & capital round 2 (video)

The Franklin Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, June 10 with all 9 members present in Council Chambers. The session went almost 5 hours with a vote to extend past 4, and a brief "bio break/recess" during.

The 'surprise' of the evening was the announcement that Police Chief TJ Lynch will retire in November 2026.

Ultimately the FY 2027 budget passed by a 6-3 vote, the CPA funding allocation also passed by a 7-2 vote. The use of free cash for the capital round 2 was also approved by a vote of 9-0

Franklin TV video is available for replay  https://www.youtube.com/live/qrKpQCBSomk?&t=170

The agenda and associated materials can be found - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102026-2357 

My notes in one PDF can be found - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EPl6-K3022R4Jzy0uObq2AyvHbqrl9lS/view?usp=drive_link

A Tally of the individual votes is being put together and we be shared as soon as complete

Reminder: Franklin Town Council will meet on Wednesday, June 10 to determine the FY 2027 operating budget

Reminder: The Franklin Town Council will meet on Wednesday, June 10, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building.

The Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed FY 2027 Operating Budget. The adopted budget will guide Town spending and support services, programs, and operations in the coming fiscal year.

View the agenda https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/franklin-ma-agenda-for-town-council-fy.html


Residents are encouraged to attend in person, join remotely via Zoom, or watch live on Franklin Town Hall TV.

Find the explanation on the recent changes to the FY 2027

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/05/town-administrator-memo-to-finance.html

The list of resolutions mostly for the budget on the Agenda for June 10

5. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-25: Adoption of the FY2027 Budget Appropriations

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-25 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9762/5a-Complete

b. Resolution 26-26: Amendment to FY2027 Budget - Council on Aging

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-26 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9763/5b-Complete

i. Control Sheet & Voting Document (clean version)

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9658/FY27-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Document-CLEAN-COPY---FOR-AGENDA-LINK

ii. Staff Memorandum

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9677/3a-i-MEMO-Revised-TA-Budget

iii. Control Sheet & Voting Document (notes version)

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9657/FY27-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Document-JAMIE-NOTES-COPY---FOR-AGENDA-LINK

iv. Resolution - Adoption of Revised Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9683/3a-iv-Resolution-Adoption-of-the-FY-2027-Budget

v. Revised Appendix A - Town Administrator Revised Budget

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9661/Revised-Appendix-A---Town-Administrator-Revised-FY27-Budget

c. Resolution 26-27: MECC Stabilization Transfer to FY27 Operating Budget

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-27 - Majority Vote)

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9764/5c-Complete

d. Resolution 26-28: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official (Town Clerk)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-28 - Majority Vote)

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9765/5d-Complete

e. Resolution 26-29: Expenditure Limits for FY2027 on Departmental Revolving Funds (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-29 - Majority Vote)

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9766/5e-Complete

f. Resolution 26-33: Capital Round 2  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-33 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9757/5f-Complete

g. Resolution 26-32: Free Cash to Fire Truck Stabilization Transfer  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-32 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9767/5g-Complete

h. Resolution 26-34: Group Insurance Trust Fund Transfer  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-34 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9768/5h-Complete

i. Resolution 26-31: Capital FY26 Enterprise Funds  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-31 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9769/5i-Complete

j. Resolution 26-35 - Ambulance Transfer & Appropriation  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-35 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9770/5j-Complete

k. Resolution 26-23: Community Preservation Fund: Annual Appropriations and Reservation (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-23 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9771/5k-Complete

l. Resolution 26-24: FY27 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds - Capital (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-24 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9772/5l-Complete

m. Bylaw Amendment 26-952: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, §82-6, Schedule of Service Fees - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 26-952 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9773/5m-Complete

n. Bylaw Amendment 26-953: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Article X: Winter Storm Overnight Parking Ban - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 26-953 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9774/5n-Complete

Reminder: Very important Finance Committee meeting on the FY 2027 budget and CPA funding

The Finance Committee will meet on Wednesday, June 3, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Franklin Municipal Building.

Residents are encouraged to follow the discussion and stay informed on Town finances and budget-related matters.

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06032026-2346  

Attend remotely via Zoom using the information provided in the agenda packet.

To be broadcast to FRANKLIN TOWN HALL TV for Comcast 9 / Verizon 29 subscribers and to YouTube https://bit.ly/FTV-TownHall

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Among the items on the agenda are a review of proposed Community Preservation Act funds for a number of projects

4. Community Preservation Act

a. Resolution 26-23 Community Preservation Fund: Annual Appropriation and Reservation  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9623/3c-FY27-CPA-Reservations-Resolution-26-23-1

b. Resolution 26-24 on amended Project Slate from CPC  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9656/4b-FY27-CPA-Appropriation-of-Funds---Capital-26-24

i. 05-18-2026 CPC Agenda Packet   https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05182026-2318

These projects were discussed the Community Preservation Committee meeting May 18, 2026. You can watch the video replay here - https://www.youtube.com/live/VK4JHlQ0FPo?&t=74

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walks us through the changes to the updated FY 2027 budget (audio)

FM #1751 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1751 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We recorded our conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Thursday, May 28, 2026.  

Key topics

• Updates to the FY 2027 budget

• Health care overview

• Final stretch for budget approval

• Finance Cmte Jun 3

• Town Council Jun 10

• Town Council Jun 17

The recording runs about 1 hour & 5 minutes. Let’s listen to our conversation.

Audio link - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4PJREAiffxNX7eUUsa18hn

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Summary memo on budget changes - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/05/town-administrator-memo-to-finance.html 

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

FY 2027 budget page - https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=577 

Community calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar 

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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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

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!

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

GOOD DEEDS: Spring is Here – The Community Preservation Act

Dear Friends of the Registry, Registry Stakeholders, and Norfolk County Residents, Spring is here, and as many of us take this opportunity to enjoy the wonderful public spaces our Norfolk County communities have to offer, I wanted to share a bit of background and updated information about the Community Preservation Act (CPA) that you may find of interest.

The Community Preservation Act is the result of more than two decades of work to create legislation that provides all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns with a locally controlled tool to help preserve their unique natural, community, and historic resources in the face of ongoing growth and development.

 

The CPA allows cities and towns to establish a Community Preservation Fund dedicated to four eligible purposes: the preservation of open space, historic resources, affordable housing, and outdoor recreation. In addition, the law created a statewide Community Preservation Trust Fund, overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR), which provides annual matching distributions to communities that have adopted the Act. 

 

Signed into law on September 14, 2000, the Community Preservation Act has since been adopted by 201 Massachusetts communities. Here in Norfolk County, 19 of our 28 cities and towns have chosen to participate since the Act’s inception. Effective December 31, 2019, CPA recording fees were increased to $50 for most land documents and $25 for municipal lien certificates. At no additional cost to the Commonwealth or to local communities, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds collects these fees at the time of recording and forwards the funds monthly to the Department of Revenue. Those funds are then redistributed directly back to the municipalities that have adopted CPA. 

 

The CPA recording fees are established by the Massachusetts Legislature and apply to land documents recorded here at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. The accompanying chart illustrates the funds generated from each community based on real estate documents recorded during calendar year 2025, demonstrating how local activity helps support preservation projects throughout the Commonwealth and Norfolk County.

 

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT (CPA)

SURCHARGES BY TOWN FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025

 

TOWN		TOTAL
AVON		$32,225.00
BELLINGHAM		$144,900.00
BRAINTREE		$225,750.00
BROOKLINE		$323,375.00
CANTON		$168,725.00
COHASSET		$86,275.00
DEDHAM		$183,975.00
DOVER		$47,675.00
FOXBOROUGH		$120,575.00
FRANKLIN		$233,250.00
HOLBROOK		$91,700.00
MEDFIELD		$92,025.00
MEDWAY		$98,375.00
MILLIS		$78,300.00
MILTON		$181,650.00
NEEDHAM		$222,250.00
NORFOLK		$92,425.00
NORWOOD		$165,550.00
PLAINVILLE		$58,175.00
QUINCY		$481,850.00
RANDOLPH		$185,875.00
SHARON		$113,425.00
STOUGHTON		$202,350.00
WALPOLE		$190,775.00
WELLESLEY		$211,025.00
WESTWOOD		$114,775.00
WEYMOUTH		$378,375.00
WRENTHAM		$97,400.00

 

I hope you find this data informative and helpful in understanding the impact the Community Preservation Act has in allowing cities and towns to ensure that their unique characteristics and assets are preserved for years to come.  In the meantime, if I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me at 781-461-6116 or by email at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

By William P. O’Donnell

Norfolk County Register of Deeds

 

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council Meeting June 4, 2025 - FY 2026 Budget Vote

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

June 4, 2025 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. May 7, 2025

b. May 21, 2025

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

 

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. FY26 Town Council Annual Operating Budget Hearing - Continued from May 22, 2025

i. FY26 Voting Document

ii. FY26 Town Administrator Budget Message (per Town Charter Section 6-4-1)

iii. Appendix A Town Administrator Recommended Budget Voting Document & Budget Book (per Town Charter provision 6-5-1 & 6-5-2)

iv. Appendix B Franklin Public School District Budget Book

FY 2026 Budget Vote

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-20 Adoption of the FY2026 Budget Appropriations - Budget Vote (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-20 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 25-21: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official (Town Clerk)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-21 - Majority Vote)

c. Bylaw Amendment 25-936: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 73, Departmental Revolving Funds (EV Charging Stations) - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-936 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

d. Bylaw Amendment 25–937: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service (EV Charging Stations)

(Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-937 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

e. Resolution 25-23: Snow and Ice Transfer of Funds (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-23 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 25-35: Appropriation of Funds from Receipts Reserved to Road Repairs (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-35 - Majority Vote)

g. Resolution 25-25: Community Preservation Fund: FY26 Annual Appropriations and Reservations (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-25 - Majority Vote)

h. Resolution 25-26: FY26 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds - Capital (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-26 - Majority Vote)

i. Resolution 25-24: Transfer of Funds from Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings to Water Line Project (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-24 Majority Vote)

j. Resolution 25-34: Appropriation of Funds from Receipts Reserved for PFAS Remediation (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-34 Majority Vote)

k. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-935: A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 24, Floodplain District - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-935 - ⅔ Roll Call Majority Vote)

l. Resolution 25-32: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44 §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-32 - Majority Vote)

m. Resolution 25-33: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($1,510)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-33 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Joint Budget Subcommittee

d. Police Station Building Committee

e. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

 

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Community Preservation Committee recommends multiple project for approval with FY 2026 CPA funds (audio)

FM #1442 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1442 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Community Preservation Committee meeting held in the Council Chambers on Monday, May 5, 2025. All nine members of the committee were present in Council Chambers.

 

Quick Recap -> 

• No live broadcast of the Community Preservation committee meeting tonight. The meeting was recorded and will be set for broadcast later

• Minutes approved for August 20, 2024 and December 18, 2024 (approved as amended, some minor updates on who the members were at the time)

• Citizen comment; request for pickleball courts, already planned for the King St Park renovation, lights on the fields are out for bid, and courts are possible for phase 2, likely coming before the CPC in the fall to approve funding for additional pickleball courts

• 5 year anniversary of CPA in Franklin coming in the fall. Yes, really. Time flies  Committee will need to discuss how to utilize the discretionary funding, potentially use more by category or continue to save for future use 

• Motion to approve the funding resolution - FY26 Budget Approval - Resolution 25-25 Moved, second, passes 9-0 

• Jamie talks to the current projects proposals

FY26 Project Slate - Resolution 25-26 

i. Schmidt Farm Debt/Interest - $323,750

ii. Maple Hill Debt/Interest - $252,818

iii. School Playgrounds (Redistricting) - $181,623

iv. Open Space & Recreation Plan Supplement - $14,600

v. Sports Fields Wall Padding Replacement - $40,000

vi. Repair 1949 Fire Engine - $20,000

vii. Library Historic Hall Repairs - $80,000

Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0

• FY26 Project - Resolution 25-27 - Franklin United Methodist Church - $105,245

• Rev Jacob here to talk to the details with Tricia Prewitt

• CPA funding has been used for historical renovations of church facilities Discussion on the "anti aid" amendment

• Three tests generally; iconic?, no use of funds for 'maintenance', substance of uniqueness?

• Would require a preservation restriction. Town did this for the Old South Meeting House/Habitat for Humanity project recently, it was 'easy' compared to this potential project

5 minutes break per chair, Ready to resume Meeting opens

• Franklin United Methodist Church discussion resumes

• Previously presented May 2024

• Additional research completed since that time, identification of the role that the church has placed. Thanks to Rowan and Vicki for their research assistance

• CPA flow chart on determining use of funds for historic preservation https://www.communitypreservation.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif4646/f/uploads/cpa_historic_flowchart_2025.pdf 

• Adjustments to proposal by removing the cross restoration from the scope and total reducing cost request, Funds will only be used for preservation of the exterior of the building 

• Interesting that the community participation is more in the church building than the congregation does (respectfully)

• Motion to approve proposal as revised, Vote via roll call passes 9-0

• Next to set a date; Oct 21 an off school committee mtg 

• Chair requests Town to look into Housing Authority for use of preservation funds

• Motion to adjourn, second, passes 9-0

The recording runs about 75 minutes, so let’s listen in.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1442-community-preservation-cmte-mtg-05-05-25/

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Franklin United Methodist Church discussion

Community Preservation Cmte page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/501/Community-Preservation-Committee 

Agenda doc and released materials https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05052025-1717 

 

My notes in one PDF file -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WdsqZK2kBSiWBcNqQPl_XM2UW4roPZEX/view?usp=drive_link 

Franklin TV video not yet available 

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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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

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"