Annual Tax Rate Hearing for FY 2026 - Charts Updated

The Annual Tax Rate Hearing for FY 2026 is on the Town Council agenda Wednesday, Dec 3, 2025. There will be a public hearing before the Council votes to set the rate. A couple of helpful charts have been updated in advance of the hearing.

The key decision at the tax rate hearing is to maintain the single tax rate or move to a split tax rate. The Board of Assessors memo to the Council lays out the argument distinctly:

"A single tax rate means that all property classes (residential, commercial, industrial and personal) are taxed at the same tax rate. A dual tax rate means the commercial-industrial-personal tax rate is increased while the residential rate is decreased. In other words, some of the residential tax burden is shifted towards commercial, industrial and personal properties.

Please note that a dual tax rate does not produce more tax revenue, it simply shifts the burden." (Bold added for emphasis)

Franklin has historically had an approximate 80-20 split between residential and commercial/industrial as shown in the following chart.

It should be interesting to hear why the residential percent rose from 81 to 82%

As the assessed valuation increases over time, the tax rate will drop. As the valuation decreases, the tax rate will increase. The tax rate is a good talking point but is simply the result of math driven by the assessed values and the amount to be raised to meet the budget.

The net change in assessed values vs the tax rate shows the inverse relationship

The rate actually means little to the average home owner. Whether the rate goes up or down, it is more important to know what the valuation of the residence is. The chart will show that over time, the tax rate can go up or down but the average tax bill will continue to increase due to the automatic 2.5% increase voted by the Council. 

The tax rate means nothing when the actual tax bill always increases

Download these updated charts in a PDF to share -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15VtJzd2QSnAKYVe9I_XTj6t_U_z-8OWd/view?usp=drive_link

FY 2026 Tax classification hearing info -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pnjHbwzxQZ_S_-C2WpF_9LY8rWCZbsHm/view?usp=drive_link

The full Town Council agenda also provide an update on the projected revenue for FY 2027 out five years. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10CKdLHv-tyPPMK8NjyTjoW0-QYb2w4gW/view?usp=drive_link

Town Council votes to join GIC, approves FY 2026 budget adjustment, rescinds prior vote on 40b approval (video)

The Franklin Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 beginning at 6 PM. 8 members participated in Council Chambers. One member traveling on vacation participated remotely for portion of the session.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGGEiz-8dlM

The agenda for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11192025-2010 

Note: additional docs were shared during the session, one on screen only, 2 copies available in Chambers. Those will be added here as time permits

Quick recap:

• vote to join the GIC passed 9-0
• Vote to approve the budget adjustment was approved 9-0. TA Hellen to hold on posting for the Communications role pending further discussion with the Town Council
• After much discussion, the vote to rescind the vote on the approval of the "friendly 40b" for 444 East Central St was approved by 5-1 (Morrongiello no; Grella, Malloy both recused themselves; Cormier-leger was not online at the time of the final vote)

My notes for the full meeting in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/19-3d9qq6zRWsk0GedQJ6NUm6Q425CldU/view?usp=drive_link

Agenda for Town Council meeting Weds, Nov 19 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

November 19, 2025 - 6:00 PM

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 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. October 22, 2025   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7633/October-22-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

b. October 29, 2025  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7634/October-29-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Cultural Council - Elizabeth O’Day   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7637/5a---APPOINTMENT---ODay

b. Finance Committee - Jennifer D’Angelo  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7638/5b---1---APPOINTMENTS---DAngelo

c. Historical Commission - Brandon Carrico  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7639/5c---1---APPOINTMENTS---Carrico

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM- None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled.

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-71: Adoption of MGL Chapter 32B, Section 21-23 For the Purpose of Town’s Participating in the Group Insurance Commission

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-71 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7640/9a-GIC

b. Resolution 25-72: General Fund Appropriation Reductions FY26

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-72 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7646/9b-Budget-Adjustment

c. Resolution 25-73: Franklin Town Council’s Withdrawal of Support of Proposed Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Project Located at 444 East Central Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-73 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7647/9c-1---MEMO-25-73---Repeal-of-444-E-Central-St

d. Resolution 25-74: 2026 Schedule of Town Council Meetings

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-74 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7648/9d-TC-Meeting-Schedule

e. Resolution 25-75: Gift Acceptance - Fire Department ($1,000), Veterans Services Department ($1,175)  (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-75 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7649/9e-Gift-Acceptance

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION -

a. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (Police Patrol) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the Chair so declares.

15. ADJOURN

Note: 

• Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
• Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11192025-2010 

Agenda for Town Council meeting Weds, Nov 19 at 6 PM

Voices of Franklin: "votes have very real consequences"

In June, Town officials told us all very clearly that if the override failed, we’d be looking at cuts that would take away services, personnel, and some of the things that contribute to the character of our community. After much debate, voters decided those cuts were an acceptable loss and voted against the override. But now that the cuts are rearing their ugly heads, these same “no” voters are feigning shock and claiming the cuts are political and punitive.

Absolutely no one should be surprised that the reductions they were told were coming are now here. That’s why it’s ridiculous and more than a little hypocritical that some people in town—including Town Council hopeful Jane Callaway-Tripp who came in last in a field of 12 when she last ran—are trying to shirk responsibility for the cuts they voted for going into effect.

This is what “no” voters chose. These are the consequences of their votes. When people like Callaway-Tripp write that town officials need more accountability, I have to wonder why she’s not looking in the mirror. The people who voted for this need to be accountable for their decisions, not falsely playing the victim and accusing everyone else of some sort of conspiracy theory when, in reality, they’re getting exactly what they chose.

I don’t believe for a second that the officers and employees of the Franklin Police Department are using the children of Franklin as political pawns to prove a point. That Halloween party has existed for decades and I believe the department loves putting it on and giving parents and kids a beloved tradition. I’m positive it hurt them to have to cancel this year’s festivities, and they very clearly explained exactly why it happened. They wrote:

“Following the results of the proposition 2.5 override the Franklin Police Department lost $250,000 out of our operational budget. This resulted in the elimination of 2 full-time patrol officer positions. With the two openings, two officers from the Community Service Unit/School Resource Officers were reassigned to the patrol division to fill the open vacancies and low staffing. The Community Service Unit was responsible for coordinating this large yearly party. With the reduced CSU staffing, events like this are simply not possible due to staffing restrictions. CSU Officers serve as School Resource Officers and their primary responsibilities are with the Franklin Public Schools. We hope that if staffing levels increase we will be able to throw this party and other community events again.”

But, according to Callaway-Tripp, they should’ve given townspeople a chance to reach into their own pockets and fund this themselves. Except her claim ignores the fact that voters had that precise opportunity in June and decided to do the exact opposite.

I hear a lot of talk about the need for audits and accountability if certain folks are elected to the town’s top board, but apparently that accountability is reserved for everyone else who disagrees with them and not themselves. Which tells me all I need to know when casting a vote on Nov. 4.

Please choose your candidates wisely because, even though they don’t want to take responsibility for them now, votes have very real consequences.

 

Aaron Gouveia
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: "votes have very real consequences"

Town Council responds to budget adjustment by adding back 3rd ambulance (audio)

FM #1499 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1499 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. All 9 members of the committee were present. 

Quick recap:

• In the first of 2 long updates, discussions, the Council ultimately approved the restoration of the 3rd ambulance by adjusting the expense budget by $114K, authorizing the hiring of 2 firefighter/paramedics, and including half of the anticipated ambulance revenue in the budget to balance for the $231,152 shortfall in State funding that came after the State finalized their budget in July

• In the 2nd, key decision, the Council voted 7-2 to NOT accept a private donation to provide funding for the health & wellness nurse at the Senior Center. There are 2 actions out of this: one for the Town Administrator to find another  way to fund and restore the position, and 2 - to draft a policy for the Town on donations and acceptable uses. As noted during the discussion, the School District has such a policy, the Town does not

• Per legal advice, the Town Council can not rescind the 40b approval vote for the 444 East Central development. Residents are encouraged to continue to participate in both the Zoning Board of Appeals and Conservation Commission meeting as the project moves through the process. There is no short cut to this long process.

• Franklin Ridge project is likely to put shovel in the ground before year end (a delay from what was announced earlier this year). In another year, the operator will begin outreach and info session for the resident application process. Federal income guidelines will be followed but 70% of the units to be prioritized for Franklin residents

• Additional items will be added to the recap with the publication of the meeting audio and also covered in the Town Council Quarterbacking session when shared in a couple of days.

The recording runs about 3 hour & 15 minutes

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1499-town-council-mtg-08-13-25/

--------------

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E1pOkLizKc 

Agenda doc can be found -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132025-1852 

My full set of notes in one PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UPwTkHaZv3OVhfIpt5HqxFs-k7-sfa5S/view?usp=drive_link

-------------

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"

Town Council responds to budget adjustment by adding back 3rd ambulance, (video)

The Franklin, MA Town Council met at 6 PM on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 as scheduled. All 9 Councilors participated in Council Chambers. The public meeting ran just over 3 hours. The Council entered Executive Session to review another 5 topics. Once into Executive Session they did not return to open meeting.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E1pOkLizKc

Agenda doc can be found -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132025-1852

My full set of notes in one PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UPwTkHaZv3OVhfIpt5HqxFs-k7-sfa5S/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap:

• In the first of 2 long updates, discussions, the Council ultimately approved the restoration of the 3rd ambulance by adjusting the expense budget by $114K, authorizing the hiring of 2 firefighter/paramedics, and including half of the anticipated ambulance revenue in the budget to balance for the $231,152 shortfall in State funding that came after the State finalized their budget in July
• In the 2nd, key decision, the Council voted 7-2 to NOT accept a private donation to provide funding for the health & wellness nurse at the Senior Center. There are 2 actions out of this: one for the Town Administrator to find another  way to fund and restore the position, and 2 - to draft a policy for the Town on donations and acceptable uses. As noted during the discussion, the School District has such a policy, the Town does not
• Per legal advice, the Town Council can not rescind the 40b approval vote for the 444 East Central development. Residents are encouraged to continue to participate in both the Zoning Board of Appeals and Conservation Commission meeting as the project moves through the process. There is no short cut to this long process.
• Franklin Ridge project is likely to put shovel in the ground before year end (a delay from what was announced earlier this year). In another year, the operator will begin outreach and info session for the resident application process. Federal income guidelines will be followed but 70% of the units to be prioritized for Franklin residents

Additional items will be added to the recap with the publication of the meeting audio and also covered in the Town Council Quarterbacking session when shared in a couple of days.

Finance Committee Aug 11, 2025 Transcript available

As noted, due to the room change on Monday from the Agenda posted on Friday, Studio personnel were not present to broadcast as normal. The Owl was used to enable video and audio for those participating via Zoom. The recording will be processed for broadcast later by Franklin TV.

The audio was posted earlier ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/08/finance-committee-recommends-option-b.html

The transcript is now available. As with prior transcripts, AI is used. We do edit for speaker name accuracy only.

In our cursory review of the transcript, it is not perfect but generally phonetically correct.

The timestamps for each speaker are shown in the transcript so you can also shift to the audio and scan to that time in the meeting to listen.

Transcript PDF (29 pages)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WupbCSx0GqVLLyMdyAqRY5J78CkXHjJr/view?usp=drive_link

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1492-tof-finance-cmte-mtg-08-11-25/

Slides as presented -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6560/2025-08-11-Fin-Comm-Slideshow

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVIWsqxNQsQ

Model B

Model B makes some minor cuts ($21K), adjusts health care (by $75K) but also by restoring 2 firefighter/paramedics ($115K) is forecast to also bring in $249K in revenue to offset the adds and ‘balance’ the budget again

Finance Committee recommends Option B, adding back 2 firefighter/paramedics to resolve budget adjustment (audio)

FM #1492 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1492 in the series. 

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting very briefly conducted Monday, August 11, 2025. The Committee opened with 3 new members and the Chair absent, for his first time, so 8 of 9 present. One member was initially remote, then he came into Chambers so roll call votes were not required. 

The room had changed from the posted agenda so the Studio personnel were not present to broadcast as normal. The Owl was used to enable video and audio for those participating via Zoom. The recording of that can be processed for broadcast later by Franklin TV. video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVIWsqxNQsQ

Quick recap:

• After a lengthy presentation and discussion, the Committee voted to recommend Option B for the Town Council to discuss and determine their vote on the FY 2026 budget adjustment.

• The State budget finalized in July authorized $231,152 LESS than the Town had put in the budget and adjusted after the failed override.

• Model A would have split the difference in making further cuts to both Town and School budgets

• Model B makes some minor cuts ($21K), adjusts health care (by $75K) but also by restoring 2 firefighter/paramedics ($115K) is forecast to also bring in $249K in revenue to offset the adds and ‘balance’ the budget again

• Note the numbers presented on the option B slide still result in a NET ADD of $18k to the budget (maybe that will get corrected before the Council meeting Wednesday)

Model A

Model A would split the difference in making further cuts to both Town and School budgets

Model B

Model B makes some minor cuts ($21K), adjusts health care (by $75K) but also by restoring 2 firefighter/paramedics ($115K) is forecast to also bring in $249K in revenue to offset the adds and ‘balance’ the budget again

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1492-tof-finance-cmte-mtg-08-11-25/

Slides as presented -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6560/2025-08-11-Fin-Comm-Slideshow

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Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08112025-1822 

FY26 Budget Amendments

a. Town Administrator Memo  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6478/Town-Administrator-Memo 

b. FY26 Control Sheet Model A & B Comparison 

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6434/FY26-Control-Sheet-Model-A-and-B-Comparison 

c. FY26 Budget Voting Doc Model A & B Comparison  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6433/FY26-Budget-Voting-Doc-A-and-B-Comparison 

d. Budget Voting Resolution Model A  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6489/General-Fund-Appropriation-Transfers-and-Adjustments-Resolution-25-52---Option-A 

e. Budget Voting Resolution Model B  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6492/General-Fund-Appropriation-Transfers-and-Adjustments-Resolution-25-52---Option-B

My notes for the meeting captured in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DkU4mNB3P894CmvRaaqTJQXWhFPhYdB6/view?usp=drive_link 

Photos of the presentation slides for the meeting are in one album ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/WYo4oK4oQWpQLKDfA

-------------

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. 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"