- 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
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Town Council responds to budget adjustment by adding back 3rd ambulance, (video)
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Finance Committee Aug 11, 2025 Transcript available
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
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
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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
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
e. Budget Voting Resolution Model B
My notes for the meeting captured in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DkU4mNB3P894CmvRaaqTJQXWhFPhYdB6/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. 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"
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Franklin, MA: Town Council - agenda for Meeting August 13, 2025
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 othersb. Chair to identify members participating remotelyc. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events
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
a. Proclamation: John “Jay Bird” Simons
Franklin, MA: Town Council - agenda for Meeting August 13, 2025 b. Proclamation: Saumy Jani & Andrew Bairos
a. Appointments and Reappointments of Town Board and Committee Membersi. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for member nameshttps://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6509/5a-Appointments
a. Pledge of License of a Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License: Santa Fe Burrito Grill, LLC, Located at 28 West Central Street, Franklin, MA, 02038 https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6510/7a---LICENSE-TRANSACTION---Santa-Fe-Burrito-Grill
a. Franklin Ridge Senior Housing Complex Updateb. National Grid Smart Meter Announcement
a. Capital Budget Subcommitteeb. Economic Development Subcommitteec. Joint Budget Subcommitteed. Police Station Building Committeee. GATRA Advisory Board
a. To review and approve minutes from Town Council Executive Sessions.
b. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (The Franklin Police Association) - 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.
c. Exemption #6: Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body: CSX Land.
d. Exemption #6: Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body: Other Property.
e. Exemption #2: Contract negotiations with non-union personnel: Town Administrator.
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - agenda for meeting Aug 11, 2025 at 7 PM
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 Finance Committee cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Finance Committee may ask town staff to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the town staff from correcting a misstatement of fact.
a. April 28, 2025b. April 29, 2025c. May 1, 2025d. June 11, 2025
a. Town Administrator Memohttps://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6478/Town-Administrator-Memob. FY26 Control Sheet Model A & B Comparisonhttps://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6434/FY26-Control-Sheet-Model-A-and-B-Comparisonc. FY26 Budget Voting Doc Model A & B Comparisonhttps://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6433/FY26-Budget-Voting-Doc-A-and-B-Comparisond. Budget Voting Resolution Model Ahttps://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6489/General-Fund-Appropriation-Transfers-and-Adjustments-Resolution-25-52---Option-Ae. Budget Voting Resolution Model Bhttps://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6492/General-Fund-Appropriation-Transfers-and-Adjustments-Resolution-25-52---Option-B
a. Town Administratori. Five-Year Fiscal Forecasthttps://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6432/5-Year-Forecast-FY26---FY31ii. Five Year Departmental Forecasthttps://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6475/Five-Year-Departmental-Forecast---FY2026-to-FY2030
a. Stabilization Account Reporthttps://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6437/Stabilization-Fund-Balances-6-30-2025docx-1b. Municipal Local Receipts Report 6/30/25https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6436/Local-Receipts-Enterprise-Revenues-Budget-to-Actual-Report---6-30-2025c. Municipal Local Receipts Fee’s Revenue by Department 6/30/2025https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6440/Local-Receipts-Fees-Revenue-by-Dpt-6-30-2025
b. October 22, 2025c. November 5, 2025d. December 10, 2025
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Franklin Council on Aging letter to Franklin Town Council RE: Private Donation
The Franklin School Committee gratefully accepts donations made by Booster Groups, Parent Communication Councils (PCCs), other private entities and Educational Foundations to support the Franklin Public School System. In an effort to ensure equity, consistency and compliance with Massachusetts General Law, any donated funds shall not supplant the operational budget voted by the School Committee. (This would include payment of salaries, instructional stipends, operating cost of buildings and curriculum programming or other recurrent budgetary items.)
Monday, July 7, 2025
The Mass FY 2026 budget closes out with Gov Healy signature
Today (June 30, 2025) , Speaker Mariano and I issued the following statement on the Legislature's FY26 Budget:
"We are incredibly proud of the agreement that was reached by the House and Senate on Friday. This is a budget that delivers for Massachusetts residents and reflects our shared commitment to spending taxpayer dollars responsibly.
This agreement incorporates many of the strongest proposals from both chambers, will make Massachusetts more affordable, and will protect our most vulnerable residents.
As President Trump and Congressional Republicans continue to pursue devastating cuts to programs that millions of Americans rely on, we recognize the heightened importance of passing a fiscally responsible budget that invests in the areas that we value most.
This budget does exactly that.
We are deeply grateful to Chairs Rodrigues and Michlewitz, Vice Chairs Comerford and Ferrante, and the members of both chambers for their thoughtful work in delivering a timely and meaningful budget.
We look forward to sending it to the Governor’s desk on Monday."
"Today (07/04/25), Governor Maura Healey signed the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) state budget, a $60.9 billion plan that is fiscally responsible, lowers costs, protects essential care and services, and moves the Massachusetts economy forward.To further control spending and protect taxpayer dollars, Governor Healey is vetoing $130 million, resulting in a final budget that is more than $1 billion less than the H1 proposal and $130 million less than the final conference budget. The administration is also continuing an Executive Branch hiring freeze, halting a planned non-union manager pay raise scheduled for January, saving $17 million, and delaying payment on earmarked funds for local projects in the budget totaling approximately $125 million until later in the year when more is understood about their affordability.“I’m proud to sign a budget that is fiscally responsible and protects what makes Massachusetts special,” said Governor Healey. “I’m grateful to the Legislature for their strong partnership and efficient work to develop and pass this budget for the people we serve. In Massachusetts, we are continuing to lead and do what we know works – focusing on lowering costs, protecting essential care and services, and moving our economy forward by investing in housing, transportation and our schools. We are also signing this budget in a moment of great dysfunction in Washington. The President is poised to sign a bill that’s going to kick hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents off their health care, increase energy and groceries prices, and cost people their jobs.”
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The Mass FY 2026 budget closes out with Gov Healy signature |
Friday, June 13, 2025
Town Council follows through approving the forecasted $3.8M budget cuts resulting from failed override (audio)
FM #1466 This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1466 in the series.
This session shares the Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The FY 2026 second budget hearing continued from May 22, was reopened to make the adjustments due to the failed override June 3, 2025. All 9 Council members participated in the Council Chambers.
Quick recap:
After the 5 minutes late start, the public hearing on the FY 2026 budget was resumed from the May 22 session.
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walked through the recap and explained the Option A & B using 3 slides (see below) as well as the Option A & B voting docs (linked below)
Chief Lynch, Chief McLaughlin, Supt Giguere, and Library Director Oti spoke of the cut impacts to their operations but approved of them as necessary due to the failed override
Supt Giguere confirmed the full details of their cuts would be reviewed with the School Cmte at their meeting June 10. Of the projected 10-15 personnel, he confirmed likely 12 FTE positions, some teachers, some retirees not being backfilled and other personnel across the district as well as the fees would need to remain as they are this year
The public then had an opportunity to comment or question the cuts as proposed. Those in Chambers went first before those on Zoom, and all were covered before the Councilors had their turn.
The vote finally came to approve the cuts as proposed:
2 personnel from Police Dept (currently open slots not to be backfilled as had been planned)
2 personnel from Fire Dept (currently 1 open position not backfilled, and the last hired will also be leaving)
This does take the 3rd ambulance offline increasing response times and creates a lose of revenue (for the ambulance runs if required to hospital)
1 admin position for Town Administrator's office
1 from Planning & Community Development
1 from Board of Assessors
the part-time nurse at the Senior Center
DPW cuts their summer intern program (unspecified number of positions for summer help)
Library Sunday hours (during the winter, there are open during the summer)
additional expenses were reduced to bring to the total required (see Option B for details)
Personnel cuts by my tally = 8 Town side, 12 school side, plus expenses (PS - this tally was confirmed with our Town Administrator Jamie Hellen via email)
The meeting then went through the long series of votes to approve the final budget, the salary for the Town Clerk, the Community Preservation Act budget before closing just after 11 PM
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1466-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-06-04-25/
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Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/_f72Yd8VXz0?&t=316
The agenda doc was updated Wednesday afternoon to add the Option B and Options A & B comparisons for the discussion on the budget cuts.
Option A & B Comparison -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5883/FY26-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Doc-COMPARISON
Option B -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5882/FY26-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Doc-OPTION-B
Full agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06042025-1769
My full set of notes as written during the meeting
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1718wLXj_U_hdqq82Jb1rVrgeomNdeHaO/view?usp=drive_link
The 3 slides Jamie talked to in his explanation of Option B
https://photos.app.goo.gl/oxfbkEcNhB5mpjHB8
-------------
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"