Showing posts with label FY 2026. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FY 2026. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 ???

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 ???
Library & Senior Center events
Wednesday, May 21

10:00am FPSA Open House (Franklin School for the Performing Arts - Music Dance Drama)

10:00am JFK 4th grade music field trip RI Philharmonic

11:00am Franklin Q&A (Franklin Senior Center)

1:00pm Where's the Toast? Memory Cafe (Franklin Senior Center)

6:00pm Paint Party Social "Whispering Magnolia" (franklin Food Pantry)

7:00pm Oskey (Franklin High School)



For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   
**   Town Meetings today   **

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 5:45 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05212025-1754 


Town Council Meeting (FY 2026 Budget Hearing)

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05212025-1752 



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What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 
Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar


Voices of Franklin: Councilor Jones advocates for the Override June 3

Like many municipalities across the Commonwealth, the Town of Franklin is grappling with mounting financial challenges. Rising costs—driven by inflation, aging infrastructure, and increased demand for public services—are placing significant strain on our local budget. At the same time, the constraints of Proposition 2½ severely limit our ability to generate the revenue needed to meet these growing demands. As a result, Franklin is facing an unsustainable gap between the services our community requires and the resources available to provide them.

Without the passage of a Proposition 2½ override, the town will be forced to implement deep and painful cuts to essential services. These reductions could have serious consequences. Public safety would be directly affected, with fewer police officers and firefighters on duty and the potential loss of our third ambulance, an indispensable resource for ensuring timely emergency medical care. Basic services such as road maintenance and snow removal could be curtailed, leading to deteriorating conditions and slower response times during winter storms.

Deferred maintenance on public buildings would likely result in more costly repairs in the future, while our public schools could suffer severe budget cuts, threatening the quality of education that Franklin families count on.

A successful override would allow Franklin to preserve and maintain the vital services that residents rely on every day. It would support adequate staffing levels in our police and fire departments, ensuring swift and reliable emergency response. It would enable the Department of Public Works to continue keeping our roads safe and accessible throughout the year. It would provide for the upkeep of municipal buildings and facilities, and most critically, it would help safeguard the strength of our public schools, allowing students to continue receiving the
high-quality education they deserve.

This override is not about funding new or expanded programs—it is about preserving the core services that form the foundation of Franklin’s safety, livability, and overall quality of life. The long-term financial and societal costs of inaction will far exceed the short-term investment required today.

I encourage all residents to learn more about the override proposal, attend public meetings, and engage in informed discussions. On June 3rd, please join me in voting YES at Franklin High School to support this critical investment in the future of our town and the well-being of our entire community.

Respectfully,

Councilor Glenn Jones 

Clerk of Council 
Franklin Town Council


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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: Councilor Jones advocates for the Override June 3
Voices of Franklin: Councilor Jones advocates for the Override June 3

Voices of Franklin: Roberta Trahan voting "Yes" for the June 3 Override

Voices of Franklin: Roberta Trahan voting "Yes" for the June 3 Override
Voices of Franklin: Roberta Trahan


Video link -> 
https://youtube.com/shorts/z2k7IOzy9Qw









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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: Roberta Trahan voting "Yes" for the June 3 Override
Voices of Franklin: Roberta Trahan voting "Yes" for the June 3 Override

School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan updates the Franklin community (video)

School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan updates the Franklin community at the Franklin Town Council meeting May 7, 2025
"Take a look at this quick recap of some of the smart, strategic moves our schools have made to save taxpayers millions—all while keeping student needs front and center. Proud of the work being done to make every dollar count!"

Monday, May 19, 2025

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting May 22, 2025 at 7 PM

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
May 22, 2025 - 7 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, 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. April 30, 2025

4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. License Modification - Change of LLC Managers & Change of Ownership (Beneficial Membership) Interest of a Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License: Franklin Shed, LLC d/b/a The Shed, Located at 340 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038
Table & VIne, the alcohol branded business of the Big Y
Table & Vine

b. Transfer, Change of Location and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: DeVita’s Market, LLC d/b/a DeVita’s Market, Located at 198 East Central St., Suite 2, Franklin, MA 02038

c. Transfer, Change of Location and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Table & Vine, Inc., Located at 348 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

d. FY26 Town Council Annual Operating Budget Hearing
i. FY26 Voting Document -> 
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5662/FY26-Voting-Document-2
ii. FY26 Town Administrator Budget Message (per Town Charter Section 6-4-1)  
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5322/FY26-Budget-Narrative
iii. Appendix A Town Administrator Recommended Budget Voting Document & Budget Book (per Town Charter provision 6-5-1 & 6-5-2)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5246/Appendix-A-Town-Administrator-Recommended-Voting-Document-and-Budget-Book
iv. Appendix B Franklin Public School District Budget Book  
https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5269967/-FY26_Franklin_Budget_Book_.docx_-_Google_Docs_1_.pdf

5. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. License Modification - Change of LLC Managers & Change of Ownership (Beneficial Membership) Interest of a Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License: Franklin Shed, LLC d/b/a The Shed, Located at 340 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

b. Transfer, Change of Location and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: DeVita’s Market, LLC d/b/a DeVita’s Market, Located at 198 East Central St., Suite 2, Franklin, MA 02038

c. Transfer, Change of Location and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Table & Vine, Inc., Located at 348 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

d. Farmer-Brewery Farmers Market License - Rushford Brewery

6. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 25-31: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($180)

7. ADJOURN

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




Sunday, May 18, 2025

Franklin, MA: Town Council agenda for budget hearing on FY 2026 - May, 21, 2025 - 7 PM

Franklin Town Council 
Agenda & Meeting Packet 
May 21, 2025 - 7 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, 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. PUBLIC HEARING - 7:00 PM

i. FY26 Voting Document -> 
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5662/FY26-Voting-Document-2
ii. FY26 Town Administrator Budget Message (per Town Charter Section 6-4-1)  
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5322/FY26-Budget-Narrative
iii. Appendix A Town Administrator Recommended Budget Voting Document & Budget Book (per Town Charter provision 6-5-1 & 6-5-2)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5246/Appendix-A-Town-Administrator-Recommended-Voting-Document-and-Budget-Book
iv. Appendix B Franklin Public School District Budget Book  
https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5269967/-FY26_Franklin_Budget_Book_.docx_-_Google_Docs_1_.pdf
v. Appendix C Budget Breakdown  
https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5253/C1--Budget-Breakdown
vi. Appendix C2 Operating Revenue  
https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5254/C2--Operating-Revenue
vii. Appendix C3 Fixed Cost  
https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5255/C3--Fixed-Cost
viii. Appendix C4 Local Aid  
https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5256/C4--Local-Aid
ix. Appendix C5 Local Receipts  
https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5257/C5--Local-Receipts
x. Appendix C6 Assessments  
https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5258/C6--Assessments
xi. Appendix C7 New Growth  
https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5259/C7--New-Growth
xii. Appendix C8 Free Cash Balances  
https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5260/C8--Free-Cash-Balances
xiii.   Appendix C9 FC and RE  
https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5261/C9--FC-and-RE

4.  ADJOURN

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


Franklin, MA: Town Council agenda for budget hearing on FY 2026 - May, 21, 2025 - 7 PM
Franklin, MA: Town Council agenda for budget hearing on FY 2026 - May, 21, 2025 - 7 PM

Thursday, May 15, 2025

State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy Announces Passing of House Budget

Investments Made Supporting Franklin and Medway

State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) announced key victories for Franklin, Medway, and the Commonwealth in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) House budget, a $61.47 billion spending plan focused on economic opportunity, education, housing, and transportation passed without new taxes. Representative Roy successfully advocated for targeted local investments and critical statewide initiatives through a series of budget amendments.
State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy Announces Passing of House Budget
State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy
Announces Passing of House Budget

"I was proud once again to deliver local aid to Franklin and Medway that will improve the lives of my constituents," said Representative Roy. "In these difficult times, I am grateful for the leadership of Speaker Ron Mariano and Ways & Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz for making it all happen.

"The House's FY26 budget makes key investments that better support Massachusetts students and families, that increase access to affordable health care, and that provide for a safer and more reliable public transportation system - all without raising taxes. In a moment of incredible uncertainty at the federal level, our budget is proof that government can be both fiscally responsible and an agent of good, the kind of government that our residents deserve," said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). "I want to thank Chairman Michlewitz and the House Committee on Ways and Means for working diligently to craft a budget that delivers results for our constituents, as well as all my colleagues in the House for their valued input."

"This budget builds off the successes of the last few years by prioritizing our residents. Whether it is greater investments into programs like housing stability, public transportation, or early education these initiatives are a reflection of our shared values," said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). "By reinvesting in the people of the Commonwealth we will continue make our economy more competitive and equitable for years to come. I want to thank Speaker Mariano for his leadership during this budget process, as well as my Vice-Chairs Ann-Margaret Ferrante and Kipp Diggs, and the entire membership of the House for their thoughts and guidance over the last few months to make this a more successful and well-rounded budget."

Due to responsible fiscal management, the House's FY26 budget is balanced, and makes significant investments across several issue areas, without needing to include new taxes or tax increases nor drawing from the Stabilization Fund, which is set to reach $8.36 billion.

Representative Roy's local and statewide budget wins include:

Local Investments in Franklin and Medway

$100,000 for the Franklin Performing Arts Company to support arts and cultural programming.

$50,000 for the Children's Museum of Franklin to expand educational opportunities for local families.

$50,000 for the Franklin Food Pantry and $50,000 for the Medway Village Food Pantry to fight food insecurity.

$25,000 for the Medway Community Farm to support local agriculture.

$25,000 for the Franklin Downtown Partnership to promote economic development in the heart of Franklin.

$100,000 for the SAFE Coalition to support individuals and families affected by substance use disorder.
Local Investments in Franklin and Medway
Local Investments in Franklin and Medway


Statewide Initiatives Led by Roy

$500,000 for the Genocide Education Trust Fund to support curriculum and teacher training on genocide awareness in middle and high schools.

These amendments complement major statewide investments in the FY26 House budget, including:

$7.1 billion in Chapter 70 school aid, with minimum $150 per pupil increases.

$1.3 billion in Unrestricted General Government Aid to cities and towns.
 
$450 million for the MBTA and $110 million for RTAs, alongside $40 million to launch the MBTA Academy.

$94 million to make community college free and expanded financial aid and adult learner support.

$275 million for Emergency Assistance shelters, and $258 million for rental vouchers to protect housing stability.

$475 million for childcare provider grants and $15 million to reduce the waitlist for affordable child care.

Speaker Mariano and the House Committee on Ways & Means introduced their FY26 budget proposal on April 16, 2025, following a review of the Governor's proposal and a series of public hearings. The budget passed the House of Representatives 151-6 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.

The PDF press release from which this was copied can be found ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VFwWYNL8pPPCnuyq41thIXd7sfVaZpb4/view?usp=drive_link

Monday, May 12, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions: FY 2026 Override -> Questions 37 - 40

Frequently Asked Questions - shared from the Town of Franklin FY 2026 Override Information page. There are 40 and a form to ask another question if it is not already listed there -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/Faq.aspx?TID=41


37. Were other, lower override amounts considered? 
A $6.8 million dollar override was considered last year and did not pass. This lower amount of $3,862,672 keeps the budget at level service and came from the Joint Budget Subcommittee listening sessions discussions.  The Town Council decided to give residents the opportunity to vote on an override budget that would maintain level services across all departments.

38. When and how often has Franklin passed overrides? 
Franklin last approved an override in Fiscal Year 2008 in the amount of $2,700,000. The Town put override ballot questions before the voters in 1991, 1997, 2005, and 2025 and none of them passed. Please find historic ballot question information on the DLS website.

39. The ballot question requests to access additional real estate and personal property taxes. What personal property taxes are being considered? 
Each year municipal Assessors assess personal property taxes on all taxable personal property within each community. Personal property includes merchandise, furniture, machinery, equipment, etc. but there are a number of exemptions. Please note that Personal Property in your domicile is Exempt; also note that Registered Motor Vehicles are not included in Personal Property, but are subject to a separate Motor Vehicle Excise Tax.  For more information, please see Personal Property Taxation FAQs.

A successful override will be added to the total tax levy to be borne by all taxable real and personal property.  In FY 2025, the valuation and therefore the tax percent portions are as follows as shown on our MA DOR Tax Rate Recapitulation sheet:
Property Class
Residential                  81.0280
Commercial                   6.5317
Industrial                        9.3477
Personal                        3.0926
(business assets)

Total                           100.0000

40. What impacts do proposed development have on the Town's operating budget? 
Residential, commercial and industrial development can increase the tax base, leading to more revenue in the town operating budget. However, this revenue may not be “received” within the tax base for weeks or months up to a year. It is not in the form of a payment, but rather through the valuation of the assessed properties. Each individual development, or parcel improvement, made to a property (such as a redevelopment), is unique and is assessed on an individual parcel basis. Any current, proposed, or permitted development will not help the overall FY 2026 budget deficit.  Only the additional qualifying physical improvements in place since July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 may contribute to the tax levy base, and the annual estimate of this amount has already been factored into the FY 2026 budget work.

In accordance with the provisions of Proposition 2 ½ Massachusetts uses a mechanism called "New Growth" to account for the increased tax revenue from new construction, qualifying renovations (not repairs), and added personal property (taxable business assets) which are then added to the annual tax levy. The Town is required to have the MA DOR certify its New Growth and its full valuation annually prior to setting the Tax Rate.  New development can lead to higher property valuations, resulting in more tax revenue for municipalities, however, market level value changes do not contribute to growth. Municipalities do add the increase in tax revenue due to New Growth to their Tax Levy Limit, effectively increasing the amount they can collect in taxes. While new development can provide a much-needed boost to municipal revenue, it's crucial to carefully manage the associated costs and ensure that municipalities can effectively meet the needs of any population growth. The time to define the estimated valuation, estimated tax levy revenue and potential costs to the town (schools, infrastructure, public safety, etc.) of a proposed development is during the project’s public hearing process.

Oftentimes, a developer is required to compensate the town in the form of mitigation to address impacts of the project.  The Town may have revenue from those conditions, but these monies are not included in the town operating budget. The Town Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Conservation Commission all work with applicants on project mitigation during the public hearing process and these monies are spent under strict restrictions through a special revenue account.

Typically, during a permitting hearing for a project, a proponent may have estimated information on project revenue generation or costs to the town (schools, infrastructure, etc). However, a community never actually knows what the project valuation, revenue or costs are going to be until reality occurs. Market forces play a significant role. Furthermore, a project may be permitted, but may not actually break ground for years, experience delays, or the project may be phased in over several years, or even decades. Hence, the revenue from a project does not materialize until there is work in progress, “occupancy” and/or by discovery during state-mandated assessor property evaluations.  Some development may not get captured for several years depending on the circumstances.

The Assessors’ Office can be reached through their FranklinMA.gov website for more detailed information. The Board Members or the Staff would be happy to discuss property assessment.  They may be contacted by assessors@franklinma.gov email and/or by phone (508-520-4920) during normal business hours.

Sunday, May 11, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions: FY 2026 Override -> Questions 33 - 36

Frequently Asked Questions - shared from the Town of Franklin FY 2026 Override Information page. There are 40 and a form to ask another question if it is not already listed there -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/Faq.aspx?TID=41

33. What is a bond rating? How does that impact the town?

A bond rating is a credit rating; it determines the interest rate the Town pays when it borrows money for various projects. The stronger the bond rating the lower interest rate the Town pays (just like your own credit rating). The difference between the top rating which is our current rating (AAA) and a lower rating amounts to several million dollars in savings for a project the size of a new police station. If our credit rating were to drop a project like a new police station or new school would cost several million dollars more.

34. I keep hearing about possible debt exclusions in the coming years. Will there be debt exclusion votes in the next 5-years?

The following projects may need to go before the Town for a debt exclusion vote. All of these projects are currently in the very beginning stages of design. No dates or timeline have been scheduled. Estimated vote will be in 2-3 years. Illustrated costs are basic, high level estimates. With altering global economics, these figures will certainly evolve. 
  • Police Station - estimate $25-$30 million
  • Remington Jefferson - estimate $10 million
  • Horace Mann Roof - estimate $2 million
Foreseeable Capital Expenses
Foreseeable Capital Expenses



35. I keep hearing about other expected costs in the coming years. What other costs should I be anticipating in the next few years?

In addition to the cost of a potential override, residents will see added cost increases in other areas in FY26. Below please find a list of previously authorized increases:
  • An 8% Water increase to pay for PFAS implementation and water main replacements in the amount of $35.00.
  • A 13% Sewer Rate increase to replace the 109-year old Beaver Street Interceptor in the amount of $62.00.
  • Voters approved debt exclusion for the new Tri-County Vocational School in the amount of $120.00.

36. Who should I contact for more information?

For more information concerning the Town, please contact Town Administrator Jamie Hellen at jhellen@franklinma.gov

For more information concerning the Schools, please contact Superintendent Lucas Giguere at giguerel@franklinps.net

For more information concerning the special election, please contact Town Clerk Nancy Danello at ndanello@franklinma.gov

Additional info can be found on the Town FY 2026 Override page ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/1089/Fiscal-Year-2026-Override-Information


Frequently Asked Questions: FY 2026 Override -> Questions 1 - 4
Frequently Asked Questions: FY 2026 Override
 

Saturday, May 10, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions: FY 2026 Override -> Questions 29 - 32

Frequently Asked Questions - shared from the Town of Franklin FY 2026 Override Information page. There are 40 and a form to ask another question if it is not already listed there -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/Faq.aspx?TID=41

29. Can we increase fees? 
The state sets limits on how much we can increase fees and what additional taxes (like meals taxes) we are able to assess. Fees must be reasonable as a method to pay for the costs of services and not as a method to raise revenue to pay for general town services.  

In 2024 the Town underwent a comprehensive analysis of all Town fees. On October 16, 2024 with Bylaw Amendment 24-914, the Town Council voted to implement many updates based on changes in state law or state code, changes in market conditions for municipal fees and/or calculations to the costs of service.  

In FY25 the Franklin Public Schools also reviewed and updated various service fees.

Fees will continue to be reviewed on an ongoing basis, however fees cannot be increased enough to eliminate the deficit.

30. How can I learn more about the impact of the override on the schools? 
The Superintendent’s recommended budget presentation contains an overview of the impact of cuts without an override and the potential improvements with an override. It can be found here.  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5256287/28Jan2025_FY26_Super_Rec_Budget_to_SC.pdf

You can find detailed budget information here ->   https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-district-budget


31.What if an override does not pass? 
The Town and Schools will need to cut $3,862,672 from the budget. Please review here the possible service reductions to each department for Fiscal Year 2026 if the override is not approved.

32. Can the Town have a lower tax rate for Seniors or other lower-income residents? 
No, but there are programs offered through the Senior Center, Veterans’ Services or Assessor's Office that may help defer costs, if eligible. Please find a guide for senior exemptions here.

Are there exemptions for senior citizens or other taxpayers who are not able to afford this increase?

Yes. The Town of Franklin, through its Community Assistance Program (CAP) in Section 82 of the Town Code and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts offer a variety of exemptions, discounts & resources to qualifying residents. The Assessors also offer Real Estate Exemptions and Deferral programs to qualifying individuals. There is also a senior tax work off program through the senior center. Please contact the Board of Assessor and the Senior Center for guidance with any of these programs. 

Friday, May 9, 2025

Voices of Franklin: KP Sompally urges a “YES” vote by June 3

Franklin is where we’ve chosen to build our lives. Some of you may have moved here for the strong school system or the convenience of the commuter rail. Others were drawn by the town’s reputation for safety, thanks to our outstanding police and fire departments. Perhaps it was Franklin’s excellent music programs, youth sports, recreational opportunities, and vibrant local dining that made you decide this was home. For some, Franklin has always been home.

If you rely on town water and sewer services, you understand how vital it is to invest in long-term infrastructure like the Beaver Street Interceptor project—a key to ensuring reliable services for the next century. No matter what brought you here, it’s easy to see why Franklin holds such a special place in your life.

But now, we face a critical decision.

The financial strain created by Proposition 2½—a law passed in 1982 that limits how much revenue our town can raise—has brought us to a tipping point. The recent Joint Budget Subcommittee listening tour made one thing clear: unless we increase support from residents, we will no longer be able to sustain the quality of services that make Franklin a great place to live.

It’s easy to assume everything is fine when you pass a school, a fire station, or the Town Clerk’s office. It’s easy to believe that students are learning just as they always have, that emergency help is always seconds away, or that town offices will be open when you need them. But without a YES vote on June 3, the reality will look very different.

Town offices will reduce hours. Class sizes will increase, and essential school programs will be scaled back. Our emergency services will be stretched thin—potentially requiring a third ambulance to come from a neighboring town during critical moments. The police department will face staffing cuts, losing experienced and dedicated officers who help keep us safe.

This vote is about more than just numbers—it’s about our values, our priorities, and our shared responsibility to each other and to the future of Franklin.

When you vote on Tuesday, June 3, I urge you to choose to invest in our town’s future. Early voting begins May 16 at the Town Clerk’s office, and the last day to register is May 24th.

Let’s work together to preserve the services, safety, community spirit and high quality of life  that make Franklin such a special place and wonderful community.   


Please vote YES. YES. YES.

Sincerely,

KP Sompally


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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: KP Sompally urges a “YES” vote by June 3
Voices of Franklin: KP Sompally urges a “YES” vote by June 3