Showing posts with label FY 2027. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FY 2027. Show all posts

Thursday, April 16, 2026

FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Treasurer-Collector section

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

General Purpose

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

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

Core Functions

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

Staffing

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

Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments

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

FY27 Requested Budget Highlights

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

FY27 Requested Budget Summary

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

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

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Town Council hears from NatinalGrid, Fire Dept, and Police Dept and completes session within 4 hours (video)

The Franklin Town Council met on Wednesday, April 15 as scheduled at 7 PM. Yes, they did return to a 7 PM time slot and also finished within their 4 hour limit. All 9 councilors participated with one remote causing all votes to be recorded via roll call.

Franklin TV video for replay  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Z7xJHgZ4lI



Quick recap 
  • NationalGrid presented on their infrastructure improvement efforts. They did not share details on outages, frequency or location although ultimately conceded that the northern section of Town did pose problems with how their grid is laid out as it doesn't have the same redundancy built in that is available in other section of town.
  • Fire Chief Allen supported by his 2 Deputy Chiefs presented an overview of the department, its operations and ability to meet service needs. The presentation doc was shared before the meeting and linked below
  • Police Chief Lynch and Deputy Chief West presented an overview with some history of the department, leading up to the shift to the 4x4 schedule and need to maintain a minimum of 34 patrol officers. 
    • When questioned about the possible police station chief Lynch repeated what he has said before, the police station is needed but he'll always advocate for his people and make due with the inadequate station.
    • Likewise when questioned on a parking control officer (PCO), he said, sure give me the extra funding but don't take a patrol office away. The PCO can only write tickets, the patrol officer can do so much more. The presentation doc was shared before the meeting and linked below
Photos of the NationGrid presentation

Link to Fire presentation

Link to Police presentation
page from Police presentation on recent budget history
page from Police presentation on recent budget history



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Wednesday, April 15, 2026

FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Assessing Department

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


General Purpose

As the foundation department to raise $107+ million for the annual Town operating expenses, the primary mission of the Board of Assessors and its professional and administrative staff is to prepare assessment roles for the taxation of real and personal property and motor vehicle excise. In order to assure that the tax levy is applied fairly and equitably at full and fair cash value, the inventory of all taxable property must be annually updated. Then through a market analysis, each parcel and account is appraised and classified according to use in order to determine the valuations, establish the tax rate and apply the appropriate tax to each account.

Core Functions

● In accordance with MGL, the Commissioner of the Department of Revenue oversees all the regulation requirements of local assessment, and develops guidelines for the accomplishment of those requirements. Thus, all assessing functions are statutory and are subject to certification by the Commissioner or assigned agent of the DOR.
● Annually maintain assessors’ maps, plans, property transfers and valuation records.
● Complete annual updates to the inventory of real and personal property.
● Conduct research on the real estate market; sales ratio studies and investment property income and expense analysis.
● Value and classify all real and personal property each year according to the optimum schedule based on our market analysis subject to approval by the MA DOR.
● Identify “New Growth” and report it to the DOR for certification, along with valuation and tax rate reports for their approval. Finalize the tax rate.
● Process all real and personal property tax commitments, abatements and exemptions.
● Process betterments, liens and apportionments.
● Generate motor vehicle excise tax commitments and process abatements of the same as required by Massachusetts General Law.
● Prepare and certify lists of abutters for legal notices for Hearings by Town Council, Conservation, Planning and the Zoning Board of Appeals.
● Maintain and provide Public Records in accordance with Massachusetts General Law.

Staffing

● One (1) Director of Assessing
● Three (3) Appraisers
● One (1) Assessment Administrator*
● Three (3) Part-Time Volunteer elected Assessors - Board of Assessors
*Proposed New Position for FY27

Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments

● Successful timely tax rate setting; finalized the tax rate at $11.42 per thousand dollars.
● Made location-based data readily available for Town Staff and the Public, continue to advocate use of the unique Parcel ID’s in addition to the Town’s MAT (Master Address Table) of accepted addresses. Encourage Town Staff to use this unique Parcel Identifier in order to work with GIS to request datalinks in AxisGIS to enhance this “one-stop shopping” Central Database, improving research and decision-making for all Town Staff as well as benefiting the public at large.
● Upon use of a new system/application or increased use of an existing application, establish uniform standards of database building and ongoing updating. Examples:
○ 2002 - standards established for Patriot Real Estate administration & appraisal
○ 2003 - standards established for new Maps/GIS (aerials, deed & plan research)
○ 2006 - standards established for MUNIS Excise, Real & Personal Property Taxes
○ 2016 - standards established for Records Archives, organization & retention
○ 2026 - converted CAMA (computer assisted mass appraisal) system to the newest Patriot operating system known as Catalis AP5
● FY27 is a “Revaluation Year”. While in each Interim Year we establish new Real and Personal Property valuations applying the appraisal industry and DOR standards, a Revaluation Year involves more in depth reviews of the data including on site. This more intense year began for us in January 2026 with confidential requests per MGL for data from certain real and personal property owners. For FY27, town wide reviews, recollections and collection of new Personal Property accounts have already been performed and valuations as of January 1, 2026 will be set by this fiscal year end. Considerable work especially in the area of real estate must be accomplished over the next several months to accomplish final valuations, a public disclosure period and a timely tax rate.

FY27 Requested Budget Highlights

● When the Department’s Administrative Assistant retired in 2019, we invested in replacing that position with a full-time Appraiser to comply with a more aggressive inspection schedule. However, with the Town population and property growth, it is evident that in order to fully benefit from the talents and dedication of our Appraisal staff, we must have one full time Administrative Assistant. This person will manage Personal Exemptions (qualifying seniors, veterans and blind property owners), Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Abatements, and inquiries from property owners and their agents for real estate and personal property data and taxes. Without funding this critical position, the professional appraisal staff can neither sufficiently enhance revenues nor improve the fairness and equity of taxes. The addition of an Assessment Administrator should make it feasible to issue a timely Actual Tax Bill by December 31st for FY27.
● Increase of $4,733 for software licensing and support.
● Decrease of $423 in appraisals
● Decrease of $25,400 in Personal Property collection and valuation
● Increase of $400 for supplies
● Increase of $400 for continuing professional education
● Increase of $200 for professional dues
 
FY27 Requested Budget Summary

In order to accomplish all our requirements under Massachusetts General Law, our budget must be approved as presented. We have used restraint and have been able to reduce our overall expenses from FY26 to FY27. However, while we would have been in a better position had we been able to hire an Assessment Administrator last July as we prepared for our FY27 Revaluation, it is now critical that we have that support in order for the Appraisers to resume the level of work they were hired and required to do. As previously stated, the Town has grown considerably over the past half century and so has the amount of traffic. This and the growth of property maintenance and desired renovations especially in the 25 to 50 year old properties added to the time required to do our work. The Assessing Department has continuously developed work procedural efficiencies and implemented new tools over the past 25 years. For the sake of the $107+ million we raise annually, please approve this budget request.



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Tuesday, April 14, 2026

FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Finance Department

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


General Purpose

The Finance Department is responsible for safeguarding the financial assets of the Town through the use of sound professional accounting practices and internal controls. It is the department's duty to ensure that the financial integrity of the Town is preserved and protected, as well as to provide the Town’s management with accurate and timely financial information, and to provide controllership and audit functions for the Town and its departments.

Core Functions

● Financial Oversight
○ Provides financial oversight for all Town transactions (receipts, expenditures, abatements, commitments), to include all municipal and school departments. The Finance Department is also responsible for maintaining the fixed asset and infrastructure for the Town’s General and Enterprise funds.
● Interdepartmental Structure
○ Under the umbrella of municipal finance, the Finance Department works in conjunction with the Treasurer/ Collector Department, the Assessors Department, the Procurement Department, Payroll, and Accounts Payable.
● Financial Analysis and Reporting
○ Provide timely, accurate, and informative reporting to departments, decision makers, and the general public.
● Reconciliation of Funds
○ Assists in the preparation of the Town’s financial forecast, while maintaining the general ledger and completing all statutory requirements. Frequent reconciliations include the following funds:
■ General Fund
■ Capital Funds
■ Special Revenue Funds
■ Trust & Agency Funds
■ Debt and Interest Funds
■ Fixed Asset Funds
● Budget Preparation
○ Develops and assists in the annual presentation of the Town’s budget. The Finance Department compiles the final budget books for the Finance Committee, Town Council, and financial officials.
● Accounts Payable
○ Processes all payments for all Town invoices.
○ Reconciles all payroll withholdings to the monthly health, life, dental, and other insurance invoices
● Payroll
○ Oversees payroll for all Town and School employees, ensuring the accurate and timely processing of wages, stipends, tax withholdings, and employee benefits. Responsibilities include maintaining compliance with applicable laws and school/town collective bargaining agreements, processing personnel and compensation changes, coordinating with Human Resources and departments, and managing payroll reporting and system integrity.
● Purchasing
○ Has broad oversight over the procurement functions. The Procurement Office is responsible for the procurement of all goods and services. Operates under the applicable sections of Massachusetts General Law (MGL) Chapters 41, 30, 149, 7C, and 30B.
● Audit
○ Coordinates the Town’s annual audit as required by Massachusetts General Law. Provides an audit firm with a comprehensive balance sheet and financial statements. Assists the Town Administrator in the development of the Management Discussion and Analysis sections of the audit as required under Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) 34.
 
Staffing

● One (1) Chief Financial Officer
● One (1) Deputy Chief Financial Officer/Budget Director
● One (1) Comptroller
● One (1) Munis Administrator*
● Three (3) Payroll Administrators
● One (1) Administrative Assistant
*Proposed New Position for FY27

Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments

● Reconcile all accounts receivable, cash, and trusts with the Treasurer-Collector.
● Constant review of revenue streams and expenditure patterns to proactively identify and address potential budget variances.
● Timely submittal of balance sheet, Free Cash certification, Schedule A, and Tax Recap.
● Implemented enhanced budget monitoring tools to ensure departmental spending aligns with approved budgets.
● Establish a 5 year fiscal forecast to anticipate revenue and expenditure trends.
● Ensured budget narratives clearly explain financial decisions, debt service trends and operational priorities to foster community understanding.
● Developed regular financial reporting for the Town Administrator and Finance Committee improving transparency and decision-making.
● Successful completion of the FY24 audit with no management letter or significant recommendations for improvement due to high performance. FY25 Audit is expected to be completed and presented to the Town Council on May 13, 2026.
● Maintained the Town’s AAA bond rating, which saves Franklin taxpayer’s money through borrowing at lower interest rates.
● Developed internal controls and procedures manual for procurement and enhanced online procurement options.
● Continue to implement the provisions of the Community Preservation Act (CPA) as approved by a significant majority of Town Voters.
● Provided staff with training on updated accounting standards, regulatory compliance, and financial systems.

FY27 Requested Budget Highlights

● Eliminated Special Assistant position
○ The Special Assistant position is being eliminated. This position was temporary and primarily supported the transition following the departure of the former Finance Director. The former Finance Director was working 5 to 7 hours per week in this capacity, providing guidance and continuity during the transition period. With the transition complete and the Finance Department fully staffed, this role is no longer necessary.
● Added Munis Administrator position.
● Decreased Financial Services expenses in order to support Munis Admin.
● Increase Accounting & Auditing Services.

FY27 Requested Budget Summary

Support for the creation and hiring of a Munis Administrator position, to be included under the Finance Department Budget but serves both the Town and School efficiencies. .
● Strengthen internal controls and system security
● Improve efficiency and reduce errors in financial and HR processes
● Provide consistent support and training for users
● Ensure proper system configuration and support future upgrades

The Finance Department’s FY27 requested budget is necessary to ensure the continued delivery of critical financial services that support the Town’s fiscal stability, transparency, and day-to-day operations. The department is responsible for financial oversight, budgeting, payroll, accounts payable, debt management, and compliance with state reporting requirements, all of which directly impact the Town’s ability to operate efficiently and responsibly manage taxpayer resources. Reductions to the Finance Department’s budget would limit staffing capacity and operational support needed to process payments, maintain financial controls, and meet reporting deadlines, which could result in delayed vendor payments, slower service to residents and departments, and increased risk to the Town’s financial management and accountability. Maintaining the requested funding ensures the Town can continue to provide reliable financial administration and protect the community’s financial integrity.


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Monday, April 13, 2026

FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Town Administrator section

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

Town Administrator

General Purpose

The Town Administrator is the chief executive officer of the Town, whose primary responsibility is to administer the policies and programs approved by the Franklin Town Council while ensuring that the provisions of the Town Charter are upheld in all areas of town management.

It is the responsibility of the Town Administrator to annually submit a balanced budget, capital improvement program, five year financial forecast, and other reports to the Town Council, per the Town Charter. This includes revenue projections, analyzing and administering use of reserves for capital acquisitions and projects, and working closely with the Franklin Public School Administration to coordinate on strategic initiatives and resources and maintain a strong partnership.

The Town Administrator is also responsible for negotiating and managing all collective bargaining agreements with employee organizations representing Town employees, and participating in the deliberations of the School Committee and School Administration in collective bargaining pertaining to school employees.

Read a general summary of the Town Administrator’s responsibilities on the website.
 
Core Functions

What does the Town Administrator do? For a partial list, read this:

● Town Administration works with the Town Council to improve the quality of life of the residents of Franklin.
● The Town Administrator is diligent in balancing the budget, keeping an eye on the Town’s future needs and maintaining its current assets.
● The Town Administrator is responsible for the management of all municipal departments and employees, under the jurisdiction of the Town Council.
● The Town Administrator, along with the administrative staff, develops all Town Council agendas and ensures that all necessary legislation is being voted on in a timely manner.
● The Town Administrator, along with the Human Resources (HR) Director, works on union negotiations with all municipal bargaining units. The TA also has a seat and vote on the teachers collective bargaining agreement.
● The Town Administrator also works closely with the Town’s local legislative delegation to advocate for legislation and earmarks that would benefit the Town of Franklin and its residents.
● In addition to working with all departments under the jurisdiction of the Town Council, Town Administration is tasked with drafting bylaws and resolutions relative to public policy, implementing economic development measures, collaborating with the Town’s internal and external partners on special projects, grants administration, licensing and permitting, management of boards & committees, and administering insurance policies and claims.
● The Operations Manager serves as the Licensing Administrator for all permits and licenses issued by Town Administration, manages public records request responses, Town boards and committees, insurance claims and policy renewals, co-chairs the Safety Committee, administers the Town website, assists the Town Administrator in carrying out goals and projects established by the Council, and supervises
day-to-day office operations.

Staffing

● One (1) Town Administrator
● One (1) Deputy Town Administrator*
● One (1) Operations Manager
● One (1) Director of Communications and Civic Engagement
● One (1) Part-Time Administrative Assistant
● One (1) Part-Time Secretary (to take minutes)
* Proposed restored Position for FY27
 
Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments

● Town Administration, working with the Finance Department, will continue working to preserve the Town’s AAA bond rating, spotless financial audits and solid financial acumen.
● In 2028, Franklin will celebrate the Town’s 250th Anniversary! In order to plan for this marked celebration, the Town has formed an official celebration committee under Massachusetts General Law and initiated the planning process.
● With the savings of the mid-year departure of the FY26 budgeted Deputy Town Administrator, the Town Administration Department added and filled a full-time Communications Specialist and a part-time Administrative Assistant.
● Town Council and Town Administrator goals are jointly agreed to and located here.
● For accomplishments, please see the Town Council & Town Administration goals archive here for the past lists of goals and accomplishments.
● A main goal for the year is integrating and onboarding the Director Communications and Civic Engagement and Administrative Assistant who were just hired in February 2026.

FY27 Requested Budget Highlights

● The Town Administration department is requesting the position of a full-time Deputy Town Administrator with a budgeted annual salary of $190,000. Staff are currently compiling data and will share the market when we have a final list.
● Otherwise, this is a level funded budget.
● The Administrator’s Office Personnel and Expense budgets have been cut in FY24 and FY25.

The PDF of this section - 


The FY 2027 budget information can be found

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Thursday, April 9, 2026

Finance Committee completes review of department budgets, gets ready for potential revision Thursday (video)

The Finance Committee spends about 3 hours reviewing details of the FY 2027 budget on Wednesday, April 8. This is the third of 4 sessions this week to review and question the details of the budget.

8 of the 9 members of the committee were present in Council Chambers for this session.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay -  

Agenda doc including links to the FY 2027 budget 


Quick recap:
  • Gus Brown, Building Commissioner, up first
    • Discussion on the accounting for and if the Maplegate solar permits are in this year or next. It was received this year but may or may not become free cash, it depends upon the budget line item and whether that amount is over or under the budgeted amount
    • Gus could use another inspector, it would pay for itself but others do need the resources more; Currently have 1.5 used to have 3 clerical; inspectors have also become administrators, and it reduces some revenue opportunity
  • Brutus, DPW up next, slides on his highlights captured with pictures, soon to be an album shared here - The DPW slides  https://photos.app.goo.gl/QygUrNZyWASVr6MbA
    • Use of pre-buy locked in rates through Norfolk County procurement has been good. Haven't locked in for next year yet due to the recent market gyrations
    • Discussion on the creation of Stormwater and the shortage for grounds (2 personnel)
    • We have to change something or nothing will change It is clear now why we did ask for an override.
  • Next up Police Chief Lynch, level service plus 2, looking to get the SROs back
    • Took 23 years to get to the budgeted amount (54) which at that time would have successfully serviced the population at that time
    • Hired 44 police officers since 2016 due to retirees and turnover, it should slow down ... The force is younger, hiring is harder, not many want to apply. It is getting more difficult. Only 9 months out of 10 years have the dept been at full staff.
    • The mental health clinicians provide great value, post COVID. They see over 800 people a year. The pilot was successful, we looked to expand and with additional grant funds we did. The single best change in law enforcements I have seen in my 30 years
  • Next up, Chief Allen, Fire Dept.
    • 3rd ambulance still in part time, 40 hours per work
    • Would need 4 more to get to 13/shift to staff the ambulance all the time
    • During this meeting, there were 2 calls that were serviced by outside and transported to the hospital so those were lost revenue ... The nature of the call would determine the amount of the revenue It is not just the ambulance, it is also the ladder truck
  • Definition clarification on level service, the service provided is not necessarily at the same funding required; there is also a level funded budget where the funded
    • $ for one year remains the same (and usually services are cut)
    • And yes, there is some funkiness with this level service budget as there are things being added back, so is it this year's level service or the desired part of some prior year's service?
  • Dispatch Center or the MECC being covered
    • Also skipped Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie last night with no explanation given for it
    • Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie, both assessments based upon enrollment, not much of a change year to year
So Thursday night, the Finance Committee will use the 3rd Floor Training room for their discussion to be more around a table rather than spread out to help their discussion. Potential revisions coming to the budget, what they are we'll watch and see.


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Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Finance Committee spends over 5 hours reviewing and questioning the FY 2027 budget (video)

The Finance Committee spends over 5 hours reviewing details of the general government portions for the FY 2027 budget on Monday, April 6. This is the first of 3 or 4 sessions this week to review and question the details of the budget.

8 of the 9 members of the committee were present in Council Chambers for this session.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/Y7KSV5MTfHs?&t=140

Agenda doc including links to the FY 2027 budget 




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Sunday, April 5, 2026

Finance Committee: FY 2027 Budget Hearings scheduled for Weds (Public Works & Public Safety)

The time to ask questions about the budget of any particular department or operation or service the Town provides is BEST done during the Finance Committee Budget hearings. 

The department leadership is present to answer questions, provide the details on the how and why they do what they do.


Finance Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing (Public Works & Public Safety)

Wednesday, April 8 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082026-2221 


Finance Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing (if needed)

Thursday, April 9 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04092026-2222 



The FY 2027 budget information can be found

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Saturday, April 4, 2026

Finance Committee: FY 2027 Budget Hearings scheduled for Mon (General Gov't) & Tues (Education)

The time to ask questions about the budget of any particular department or operation or service the Town provides is BEST done during the Finance Committee Budget hearings. 

The department leadership is present to answer questions, provide the details on the how and why they do what they do.


Finance Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing (General government departments)

Monday, April 6 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04062026-2219 


Finance Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing (education: Franklin, Tri-County, and Norfolk Agriculture)

Tuesday, April 7 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04072026-2220 


The FY 2027 budget information can be found


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Sunday, March 29, 2026

Executive Summary to the Town of Franklin FY 2027 Budget

From Town Administrator Jamie Hellen

"I present a balanced budget model for FY27. This budget is submitted as my formal budget proposal under Town Charter requirements in 6-3-1, 6-4-1, and 6-5-1 and mirrors what was presented in February. A revised model will be presented in mid-to-late May after staff receive actual employee health insurance numbers.

FY 2027 Budget
FY 2027 Budget
This model provides the most updated revenue assumptions, the requested budget model by the Superintendent of Schools & School Committee, all municipal department requests, and the proposed restoration of some critical municipal positions (which also impacts the schools).

I propose using free cash to patch the overall structural budget deficit and prevent additional cuts to town and school departments. However, I am not specifically using the free cash to support one service or another, nor have I stated free cash is being used to restore specific municipal positions or any department. Rather, the use of free cash is to support the overall requests from all departments and the Schools. In my opinion, this budget provides a roadmap for the desired service level required to run our organization to the standards outlined by the public, especially based on the feedback received in the wake of two failed overrides in 2024 and 2025."

Continue reading the Executive Summary to the FY 2027 budget

Full release of the FY 2027 Town of Franklin Budget


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Saturday, March 28, 2026

Town of Franklin releases the proposed FY 2027 Budget


View this in your browser

FY27 Budget Now Available

Review Town Administrator's proposed FY27 Budget, View meeting schedule & timeline, hearings

Friday, March 27, 2026

The Town of Franklin's Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Budget has been submitted by the Town Administrator and is now available for public review. Residents are encouraged to explore the proposed budget to better understand how Town resources are allocated to support core municipal services, infrastructure, and community priorities.

View Budget Materials:

Printed copies of the FY27 Budget are also available for public review at the Franklin Senior Center, Municipal Building (Town Clerk's Office and Town Administrator's Office), and the Franklin Public Library.

Budget Hearing Schedule:

Finance Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing Dates

Town Council Meeting - Budget Hearing Dates (agendas to be posted)

  • Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 6 p.m. | Council Chambers
  • Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 6 p.m. | Council Chambers

All residents are welcome to attend budget hearings in person. Meetings may also be viewed live on the Franklin Town Hall TV YouTube channel, Comcast Channel 9, or Verizon Channel 29, or accessed by phone or Zoom. Meetings are recorded and available for replay on Franklin TV.

Learn About the Budget Process

The Town has provided additional resources on the budget development process:

Residents can also tune in to two episodes of the Franklin MAtters Podcast with Town staff members, which provide an overview of the Town's budget cycle and explain the process in greater detail:

Community participation is an important part of the budget process. Residents are encouraged to review the materials, attend public hearings, and share feedback to help inform decision-making and shape the Town's priorities for the coming fiscal year.


View it on website
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