Showing posts with label OPEB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OPEB. Show all posts

Thursday, April 21, 2022

The Town of Franklin Budget Cycle & Financial Terms - 04/14/22 (audio)

FM #780 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 780 in the series. 


This shares my conversation with Town of Franklin Finance Director/Comptroller Chris Sandini and Treasurer/Collector Kerri Bertone. We had this conversation in the Franklin studio on Thursday, April 14, 2022.  


We cover the following key topics

A typical day for Finance Director/Comptroller

A typical day for Treasurer//Collector

The budget cycle, and fiscal year (July to June)

Three financial years; past, current, and future all in the mix


Our conversation runs about 62 minutes. Links to the documents referenced during this meeting are included in the show notes.  Let’s listen to this recording of my conversation with Kerri and Chris. 


Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-780-town-of-franklin-budget-cycle-finance-terms-04-14-22



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


Budget process low chart -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/new_budget_process.pdf 


MA Division of Local Services (DLS) Municipal Finance Glossary -> https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/08/qc/dlsmfgl.pdf 



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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


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


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

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

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


Town of Franklin budget cycle
Town of Franklin budget cycle

Sunday, March 6, 2022

FM #745 - Town Council Meeting - 03/02/22 (audio)

 FM #745 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 745 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, March 2, 2022

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated in person, some via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The recording runs about one hour and thirty minutes (1:30 )

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of March 2, 2022 Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-745-town-council-meeting-03-02-22

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Agenda document ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_-march_2_2022.pdf  

My notes from the meeting  ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V68RACg-cfE7DL80uaXkOSwQhTPWL2yC/view?usp=sharing 

Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/town-council-quarterbacking-with-tom.html

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

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

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

For additional information, please visit www.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"

FM #745 - Town Council Meeting - 03/02/22 (audio)
FM #745 - Town Council Meeting - 03/02/22 (audio)


Saturday, March 5, 2022

Town Council Quarterbacking with Tom Mercer - 03/03/22 (audio)

FM #744 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 744 in the series. 


This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of March 3, 2022: 


  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


We cover the following key topics

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS

a. Presentation: Other Post-Employment Benefits - Dan Sherman, Sherman Actuarial Services

 

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-15: Direction for Issuance of Request for Expressions of Interest for Town Property Containing “South Franklin Congregational Meeting House” Located at 762 Washington Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-15 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 22-16: Authorization for Town Administrator to Negotiate and Execute New Agreement Between Town and Franklin Community Cable Access, Inc. for PEG Programming and Access Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-16 - Majority Vote)

 

Subcommittee Reports

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee – Mar 3, then to full Council likely March 16

b. Budget Subcommittee – Joint meeting – Mar 10 (Finance Cmte meeting - March 9)

c. Economic Development Subcommittee – met Weds before Council meeting, Franklin For All forum Mar 7



Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes.  The recording runs about 25 minutes.


Let’s listen to this recording of Town Council Quarterbacking Mar 3, 2022

Audio file ->  
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-744-town-council-quarterbacking-with-tom-mercer-03-03-22


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Town Council Agenda document -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_-march_2_2022.pdf 


My notes for the meeting -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V68RACg-cfE7DL80uaXkOSwQhTPWL2yC/view?usp=sharing 



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

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


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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

OPEB consultant Dan Sherman participated remotely
OPEB consultant Dan Sherman participated remotely

Sunday, February 27, 2022

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - March 2, 2022 - 7 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL
Agenda & Meeting Packet
March 2, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building, 2nd floor, Council Chambers, 355 East Central Street


1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

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. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask  the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
5. APPOINTMENTS
6. HEARINGS - 7:00pm
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS
a. Presentation: Other Post-Employment Benefits - Dan Sherman, Sherman Actuarial Services

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (all Town unions) - 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



South Franklin Congregational Meeting House
South Franklin Congregational Meeting House

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: OPEB Board of Trustees

The OPEB Trust was established to help meet the town’s obligation of funding current and future retiree’s health Insurance. The town provides health Insurance for both active and retired employees by generally paying 68 percent of the active and retiree health insurance plan while the employee pays 32 percent of the cost. There are a few employees and retirees that share the cost of a 50/50 split and some retired teachers that are “grandfathered” that the town pays 85 or 90 percent of the cost.

When a retiree reaches age 65 they enroll in Medicare and town provides a supplement plan at the same ratio as mentioned above.

Every two years we have an actuarial study to determine our unfunded obligation
As of 6/30/19 the unfunded liability was $68.55 million dollars. As of 6/30/19 the amount of funds set aside in the trust is $5,706,986. Currently the town appropriates approximately 10% of its annual Free Cash plus as an annual appropriation in the budget of $600,000. We have asked the Town Council to increase the annual appropriation by $50,000 per year.

These efforts are a good faith attempt to meet our obligations without compromising all the other services provided to the citizens of Franklin. Once our unfunded pension obligation is paid off in 2032 we should be able to commit several million dollars a year to meet our underfunded OPEB obligation.

Respectfully submitted, 

Jamie Hellen
Chair OPEB trust 

OPEB = Other Post Employment Benefits

For additional information on OPEB visit the Trustees page on the ToF web

For the full Annual Report for 2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  OPEB Board of Trustees
Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  OPEB Board of Trustees

Thursday, April 22, 2021

What are the fixed costs of the Town of Franklin budget?

As part of the continuing series to prepare for the Finance Committee budget hearings (which begin next week) and the Town Council budget hearings (in May), check out the link to the details on the history of the fixed costs year over year from FY 2004 to FY 2022.

The chart depicts the fixed costs of the budget year by year from FY 2004 to FY 2022.  

What are the fixed costs?

  • Liability Insurance
  • Employee Benefits:
    • Pensions
    • Health/Life Insurance/non school
    • Retired Teacher Health Ins
    • Non GIC - School Retirees
    • Workers Compensation
    • Unemployment Compensation
    • OPEB
    • Medicare


What are the fixed costs of the Town of Franklin budget?
What are the fixed costs of the Town of Franklin budget?

Prior posts

Town of Franklin - budget growth and split between municipal and schools - FY 2012 to FY 2022

School budget, executive summary by School Superintendent Sara Ahern

 

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

FM #518-519-520 - Town Council Mtg - 04/14/21 - 3 part audio

FM #518-519-520 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 518-519-520 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Apr 14, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: most members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, at least one member of the Council was remote along with the public via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the almost 3 hour minute meeting into three logical segments:

  • First - covers the opening  Sheriff McDermott’s update and the OPEB update (~63 mins)
  • Second - covers the GATRA discussion (~42 minutes)
  • Third - covers the Downtown parking requirements discussion and the remainder of the meeting (~72 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this meeting. 

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Apr 14, 2021




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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 
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
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"


Monday, April 19, 2021

FM #515 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 04/15/21 (audio)

FM #515 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 515 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting: 
  • ok, what just happened? 
  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS   Diane Daddario, MD
 
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS        
a. Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick W. McDermott  ~25 mins
b. Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Actuarial Update - Dan Sherman  ~15 mins
c. GATRA - Mark Sousa, Executive Director ~32 mins
d. Downtown Commercial Zoning District & Commercial Zoning District 1 Parking requirements  ~55 mins
 
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 21-22: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with the Town of Foxborough for the Town of Foxborough to Provide Emergency Motor Vehicle Technician Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-22 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.
Our conversation runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer.



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Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) 
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-14-town-council-agenda 

--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 
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
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"
FM #515 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 04/15/21 (audio)
FM #515 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 04/15/21 (audio)