Town of Franklin, MA: Announces Affordable Condo Resale Opportunity

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) posted  Fri, Oct 24, 2025:

Announcing an affordable condo resale opportunity - available now! 24 Shayne Road, Unit #327. 

This is a 988 sq ft, 2-bed/1-bath unit with restrictions. 

See flyer for details and contact info. https://t.co/m9RKTVEY8O

Town of Franklin, MA: Announces Affordable Condo Resale Opportunity

2025 Biennial Election - Board of Health - write in candidate Christine Mucciarone (video)

Christine Mucciarone, write in candidate for Board of Health, is the next in the series of interviews to share and help create informed voters in advance of the 2025 Biennial Election held at FHS on November 4.  

Early voting began Oct 17 and continues through Oct 31 in the Town Clerk office during business hours. 

Video link -> https://youtu.be/fLPckZEuvdE

2025 Town of Franklin Biennial Election

Town of Franklin Enhances Municipal Safety Measures with MIIA Grant

Funds will support town’s risk management efforts

 

The Town of Franklin was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA), the town’s property and casualty insurance provider, to support the installation of Samsara GPS modules that improve the town’s ability to track and manage fleet operations thereby enhancing the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of its public works operations.

MASS Interlocal
Insurance Association (MIIA)

With real-time GPS tracking, the town can monitor winter operations more closely and calculate salt and calcium usage with greater precision, ensuring materials are applied as economically and effectively as possible.

The technology also provides diagnostic information that enables faster identification and repair of town vehicle performance issues, reducing environmental impact and preventing more costly repairs. Additionally, integration with Franklin’s new fuel system enables more accurate fuel tracking and reporting, allowing the town to better understand and reduce its environmental footprint over time.

“This grant is helping us improve how we manage operations, respond to maintenance needs, and make informed decisions about future vehicle investments,” said Jay Stearns, Franklin’s Fleet Manager. “With these new tools, we’re better equipped to serve residents, operate efficiently, and reduce our environmental impact.”

For the 2025 fiscal year, MIIA awarded $1 million to fund over 150 grant requests from members for public safety activities and equipment. Municipalities were able to conduct HVAC evaluations, purchase confined space safety equipment, and conduct boiler and water loss prevention measures, among many other initiatives.

“This grant is about real-world impact – helping municipalities reduce claims, safeguard municipal assets, and protect workers,” said Stan Corcoran, MIIA Executive Vice President. “Helping our members build safer communities is central to MIIA’s mission, and we’re pleased to support Franklin as it strengthens efforts to prevent losses and protect both employees and residents.”

MIIA is a membership service of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. As a mission-driven, member-led nonprofit, MIIA focuses on providing Massachusetts municipalities and other governmental entities with insurance coverage alternatives, quality risk management, and wellness programs.

For over four decades, MIIA has proudly supported its members in their efforts to build stronger communities, foster safer work environments, and implement programs that promote the health and well-being of their employees. For more information, visit www.emiia.org and www.mma.org.

Reminder: Kids Flu Clinic (18 and under) on October 18 - Sign up now!

Reminder: Kids Flu Clinic (18 and under)
on October 18 - Sign up now!

Free Flu Shots for Kids 18 and under!

Wednesday 10/18/25 from 3 PM - 5:30 PM at the Franklin Senior Center.

See flyer for registration info

SIGN UP LINK: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/franklin?calendar=19369e11-faf5-4529-b49c-bb491ede9851&site=franklin-flu-clinic

Shared from -> https://x.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1975267340162826432

Town of Franklin, MA: flu clinic scheduled for children Oct 8, 2025; sign up today !!!

Town of Franklin, MA: flu clinic scheduled
for children Oct 8, 2025; sign up today !!!

The Franklin Health Department will be hosting a flu vaccine clinic for children 18 and under on October 8th from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM at the Franklin Senior Center. 

All flu shots are free! (no insurance required).


Sign Up Here: https://t.co/AI8AGZgsND 

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qP5FVAT0W83CPtzb3XQvfCZJdx5M0YV8/view?usp=drive_link

Town of Franklin, MA: latest issue of Franklin Newsletter

Town Administration has released the latest volume of Franklin First!

To read the latest volume, click here: https://t.co/UxmI2XZXUI

Town of Franklin, MA: latest issue of Franklin Newsletter

Shared from -> https://t.co/q8nR1CO31G

Zoning Board of Appeals adds a 1 agenda item meeting to Thursday, Sep 4, 2025

Thanks to the notification service implemented by the Town of Franklin's new web page, alerts on the meeting added to the calendar and to the agenda posted for the 5 PM session were received on Tuesday.

You can find the agenda on the Town page -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/Zoning-Board-of-Appeals-31/?#_09042025-1895

or view the agenda here:

Zoning Board of Appeals adds a 1 agenda item meeting to Thursday, Sep 4, 2025

Franklin First Newsletter - Volume 10 for Franklin, MA

Franklin First Newsletter - Volume 10 for Franklin, MA

The Town Administration Office has launched new volume of our newsletter, Franklin First! 

Read the latest volume of Franklin First -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6661/Franklin-First-Newsletter-Volume-10---August-22-2025

Sign up for notifications -> https://www.franklinma.gov/list.aspx

Police issue Fraud alert on fraudulent invoice from Town of Franklin department

Police issue Fraud alert on fraudulent
invoice from Town of Franklin department

***FRAUD ALERT***

This week an organization in Franklin received an invoice from the “Planning & Development Department” requesting a wire payment. The fraudulent invoice even used the new Town of Franklin logo. Now it could be argued this is one of the worst photoshop attempts of all time but that’s a conversation for another time.

If you receive one of these please please please do not wire money.

If you have questions about any bill you receive from the Town of Franklin we implore you to call Town Hall and confirm the invoice with the respective department before paying it.

If you think you’ve been scammed or have questions about a potential scam you can always call the station at 508-528-1212 or stop by the station.

Thank you!

Shared from ->  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BPNFvVnBJ/

You can listen to Rydio talk with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen about this scam going around MA. Skip ahead to about 25 minutes for the scam section, or just listen through the 28 minutes.  -> https://soundcloud.com/localraydio/ray-in-the-morning-frankln?si=c46a9254ecd444f289d0757276b71461

HYDRANT FLUSHING ALERT! on 8/14/25 & 8/15/25 for East Central Street, Jordan, and Mill Street

13 Magnolia Dr 182013

Dear Neighbor,   HYDRANT FLUSHING ALERT! - 8/14/25 & 8/15/25 Due to an increase in discolored water complaints from the East Central Street, Jordan, and Mill Street we will be flushing hydrants in those areas on Thursday 8/14/25 and Friday 8/15/25 between the hours of 8am and 2pm If you experience discolored water please flush with cold water only, until it clears up. For more information on discolored water please visit our website at https://www.franklinma.gov/635/Water-Quality Thank you for your patience during this time.   Thanks for caring about your water use, Doug Martin Franklin Water & Sewer Department

hydrant flushing in action on Cottage St

Franklin First Newsletter - Volume 8

Franklin First Newsletter - Volume 8 The Town Administration Office has launched new volume of our newsletter, Franklin First!  Click to read the latest volume of Franklin First. Click here to sign up for notifications.

Franklin Police Dept shares what to know on soliciting in Franklin - part 1

Via Franklin Police Dept:

"Let’s talk solicitors…

Over the past several days we’ve fielded several calls for solicitors around Franklin for various companies. When done so in accordance with Franklin By-Laws, soliciting is legal and there is little the police department can do when everything is above board.

All solicitors are registered with the Town of Franklin and granted permits by the Chief of Police.

Solicitors are allowed to solicit between the hours of 9 am and 7 pm or a half hour before sunset (which is late this time if the year).

Solicitors are allowed to walk to your front door and ring your doorbell. They are not allowed to enter on private property. An example of this would be a yard with a clear no-trespass sign. Residents often have no solicitation signs, but these signs are merely suggestions to solicitors. They might still try and sell their services.

Legitimate solicitors carry identification with their relationship to their organizations and should and are expected to show it if requested. They are not required to wear company clothing, yellow vests, or drive company cars.

Typically, some solicitors contact the police department and the MECC ahead of going door to door as they know they may expect calls to the police. When responding to solicitation calls, officers check our active solicitation permits to make sure companies are permitted. If they are, they are free to continue their work as long as they are following the town by-laws. If they are not permitted, they are provided information on how to obtain a solicitation permit, close up shop, and are subject to being fined.

Soliciting without a permit is not an arrestable offense. Individuals or companies are fined with a town by-law citation of not more than $200.

We understand that answering the door to solicitors can be unsettling. If you’re not comfortable opening the door for someone, don’t. You could get a no solicitation sign for your house or yard. If you ask a solicitor to leave and they don’t, give us a call! If solicitors are knocking on your door after the approved solicitation hours, give us a call! What we don't recommend is becoming confrontational or physical with solicitors. Simply be polite and ask them to leave if you are not interested in their services. If they don't leave your property, again call us.

Franklin Police Dept shares what
to know on soliciting in Franklin - part 1

We appreciate the concern and calls for service surrounding suspicious activity in our town. We hope this level of community interaction continues. This post is to simply educate people about the legitimacy of solicitors within the Town of Franklin.

All Town By-Laws regarding solicitation and other By-Laws can be found here: https://ecode360.com/10433859"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15xikM1zEc/

Franklin Fire Dept launches Community Connect

Community Connect allows residents and businesses to enter in critical information for first responders to use in an emergency, such as;

• 

  Franklin Fire Dept launches Community Connect

  How many residents reside at the address
• Any access or functional needs
• Any pet information
• Where bedrooms are located
• Where hazardous materials are located
• Contact information
• Door codes

Here is the link to register:  https://www.communityconnect.io/info/ma-franklin

This is a safe and secure program that is free.  For more information, check out the flyer:   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6309/Community-Connect?bidId=

Shared from the Town of Franklin Fire Dept page ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/1179/Community-Connect

Nomination papers for Town of Franklin Election available Aug 4, 2025

Monday, August 4 – Nomination papers available (by appointment only) in the Town Clerk's Office. Please check our website for hours.

Monday, September 15 by 4:00 PM – Signed Nomination papers must be submitted to the Town Clerk's Office for certification

Monday, September 22 by 4:00 PM- Last day to withdraw your candidacy

Nomination papers for Town of Franklin
Election available Aug 4, 2025

Saturday, October 25 – Last day to register to vote from 9 AM to 5 PM in the Town Clerk's Office by appointment only or register online at http://www.sec.state.ma.us

Please visit our website www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk or call the Town Clerk's Office at 508-520-4900 for any questions.

Download the list of available positions ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/18_OEf8M8YNVj4iCTeaPXo8bLnXZ2UuUn/view?usp=drive_link

Town of Franklin to Establish a 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee

The Town of Franklin is excited to announce the establishment of a 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee. The Committee will plan, organize, and carry out events and activities pertaining to Franklin’s 250th Anniversary celebration, which will be held throughout the Town’s semiquincentennial year, culminating with a signature event marking the Town’s 250th anniversary of March 2, 2028. 

250th Anniversary Celebration Committee

“The Town Council is enthusiastic in establishing this committee in recognition of Franklin’s 250th Anniversary”, stated Town Council Chair Thomas Mercer. “The mission of the Committee is to have events throughout the year recognizing Franklin’s Past, Present and Future - engaging all Franklinites in a celebratory, collaborative, and unified manner.” 

Thirteen voting members and five ex officio non-voting staff members will be appointed to the Committee. Of the thirteen voting members, one member from the Cultural District Committee, Cultural Council, Historical Commission, and Library Board of Directors will be recommended to the Town Administrator by the Chair of each committee, and one member of the Dean College organization will be recommended by the College’s President or Interim President.  Eight At-Large Franklin residents will be selected through the Town’s standard volunteer application process. The terms of the committee members will end on June 30, 2029.

“The Committee will be asked to engage town boards, committees and departments for input, ideas and collaboration on the yearlong celebration and plan a rich program of events and activities”, said Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. “Due to the nature of this committee, the Town is able to establish a fund in accordance with MGL Chapter 53, Section 53i and fundraise to finance these programs. The Town anticipates hosting events and activities similar to what many other communities have done during their celebrations, such as a gala, carnival, parade, concert, fireworks, time capsule, monument, tours, a tree or other commemorative gesture, or whatever creative ideas the committee comes up with that tells Franklin's unique story.”

Franklin residents interested in serving on the Committee should apply via the Town’s Online Volunteer Application Form. The application will remain open to the community until September 15, 2025.  The Town anticipates that the Committee will begin meeting this October, 2025

Franklin Cultural District Guide available for download

NEW Cultural District Guide | 

Your art. Your words. Your Franklin. Be part of the story

Franklin Cultural District Guide

You might have seen these floating around at Franklin Porchfest and the recent Strawberry Stroll - We're excited to introduce the Franklin Cultural District Guide — your go-to resource for discovering the heart of arts, culture, and community in downtown Franklin! Inside, you'll find local landmarks, public art, creative businesses, and cultural experiences that make our district unique. Guides will be created twice a year, next up is our Fall/Winter issue!

Franklin Cultural District Guide 2

Whether you're a resident or visitor, the guide helps you explore all the ways Franklin celebrates creativity. View or download your copy today and start exploring! 

Click here to see the digital version ->   https://www.franklinculture.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif596/f/uploads/franklin_cultural_district_springsummer_vol1.pdf 

Pick up printed copies at the Franklin Municipal building, Franklin Public Library, Senior Center and other downtown Franklin locations!

We want to feature YOU!

Susan Pratt Sheridan

We're looking for original work that reflects the heart of Franklin—its creativity, its culture, and the people who make it special. Whether you live here, work here, create here, or simply feel connected to this community, we want to hear from you. Interested in being the next featured artist? 

Deadline for consideration is August 1st - click here for more details! ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/1107/Call-for-Visual-Artists

Congrats to Susan Pratt Sheridan for being our FIRST featured artist!

Franklin Establishes a New “Carry In / Carry Out” Trash & Recycling Policy for All Users Of The Town’s Outdoor Spaces

Policy to take effect July 1st, 2025

This new policy is being put into effect due to staffing issues and budget constraints.

The intent of this policy is to keep our parks and recreation areas clean, green, safe and sustainable.

Town of Franklin seal

What This Means

All visitors, teams, families, and sports organizations that use Town spaces are responsible for:

● Disposing of all trash, food waste, wrappers, bottles, cans, and recyclables properly that is brought into a park or field

● Disposing “properly” means to use the proper trash or recycling containers that may be provided on site. If containers were taken off site, trash should be disposed of or recycled off site

● Leave the area cleaner than you found it

What You Won’t See

● Trash or recycling barrels will not be provided at the usual places at parks or fields as in the past

● If trash and recycling containers are provided on site, they will be consolidated to one spot near an entrance/exit to improve efficiency and reduce costs

● Public Works crews will not collect or remove any litter left behind

 

Why It Matters

● Our facilities remain clean and welcoming for everyone to enjoy in a safe manner

● Reduces operating costs and environmental impact

● Encourages responsible stewardship of public spaces

Important Notes

● Coaches, youth sports groups, parents and players are expected to help enforce this policy during games, practices, other events, and causal use

● Failure to comply may result in loss of field permits or field closures

We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our community clean! Together, we can protect and preserve our outdoor public facilities.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6126/Press-Release---Parks-and-Ballfields-Carry-In-Carry-Out-Trash--Recycling-Policy

The Mass FY 2026 budget closes out with Gov Healy signature

Via Senate President Karen Spilka:

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."

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DLfs1DqttqZ/

Via Gov Maura Healey:

"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.” 

The Mass FY 2026 budget closes out with Gov Healy signature

Gov Healey's press release -> https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-signs-609-billion-fiscal-year-2026-budget

The Governor’s signing letter, veto message, and returns available at this link ->

https://budget.digital.mass.gov/summary/fy26/ 

The formal parchment letter -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/fy26-budget-filing-letter-from-the-governor-and-lt-governor/download

FRANKLIN =  Chapter 70 - $30,460,643  Local Aid - $3,075,999

Note: The Chapter 70 amount is exactly the same as approved by the Town Council for the FY 2026 budget. The Local aid as approved by the Governor is $33,468.00 more than currently in the Franklin budget. The adjustment to the Franklin budget will occur later this year before the tax rate is set in Nov/Dec.

Mass Gov FY 2026 -> https://budget.digital.mass.gov/summary/fy26/local-aid/

Town of Franklin FY 2026 voting document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5882/FY26-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Doc-OPTION-B

Franklin First Newsletter - Volume 6 for Franklin, MA

Read the Vol 6 update for Franklin First

Franklin First Newsletter - Volume 6 for Franklin, MA

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6038/Franklin-First-Newsletter-Volume-6---June-27-2025

Survey says: "The majority of residents enjoy a high quality of life in Franklin"

On the Town Council agenda for Wednesday, June 18 is scheduled a presentation/discussion on the results of the Community survey conducted earlier this year.

In addition to the document (summary report) released with the agenda, the Town posted additional info:

Survey says: "The majority of residents
enjoy a high quality of life in Franklin"

All the details in the survey are posted on one Town page ->   https://franklinma.gov/974/National-Community-Survey

The overall presentation doc by the POLCO rep -> https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5945/Polco---The-NCS-Presentation-Franklin-MA-2025

Town presentation doc by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen ->   https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5946/Town-of-Franklin---The-NCS-Presentation

"Division within the Town for the vision of Franklin’s future
and how to get there. We aren’t alone in this,
but it is present and must be seen and heard"

Summary Report -> https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5944/The-NCS-Report---Franklin-MA-2025