- 20% (plus or minus) for local elections
- 40% (plus or minus) for override or debt exclusion elections
- 60% (plus or minus) for the State elections in November
- 80% (plus or minus) for the Federal elections in November
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Friday, September 4, 2026
State Primary turnout for Town of Franklin 2nd highest in 20 years
Thursday, September 3, 2026
Town of Franklin Announces Appointment of Michelle Monsegur as Deputy Town Administrator
The Town of Franklin is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Monsegur as its new deputy town administrator. Monsegur will begin her new role on Sept. 14, 2026.
"I'm really excited about this opportunity to serve the Franklin community!” said Monsegur. “As a lifelong public servant, I love working at the local level and I look forward to getting to know folks in Franklin and diving into the budget process this fall. Thank you to Jamie Hellen and the Town of Franklin for welcoming me."
As Deputy Town Administrator, Monsegur will work closely with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen to oversee municipal finance, support municipal operations, lead strategic initiatives, special projects and collaborate with department leaders to advance the Town’s priorities and deliver exceptional public service.
“Michelle brings a strong combination of leadership experience, sound judgment and a deep commitment to public service to this role,” said Town Administrator Hellen. “She understands the complexity of municipal government and the importance of working collaboratively with department leaders, employees and the community to get things done. I am confident that she will be an invaluable partner as we continue to move the Town’s priorities forward, while also helping us prepare for the new challenges and opportunities ahead.”
The appointment follows a thorough selection process that included more than 100 applications for the position.
In her new role, Monsegur will work closely with the chief financial officer, Franklin Public Schools and the Town’s finance committee to develop short- and long-term, town-wide financial strategies. While the chief financial officer oversees the day-to-day operations of the Town’s finance departments, Monsegur will work closely with elected officials, stakeholders and residents on financial strategy and implementation with a focus on long-term financial solvency, stability and sustainability. She will also bring a fresh perspective to town and school finance while helping preserve and build institutional knowledge.
Monsegur’s responsibilities will also include strategic planning, collective bargaining, capital planning, technology and artificial intelligence. As the use of AI continues to evolve, she will help the Town monitor developments, assess potential opportunities and consider how the technology may affect municipal government and the community in the years ahead.
Prior to joining Franklin, Monsegur served as assistant town administrator for finance for the Town of Hingham, where she oversaw day-to-day operations for 25 departments and approximately 300 employees in close collaboration with the town administrator. She led the town’s financial strategy, including development of its $165 million annual budget and authored the Sustainable Budget Task Force (equivalent to Franklin’s Joint Budget Subcommittee).
Previously, Monsegur served as principal budget analyst for the City of Cambridge, where she developed and managed the city’s $730 million annual budget. She also led the city’s first participatory budgeting processes, giving residents a direct role in determining how capital funds would be spent.
Monsegur holds a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. She is a member of the Massachusetts Municipal Association and the International City/County Management Association. She also serves on the executive board of the Massachusetts Government Finance Officers Association.
The Town welcomes Deputy Town Administrator Michelle Monsegur to the position and looks forward to her contributions to the organization and the Franklin community.
shared from - https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/190
Town of Franklin - OFFICAL Results - State Primary - Sep 1, 2026
FREE Flu Clinic on Tuesday, September 22, from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Flu shots will be available for all ages, including high-dose vaccines!
We would greatly appreciate your help sharing the attached flyer with your staff, clients, families, and community members. By spreading the word, we can help encourage our community to get vaccinated and stay healthy this flu season.
To schedule an appointment, please use the registration link: https://home.color.com/
Download the flyer as a reminder or to share - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DR0KLlMU_nPMwo44f2Bb8zxZeyx6VOgd/view?usp=drive_link
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Town of Franklin Early & Mail Ballots Received as of August 26, 2026
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Franklin Fire Department Promotes Mike Berthiaume to Captain
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Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Governor Healey Signs Freedom to Read Law at Franklin Public Library
Monday, August 10, 2026
You're Invited: Open House for Franklin's New Well 7-7A PFAS Treatment Facility - August 20
- Tour the new treatment facility.
- Learn how PFAS treatment works using granular activated carbon (GAC).
- Meet members of Franklin's Public Works and Water Operations team.
- Discover how the Town is investing in the long-term reliability and quality of Franklin's drinking water supply.
Friday, August 7, 2026
Audio Recording Available for the Commission on Disability Meeting, August 6, 2026 (audio)
FM #1793 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1793 in the series.
This episode shares the Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting held on August 6, 2026 at the Franklin Senior Center. 8 of the 9 members were present, (M Furilla absent).
Quick recap:
Discussion brainstorming ideas for potential use of their annual budget along with the use of the fees accumulated from parking fines paid by those violating accessibility spaces.
Approved use of funds ($100) to obtain membership in Downtown Partnership to gain booth space for the Harvest Festival
Discussion on purchase of Disability Pride Flag, would also need to adjust the current flag bylaw (https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/1107/2024-Town-Council-Flag-Policy-PDF?bidId=)
Discussion on participation for the Harvest Festival
Discussion on participation for the Senior Expo (Oct 2)
Discussion on potential for creating a virtual option for meeting participation. Via Zoom and use of an Owl camera. Decision potentially to be made at the October regular meeting for implementation TBD there after
The meeting recording runs just over 1 hour
Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1793-franklin-commission-on-disability-mtg-08-06-26/
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The meeting agenda - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08062026-2427
Commission on Disability page - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/496/Franklin-Commission-on-Disability
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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
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Thursday, August 6, 2026
The Town of Franklin is seeking volunteers to serve on a variety of boards & committees
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Franklin Small Business Spotlight: The Rome Restaurant
"We are a family run Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown, known for its comforting homemade dishes, welcoming atmosphere, and long standing commitment to the community. For generations, our family has taken pride in serving classic Italian favorites, made from scratch with care, to all who walk through our doors."
"We love being surrounded by people who value connection, history, and hometown pride."
"Small businesses are the heart of our community; they keep Franklin strong and connected and help neighbors thrive."
Sunday, July 26, 2026
Audio recording of the July 15, 2026 Town Council Communications Subcommittee Meeting (audio)
FM #1782 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1782 in the series.
This session shares the Town Council Communications Subcommittee Meeting. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Building on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
Subcommittee Chair Caroline Griffith, members Jane Callaway-Tripp, Max Morrongiello, and Gene Grella also participated. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Operations Manager Julie McCann and Director of Communications & Community Engagement Liz Kalaijian participated.
Quick recap:
The joint email response policy was approved by the subcommittee to bring to the full Council as amended (4-0 vote)
The vote on social media guidelines for elected & appointed officials as amended was also approved to send to the full Council by a 4-0 vote
Discussion on the work plan, Max raised some items discussed in prior meetings that did not make it to this listing
Discussion on the scope of the committee, is it for Town Council communications or for communications on all of Town business?
The recording runs about 2 hours & 23 minutes, so let’s listen in.
Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1782-town-council-communications-subcmte-mtg-07-15-26/
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The Franklin TV video is available https://www.youtube.com/live/waSCPZX58RM?&t=247
The agenda and released documents for this session
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07152026-2412
My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QjT_rM8lx14IKucFaXsUAC26x6f-k6wk/view?usp=drive_link
-------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

















