Franklin First Newsletter - Volume 5

The Franklin First Newsletter (Vol 5) was published June 13 and can be found here   -> https://www.franklinma.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=64

or directly here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5960/Franklin-First-Newsletter-Volume-5---June-13-2025

Franklin First Newsletter - Volume 5

New lower municipal aggregation electricity rate coming this fall

The Town of Franklin is pleased to announce that when the current electricity supply agreement expires with the Community Choice Power Supply Program in November 2025, a new agreement with a lower fixed rate of 13.9 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) will commence and remain in effect through November of 2028. 

The newly secured supply rate of 13.9 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) is 1.2 cents less than the current rate of 15.1 cents per kWh, and reflects an anticipated average savings of 7 dollars per month, or 84 dollars annually, assuming an average household usage of 600 kWh per month. 

Since its inception in November 2020, the Town of Franklin has successfully saved Franklin residents and small businesses an estimated $16.7 million in electricity costs by securing a fixed supply rate through the Community Choice Power Supply Program. State law allows the town to partake in aggregate energy supply pricing in an effort to secure more competitive rates than what is offered through basic National Grid supply service. 

 

“In this challenging fiscal climate, the Town of Franklin is pleased to offer some financial relief to our residents and small businesses through continued participation in the Community Choice Power Supply Program,” stated Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. 

In addition to its cost saving benefits, the Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program also promotes the Town’s commitment to lowering carbon emissions. The energy supplied through the new contract meets Massachusetts’ renewable energy requirements at 63% renewable (69% in 2026); and, for the first time, Franklin residents will also have the option to utilize energy that is 100% renewable and locally sourced at a rate of 16.6 cents per kWh. While its rate is 1.5 cents per kWh higher than the current contracted rate, this local option accomplishes a goal of the recently approved 2025 town-wide Master Plan.

“As a Certified Green Community since 2018, Franklin is committed to further reducing its carbon footprint, and this program allows us to do so through the use of renewable energy” commented Jamie Hellen. “We are excited to provide residents and ratepayers with the option to source 100% of their renewable energy locally, which has been implemented as part of the Town’s Master Plan and in response to community feedback.”

This contract does not prohibit any resident or small business from procuring their own electricity distribution separately. 

The Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program is an electricity aggregation program that allows a municipality to purchase electricity in bulk on behalf of its residential and small business customers. The goal of municipal aggregation is to stabilize energy costs, deliver savings to ratepayers, reduce the community’s carbon footprint, and enhance local control in its energy purchasing. Currently, 8,492 meters are enrolled in the program and Franklin ratepayers have saved a combined 16.7 million dollars as of December 2024. 

Residents and business owners who are already enrolled in Franklin’s Community Choice Power Supply Program will be automatically re-enrolled in the program with the Town’s standard product at the new rate of 13.9 cents per kWh, and will receive an informational postcard from Colonial Power Group thirty days before the new rates take effect. The postcard will include the name and contact information of the new supplier, instructions on how to select the locally sourced energy product at a rate of 16.6 cents per kWh instead of the Town’s standard product, how to opt-out of the program, and other important details.

Residents and business owners that are not enrolled will need to opt into the program if interested in participating.  To opt into the program with our current supplier, Dynegy Energy Services, at the rate of 15.1 cents per kWh, call Dynegy at (866) 220-5696 or visit https://colonialpowergroup.com/franklin/. Enrolled participants will be automatically re-enrolled with the new supplier and rates when the agreement takes effect later this year.  Anyone who wishes to opt into the program after the new agreement commences will need to visit the

Town’s Municipal Aggregation Website or contact the Town Administration Office at (508) 520-4949 for more information.

https://colonialpowergroup.com/franklin-documents/

There are no fees for enrollment or cancellation.  However, residents and business owners with a supplier block on their account must contact National Grid at (800) 322-3223 to have the block removed in order to participate in this program. Additionally, anyone already locked into an existing contract with another third-party supplier is advised to verify the contract terms before switching, as they may be subject to penalties or early termination fees charged by that supplier.

Residents and ratepayers seeking enrollment status are advised to contact Colonial Power Group at (866) 485-5858 ext. 1 or colonialpowergroup.com/franklin. 

Learn more about the Town of Franklin’s Community Choice Power Supply Program at https://www.franklinma.gov/163/Municipal-Aggregation.

June 1, 2025 Town of Franklin MA Pride Flag Raising (video)

The 2nd Annual Pride Flag Raising ceremony held on Sunday, June 1, 2025 in Franklin, MA. Town Councilor Ted Cormier-Leger was 'master of ceremonies' for this event introducing each speaker. 

Sioo did perform a song (Journey) for which he gave thanks. It was left out of the video to avoid copy right issues.

video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C6bdr9spr0

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, June 1, 2025 ???

Sunday, June 1

9:00am Fallen Hero: William G. Hosford (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

11:00am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

11:00am 2nd Annual Pride Flag Raising (355 E Central St)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

7:00pm Rehearsal for Distinguished Young Women (Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center)

8:00pm Sunday at Sunset (St John's Episcopal Church)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  NO Town Meetings today   **

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

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

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Franklin Secures Lower Electricity Rate for Franklin Residents

The Town of Franklin is pleased to announce that when the current electricity supply agreement expires with the Community Choice Power Supply Program in November 2025, a new agreement with a lower fixed rate of 13.9 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) will commence and remain in effect through November of 2028. 

The newly secured supply rate of 13.9 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) is 1.2 cents less than the current rate of 15.1 cents per kWh, and reflects an anticipated average savings of 7 dollars per month, or 84 dollars annually, assuming an average household usage of 600 kWh per month. 

Since its inception in November 2020, the Town of Franklin has successfully saved Franklin residents and small businesses an estimated $16.7 million in electricity costs by securing a fixed supply rate through the Community Choice Power Supply Program. State law allows the town to partake in aggregate energy supply pricing in an effort to secure more competitive rates than what is offered through basic National Grid supply service. 

 

“In this challenging fiscal climate, the Town of Franklin is pleased to offer some financial relief to our residents and small businesses through continued participation in the Community Choice Power Supply Program,” stated Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. 

In addition to its cost saving benefits, the Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program also promotes the Town’s commitment to lowering carbon emissions. The energy supplied through the new contract meets Massachusetts’ renewable energy requirements at 63% renewable (69% in 2026); and, for the first time, Franklin residents will also have the option to utilize energy that is 100% renewable and locally sourced at a rate of 16.6 cents per kWh. While its rate is 1.5 cents per kWh higher than the current contracted rate, this local option accomplishes a goal of the recently approved 2025 townwide Master Plan.

“As a Certified Green Community since 2018, Franklin is committed to further reducing its carbon footprint, and this program allows us to do so through the use of renewable energy” commented Jamie Hellen. “We are excited to provide residents and ratepayers with the option to source 100% of their renewable energy locally, which has been implemented as part of the Town’s Master Plan and in response to community feedback.”

This contract does not prohibit any resident or small business from procuring their own electricity distribution seperately. 

The Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program is an electricity aggregation program that allows a municipality to purchase electricity in bulk on behalf of its residential and small business customers. The goal of municipal aggregation is to stabilize energy costs, deliver savings to ratepayers, reduce the community’s carbon footprint, and enhance local control in its energy purchasing. Currently, 8,492 meters are enrolled in the program and Franklin ratepayers have saved a combined 16.7 million dollars as of December 2024. 

Residents and business owners who are already enrolled in Franklin’s Community Choice Power Supply Program will be automatically re-enrolled in the program with the Town’s standard product at the new rate of 13.9 cents per kWh, and will receive an informational postcard from Colonial Power Group thirty days before the new rates take effect. The postcard will include the name and contact information of the new supplier, instructions on how to select the locally sourced energy product at a rate of 16.6 cents per kWh instead of the Town’s standard product, how to opt-out of the program, and other important details.

Residents and business owners that are not enrolled will need to opt into the program if interested in participating.  To opt into the program with our current supplier, Dynegy Energy Services, at the rate of 15.1 cents per kWh, call Dynegy at (866) 220-5696 or visit https://colonialpowergroup.com/franklin/. Enrolled participants will be automatically re-enrolled with the new supplier and rates when the agreement takes effect later this year.  Anyone who wishes to opt into the program after the new agreement commences will need to visit the

Town’s Municipal Aggregation Website or contact the Town Administration Office at (508) 520-4949 for more information.

There are no fees for enrollment or cancellation.  However, residents and business owners with a supplier block on their account must contact National Grid at (800) 322-3223 to have the block removed in order to participate in this program. Additionally, anyone already locked into an existing contract with another third-party supplier is advised to verify the contract terms before switching, as they may be subject to penalties or early termination fees charged by that supplier.

https://colonialpowergroup.com/franklin-documents/

Residents and ratepayers seeking enrollment status are advised to contact Colonial Power Group at (866) 485-5858 ext. 1 or colonialpowergroup.com/franklin. 

Learn more about the Town of Franklin’s Community Choice Power Supply Program at https://www.franklinma.gov/163/Municipal-Aggregation.

Franklin First Newsletter - Volume 4 for Franklin, MA

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 (Get your own copy via email) 

Franklin First Newsletter - Volume 4 for Franklin, MA

Town of Franklin, MA: Memorial Day Ceremony - May 26, 2025 (audio)

FM #1455 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1455 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio of the Town of Franklin Memorial Day ceremony held on the Town Common at the end of the parade on Monday, May 26, 2025. The day was sunny, a few passing clouds with a gentle breeze. 

Veterans Service Officer Shannon Nisbett is the master of ceremonies and introduces each speaker, and walks us through the program. 

The ceremony runs about 47 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1455-town-of-franklin-ma-memorial-day-ceremony-05-26-25/

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My photos (for both the parade & ceremony) are found in one album -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/w7AdGvP6PDGimFT88 

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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!

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

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

Commander Carruthers and a girl scout placing one of the wreaths

Curbside Trash/Recycling Delayed One Day Due to the Memorial Day Holiday--May 26-30

The Town of Franklin Curbside Trash/Recycling Schedule will be delayed one day due to the Memorial Day Holiday during the week of May 26 through May 30, 2025.

Curbside Trash/Recycling Delayed One Day Due to the Memorial Day Holiday--May 26-30

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=62

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, May 15, 2025 ???

Library & Senior Center events

Thursday, May 15

 

** Kennedy PCC fund raising (Santa Fe Burrito Grill)

8:30am State & Town Officials Office Hour (Franklin Senior Center)

10:00am Van & Pavilion Ribbon Cutting Ceremony  (Franklin Senior Center)

5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

7:00pm Birchwood Wine Dinner (Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen)

7:00pm 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting (First Universalist Society Franklin)

7:00pm BEN 4 Franklin Mtg (Franklin TV and Radio Studio) 

7:30pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**   Town Meetings today   **

Coffee Hour with State & Local Officials

May 15, 2025, 8:30 AM

No agenda for this informal gathering

Conservation Commission Meeting

May 15, 2025, 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05152025-1741

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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

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

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

"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

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

Town of Franklin Receives ‘AAA’ Bond Rating from S&P Global Ratings

The Town of Franklin is proud to announce that S&P Global Ratings, the leading provider of independent credit ratings, has assigned its prestigious ‘AAA’ long-term rating to the Town. 

This marks the third consecutive year the Town of Franklin has received a ‘AAA’ rating — the highest possible from S&P Global Ratings — recognizing the Town’s consistent strong financial practices, sound fiscal stewardship, and commitment to long-term financial stability.  

"This ‘AAA’ rating reflects the Town’s strong commitment to responsible fiscal management and long-term planning,” stated Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. “This is a true team victory and the result of hard work and collaboration across our finance team, elected leadership, department heads, and the entire municipal and town staff”.

Town of Franklin Receives ‘AAA’
Bond Rating from S&P Global Ratings

The S&P report highlights the Town’s stable financial profile supported by strong financial management policies and indicates the ‘AAA’ rating reflects Franklin’s “affluent and diverse tax base and strong financial management, both of which have helped fuel a track record of strong financial performance and the maintenance of steady reserves.” In the report, the Town is also recognized for continued cautious budgeting practices and making expenditure adjustments as necessary to maintain positive operations despite revenue-raising limitations and ongoing cost pressures.

Kerri Bertone, Chief Financial Officer, adds that “This rating highlights our shared commitment to financial stability, accountability, and transparency. It’s a reflection of the diligence of our finance team, the guidance of our elected officials, and the support of our entire community." 

The ‘AAA’ rating will enable the Town to borrow at the most favorable interest rates, directly benefiting Franklin taxpayers by reducing the cost of capital for infrastructure and community investments.

S&P Bond Rating letter dated May 6, 2025

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5614/SP-Rating-Report---Franklin---2025

Read the latest volume of Franklin First

The second edition of the revised Town of Franklin newsletter "Franklin First" is available ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5516/Newsletter-2

Read the latest volume of Franklin First

1st Budget Hearing for FY 2026: Finance Committee hears of the Franklin School budget (audio)

FM #1436 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1436 in the series. 

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Monday, April 28, 2025. All 8 members of the Committee were present in Council Chambers for the first of the series of Budget Hearings for FY 2026.

This session covered Education; Tri-County, Norfolk Aggie and Franklin Public Schools. Only Franklin was there to present in person. The Chair almost closed the meeting without mentioning the other two budget items.  

Quick recap:

• School Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Interim Business Administrator Jana Milotti made the presentation supported at different points by Dr Dutch and Asst Supt Paula Morano

• 

  FY 2026 School budget

  The slides of the presentation can be found ->   https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5586512/4_28_25_FY26_FinCom_Budget_Hearing__1_.pdf

• The school budget fits within the Town allocation which assumes a successful override vote on June 3. The school budget is an increase over last year by $2.9M

• Redistricting brought significant savings to the tune of $3.1M

• If the override fails, $2M would be cut from this budget (per current Town documented allocation) resulting in no decrease in sports or transportation fees, staff reductions, higher class sizes, etc. See the photo of slide page 25

• Tuesday night the budget items for public works and public safety are up for discussion. The meeting will be in the 3rd floor training room.

The recording runs about 53 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1436-tof-finance-cmte-budget-hearing-1-04-28-25/

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Franklin TV recording available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2k6pGMSzeU 

AI generated (speaker name accuracy checked by S Sherlock) -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LETxtm8wd6efV-9YLqOKKqTo5Jv1889_/view?usp=drive_link

Finance Cmte agenda ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04282025-1700 

My notes captured during the meeting via Twitter

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_SkYWy0EmCwPxh8w_PRvUJI2QDbclXKD/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"