The FY 25 Audit report segment from the July 22, 2026 Franklin Town Council (audio)

FM #1786-1787-1788 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1786-1787-1788 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 members participated in Chambers. The Council voted to extend the meeting 1 hour and fortunately finished before that time.

The full meeting can be viewed on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mliO20lR8Cc 

The three key sections of presentation & discussion are shared via audio here:

1786 - The FY 25 Audit report presentation and discussion. The recording runs about 25 minutes.

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION -

a. Presentation: FY25 Audit - Ben Wilkinson, Senior Manager, CBIZ   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10230/11a-FY25-Audit

i. Presentation slides   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10231/11a-i---PRESENTATION-SLIDES---Town-of-Franklin-MA-2025-Audit-Presentation-07222026pptx 

1787 - The 300 Fisher St presentation by the EPA and resulting discussion. The recording runs about 54 minutes 

1788 - Excess Sewer Capacity presentation from Charles River, including Medway & Millis representatives as well as the extended discussion to be continued Sept 2. The recording runs about 97 minutes.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1786-fy-2025-audit-report-at-the-town-council-mtg-07-22-26/

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The full agenda and documents released for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222026-2421 

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

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"

The FY 2025 Financial Audit gets presented to the Town Council (and us) on Wednesday, July 22

July 17, 2026

To: Town Council

From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

RE: FY25 Financial Audit

Attached in the packet is the finalized FY25 Audit. A representative of CBIZ will be making a short presentation on the findings, which is also included in the packet.

For four consecutive fiscal years, the Town has consistently received unmodified audit opinions, the highest level of assurance auditors can provide on its financial statements.

All town financial audits are archived here - https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?AMID=36

Please let us know if you have any questions.

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Scheduled for the Town Council agenda at the July 22 session

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION -

a. Presentation: FY25 Audit - Ben Wilkinson, Senior Manager, CBIZ   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10230/11a-FY25-Audit

i. Presentation slides   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10231/11a-i---PRESENTATION-SLIDES---Town-of-Franklin-MA-2025-Audit-Presentation-07222026pptx 

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting - Weds, July 22 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

July 22, 2026 = 6:00 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

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. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

4. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Joint Budget Subcommittee (next meeting: August 13 @ 6pm)

b. Economic Development Subcommittee (next meeting: July 23rd @ 6pm)

c. Communications Subcommittee (next meeting TBD)

d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee (next meeting: September 3rd @ 6pm)

e. Police Station Building Committee (next meeting: September 2nd)

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

 

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Fire Department

i. Swearing in of new Firefighter / Paramedic - William Santa Fe

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. June 10, 2026

b. June 17, 2026

8. APPOINTMENTS

a. Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members

i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for list of names

b. Election Workers - September 1, 2026 State Primary Election

i. See “Appointments - Election Workers” in packet for list of names

9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM -

a. Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of J. Victor Lane and Drainage Lot Parcel 1

i. See Legislation for Action #12a.

b. Transfer, Pledge of License, Pledge of Inventory and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Franklin Georgios LLC d/b/a Georgio’s Liquors, Located at 60 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin, MA 02038

i. See License Transaction #10a.

c. Transfer, Pledge of License, Pledge of Inventory and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Contractors Family Market Inc. d/b/a Dacey’s Market, Located at 353 Lincoln Street, Franklin, MA 02038

i. See License Transaction #10b.

d. Modification of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers & Change of Stock Interest - Contractor & Sons Inc. d/b/a Lincoln Street Market, Located at 465 Lincoln St., Franklin, MA

i. See License Transaction # 10c.

10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS -

a. Transfer, Pledge of License, Pledge of Inventory and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Franklin Georgios LLC d/b/a Georgio’s Liquors, Located at 60 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin, MA 02038

b. Transfer, Pledge of License, Pledge of Inventory and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Contractors Family Market Inc. d/b/a Dacey’s Market, Located at 353 Lincoln Street, Franklin, MA 02038

c. Multiple Modifications of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers & Change of Stock Interest - Contractor & Sons Inc. d/b/a Lincoln Street Market, Located at 465 Lincoln St., Franklin, MA

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION -

a. Presentation: FY25 Audit - Ben Wilkinson, Senior Manager, CBIZ   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10230/11a-FY25-Audit

i. Presentation slides   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10231/11a-i---PRESENTATION-SLIDES---Town-of-Franklin-MA-2025-Audit-Presentation-07222026pptx

b. 300 Fisher Street

i. Environmental Protection Agency Overview Presentation   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10232/EPA-Presentation

ii. Town Administrator Memo on history of 300 Fisher Street  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10234/11b-2---MEMO---300-Fisher-Street-History

iii. 300 Fisher Street Town site map  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10235/11b-iiii-Map

iv. 300 Fisher Street property card  

 

c. Charles River Pollution Control District

i. Charles River Pollution Control District Overview Presentation  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10236/11c-i---PRESENTATION-SLIDES---PDF--CRPCD-Town-Council-Meeting-July-22-2026pdf  & Website  https://www.charlesriverpcd.org/

ii. Town Administrator Memo on Sewer Transfers  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10237/11c-ii---MEMO---Millis-Sewer-Transfer

● See Legislation for Action #12b. (Millis)

● See Legislation for action #12c. (Medway)

● See Legislation for action #12d. (District Amendment)

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-38: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of J. Victor Lane and Drainage Lot Parcel 1 (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-38 -2/3 Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 26-39: Authorization to Transfer (Sell) a Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity at Charles River Treatment Plant to Town of Millis (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-39 - Majority Vote)

c. Resolution 26-40: Authorization to Transfer (Sell) a Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity at Charles River Treatment Plant to Town of Medway (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-40 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 26-41: Authorization to Execute Third Amendment to Agreement Between Charles River Pollution Control District and Town of Franklin (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-41 - Majority Vote)

e. Bylaw Amendment 26-953: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Article X: Winter Storm Overnight Parking Ban - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 26-- Majority Roll Call Vote)

f. Resolution 26-42: Acceptance of Private Road Covenant (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-42 - Majority Vote)

g. Resolution 26-43: Adoption of Social Media Engagement Guidelines for Elected and Appointed Officials (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-43 - Majority Vote)

h. Resolution 26-44: Adoption of Town Council Email Guidelines (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-44 - Majority Vote)

i. Resolution 26-45: Approval of A.B. Fletcher Trust Fund Expense (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-45 - Majority Vote)

j. Resolution 26-46: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center, Franklin FD, Franklin PD

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-46 - Majority Vote)

k. Resolution 26-47: Appropriation of Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming Per MGL Chapter 44, Section 53F3/4

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-47 - Majority Vote)

13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222026-2421

CommonWealth Beacon: "DiZoglio’s campaign to audit the Legislature is fueled by misinformation, political ambition, and personal attacks"

"TWO WEEKS AGO, the House passed legislation that establishes a framework for a constitutionally viable financial audit of the Legislature, and that subjects the Legislature and governor’s office to public records law for the first time.

The bill provides the state auditor, Diana DiZoglio, with all of the documents that she has requested and codifies into law an extensive list of documents that the Legislature must make available to the public.

To craft the audit section of this legislation, the House worked diligently to address the separation of powers concerns that have been raised by constitutional scholars, while working closely with good-government and transparency advocates at the ACLU of Massachusetts and Common Cause Massachusetts to draft the public records portion of the bill.

In other words, the House bill demonstrates the advantages that are unique to the legislative process – a system through which members of the public, experts, and advocates from across the political spectrum can come together to arm legislators with a baseline of facts and best practices in order to produce practical, effective legislation that is responsive to our constituents.

Since then, experts on this issue have argued that the House bill takes “an important step toward enhancing legislative transparency.” Upon passage, the ACLU of Massachusetts said that this approach will give residents the legal right “to documents providing a wealth of insight into legislative and gubernatorial operations, finances, audits, ethics, and where individual legislators stand on important policy decisions.”

The problem, though, is that you probably didn’t hear any of that."

Continue reading the Opinion piece by Ronald Mariano, speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives

https://commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/dizoglios-campaign-to-audit-the-legislature-is-fueled-by-misinformation-political-ambition-and-personal-attacks

Franklin's State Rep Jeff Roy outlined this issue recently 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/whats-up-with-audit-state-rep-jeff-roy.html  

What's up with the Audit? State Rep Jeff Roy takes time to explain the issue & what the MA House has done (audio)

FM #1764 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1764 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with State Representative Jeffrey Roy. We had our discussion virtually via Zoom on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• Background on the audit issue

• What info is available today including annual audits

• The Supreme Judicial Court hearing on the Auditor vs. the Attorney General

• Legislation enhancing the audit process in light of the decision

• Records request process outlined

The show notes include links to the presentation doc and supporting material. 

The recording runs about 47 minutes, so let’s watch and/or listen in.

Video link - https://youtu.be/EakyZVjB64c 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1764-state-rep-jeff-roy-explains-the-audit-issue-06-11-26/

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Presentation document - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TfRPWL7MprCn0AGkEiai7KmH6o_9eLdv/view?usp=drive_link 

Audit types  - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audit  

What is the “GAGAS” or Yellow book ?  https://www.gao.gov/yellowbook  

Details of the legislation discussed H.5469  - https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5469   Note: H.5469 is now before the MA Senate where they will need to review and decide before moving to the Governor.

Representative Roy’s House page - https://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/JNR1 

The full Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) video session -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvtF3hgWgOc 

SJC audit ruling (extracted from the full docket)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dnJpSOKv4_edgRaBQT_V77cz7Ta0FKl7/view?usp=drive_link

The link to the Climate bill public website reference: BU Student generate project archive with the info on the development of the major MA climate legislation passed in 2022 by Gov Baker - "Chapter 179, An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind" https://sites.bu.edu/masslaw/2023/02/10/chapter-179-an-act-driving-clean-energy-and-offshore-wind/ 

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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 it!

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

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

Mass Senate audit information via Senate President Karen Spilka

Via Senate President Karen Spilka:

"If you are interested in reviewing Senate audits, payroll, or expenditures please visit the links or scan the QR codes below."

Senate expenditures (link #1) ->   https://cthruspending.mass.gov/#!/year/2025/explore/0/department/SENATE+(SEN)/0/cabinet_secretariat

Senate payroll (link #2) ->   https://cthrupayroll.mass.gov/#!/year/2025/full_time_employees,others/pay1,pay2,pay3,pay4/explore/0-0-0/department_division/SENATE+(SEN)/0/position_title

Senate audits (link #3) ->   https://malegislature.gov/ClerksOffice/Senate/Audits

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/16pV2Ht51Q/

Mass Senate audit information via Senate President Karen Spilka

Town Council Meeting 5/07/25 Audio in 2 parts (1) full meeting, (2) audit & AAA rating only

FM #1447-1448  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1447-1448 in the series. 

This session (1447) shares the FUll Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, May 7, 2025. All 9 of the members participated in Council Chambers.  

This session (1448) shares the FY 2024 Fiscal Audit presentation and discussion from the Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, May 7, 2025. This includes the announcement of the AAA bond rating renewal. 

Meeting recap -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/town-council-hears-of-clean-audit-and.html 

The Full meeting recording runs about 2 hours and 37 minutes  

#1447 - Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1447-town-council-mtg-full-session-05-07-25/

The Audit Segment runs about 56 minutes

#1448 - Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1448-town-council-mtg-audit-segment-05-07-25/

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The Franklin TV recording is available for review -> https://www.youtube.com/live/BjLJUaJedMc&t=389 

The agenda and released documents for this session ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05072025-1719 

My full set of notes captured during the meeting -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YrOYu85-re20L0v7tmmAvCY2e54ir5sY/view?usp=drive_link 

FY 2024 Audit report ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/539 

Other audit reports can be found -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?AMID=36 

S&P Bond Rating letter dated May 6, 2025

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

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

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"

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