Franklin, MA: Agenda for Finance Cmte Meeting June 3 on revised FY 2027 budget

Finance Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 - 6:00 PM

1. Call to Order

2. Approval of Minutes

a. April 6, 2026

b. April 7, 2026

c. April 8, 2026

d. April 9, 2026

3. Committee Recommendations on Legislation for Action

a. Revised FY27 Town Administrator Operating Budget - www.franklinma.gov

i. Staff Memorandum  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9677/3a-i-MEMO-Revised-TA-Budget

ii. Control Sheet & Voting Document (notes version)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9657/FY27-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Document-JAMIE-NOTES-COPY---FOR-AGENDA-LINK

iii. Control Sheet & Voting Document (clean version)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9658/FY27-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Document-CLEAN-COPY---FOR-AGENDA-LINK

iv. Resolution - Adoption of Revised Fiscal Year 2027 Budget  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9683/3a-iv-Resolution-Adoption-of-the-FY-2027-Budget

v. Revised Appendix A - Town Administrator Revised Budget  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9661/Revised-Appendix-A---Town-Administrator-Revised-FY27-Budget

 

b. Resolution 26-27 MECC Stabilization Transfer to FY27 Operating Budget  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9662/3b-Resolution-26-27_-MECC-Stabilization-Transfer-to-FY27-Operating-Budget

c. Resolution 26-28 Salary Schedule: Full Time Elected Official (Town Clerk)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9687/3c--RESOLUTION-26-28_-Salary-Schedule_-Full-Time-Elected-Official-Town-Clerk

d. Resolution 26-29 Expenditure Limits For FY27 on Departmental Revolving Funds  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9663/3d-RESOLUTION-26-29---Town-Council-FY27--Expenditure-Limits

e. Resolution 26-33 Capital Round 2  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9643/_4e-26-33-Capital-Round-2-Resolution?bidId=

i. Memo Free Cash Usage Capital Round 2  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9666/3e-1---MEMO-Free-Cash-Usage-Capital-Round-2

ii. DPW Dump Truck quotes  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9667/6-Wheel-Dump-Truck_Sander_Plow

f. Resolution 26-34 Appropriation From Group Insurance Trust Fund  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9688/3f-Resolution-26-34_-Appropriation-From-Group-Insurance-Trust-Fund

g. Resolution 26-35 Ambulance Transfer and Appropriation  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9644/4f-26-35-Ambulance-Transfer-and-Appropriation

i. Memo Authorization to Purchase Ambulance  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9673/3g-i-Memo-Authorization-to-purchase-Ambulance

4. Community Preservation Act

a. Resolution 26-23 Community Preservation Fund: Annual Appropriation and Reservation  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9623/3c-FY27-CPA-Reservations-Resolution-26-23-1

b. Resolution 26-24 on amended Project Slate from CPC  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9656/4b-FY27-CPA-Appropriation-of-Funds---Capital-26-24

i. 05-18-2026 CPC Agenda Packet   https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05182026-2318

5. FY26 Fiscal Year End Update

a. Resolution 26-30 Snow & Ice Stabilization Transfer to Operating Budget FY26  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9674/4g-Resolution-26-30_-Snow-and-Ice-Stabilization-Transfer-to-Operating-Budget-FY26

b. Resolution 26-31 Capital FY26 Stormwater Enterprise Fund Appropriation  

6. Reports

a. Stabilization Fund Balances as of 4-30-2026  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9624/Stabilization-Fund-Balances-4-30-2026docx

b. Local Receipts as of 4-30-2026  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9618/Local-Receipts-Enterprise-Revenues-Budget-to-Actual-Report-April-2026

7. Next Meetings

a. September 23, 2026

b. October 21, 2026

c. December 9, 2026

8. Adjourn

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06032026-2346 

This Rausch Report touts the FY27 budget, the PROTECT Act, events around the District & more

Dear Neighbor,

Greetings from Beacon Hill! I hope you had a peaceful and meaningful Memorial Day weekend and are enjoying these last few days of May. Last week, the Senate passed a $63.4 billion budget that invests in our towns and cities, boosts public education, promotes affordability, and advances our shared values.  

Rausch Report

Over three long days of debate, during which we considered more than a thousand amendments, we unanimously passed a budget that spends our tax dollars wisely and responsibly. I’m proud to have secured $500,000 for priority projects in every town in our district, as well as numerous statewide amendments that boost our investments in civics education, women’s history, environmental protection, and more, as well as an amendment to advance democracy by enhancing candidate safety.

May is also Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander Month. I was pleased to continue my annual social media tradition of uplifting Jewish Americans with a connection to Massachusetts. I was also honored to join my fellow lawmakers in passing the PROTECT Act to limit cooperation between ICE and state and local law enforcement, recognizing our state’s history of immigration while enhancing safety, security, and democracy for us all.

Read on in this month’s Rausch Report to learn more about the FY27 budget and the PROTECT Act, a recap of the ways we celebrated Jewish American Heritage Month, details on upcoming June events in the district, and more.

For real-time updates, please follow me on Facebook and Instagram. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please don’t hesitate to call me and my team at (617) 722-1555, email me at becca.rausch@masenate.gov, or attend upcoming office hours. We are here to help.     

Yours in service, 

Senator Becca Rausch

Continue reading this edition of the Rausch Report

https://mailchi.mp/masenate/monthlynewsletter-18253446?

Senator Rausch Speaks About Candidate Safety - FY27 Budget

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agZTnjThYAs

Catch up with on the latest news via the School Committee Newsletter !!!

Via the Franklin School Committee:

"The latest Franklin School Committee Newsletter is out now! 

Read updates on schools, budgets, transportation & upcoming events in May. 

Read the school Committee Newsletter here: https://aptg.co/NZVhGY"

MA Senate announces local aid increase included in the Senate Budget

via MA Senate

"Today the Senate was proud to stand alongside municipal leaders as we announced record funding for cities and towns across our Commonwealth. The funding, known as Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA), is the Commonwealth’s most flexible form of municipal investment.

It allows local leaders to direct resources where their communities need them most, whether that means hiring a firefighter, keeping a library open, fixing a road, or maintaining a senior center.

Read more at: https://ow.ly/5RQu50YUHJ1"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1GGAkC5pNL/

"The FY27 budget’s increase in Unrestricted General Government Aid will be felt in every corner of Massachusetts, from the smallest towns to larger cities. Individual UGGA funding levels for cities and towns will be made available when the Senate Committee on Ways and Means releases its full budget tomorrow—Tuesday, May 5.

Statements of Support

Adam Chapdelaine, Executive Director and CEO, Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA)

“Across the Commonwealth, communities are facing a fiscal perfect storm. The Senate’s proposal responds with strategic investments, especially through discretionary funding like UGGA. It helps provide some more breathing room to local officials, and plays a role in developing balanced budgets in our communities. On behalf of our 351 cities and towns, we’re grateful to Senate President Spilka, Chair Rodrigues, Vice Chair Comerford, Assistant Vice Chair Feeney, and the Committee for this strong action.”

Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove, President, Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA)

“The needs in our communities are urgent, and these strategic investments will benefit our residents and help mitigate the fiscal pressures impacting residents while better protecting essential local services. We’re grateful to the Senate for hearing the alarm bells from municipal leaders across Massachusetts, and once again providing a strong response to support our communities.”"

Full release on State budget page - https://malegislature.gov/PressRoom/Detail?pressReleaseId=1367

State Representative Jeffrey Roy Announces Passing of House Budget FY 2027

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 – State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) secured key funding for Franklin and Medway when the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed its Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget this past week. Funded at $63.41billion, the House’s FY27 budget responds to the needs of residents, provides record support for the Commonwealth’s cities and towns, and among many critical investments, includes significant funding for education, transportation, health care, housing, and workforce development.

“I’m pleased to have been able to deliver this local aid to the district that will improve the lives of my constituents,” said Representative Roy. “As times continue to be difficult for everyone, I’m thankful to Speaker Ron Mariano, Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz and my colleagues in the House for passing this critical funding.”

House Budget FY 2027

“As a result of the Trump Administration’s sweeping federal funding cuts and reckless trade war, as well as two proposed ballot questions that seek to cut the Commonwealth’s revenues by more than $5 billion annually, this budget has come during a period of significant economic uncertainty. That’s why I’m incredibly proud of the investments that this budget makes despite those challenges, from funding for free school meals and for the final year of the Student Opportunity Act, to robust support for the MBTA, to nearly $10 billion for cities and towns across the Commonwealth,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Chairman Michlewitz and the Members of the House Committee on Ways and Means for all their work this budget cycle, as well as all my colleagues in the House for working to ensure that this budget delivers for every community across Massachusetts.” 

Due to responsible fiscal management, the House’s FY27 budget is balanced, and makes significant investments across several issue areas, without needing to include new taxes or tax increases. The House budget also strengthens the Stabilization Fund, which is set to reach $8.39 billion, reinforcing the state’s bond rating to keep borrowing costs down and save taxpayer money, while protecting the Commonwealth’s long-term fiscal health. 

Representative Roy’s local and statewide budget amendments include:

Franklin:

• $100,000 to the Franklin Performing Arts Company

• $100,000 to the SAFE Coalition

• $50,000 to the Franklin Food Pantry

• $25,000 to the Franklin Downtown Partnership

• $25,000 to the Franklin Creative Center for the Arts

Medway:

• $25,000 to the Medway Community Farm Agricultural Development Project

• $25,000 to the Medway Food Pantry

Statewide:

• $500,000 to the Genocide Education Trust Fund

The budget includes $10 billion in aid to cities and towns across the Commonwealth, a $477 million increase from the FY26 budget. This includes $2.7 billion for transportation and education initiatives supported through funding generated by the Fair Share ballot initiative that voters approved in November 2022, that established a surtax of 4-percent on annual income over $1 million.

Highlights of statewide FY27 budget investments include:

• $1.33 billion in Unrestricted General Government Aid

• $7.65 Billion in Chapter 70 education funding

• $470 million for the MBTA

• $623.6 million for childcare for low-income families

• $15 million for Early College

• $184.1 million for the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services 

• $258.6 million for the Emergency Assistance Shelter System

Speaker Mariano and the House Committee on Ways & Means introduced their FY27 budget proposal on April 15, 2026, following a review of the Governor’s proposal and a series of public hearings. 

The budget passed the House of Representatives 149-9 and now goes to the Senate for consideration. 

The full MA House of Representatives press release announcing this budget step can be found

https://malegislature.gov/PressRoom/Detail?pressReleaseId=1364

Boston Globe: "Mass. sheriffs pitch budget fix after spending scrutiny"

via the Boston Globe:

Boston Globe: "Mass. sheriffs pitch budget
fix after spending scrutiny"

"Massachusetts’ county sheriffs are conceding what lawmakers and a state watchdog have been warning for months: The system used to fund and oversee their offices is “opaque, chaotic, and deeply flawed” — and they have their own suggestions for how to change it as the annual budget debate gets underway.

In a letter sent last week to top budget writers, the 14 sheriffs outlined a series of reforms they said would begin to address the “real problems” that Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro flagged in the review published earlier this year of their budgeting practices.

“We recognize that the current budget process is not working for our Offices and for the Legislature. This letter is our commitment to change that,” the sheriffs wrote in the letter sent to Senate Ways and Means chair Michael Rodrigues and House Ways and Means chair Aaron Michlewitz last Thursday and obtained by the Globe."

Continue reading the article with this share link -

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/04/23/metro/mass-sheriff-spending-budget/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Senior Center Statistics Don't Tell the Whole Story

4 key slides on the Franklin Senior Center

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EDmJH8Nj4/

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, April 2, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events  (Repeats Saturday at 3:00 PM)

• This session of the radio show shares the School Cmte Budget Subcmte Mtg March 24, 2026 ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/school-committee-budget-subcmte-reviews.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  

• The Turntable Show features Tom Petty & Heartbreakers From The Vault's Anthology, recently released December 4, 2025.  The LP is delivered on stunning blue vinyl and available to the Tom Petty Nation fan club.   The double album includes many newly released recordings of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers live.  Listen to Pauly G and the Vibe dive deep into the vaults of the best live sound and music selected by Tom Petty.  
• The Vibe Tom Petty Playlist Hour features the award winning, fan favorite, and one of the best TP&HB album's "Damn The Torpedoes".   Turn it up and enjoy the Album Experience!

Find the playlist ->  https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

School Committee Budget Subcmte reviews updates on key slides, discusses approach for budget hearings (audio)

FM #1698= This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1698 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Budget Subcmte Meeting held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 6 PM. All 3 members participated in person in the 3rd Floor Training Room. 

Subcommittee Chair Paul Griffith, Ruthann O’Sullivan and Nadia Mausolf. 

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Business Administrator Jana Melotti participated. 

Quick recap:

• The meeting provided a discussion on updates to some of the key information and preparation for the budget hearings with the Finance Committee & Town Council

• Discussion also on the talking points to continue to tell the full story

The recording runs about 43 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1698-franklin-ma-school-cmte-budget-subcmte-03-24-26/

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School Committee Budget Subcmte agenda -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03242026-2200 

Copies of the update slide pages

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11QvzNNhI9VJuL3xIS96iWAhi6A_bvJJh/view?usp=drive_link

Full deck from the January School Committee meeting

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/c4d59008-f976-47e4-98c1-b1a251bb5690/FINAL---FY27-Superintendents-Recommended-Budget-%282%29.pdf?disposition=inline 

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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. 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"

Franklin School Committee - Budget Subcommittee Meeting - March 24 at 6 PM

Franklin Public Schools Franklin School Committee

Budget Subcommittee Meeting 

March 24, 2026 = 6:00 PM

Municipal Building - 3rd Floor Training Room

● FY27 Budget check-in, questions, and next steps

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info -

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03242026-2200

Boston Globe: "That pot of money has pretty much run out"

"Communities across the state are facing intense financial pressure this spring, as inflation causes expenses to surge.

Boston Globe: "That pot of money has pretty much run out"

In affluent Marblehead, local officials are even considering closing the town library, just two years after a $10 million renovation, to balance the books.

The coastal town has a $7 million budget deficit, as rising health care and employee pension costs outpace tax revenue, Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer said.

“Marblehead on the revenue side has been relying on so-called free cash, basically savings from the past,” Kezer said. “That pot of money has pretty much run out.”

As a worst-case scenario, officials are considering shutting down five other town departments, the Council on Aging, the Health Department (except the health agent), Community Development and Planning, and Recreation and Parks."

Continue reading the article with this 'share' link - 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/03/17/metro/marblehead-budget-deficit-risks-library-closure/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Follow the Franklin Finance Committee Budget hearings April 6 through 9. Get a good dose of information on the school funding tonight at the joint Town Council and School Committee meeting

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 ???

Wednesday, March 11

1:00pm    Writer's Group session moved to March 18

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

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

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

***  Town Meetings today   ***

Norfolk County Commissioners Public Hearing Notice

Wednesday, March 11 Time: 1:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2159

Public view budget for Norfolk County - https://cms5.revize.com/revize/norfolkcountyma/FY27%20BUDGET%20PUBLIC%20VIEWING%20COPY%203%205%2026.pdf?t=202603060812320&t=202603060812320 

Finance Committee Meeting

Wednesday, March 11 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2176

Franklin Cultural Council Meeting

Wednesday, March 11 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2167

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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