Finance Committee: FY 2027 Budget Hearings scheduled for Weds (Public Works & Public Safety)

The time to ask questions about the budget of any particular department or operation or service the Town provides is BEST done during the Finance Committee Budget hearings. 

The department leadership is present to answer questions, provide the details on the how and why they do what they do.

Finance Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing (Public Works & Public Safety)

Wednesday, April 8 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082026-2221 

Finance Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing (if needed)

Thursday, April 9 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04092026-2222 

The FY 2027 budget information can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=577

Finance Committee: FY 2027 Budget Hearings scheduled for Mon (General Gov't) & Tues (Education)

The time to ask questions about the budget of any particular department or operation or service the Town provides is BEST done during the Finance Committee Budget hearings. 

The department leadership is present to answer questions, provide the details on the how and why they do what they do.

Finance Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing (General government departments)

Monday, April 6 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04062026-2219 

Finance Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing (education: Franklin, Tri-County, and Norfolk Agriculture)

Tuesday, April 7 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04072026-2220 

The FY 2027 budget information can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=577

Town of Franklin releases the proposed FY 2027 Budget

View this in your browser

FY27 Budget Now Available Friday, March 27, 2026 The Town of Franklin's Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Budget has been submitted by the Town Administrator and is now available for public review. Residents are encouraged to explore the proposed budget to better understand how Town resources are allocated to support core municipal services, infrastructure, and community priorities. View Budget Materials: FY27 Operating Budget FY27 Operating Budget Materials Budget Timeline Printed copies of the FY27 Budget are also available for public review at the Franklin Senior Center, Municipal Building (Town Clerk's Office and Town Administrator's Office), and the Franklin Public Library. Budget Hearing Schedule: Finance Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing Dates Monday, April 6, 2026 at 6 p.m. | Council Chambers Topic: General Government Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 6 p.m. | Council Chambers Topic: Schools Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 6 p.m. | Council Chambers Topic: Public Safety and Department of Public Works Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 6 p.m. | Council Chambers (if necessary)  Town Council Meeting - Budget Hearing Dates (agendas to be posted) Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 6 p.m. | Council Chambers Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 6 p.m. | Council Chambers All residents are welcome to attend budget hearings in person. Meetings may also be viewed live on the Franklin Town Hall TV YouTube channel, Comcast Channel 9, or Verizon Channel 29, or accessed by phone or Zoom. Meetings are recorded and available for replay on Franklin TV. Learn About the Budget Process The Town has provided additional resources on the budget development process: Budget Process Budget Process Flowchart Residents can also tune in to two episodes of the Franklin MAtters Podcast with Town staff members, which provide an overview of the Town's budget cycle and explain the process in greater detail: Listen: Podcast Episodes Community participation is an important part of the budget process. Residents are encouraged to review the materials, attend public hearings, and share feedback to help inform decision-making and shape the Town's priorities for the coming fiscal year. View it on website

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"

Finance Committee gets a good discussion on policies, and an update on the grant process yielding $112M over 10 years (audio)

FM #1696 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1696 in the series. 

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The Committee meeting opened with 6 members present, 2 absent (1 open position reportedly to be filled soon).

Quick recap:

• a healthy and engaging discussion on the policies, to be resumed at one of the budget hearings in April before making a recommendation on changes (if any) to the Town Council

• Presentation on the grant process and the yield of $112M over 10 years, an average of $10M/year

• Future Agenda Items / Next meeting Dates:

• a. April 6, 7, 8 & 9, 2026 - Anticipated Finance Committee Budget Hearings

• b. May 28, 2026 - FY27 Budget discussion - first look at health care numbers as open enrollment would have closed Apr 30

• c. June 3, 2026 - FY27 Budget discussion and vote to recommend budget with changes (if any) for the Town Council to vote on at their June 10 session

The recording runs almost 2 hours, let’s listen

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1696-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-03-11-26/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/UZl8H4Koptg?&t=476

Agenda (updated 3/11/26) - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2189

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oxC1JQgvl3PoNs-2qaHf9vacux3JvsZY/view?usp=drive_link 

Photo album of the grant presentation slides shared 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/kLdsxaJEHqXjYEzT7 

Summary of grants over 10 years

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

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"

Finance Committee gets a good discussion on policies, and an update on the grant process yielding $112M over 10 years (video)

The Franklin Finance Committee met on Wednesday as scheduled March 11, 2026. 6 members were present, 2 absent (1 open position reportedly to be filled soon).

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/UZl8H4Koptg?&t=476

Agenda (updated 3/11/26) - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2189

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oxC1JQgvl3PoNs-2qaHf9vacux3JvsZY/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap

• a healthy and engaging discussion on the policies, to be resumed at one of the budget hearings in April before making a recommendation on changes (if any) to the Town Council
• Presentation on the grant process and the yield of $112M over 10 years, an average of $10M/year
• Future Agenda Items / Next meeting Dates:
• a. April 6, 7, 8 & 9, 2026 - Anticipated Finance Committee Budget Hearings
• b. May 28, 2026 - FY27 Budget discussion - first look at health care numbers as open enrollment would have closed Apr 30
• c. June 3, 2026 - FY27 Budget discussion and vote to recommend budget with changes (if any) for the Town Council to vote on at their June 10 session

Photo album of the grant presentation slides shared 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/kLdsxaJEHqXjYEzT7

School Committee hear the details on "level service" budget that comes in at 2.5% increase (video)

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Feb 10, 2026. All 7 members were present for this session in Council Chambers.

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/gzeG61qJFfU?&t=361

The agenda doc - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02102026-2129 

The 4 page budget summary used for the discussion can be found - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SpeLx7Zov0jH5Q-0P8FNjaLN3g3q1hlL/view?usp=drive_link

(This was made into a PDF from the hard copy available in Council Chambers. The formal posting is supposed to happen Wednesday along with the "budget book")

Quick recap

• While level service there are 7 positions cut and 7 positions added so it washes out as no net change to head count.
• The budget comes in at a 2.5% increase over last year. The health care costs are being transferred to the Town line 910 so an apples to apples comparison can be made for all budgets.

The slides shared were captured in one photo album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/FW6xHYa4NKXhUFSx5

My notes are captured in one PDF doc

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AMbYGabU6gUDQPqK0ZnMBxTD-o77R0FI/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for Feb 10, 2026 meeting

Note: neither the budget docs, nor the meeting packet are available at this time. I'll update when they are public.

Franklin School Committee 

February 10, 2026 = 6:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Call to Order Dr. Griffith

Announcements from the Chair

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

1. Routine Business

• Review of Agenda
• Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan
• Payroll Dr. Griffith
• FHS Student Representative Comments
• Superintendent’s Report

2. FY27 Budget Open Hearing

3. Discussion/Action Items

1. Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption

I recommend adoption of Policy BL - Remote Participation as discussed.

2. Chapter 70 Arts and Music Letter of Support

I recommend endorsement of the letter to the State Legislature in support of a Chapter 70 funding allocation to directly support the Arts and Music programming across all MA public schools.

4. Discussion Only Items

• Monthly Financial Report

5. Information Matters

• School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
• School Committee Liaison Reports

6. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your January 27, 2026, and February 3, 2026 School Committee meetings as detailed. 

B. ECDC Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $500.00 from The Special Olympics of Massachusetts, Inc. for Supplemental Supplies as detailed. 

C. FHS Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $500.00 for FHS Mock Trial Field Trip as follows:

$200.00 Elizabeth Mullen

$100.00 Family Legal Partners

$200.00 Franklin Law Group 

D. FHS Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $5,238.85 for FHS as follows:

$4,554.00 Franklin Music Boosters In-house enrichment

$  558.00 Soccer Boosters Field Trip

$ 126.85 Ohiopyle Supplemental Supplies 

E. Recurring RW Zoo Field Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Christine Souza (Lincoln St K-2) to take 2nd graders to Roger Williams Zoo, Providence, RI on May 8, 2026 as detailed. 

F. Lincoln St. Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $10,775.00 as follows: 

LK-2 PCC $2,000.00 Field Trip

L3-5 PCC $2,400.00 Field Trip L3-5 PCC $6375.00 Field Trips

6. Citizen’s Comments

7. Good of the Order

8. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

8. Executive Session

As per M.G.L c. 30A, § 21 (3) To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares.

9. Adjournment

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info -

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/0b8f6729-c8cc-47e9-a0bc-75461e70e05c/SCAGENDA-2-10-26.pdf?disposition=inline

Town Council follows through approving the forecasted $3.8M budget cuts resulting from failed override (audio)

FM #1466  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1466 in the series. 

This session shares the Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The FY 2026 second budget hearing continued from May 22, was reopened to make the adjustments due to the failed override June 3, 2025. All 9 Council members participated in the Council Chambers. 

Quick recap:

• After the 5 minutes late start, the public hearing on the FY 2026 budget was resumed from the May 22 session.

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walked through the recap and explained the Option A & B using 3 slides (see below) as well as the Option A & B voting docs (linked below)

• Chief Lynch, Chief McLaughlin, Supt Giguere, and Library Director Oti spoke of the cut impacts to their operations but approved of them as necessary due to the failed override

• Supt Giguere confirmed the full details of their cuts would be reviewed with the School Cmte at their meeting June 10. Of the projected 10-15 personnel, he confirmed likely 12 FTE positions,  some teachers, some retirees not being backfilled and other personnel across the district as well as the fees would need to remain as they are this year

• The public then had an opportunity to comment or question the cuts as proposed. Those in Chambers went first before those on Zoom, and all were covered before the Councilors had their turn.

• The vote finally came to approve the cuts as proposed:

• 2 personnel from Police Dept (currently open slots not to be backfilled as had been planned)

• 2 personnel from Fire Dept (currently 1 open position not backfilled, and the last hired will also be leaving)

• This does take the 3rd ambulance offline increasing response times and creates a lose of revenue (for the ambulance runs if required to hospital)

• 1 admin position for Town Administrator's office

• 1 from Planning & Community Development

• 1 from Board of Assessors

• the part-time nurse at the Senior Center

• DPW cuts their summer intern program (unspecified number of positions for summer help)

• Library Sunday hours (during the winter, there are open during the summer)

• additional expenses were reduced to bring to the total required (see Option B for details)

• Personnel cuts by my tally = 8 Town side, 12 school side, plus expenses (PS - this tally was confirmed with our Town Administrator Jamie Hellen via email) 

• The meeting then went through the long series of votes to approve the final budget, the salary for the Town Clerk, the Community Preservation Act budget before closing just after 11 PM

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1466-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-06-04-25/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/_f72Yd8VXz0?&t=316 

The agenda doc was updated Wednesday afternoon to add the Option B and Options A & B comparisons for the discussion on the budget cuts.

Option A & B Comparison ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5883/FY26-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Doc-COMPARISON 

Option B -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5882/FY26-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Doc-OPTION-B 

Full agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06042025-1769

My full set of notes as written during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1718wLXj_U_hdqq82Jb1rVrgeomNdeHaO/view?usp=drive_link 

The 3 slides Jamie talked to in his explanation of Option B

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oxfbkEcNhB5mpjHB8 

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

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"