In the News: "Franklin’s school district isn’t alone in its fiscal troubles"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"As the town struggles with pre-existing financial difficulties likely to be exacerbated by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the word “override” has started to show up prominently in Franklin conversations.

The bleakness of the situation came into painfully clear focus last week when, in the face of potentially significant layoffs, dozens of teachers and their supporters turned out to demonstrate in the town center.

It was precipitated after the School Department found itself in the difficult position of having to advise 103 of its employees they may no longer have jobs for the 2020-21 school year - and all of this amid questions about how school will function in the fall and meet, with fewer resources, the kinds of socially-distanced guidelines that the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is suggesting.

“We reluctantly issued non-renew notices to our non-professional status educators in order to meet the statutory deadline of June 15,” Schools Superintendent Sara Ahern said via email. “We did so because of the uncertainty of budget cuts and projected reductions in state aid.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200616/will-franklin-be-next-to-ask-override-question

Town Council budget hearing info for June 17-18

• June 17 - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-town-council-budget-hearing.html
• June 18 - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-town-council-budget-hearing_17.html
• Inside the budget documents https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/inside-budget-documents.html
• How did we get here?  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/how-did-we-get-here.html
• Just so you are not disappointed  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/just-so-you-are-not-disappointed.html

In the News: "Franklin’s school district isn’t alone in its fiscal troubles"

Town Council Budget Hearings - Jun 17-18

Town Council Budget Hearings - Jun 17-18

a. Voting Document for the FY21 Franklin Town Budget
i. FY21 Budget Message from the Town Administrator  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/fy21-town-administrator-budget-message
ii. FY21 Town Administrator Proposed Budget  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/updated-budget-councile
iii. Appendix A

iv. Appendix B1 Franklin School Committee Recommended FY21 Budget Executive Summary (https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/02._executive_summaryrevised.pdf), Appendix B2 Franklin School Committee Recommended FY21 Budget (https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/fy21_sc_approved_budget_overview.pdf)

• Appendix C1 Historic Data: Budget Breakdown  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c1-historic-data-budget-breakdown
• Appendix C2 Historic Data: Operating Revenue https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c2-historic-data-operating-revenue
• Appendix C3 Historic Data: Fixed Cost  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c3-historic-data-fixed-costs
• Appendix C4 Historic Data: Local Aid  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c4-historic-data-local-aid
• Appendix C5 Historic Data: Local Receipts  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c5-historic-data-local-receipts
• Appendix C6 Historic Data: Assessments  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c6-historic-data-assessments
• Appendix C7 Historic Data: New Growth  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c7-historic-data-new-growth
• Appendix C8 Historic Data: Free Cash Balances   https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c8-historic-data-free-cash-balances
• Appendix C9 Historic Data: FC & RE  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c9-historic-data-fc-re

vi. Appendix D - Storm Water  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/_stormwater_council_outreach_2019_2.pdf
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1272968359953522688?s=09

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Budget Hearing #1 - June 17

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

June 17, 2020

Franklin High School Football Field  - Pisini Stadium

Oak Street, Franklin MA, 02038 7:00 PM

The Franklin Town Council will be holding its annual budget hearing on the Franklin High School Football Field. The purpose of this location is to have a place that allows for proper implementation of the guidelines produced by the state Department of Public Health (DPH) regarding Town Meetings for Municipal Legislative Bodies.

Executive Order 37 promulgated by Governor Baker. If attending in person, see DPH guidelines here. Additional guidance and details will be announced.

All budget materials are online https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget and individual budget links are below on the agenda.

1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

2. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and will be shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

3. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

4. HEARINGS - FY 2021 Budget Hearing 7:10pm
a. Voting Document for the FY21 Franklin Town Budget
i. FY21 Budget Message from the Town Administrator  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/fy21-town-administrator-budget-message
ii. FY21 Town Administrator Proposed Budget  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/updated-budget-councile
iii. Appendix A

iv. Appendix B1 Franklin School Committee Recommended FY21 Budget Executive Summary (https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/02._executive_summaryrevised.pdf), Appendix B2 Franklin School Committee Recommended FY21 Budget (https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/fy21_sc_approved_budget_overview.pdf)

• Appendix C1 Historic Data: Budget Breakdown  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c1-historic-data-budget-breakdown
• Appendix C2 Historic Data: Operating Revenue https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c2-historic-data-operating-revenue
• Appendix C3 Historic Data: Fixed Cost  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c3-historic-data-fixed-costs
• Appendix C4 Historic Data: Local Aid  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c4-historic-data-local-aid
• Appendix C5 Historic Data: Local Receipts  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c5-historic-data-local-receipts
• Appendix C6 Historic Data: Assessments  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c6-historic-data-assessments
• Appendix C7 Historic Data: New Growth  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c7-historic-data-new-growth
• Appendix C8 Historic Data: Free Cash Balances   https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c8-historic-data-free-cash-balances
• Appendix C9 Historic Data: FC & RE  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c9-historic-data-fc-re

vi. Appendix D - Storm Water  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/_stormwater_council_outreach_2019_2.pdf
 
5. COUNCIL COMMENTS

6. ADJOURN

Note:

• Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
• Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The PDF of the agenda and voting doc as well as the DPH guidance
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/06-17-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Budget Hearing #1 - June 17

Inside the budget documents

There is a wealth of budget documents posted for the Budget Hearings scheduled by the Town Council this week. Among the pages of material what are some of the key points that you should be mindful of? Having spent time with the budget over the years, let me try and show a few key points, without getting too deep into the weeds.

Fixed costs summary
In most budgets you have fixed costs and variable costs. The fixed cost summary shows a relatively stable percentage for the fixed costs to the total budget and to the municipal budget. It would be nice to have the School side of this too but we don't for now. The table and chart shows the fixed costs totals and percents from 2000 to 2019. There is not a whole lot of change.

a relatively stable percentage for the fixed costs to the total budget and to the municipal budget

Tax rate: history and split vs. single rates
Some of the discussion in social media has been consideration of a split rate vs. the single rate we have. The situation we are in doesn't warrant a split rate. The tax base is 80% residential and 20% commercial/industrial. To reduce the residential burden by $1 would increase the commercial/industrial rate by $4. We don't have a diverse enough economy to make that work. 

The table shows the tax rate over the years and how it goes down when the total valuation increases, and goes up when the valuation decreases. There will always be an increase in the actual tax levy, period. The amount will increase even if it stays within 2.5%. The rate as a percent fluctuates with the real estate valuation.

Getting back to the split vs. single rate, the chart shows we can be successful as long as there is growth in real estate valuation and especially new growth. The new growth allows Franklin to increase the tax revenue and stay within the 2.5%. The problem this year, this budget, is the forecast for next years revenue - the pandemic effect.

tax rate over the years

Revenue forecast
The pandemic effect is where we have a major problem this year. Look at the revenue information. The revenue forecast for new growth drops significantly. The revenue forecast for local receipts also drops significantly. So even without a change in the State aid we have a problem.

revenue forecast for local receipts and new growth drops

Systemic issue
Look at the 10 year average for the various departments costs. Aside from the **Other Municipal category, the major budget items are in a 3-4% increase year over year. As mentioned above, we 'only' get 2.5% unless the new growth increase is such to cover these. 

Our choice, is to decide what we want Franklin to look like. What services do we provide to our schools and community? As shown, some years, the new growth can provide additional revenue but in other years, we also need to dip into our own pocket. The question is whether we are willing to do so and by how much?

3-4% increase year over year

The budget docs from which this info came from can be found


Fixed costs

• Town doc   https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c3-historic-data-fixed-costs
• 
  My chart table  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yzaPrm5Uuij7wFeav2dzPqaedScY936-/view?usp=sharing

 Tax rate history

• Town doc https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c7-historic-data-new-growth
• My chart table https://drive.google.com/file/d/128NbT-0secNI0e0K7esMFvZGSRYwUG8U/view?usp=sharing

Revenue forecast

• Town doc https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c1-historic-data-budget-breakdown

Systemic issue

• Town doc https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/appendix_c1_historic_data_-_budget_breakdown.pdf

 

Just so you are not disappointed!

If you think that the Town Council budget hearings will be a place of enlightenment on what drives elements of the town budget, sorry to say, you'll likely be disappointed.

If you think, anyone will find the money to resolve the budget issues, sorry to say, you'll likely be disappointed.

Given what has transpired at previous Town Council budget hearings, I believe that they are mostly a waste of time. Granted the Council does have final say on what and how it is spent. No question. 

It used to be that the Town Council got a presentation from each of the departments so you would know what the individual drivers of the budget are: what is the ambulance call volume, how many people visit the library, how many roads can be re-built or chip sealed this year.... and so forth.


Unfortunately for the past several years, the Town Council budget hearings have been an exercise in time wasting sound bites missing the point of being informative to us the residents and taxpayers.

I hope it changes, I do have hope. Without a preview of the actual agenda (due later Monday), I won't know how much hope there is.

In the meantime, with previous experience as the guide, the clerk of the council will read each line item of the department summary budget (expenses and salaries), one or more councilors may call for a 'hold' on a department live or the whole department.

After completing the reading of the budget, then the discussion turns to the councilors who raised the hold on each item. Those councilors get their questions answered, the councilor gets a sound bite, and then the discussion moves to the next item.

If this proceeding sounds thrilling. It isn't. It is mostly a waste of time.

You and I as taxpayers are much better off with the Finance Committee budget hearings where each department head gets to say their piece, the FinCom gets to ask insightful questions, and we get to find out what really goes on. 

This process does take time. The FinCom budget hearings were spread over four nights. Fortunately, the audio and text notes are already prepared for your listening pleasure and speed reading. 

Insights, yes. Time taking, yes. But worth it, definitely a yes!


Budget Hearing #4 - 6/04/20 (remainder of the department budgets, check agenda for listing;  capital funding discussion and overall budget votes)

• audio =  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-finance-committee-budget_55.html
• notes =  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/finance-committee-budget-hearing-4.html

Budget hearing #3 - 6/02/20 (all DPW, including the enterprise accounts, water, sewer trash/recycling and the proposed storm water utility)

• audio = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/finance-committee-budget-hearing-3.html
• Notes = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-finance-committee-budget_6.html

Budget hearing #2 - 5/28/20 (the schools budget, includes Franklin, Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie)

• audio = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-279-finance-committee-budget-hearing.html
• Notes = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/finance-committee-recap-budget-hearing.html

Budget hearing #1 - 5/27/20 (some of the department budgets, check agenda for listing)

• audio = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-280-finance-committee-budget-hearing.html
• Notes = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/finance-committee-recap-budget-hearing.html

Budget process flow chart
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/new_budget_process.pdf

Town of Franklin budget page for FY 2021
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials

Schools budget page for FY 2021
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy-2021-budget


While reporting on what happens at the budget hearings, I'll be hoping for better information.

Just so you are not disappointed!

Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #4 - 6/04/20 Recap

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #fincom0604
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fincom0604&src=typed_query

• Getting ready for real time reporting for final Budget hearing for FY21 tonight #fincom0604
• Agenda for today's session can be found https://franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-06-04_finance_committee_agenda_2.pdf #fincom0604
• FinComm Chair Mike Dufour opens meeting, real time reporting underway #fincom0604 - he runs through Committee roll call and that of staff, as well as meeting protocol
• Motion to approve minutes of 6/2 meeting, seconded, passed via roll call 7-0 (2 absent) #fincom0604
• First up Health budget, inspections happening, this year construction underway already funded by banks, etc. Next year (FY21) would be different given the re-opening response/ramp up #fincom0604 correction on vote shd be 8-0 (1 absent)
• Currently behind on food inspections, usually do 2x year, stopped in March, behind by 67, consultant will help catch up #fincom0604
• Karen Alves retiring later this year, Erin Rogers replacing Karen and overlap for some months as transition
• Senior Center, no questions from committee tonight. #fincom0604 veteran's services, Dale in joint venture with Avon and Norfolk County, added Deborah as part of contract renewal to provide the additional support and services, added Purple Heart Community
• Next up recreation, 25% reduction due to pandemic situation, could increase depending upon opening stats and state funding #fincom0604 rec Dept is generally self funding as registration fees provide funding
• Next up, historical museum - Rebecca Finnegan, the Town archivist online tonight. Next historical commission, minor amount. Cultural Council up next, budget pays for mini grants #fincom0604
• Next up cultural district Committee, small amount $1,000.0 only 2 other communities in MetroWest so we are in select company. #fincom0604 next up debt service, chart with current line items covered shown
• Next up Library; last year got off the waiver list with increase in budget by meeting the minimum annual requirements, #fincom0604 this amount for FY 21 is exact amount for MAR, if further reductions required this would be in jeopardy
• Growth in attendance and circulation provided in data. Sign out front was changed #fincom0604
• A good health insurance advisory group helps to coordinate the plans and changes across the bargaining units, market research, plan design, cost better managed, huge uptick in HSA option from employees #fincom0604
• Next up Liability insurance, safety committee works to reduce workplace injuries through training, awareness, the success has generated awards and reductions in cost #fincom0604
• GIC is always considered as a bench mark but it generally doesn't work out better for us, they usually have less benefits and more costs, and once in you're stuck for three years. #fincom0604 we get to control our destiny better this way
• First vote to approve budget as proposed, passed 8-0 via roll call #fincom0604 additional items for vote in this doc https://franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/fin-com-docs motion made, seconded, passed 8-0. final resolution voting authorization passed 8-0 via roll call
• Next up capital funding authorization to cover $15m as detailed in the sheet shown #fincom0604 in the tech line item, Chromebooks like will not have to be funded, may be able to get a grant to cover those. This list other than top item is not a priority list order  
• Good to have the capacity for funding, a low interest rate, likely lower construction costs and a good bond rating, we could bring a project on to accomplish something for less #fincom0604 retirement assessment increase not unsurprising, concerning
• Thanks to Mike Dufour for his service with FinCom, he is not returning next fiscal year. He acknowledges a privilege to serve in this role. Motion to adjourn, via roll call 8-0.#fincom0604
• This completes reporting tonight, catch you all next time! #fincom0604

Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #4 - 6/04/20 Recap

FY 2021 - Budget Collection

Town Council
Budget hearing #2 - June 18
Budget hearing #1 - June 17
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/town-of-franklin-fy-21-budget-hearings.html

School Committee 
Budget Subcommittee meeting - June 5
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-school-committee-budget.html


Finance Committee

Budget Hearing #4 - 6/04/20

• audio =  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-finance-committee-budget_55.html
• notes =  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/finance-committee-budget-hearing-4.html

Budget hearing #3 - 6/02/20

• audio = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/finance-committee-budget-hearing-3.html
• Notes = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-finance-committee-budget_6.html

Budget hearing #2 - 5/28/20

• audio = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-279-finance-committee-budget-hearing.html
• Notes = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/finance-committee-recap-budget-hearing.html

Budget hearing #1 - 5/27/20

• audio = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-280-finance-committee-budget-hearing.html
• Notes = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/finance-committee-recap-budget-hearing.html

Town of Franklin budget page for FY 2021
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials

Schools budget page for FY 2021
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy-2021-budget

FY 2021 - Budget Collection

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #4 6/04/20 (audio)

FM #288 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 288 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Finance Committee meeting held on Thursday, June 4, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

This is the fourth and final budget hearing for the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY 21).

The Finance Committee Chair Micheal Dufour opens the meeting. Each person who speaks is announced. The show notes contain links to the meeting packet and to the individual documents referenced.

The departmental budgets for Human Services, Culture and Recreation, along with that of General Government categories are reviewed.

The budget proposal is voted on to recommend for the Town Council. Capital Program Adjustments along with Municipal Borrowing Authorization are reviewed and voted upon

The recording runs about two hours (2:00) , so let’s listen to the Finance Committee budget hearing of June 4.

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HrVqr9B7



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

Agenda document
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-finance-committee-budget.html

Additional info
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/fincomm_additional_info_updated.pdf

Budget doc and Overview memo
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/fy21-town-administrator-budget-message

FY 2021 budget documents
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials

School budget summary
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/02._executive_summaryrevised.pdf

Schools FY 21 recommended budget
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/fy21_sc_approved_budget_overview.pdf

School Budget page https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy-2021-budget

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

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

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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 capital items as discussed for the Municipal Borrowing Authorization

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #3 6/02/20 (audio)

FM #287 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 287 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Finance Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 2, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

This is the third of four budget hearings for the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY 21).

The Finance Committee Chair Micheal Dufour opens the meeting. Each person who speaks is announced. The show notes contain links to the meeting packet and to the individual documents referenced.

This is an all DPW night. The enterprise funds for Water, Sewer, Trash/Recycling are reviewed as well as the proposal for a stormwater utility fee.

The recording runs about one hour and fifty minutes (1:50) , so let’s listen to the Finance Committee budget hearing of June 2.  

Audio file: https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HyNpjYJ7




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

FinComm agenda for June 2
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-06-02_finance_committee_agenda.pdf

FY 2021 budget documents
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials

School budget summary
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/02._executive_summaryrevised.pdf

Schools FY 21 recommended budget
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/fy21_sc_approved_budget_overview.pdf


School Budget page https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy-2021-budget


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

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

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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 Triadic approach to water management

Town of Franklin: FY 21 Budget Hearings Jun 17 - Jun 18

Town of Franklin Budget Hearings

The Franklin Town Council will hold Public Hearings on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 and Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. for the proposed budget for Fiscal 2021. 

Please refer to the Town Website (Franklinma.gov) for location information. Copies of the budget are available for inspection in the Office of the Town Administrator, Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central, Franklin, MA during our adjusted business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday. A copy is also available at the Franklin Public Library and in the Town Clerk's office. 

A detailed FY 2021 budget document is available at the Town’s official website https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials 

Any questions or comments can be directed to Chris Sandini, Franklin Finance Director, at (508) 553-4864. 



A general summary of the budget follows:

Town of Franklin: FY 21 Budget Hearings Jun 17 - Jun 18

Notification for Jun 17-18
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/notice_budget_hearing_fy21_2.pdf

Finance Committee -Budget Hearing #3 - Recap of June 2, 2020

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #fincom0602
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fincom0602&src=typed_query

• Real time reporting for Finance Committee June 2 underway, tagged here after as #fincom0602
• All #fincom0602 members present for this session, tonight discussion is all things DPW. Meeting protocol and ground rules reviewed. Folks will be acknowledged to talk and identify themselves
• #fincom0602 agenda can be found and followed in this link https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-06-02_finance_committee_agenda.pdf
• first item = DPW Stormwater MS4 Permit Presentation #fincom0602 doc can be found https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/_stormwater_council_outreach_2019_2.pdf
• 2 similar presentations on storm water were conducted in Feb/Mar and available for replay via Franklin TV and Franklin Matters Radio/podcast #fincom0602
• Key to water approach as the three are integrated, they can help each other, or hurt each other. We get all our drinking water from ground, the largest producer of such per the State #fincom0602
• Projections in storm water utility fee #fincom0602
• Currently spending over $1M just for storm water mitigation #fincom0602
• Inclusion of the storm water fee on the quarterly bill along with water/sewer and trash/recycling in process. The others fees will show the applicable charge, initially the storm water would be $0. Should help to generate interest and conversation #fincom0602
• Over time the storm water fee would free up about $1.1m of currently operational expenses covered by tax base; in future the fee would support the mitigations required #fincom0602
• Would take time multiple years, to move the finances from the operating budget to the new storm water fee as an enterprise fund and be self sustaining #fincom0602
• As part of the storm water fee we would get the mitigation and leaf pick up #fincom0602 
• Tree warden session as mentioned was Sep 18, 2019 - view Franklin TV replay here https://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?&PGD=franknma&eID=683 #fincom0602
• Small additions to DPW budget in anticipation of fee but needing to move forward with mitigation anyway even in these challenging times #fincom0602
• On to water/sewer enterprise funds #fincom0602 Beaver St interceptor will be the largest build project for Franklin. TBD
• Potential water and sewer fee increases coming down the pike, did go ahead with trash as it needed to support the contract renewal. Stay tuned for when the water sewer comes up later #fincom0602
• Meters check water volume coming out of the ground and going into each facility (home or business) had been losing up to 20% of the water as unaccounted for, now down to about 7% very efficient #fincom0602
• Garelick is 20% of our water and sewer usage, the bankruptcy is close to settled but the new buyer also needs to divest Garelick so the future is still unsettled. #fincom0602
• Another full year of construction for water treatment plant on Grove St to cover the wells #3 #6 #fincom0602 before it comes online
• Part of the ISO rating that the fire department received was partially due to the water pressure and system available from the water department #fincom0602
• Motion to adjourn, vote via roll call 9-0; that's all for tonight, catch you Thursday #fincom0602

 

meeting opening - screen view captured

triadic approach to water

MS4 permit explained

storm water mitigation expenses

storm water utility fee described

preliminary rate on storm water utility fee

leaf pick up added as a service as part of storm water utility fee

DPW Director Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi speaking

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #4 - June 4

Town Of Franklin

Finance Committee Meeting

Tuesday, June 4, 2020 at 6:30 PM

Link to access meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89499275801
Call in Number: 1-929-205-6099 enter Meeting ID: 894 9927 5801 then press #

To view or download the FY21 Budget Message, Budget Proposal and all materials, please visit the Town’s Budget Website   https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials

AGENDA

1. Call to Order
2. Public Comments
3. Approval of Minutes
4. FY21 Budget Presentations:

• Health 510/525 Human Services
• Council on Aging 541 Human Services
• Veterans 543/692 Human Services
• Library 610 Culture and Recreation
• Recreation 630 Culture and Recreation
• Historical Museum 690 Culture and Recreation 
• Historical Commission 691 Culture and Recreation 
• Cultural Council 695 Culture and Recreation 
• Cultural District Committee 695 Culture and Recreation 
• Debt Service 710/750 General Government
• Employee Benefits 910 General Government
• Liability Insurance 945 General Government

5. Final FY21 Budget Recommendation - Voting Document Appendix A

6. Capital Program Adjustments (Requested Vote of Recommendation)

7. Municipal Borrowing Authorization (Requested Vote of Recommendation)

8. Adjournment


Trust Fund Balances Update as of 4/30/20
● General Stabilization $ 6,137,832
● Recreation Fields 455,151
● Open Space Acquisition 2,349,513
● Budget Stabilization 6,583
● Free Cash 834,296
● Fire Truck Stabilization 309,733
● OPEB 5,833,461
● Property Acquisition 269,958 
OPEB Obligation as of 6/30/19 (PAYGO): 68,554,870

PDF of agenda   https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee/agenda/fin-com-agenda-2

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #4 - June 4