FM #301 "Talk Franklin" - PreGame Live 6/17/20

FM #301 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 301 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen live on the FHS football field, Pisini Stadium. This was a special ‘pre-game’ edition to the Town Budget hearing on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. We did converse adhering to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The live broadcast ran 18 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie

Audio File = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hr64jB27



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

Voting doc as referenced
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/06-18-2020_town_council_budget_agenda.pdf

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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

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!
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Town Council Chair Tom Mercer opening the meeting

Real time reporting: Town Council - Budget hearing #1 - June 17, 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 #tcbh0617
https://twitter.com/hashtag/tcbh0617?src=hashtag_click

• Live reporting for Town Council budget hearing live on radio http://wfpr.fm.or 102.9
• Chair Mercer explains choice of location due to the seriousness of the proposed cuts so the Council could "face the public" #tcbh0617
• Reading the voting doc and recording holds from one or more council for further discussion #tcbh0617
• Town admin budget held primarily to take the time to introduce the staff #tcbh0617 Cerel, Whelton, Alleyne, and Tracey. Marketing and Communications is a joint position with Schools and Town.
• Q on human resources, could there be a payment for those who have a spouse on a health plan that could be on another plan? #tcbh0617 possible, has been discussed but not implemented
• Rough head count of audience aside from town staff and Council seems to be about 75-80 in attendance. #tcbh0617
• Q for facilities on what was cut, some of the facilities, like Senior Center and library are closed and not likely re-opening soon so they were 'easy' #Tcbh0617 no further cuts should be considered at this point given the cleaning required for safety
• Q on expenses for two contractors in electrical and HVAC, it was reduced by $23K for this budget. What was expense for last year? A million? No, we'll have the specific answers Thursday night #tcbh0617
• Q on police budget, new contract allowed for add of 5 officers to bring to 52. Hard to say how effective it has been as pandemic has also hit and we've adjusted to handle things safely. #tcbh0617
• Q on Police meeting/conf line item, it really should be renamed as it covers the training. #tcbh0617
• Fire chief up next, Q on the reforms and changes made recently and how they have set up for service to the community. #tcbh0617 removed from civil service, removed stipends, increased rescue billing amount, achieved an ISO rating of 2, only 7 others have a 1 and we're going to
• Chief - we were able to get ahead of covid, bring in PPE and along with cooperation with police, facilities and other depts, we have been instrumental in keeping our impact low for the town #tcbh0617
• Chief also wants to reclassify the meeting/conf line item, good quick answer to the penny as to what amount is there and what it is for #tcbh0617
• Next up MECC the regional dispatch center of which are part. Town administrator Jamie Hellen explains how it works, and how two more communities will be added. By doing the add, Franklin will be able to save money via the assessment #tcbh0617
• With the two new Communities, Mendon and Millville, we'll be combining two regional centers and gain some state funding incentives to do so #tcbh0617 approx $700K savings coming, will need to create new stabilization fund to prepare for 4 years out
• Sunset is nice here on the field for this budget hearing. #tcbh0617
• Next up school budget, Council sets a bottom line number and them the school Committee does all the rest. Dr Ahern up. Facilities Analysis is underway, looking at all facilities K-8, #tcbh0617 it is not complete, still info gathering
• 1100 student enrollment decline since peak of 2008, enrollment projections revised this spring and will be re-looked at in Sep with the consultant. #tcbh0617 architect report looking at all of K-8 capacity as well as enrollment to be able to make decisions
• Q what will school look like in September? Not sure, awaiting guidance from DESE this month, have started planning with a multiple function group to see what it could look like to do safely. #tcbh0617
• May have to do this hearing again in Sep and maybe even in Jan 2021, there are so many answers we don't know. #tcbh0617 we made decision to make the nonrenewals for non-professional staff due to the uncertainty. We are still looking at what else could be done
• Dr Ahern expands on the answer of the notifications and programs, it may seem disproportionate but it is what it is under the circumstances. #tcbh0617 no specific answer yet on the total $s of unfunded mandates
• Q if we could close DT and cut the 14 curriculum coaches, that could have about $2.5m per some folks analysis. Sara responds we haven't calculated the DT amount as the study as mentioned is incomplete. the coaches are likely needed in Sep due to the remote learning #tcbh0617
• Kelly presses Sara on the facilities report and when it will arrive, is it late? As she has seen the drafts does it support a closure? Sara will only say the draft does "support consolidation of facilities" #tcbh0617 she wants a complete and accurate report not 1 rushed
• Kelly also asks about the 'late' start for a principal search for DT. The interim search was announced in early in May, given all the uncertainty, it was a wise choice, she is confident to be able to find someone. #tcbh0617
• Given the COVID impact on music that was a factor in reduction planning, 1.5 staff at Central office were reduced in this budget. Given the disruptive nature of redistricting, waiting to see what the report says to continue the planning process #tcbh0617
• Per Sara, first round of bring back likely to happening next week or so, #tcbh0617 Bissanti, I don't know what we're waiting for on DT, it is out of code, it can not house children, we need answers
• Mercer adds that the preliminary from DESE calls for the school district to provide PPE for students for each of the 180 days, now it is preliminary but an example of an unfunded mandate; clarification, student should provide, District would have spares #tcbh0617
• Den Ryan providing insights from music students over the years and all the benefits from music. #tcbh0617 Heather speaks for group grown in past week who are concerned with the school budget. What happened, why now? Points out lack of knowledge about schools
• School Committee member Keenan speaking about his learning process, the schools do need more money and a lot more, #tcbh0617 75% of other school districts spend more than we do. DT is a short term issue. We need to solve the longer term issue, funding
• Keenan - Most of the talk tonight is about cuts, if we don't address the funding issue, it will be sports next #tcbh0617 Dr Bergen speaks, Norwood had an override and had 70% turnout, unity, not one group against another
• Good break point given the time it is (10:15ish) to continue the meeting Thursday, motion to adjourn, passed 9-0 #tcbh0617
• So this concludes the reporting for this evening, catch you all Thursday #tcbh0617

Budget hearing documents can be found online
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials

Chair Mercer explains choice of location due to the seriousness of the proposed cuts so the Council could "face the public" #tcbh0617

Sunset is nice here on the field for this budget hearing. #tcbh0617

Options for watching the Town Council budget hearing - Thursday, June 18

• Two options for listening/participating in the Town Council budget hearing tonight  1/2 = use your web browser to listen to wfpr.fm or tune to the radio dial at 102.9 in the Franklin area  #tcbh0618

• Two options for listening/participating in the Town Council budget hearing tonight  2/2 = Come to the FHS football field (Pisini Stadium) on Oak St (bring chair, blanket, face covering, etc.) #tcbh0618

The budget hearing materials can be found online at
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-town-council-budget-hearing_17.html

or on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials

On the FHS field as the budget hearing Wednesday took place

 
Note: video of the meeting is being recorded for playback later. There is no video broadcast of the meeting as the field does not have an internet connection.

In the News: "As a result of those savings, Hellen said, the town is avoiding municipal layoffs"

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

"Anticipated bumps in the town’s financial road are giving way to potholes as the town enters a new fiscal year on July 1.

In the face of significant economic impacts stemming from the COVID-19 global pandemic, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said the town is bracing to travel “a turbulent road” - but how turbulent will depend on the level of cuts that may trickle down in local aid from the state, and the total fallout from loss of local receipts during the economic shutdown.

“The bottom line is FY21 will be a very turbulent road, if not a devastating one that will likely have far reaching effects on the service delivery to the community,” Hellen wrote in his executive summary as part of the town’s initial $131.8 million budget plan.

He also said the situation will “require every department to develop new protocols, question spending, rethink service delivery and prepare for unchartered territory. The situation will also require significant engagement from all stakeholders and citizens in the community.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200617/for-franklin-turbulent-financial-road-ahead

Links to FY 2021 budget materials

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

The budget hearing underway at FHS on Wednesday night

 

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Budget Hearing #2 - June 18

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet  = June 18, 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 38 (below) promulgated by Governor Baker. If attending in person, see DPH guidelines (below). All budget materials are online https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget or the links below.

1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

2. ANNOUNCEMENTS

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and 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. Final Recommendation Voting Document
• i. F Y21 Budget Message
• ii. F Y21 Town Administrator Proposed Budget

5. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

• a. Resolution 20-31: Adoption of FY21 Budget (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-31 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5a._resolution_20-31_adoption_of_fy21_budget.pdf
• b. Resolution 20-36: Community Preservation Act, G.L. Chapter 44B, Sections 3-7 Authorization for Ballot Vote (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-36, CPA Ballot- Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5b._resolution_20-36_cpa_ballot_vote.pdf
• c. Resolution 20-37: Authorize the Borrowing of Money to Pay Costs of Various Capital Improvements (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-37 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5c._resolution_20-37_borrowing_authorization.pdf

6. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

7. COUNCIL COMMENTS

8. ADJOURN

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


Executive Order 38
https://www.mass.gov/doc/june-6-2020-regulating-gatherings-throughout-the-commonwealth/download?_ga=2.247015046.320592393.1592235776-1919234641.1588012608

DPH Guidelines
https://www.mass.gov/doc/guidance-for-town-meetings-to-address-covid-19/download

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1272966385845571584?s=09

The PDF version of the agenda can be found
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/06-18-2020_town_council_budget_agenda.pdf

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