Showing posts with label collection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label collection. Show all posts

Monday, March 18, 2024

What's this about a possible override for Franklin?

The first pass of the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY 2025) budget as presented to the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting last week shows the Town of Franklin facing a $10.1 million deficit. The numbers will continue to be worked. As discussed during the meeting, breaking news that afternoon showed a reduction in the projected cost increase for health care that had just been received. That will be adjusted for future budget discussions.


The timeline for the budget development is as follows:

  • School Committee budget public hearing - March 19

  • School Committee votes on school budget recommendation - April 2

  • Town of Franklin FY 2025 budget scheduled for release - April 12

  • Joint Budget Subcommittee - (TBD - possible Apr 17?)

  • Finance Committee budget hearings - May 6, May 8, May 15 (vote)

  • Town Council budget hearings - May 22, May 23 (vote)


If there were to be an override, the decision on “When?” is as critical as “How much”? Election requirements call for 35 days notification of a vote on a ballot question. Hence, a vote scheduled for June would have to be decided no later than early May


Town budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-25-budget-materials


School budget page -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/1-fy2025-budget


Recent meetings/documents (most recent on top, scroll down for prior)


Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting - March 6


School Committee Superintendent’s budget - March 5


Visit One Franklin to find out more about the group and their efforts advocating for the override https://onefranklinma.com/

What's this about a possible override for Franklin?
What's this about a possible override for Franklin? 

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Annual Report for the Treasurer-Collector: FY 2023 Report

I am pleased to present the fiscal year (FY) 2023 Accountability Report for the Treasurer-Collector office.

The Treasurer-Collector's office mission is to perform in the highest professional and ethical manner to safeguard the Town of Franklin's public resources. We also strive to provide a high standard of customer service to the residents and employees of the Town of Franklin.

In Fiscal Year 2022, Franklin was awarded a AAA (Triple-A) bond rating by Stand and Poor's Global Ratings in May. Progressing from the town's previous AA+, the new rating is indicative of exceptionally high credit- worthiness in the eyes of municipal bond issuers.

The Treasurer Collector's office went Green! We now offer our residents the option to go paperless and for the residents' convenience the Town is waiving the ACH fee when paying by electronic check.

During FY 2023, $175,198.20 was collected in back property taxes, interest and fees. Eight (8) property owners paid off all outstanding taxes and redeemed their properties out of tax title. We continue to pursue delinquent taxes through the foreclosure process and there are currently 9 properties in Land Court.

There were 535 Municipal Lien Certificates issued by the Treasurer-Collector's office generating revenue of $26,750. Also collected was $3,355 in fees for duplicate bills and files that we supplied to tax services and escrow agents. During FY23, the Treasurer- Collector's office printed and mailed 10,795 Real Estate Tax bills and 640 Personal Property Tax bills four times a year. We also sent out 35,269 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax bills, and 42,525 Utility bills. The following Demands were also printed and mailed, 546 Real Estate Tax, 109 Personal Property Tax, and 4,900 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax. There were 3,126 Motor Vehicle warrants issued in FY23. There were nine (9) Betterment releases (water, sewer and road). We also collected $104,477 for backflow testing and $59,500 for Sprinkler/Hydrant charges.

The Treasurer also acts as the town's parking clerk. Our deputy collector, Kelley & Ryan Associates of Hopedale, handles the billing and collection of parking tickets. During FY23 we collected $10,869.80 for parking violations.

I would like to thank all town departments for the timely and accurate turnover of fees to the Treasurer-Collector's office. I also would like to acknowledge my team, I am constantly impressed by your performance. Thank you for using your remarkable talents and skills to fuel our mutual efforts. I am really proud to be part of this team. Finally, I like to thank the residents of Franklin for their kindness and support.

Respectfully submitted,

Kerri A. Bertone 
Treasurer-Collector

Treasurer-Collector Interest FY 2023 Report
Treasurer-Collector Interest FY 2023 Report

Treasurer-Collector Chart 2 FY 2023 Report
Treasurer-Collector Chart 2 FY 2023 Report


The Treasurer-Collector Report can also be found in one PDF ->

The full Town of Franklin FY 2023 Annual Report can be found online

Annual Report for the Treasurer-Collector: FY 2023 Report
Annual Report for the Treasurer-Collector: FY 2023 Report

Saturday, July 1, 2023

Franklin Election Collection - 2023

This will collect all the Franklin Matters posts with information on the Town of Franklin Biennial Election scheduled for Nov 7, 2023

The most recent items will be on the top of the list with the older items below.


Official Results for the Town of Franklin Biennial Election - Nov 7, 2023

Town of Franklin Biennial Election Unofficial Results - Nov 7, 2023 (audio)

Town of Franklin: UNOFFICIAL Biennial Election Results - Nov 7, 2023

Please vote today, the polls are open from 6 AM to 8 PM. This local election determines how Franklin's dollars are spent

Reminder: Candidate interviews for the Franklin (MA) Election - Nov 7, 2023 via Franklin TV & Radio

Candidate Interview summary table of links for video, audio & transcript

Candidate Interview: Glenn Jones incumbent candidate for Town Council (audio)

Candidate Interview: Glenn Jones, incumbent candidate for Town Council (video)

Candidate Interview: Ted Cormier-Leger, incumbent candidate for Town Council (audio)

Candidate Interview: Ted Cormier-Leger, incumbent candidate for Town Council (video)

Candidate Interview: Tom Mercer, incumbent candidate for Town Council (audio)

Candidate Interview: Melanie Hamblen, incumbent candidate for Town Council (audio)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-melanie-hamblen_01233692691.html

Candidate Interview: Robert Dellorco, incumbent candidate for Town Council (audio)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-robert-dellorco_01703168133.html

Candidate Interview: Cobi Frongillo, incumbent candidate for Town Council (audio)

Candidate Interview: Ruthann O'Sullivan, candidate for School Committee (video)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-ruthann-osullivan.html

Candidate Interview: KP Sompally, candidate for School Committee (video)

Franklin Observer Candidate Night video available for replay

Tri-County election results

Tri-County election information summary

Tri-County Superintendent Karen MaGuire talks with Anne Bergen about the Tri-County School Building Special Election (video)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/superintendent-karen-mcguire-talks-with.html

Candidate Interview: Robert Dellorco, incumbent candidate for Town Council (video)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-robert-dellorco.html

Candidate Interview: Tom Mercer, incumbent candidate for Town Council (video)

Candidate Interview: Cobi Frongillo, incumbent candidate for Town Council (video)

Candidate Interview: Melanie Hamblen, incumbent candidate for Town Council (video)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-melanie-hamblen.html 

Franklin Town Clerk Nancy Danello walks us through voting process for the Oct 24 Tri-County Election, then for the Nov 7 Biennial Election (audio)
Informative video on Tri-County new building (5 mins, video)

Candidate Interview: Jay Mello, candidate for Planning Board (audio)

Candidate Interview: Chris Stickney, candidate for Planning Board (audio)

Candidate Interview: Jay Mello, candidate for Planning Board (video)

Candidate Interview: Chris Stickney, candidate for Planning Board (video)

Watch to the Tri-County New Building Information Session - 10/03/23 (video)


Candidate Interview: Dave McNeill, incumbent candidate for School Committee (audio)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-dave-mcneill_01568713897.html

Candidate Interview: Dave Callaghan, incumbent candidate for School Committee (audio)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-dave-callaghan_01611857304.html

Candidate Interview: Charles Bailey, candidate for Town Council (audio)

Watch to the Tri-County New Building Information Session - 10/03/23 (video)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/watch-to-tri-county-new-building.html

Candidate Interview: Dave McNeill, incumbent candidate for School Committee (video)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-dave-mcneill.html

Candidate Interview: Dave Callaghan, incumbent candidate for School Committee (video)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-dave-callaghan.html

Candidate Interview: Charles Bailey, candidate for Town Council (video)

Town Clerk releases important info on Tri-County Election Oct 24, 2023

Tri-County Info session held at Franklin Library 10/03/23 (audio)   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/listen-to-tri-county-new-building.html

Final reminder on question to ask of each candidate (includes 'final' list of candidates) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/final-reminder-what-is-one-question.html

What is the ONE question you would ask of each candidate?

Town of Franklin, MA: election candidates updated as of Aug 23, 2023

Busy day yields an updated Nomination Paper listing as of August 14, 2023

Updated Nomination paper listing as of August 8, 2023

Track who has taken out Nomination papers weekly - as of 08/03/23

Franklin School Committee Member Dave McNeill pulled papers to seek reelection

Reminder: Nomination papers available Aug 1

Nomination papers available August 1

Franklin Election Collection - 2023
Franklin Election Collection - 2023

Saturday, March 25, 2023

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Fourth Quarter

Notice from the Office of the Treasurer/ Collector:

Treasurer Collector Kerri A. Bertone has mailed the Fiscal Year 2023 fourth quarter real estate and personal property tax bills.  Payment is due by May 1, 2023.  Payments received after the due date are charged 14% interest.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/notice-treasurer-collector-fy-23-real-estate-and-personal-property-tax-bills-fourth

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Fourth Quarter
Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Fourth Quarter

Friday, February 17, 2023

Franklin For All housing & zoning podcast series (audio)

I had an internal debate on what order to list these episodes and decided that the chronological order was probably best. You can listen to any or all as you choose. 


#1 - This Franklin For All Discussion reveals insights on process and accessory dwelling units - 03/15/22 (audio)  (39 minutes)

FM #755 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 755 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with several members of the Economic Development “Plus” Committee to talk about the Franklin For All process. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Mar 15, 2022. 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-755-franklin-for-all-discussion-03-15-22

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#2 -Downtown Zoning Discussion with Councilors Hamblen & Frongillo - 12/19/22 (audio)  (45 minutes)

FM #904 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 904 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of my conversation with Town Councilors Melanie Hamblen and Cobi Frongillo. We met in the Franklin TV Studio on Monday, Dec 19, 2022.


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#3 - Downtown Zoning Discussion with D'Errico, Frongillo & Hamblen - 01/18/23 (audio)  (60 minutes)

FM #922 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 922 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of my conversation with Joel D’Errico, Melanie Hamblen and Cobi Frongillo. Joel, Melanie and I were in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. Cobi joined us for almost all of the discussion via phone.


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#4 - Listen to this discussion on housing, zoning, and getting the process to produce what we need (audio) (107 minutes)

FM #942 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 942 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen and Cobi Frongillo. Brad, Melanie and I were in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. Cobi joined us for the discussion via Zoom.


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#5 - Conversation on Franklin's walkability & insights from Worcester (audio)

FM #962 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 962 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen, Cobi Frongillo and Dean College Chancellor Ed Augustus


Brad, Melanie, Ed and I were in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Cobi joined us for the discussion via Zoom.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-962-walkability-worcester-insights-03-15-23



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#6 -  A "Franklin For All" discussion on buildable & affordable - 04/12/23 (audio)

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen, Cobi Frongillo and Joe Halligan. We were all in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. 


Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus meetings that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.  


We were joined by Joe Halligan for this session to include his insights as a former Planning Board member, Franklin developer, and recently appointed to the Master Plan Update Committee. 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-974-franklin-for-all-discusses-buildable-affordable-04-12-23



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#7 - The Franklin For All series continues with a discussion on Design Review - 05/30/23

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen, Cobi Frongillo, and Sam Williams. Most of us were in the Franklin TV Studio on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Cobi joined us via the Zoom conference bridge.


Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus meetings that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.  


We were joined by Sam Williams for this session to include his insights as the Vice-Chair of the Design Review Commission.  


The conversation centered on design aspects of the ongoing Franklin For All discussion. Design Review had come up in a couple of the prior sessions so we decided to spend some time on it here with Sam. 


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#8 - Franklin For All discusses 'new growth' and the relationship of zoning to the budget
 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen, and Cobi Frongillo. We were joined by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Town Council Chair Tom Mercer for this discussion on new growth. Most of us were in the Franklin TV Studio on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Tom joined us via the Zoom conference bridge.


Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus meetings that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.  


The conversation centered on new growth and how the zoning decisions have a relationship with the budget. 



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Thursday, December 29, 2022

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Third Quarter

Notice from the Office of the Treasurer/ Collector:

Treasurer Collector Kerri A. Bertone has mailed the Fiscal Year 2023 third quarter real estate and personal property tax bills. Payment is due by February 1st, 2023. Payments received after the due date are charged 14% interest.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/notice-treasurer-collector-fy-23-real-estate-and-personal-property-tax-bills-third-quarter

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Third Quarter
Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Third Quarter