FM #1492 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1492 in the series.
This session shares the Finance Committee meeting very briefly conducted Monday, August 11, 2025. The Committee opened with 3 new members and the Chair absent, for his first time, so 8 of 9 present. One member was initially remote, then he came into Chambers so roll call votes were not required.
The room had changed from the posted agenda so the Studio personnel were not present to broadcast as normal. The Owl was used to enable video and audio for those participating via Zoom. The recording of that can be processed for broadcast later by Franklin TV. video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVIWsqxNQsQ
Quick recap:
After a lengthy presentation and discussion, the Committee voted to recommend Option B for the Town Council to discuss and determine their vote on the FY 2026 budget adjustment.
The State budget finalized in July authorized $231,152 LESS than the Town had put in the budget and adjusted after the failed override.
Model A would have split the difference in making further cuts to both Town and School budgets
Model B makes some minor cuts ($21K), adjusts health care (by $75K) but also by restoring 2 firefighter/paramedics ($115K) is forecast to also bring in $249K in revenue to offset the adds and ‘balance’ the budget again
Note the numbers presented on the option B slide still result in a NET ADD of $18k to the budget (maybe that will get corrected before the Council meeting Wednesday)
Model A
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| Model A would split the difference in making further cuts to both Town and School budgets |
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| Model B makes some minor cuts ($21K), adjusts health care (by $75K) but also by restoring 2 firefighter/paramedics ($115K) is forecast to also bring in $249K in revenue to offset the adds and ‘balance’ the budget again |
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Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08112025-1822
FY26 Budget Amendments
a. Town Administrator Memo
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6478/Town-Administrator-Memo
b. FY26 Control Sheet Model A & B Comparison
c. FY26 Budget Voting Doc Model A & B Comparison
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6433/FY26-Budget-Voting-Doc-A-and-B-Comparison
d. Budget Voting Resolution Model A
e. Budget Voting Resolution Model B
My notes for the meeting captured in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DkU4mNB3P894CmvRaaqTJQXWhFPhYdB6/view?usp=drive_link
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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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