FM #1679 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1679 in the series.
This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The Committee opened with 5 members in Chambers and 1 remote. 2 members absent and 1 had just resigned that morning (and hopefully to be replaced before April budget hearings).
Quick recap:
Motion to approve the prior meeting notes, so moved, second, passes via roll call (1 remote) was 6-0-3 (2 absent, 1 resigned this AM)
Discussion on the need to replace a fire engine which has frame corrosion and was taken offline.
Discussion on an undercarriage wash to help prolong the life of the trucks and rest of the fleet with other issues of corrosion
Consider other alternatives for prevention of corrosion, maybe look to a cost analysis on the sand vs. salt/brine solution. What are the pros, cons?
Multiple options available for financing, ultimately resolved to recommend authorization of a BAN (a short term borrowing instrument) for the full $935K.
This keeps the stabilization account intact for now and can still be used to pay down the principal when the BAN is converted to a longer term finance deal
Vote passed 5-1 via roll call
Q2 report
Snow and ice was gradually increased to be fully funded from ops instead of free cash
Lack of FEMA money for 'disaster' events like the major storms
Local receipts are not at the level that Kerri would like
Library is only $25k over the State minimum
Discussion on adding to a May meeting reconsidering the OPEB contribution to relook at the recommendation before the Council votes in June
Discussion on the Council handling of the capital budget and suggestion of having FinCom representative at the Council meeting to support any recommendations. A great idea
The recording runs just about 90 minutes, let’s listen
Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1679-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-02-25-26/--------------
Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/sM7NUUmqKlw?&t=245
The agenda and released doc can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02252026-2152
My notes were captured via the Bluesky app, the top of the thread can be found here - https://bsky.app/profile/franklinmatters.bsky.social/post/3mfpsbpk6us2o
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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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