Franklin's Event Outlook: Oct 21, 2022 to Oct 27, 2022

Farmers Market is open for the next to last time. Halloween related events fill this weekend.

Friday, October 21

12:00pm - Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

12:00pm - Fall Storywalk  (DelCarte Open Space)

2:00pm - Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

2:00pm - Patrick Durkin (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

4:00pm - Pumpkin Patch Sale (cash, check, or credit card) (St John’s Episcopal)

4:30pm - Thee Taco Dude (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

5:30pm - David Penza (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

6:00pm - Dom Dibaggis (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

7:00pm - FPAC presents The Sound of Music (THE BLACK BOX)

7:30pm - "The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People" (Dean College)

Saturday, October 22

5:30pm - The McCrites (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

9:00am - Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am - Pumpkin Patch Sale (cash, check, or credit card) (St John’s Episcopal)

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:30am - Trunk or Treat: Families! (Franklin Public Library)

12:00pm - Fall Storywalk  (DelCarte Open Space)

1:00pm - Library Bag Sale (books by the bag) (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm - FPAC presents The Sound of Music (THE BLACK BOX)

2:00pm - “The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People” (Dean College)

4:00pm - Patrick Durkin (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

7:00pm - FPAC presents The Sound of Music (THE BLACK BOX)

7:30pm - The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People” (Dean College)

Sunday, October 23

12:00pm - Pumpkin Patch Sale (cash, check, or credit card) (St John’s Episcopal)

12:00pm - Fall Storywalk (DelCarte Open Space)

12:00pm - Haunted Station Halloween Party (Franklin Police Department) *time changed

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm - FPAC presents The Sound of Music (THE BLACK BOX)

2:00pm - “The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People” (Dean College)

6:30pm - St John's Affordable Housing - Community Meeting  (St John’s Episcopal)

Monday, October 24

4:00pm - Pumpkin Patch Sale  (cash, check, or credit card) (St John’s Episcopal)

Tuesday, October 25

4:00pm - Pumpkin Patch Sale (cash, check, or credit card)  (St John’s Episcopal)

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Community Calendar

Franklin's Event Outlook: Sep 16, 2022 to Sep 22, 2022

Weatherwise, this weekend is forecast to be a good one and there are events indoor and out to enjoy. The Farmers Market today, along with the bottle&can drive, the Car Show, and the cornhole tournament on Saturday show the variety of choices. On Monday, the Library features a session on how to use its resources for your business! 

Friday, September 16

2:00pm - Farmers Market Franklin (Town Common) 

5:00pm - 2nd Annual Mexican Independence Fiesta (SOLD out) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - Heather Deary (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

Saturday, September 17

8:00am - Bottle & Can Drive fund raiser for FHS boys hockey (Pirelli Arena) 

9:00am - FHS Cheerleader fund raising car wash (Franklin Car Wash)

9:30am - 6th Annual Rotary Club Car Show (New England Chapel) 

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm - 4th Annual Cornhole Tournament (Bellingham Sportsmans Club)

4:00pm - Tyler Zajac (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - The Felt (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery

Sunday, September 18

12:00pm - Caribbean Press (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

6:00pm - Girls Youth Basketball Clinic (Franklin High School) 

Monday, September 19

6;30pm - Libraries for Business (Franklin Public Library)

Tuesday, September 20

6:00pm - Book Club: "Circe" (Escape Into Fiction)

Wednesday, September 21
11:00am - Franklin Q&A (hybrid event - Zoom & Senior Center)

Thursday, September 22
6:00pm - Charlie Rock (live music)

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Community Calendar

Franklin's Event Outlook: Sep 9, 2022 to Sep 15, 2022

Farmers Market today, Cultural Festival Saturday, Second Sunday Speaker at the Historical Museum on Sunday, and something almost everyday of the week... it is indeed September and things are happening in and around Franklin! #artshappeninghere

Friday, September 9

9:00am - 9/11 Remembrance (Franklin Senior Center)

2:00pm - Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

6:00pm - Hit the Bus (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

6:00pm - Santa Foundation fund raiser (ticketed event) (La Cantina Winery)

Saturday, September 10

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

12:00pm - 2022 Cultural Festival (Franklin Town Common)

12:00pm - Cultural Festival - features food trucks, beer & wine garden, artisan vendors, nonprofit alley and entertainment (see Main Stage listing) (Franklin Town Common)

12:00pm - Main Stage: FHS Theatre Company performs "Cinderella Medley"

12:45pm - Main Stage: Onot Isreali Dance Troupe

1:30pm - Main Stage: Ron Reid's Sunsteel Quartet

2:45pm - Main Stage: Indian Wedding Showcase

3:45pm - Main Stage: She Grooves 

4:30pm - Main Stage: Eguie Castrillo Salsa Orchestra

6:00pm - Patrick Durkin (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

Sunday, September 11

10:00am - 125 Anniversary Celebration Worship Service (St John’s Episcopal)

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:15pm - Second Sunday Speaker: Maureen Taylor, Photo Detective (Franklin Historical Museum)

Tuesday, September 13

7:00pm - FBRTC Meeting (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:00pm - Yankee Quilters (Emma’s Quilt Cupboard) 

Wednesday, September 14 7:00pm - Newcomers & Friends meeting (Escape into Fiction) Thursday, September 15 8:30am - Town Council Office Hours (Senior Center) 6:00pm - Kendo (live music) (La Cantina Winery) 7:00pm - 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node (virtual meeting)

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Community Calendar

Franklin's Event Outlook: Sep 2, 2022 to Sep 8, 2022

The first week of school has come and gone, Labor Day is upon us. Fortunately, the Farmers Market and the weekend activities seem to get benefiting from a good weather forecast. Get out and about to take advantage of it.

And if you have not yet returned your vote by mail ballot for the Primary, drop it at the Municipal building. There is a new drop box directly to the Town Clerk's office. Voting in person opens at Franklin High School for all 9 precincts on Tuesday at 6 AM and closes at 8 PM.

The Franklin Garden Club resumes their monthly meetings on Tuesday and the Franklin Art Association resumes their meetings on Wednesday.  #artshappenhere

Friday, September 2

9:00am - State Primary - In person early voting  (Franklin High School)

2:00pm - Farmers Market  (Town Common)

3:30pm - Farmers Mkt Fun: Bookmark bonanza  (Town Common)

6:00pm - Laura May Duo (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - Gay Perkowski (solo acoustic music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

Saturday, September 3

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

5:00pm - The Cowpies (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

Sunday, September 4

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

Monday, September 5 - Labor Day

Town offices and buildings closed for holiday

Tuesday, September 6

6:00am - 8:00pm  State Primary Election Day  (Franklin High School)

6:30pm - Franklin Garden Club (Franklin Senior Center)

Wednesday, September 7

7:00pm - Franklin Art Association (Franklin Senior Center)

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Community Calendar

Town of Franklin (MA): Five Year Fiscal Forecast - FY 2026 & beyond (part 5 of 5)

This continues to share the Five Year Fiscal Outlook for the Town of Franklin as published by the Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen:

FY26 and Beyond Financial Outlook

After reading the first eight pages of this document and with the adversity and challenges we are experiencing in our own personal lives, I can relate to most readers who feel as if FY26 is an eon away! Yet, our professional perspective is to always keep a keen eye into the future. But what we do know is:

● As long as property revenues continue to increase, the town should see steady growth in order to work within the Proposition 2 ½ constraints. Without any adjustments to the tax levy, it is critical for the community to understand real estate values are the key sustainability factor to local expenses in the budget. The Town cannot count on a state aid bailout and should not count any additional federal assistance.

● FY26 will see collective bargaining return for most school and municipal unions.

● One-time federal assistance in the form of ARPA and ESSER funds will be exhausted.

● The status of the Beaver Street Interceptor project and other capital projects will still be in development.

After the busy “end of fiscal year/start of the fiscal year” this summer, I will prepare a full five year revenue forecast before the FY23 tax rate hearing on November 30th, 2022.

How can I learn more?

● All municipal budget matters will always be posted on our town budget archive

● The School Department budget page is here.

● Finance committee meetings can be found on their website.

 

● Town Council meeting agendas, Town Blog News, Legal Notices, Job Postings and more on the Town’s email notifications page.

● The School Committee connections are here.

As a savings to each homeowner, call your homeowners insurance company to get a savings on the Fire Department’s ISO-1 designation. Many property owners will see a reduction in their homeowners insurance. Just print out the linked paperwork and submit it to your insurer.

What can I do to help TODAY?

Let’s end the forecast on a fun note; and maybe some homework!

People always ask me what we can do today to support the Town today? Answer: Eat Local!

Like many towns, Franklin has a .75 percent of every one cent out local option tax on meals purchased in Franklin. It’s the one area of our “local receipts” revenue source that is driven by consumer choice. Since the pandemic, the town has been fortunate to see most of its restaurants continue in business today. We have also seen an influx of new places to eat out and more will be opening in 2022 & 2023. It’s an excellent opportunity to eat local, support our large profile of locally owned restaurants and also support the town budget.

So have fun eating out in Franklin with your family and friends and ultimately support the town’s schools, public safety, DPW, roads and other excellent town services!

Continue reading the full report in this PDF ->     https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022-08-15_fy23_to_fy27_town_administartor_fiscal_forecast_1.pdf

Note: Pages 1-11 covers the fiscal forecast and outlook. Pages 12-18 is the Standard & Poors AAA rating letter. Pages 19-20 is the ISO 1 award letter on the Fire Department achievement.

Part 1 (FY 2022 closing)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/08/town-of-franklin-ma-five-year-fiscal.html

Part 2 (FY 2023)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/08/town-of-franklin-ma-five-year-fiscal_02041658049.html

Part 3 (FY 2024)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/08/town-of-franklin-ma-five-year-fiscal_0565521952.html

Part 4 (FY 2025)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/08/town-of-franklin-ma-five-year-fiscal_0694306595.html

Town of Franklin Earns AAA Bond Rating

Town of Franklin (MA): Five Year Fiscal Forecast - FY 2025 (part 4 of 5)

This continues to share the Five Year Fiscal Outlook for the Town of Franklin as published by the Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen:

FY25 Financial Outlook

It is impossible to predict the state of our economy or world next week, let alone three years from now. Regardless of those factors, FY25 is when the confluence of flooded rivers are likely to converge for a very challenging year. Those factors are:

● FY25 will be a full two fiscal years into a 40-plus year high of inflation with most costs rising;

● There will not be any remaining authorized federal stimulus money and there will be less one-time revenues to plug gaps;

● Difficult choices will need to be made regarding investments in schools, public safety, public works and capital projects and equipment;

● The full assessment of the regional dispatch center (“The MECC”) will be coming back on the town's operating budget at about $1.5 million; and, most notably

● The Franklin School Department’s financial sustainability on one-time revenues, continued declining enrollment and the required net school spending dynamic sets up a possible budget deficit in FY25. The outgoing Superintendent warned that FY25 could be facing “more [financial] challenges given the continued needs of the district, the local fiscal forecast and the expiration of the local coronavirus relief funding.”

Franklin Public School District

The Franklin School Department has three current trends that should give the community a pause for concern over the long term financial sustainability and challenges of the department.

1. Declining Enrollment. At its peak in 2008, the District had 6,464 students enrolled. The enrollment in 2021-2022 was 4,764 students, or a decrease of 24% in 14 years. The Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc study suggests the District is projected to lose enrollment throughout the rest of the decade. In the 2029-2030 school year, the district is estimated to have 4,458 students enrolled - a near 2,000 student enrollment drop in two decades.

The Kaestle Boos analysis also “indicates that the Franklin Public Schools facilities are currently 26% under capacity and are anticipated to continue to decline to 31% in the next 10 years. If no changes were to occur the school facilities would: all continue to operate under capacity, continue to create a financial burden in the maintenance of these underutilized facilities [and] suffer reduced educational adequacy in schools built prior to 1996.” Closing Davis-Thayer has produced some savings and space, but not nearly the amount of savings envisioned.

The Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc. study released on December 1, 2020 shows plenty of data on this topic and the options before the School Committee. A Space Needs and Facilities Use Subcommittee of the School Committee has been established and will be charged to “analyze data sources and forecast space utilization to comprehensively review Franklin's school facilities' needs.” A redistricting analysis has also commenced to follow up on the Kaestle Boos study from last December.

2. Net School Spending. As has been discussed at many legislative and local forums, the Franklin Public School District is seeing a very unique dynamic in its finances relative to state aid. This dynamic is real and is a result of the extreme spike in growth and enrollment in the 1980’s through 2010, followed by an significant pause in growth and enrollment in the 2010’s continuing on in the 2020’s.

In short, due to state education finance law, the “required local district contribution” is accelerating at a pace that far exceeds the rate of state aid increases. Please view the Superintendent's slide on page 12 to see this trend. This dynamic presents some short and long term sustainability concerns.

 

Despite these two dynamics, local investments have continued in the School Department budget by almost $15 million in total dollars since 2015, an average of over

$1.8 million a year, despite the two lower pandemic years.

3. One-time revenues. The schools will be using one-time revenues from revolving funds and federal assistance to augment their operating budget for at least the next two fiscal years. The good news is the School Department has its highest amount of reserves in at least the past five fiscal years. Even if the Town does not have enough revenue to maintain a $2.4 million-a-year increase, which will be challenging, the Schools should have enough reserves in those one-time sources to meet their budget projections over the next two years.

Continue reading the full report in this PDF ->     https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022-08-15_fy23_to_fy27_town_administartor_fiscal_forecast_1.pdf

Part 1 (FY 2022 closing)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/08/town-of-franklin-ma-five-year-fiscal.html

Part 2 (FY 2023)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/08/town-of-franklin-ma-five-year-fiscal_02041658049.html

Part 3 (FY 2024)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/08/town-of-franklin-ma-five-year-fiscal_0565521952.html

Town of Franklin Earns AAA Bond Rating