Official Override Results: The NO's take it by 196 votes

The official results of the override special election are now available.  Minor changes to the counts but not to the overall percent turnout. That remains at 40%

Official Override Results: The NO's take it by 196 votes

2025 2024

Yes = 5107     5542

No = 5303     5778

Blank =     4         5

Total = 10,414      11,325

Margin = 196          236

Percent turnout    40%            45%

Total registered voters = 25,865

You can find the override / debt exclusion history here (all results from official Town of Franklin documents)

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AkwjbnXDBhczdDVWaFU0N2ZsTEE2TUVuWHk5NURvQWc#gid=0

Voices of Franklin: Jane Callaway-Tripp "Where do we go from here?"

Franklin residents have spoken—twice. The second attempt at passing an override has failed, leaving our town facing significant financial cuts. The question now is not what happened, but where do we go from here?

Do we take the opportunity to bridge the divide, listening and learning from one another? Or do we succumb to finger-pointing, playing the blame game between YES and NO voters?

Less than 24 hours after the results were announced, frustration spilled onto social media. Comments emerged—“I hope you're happy! You caused over $4 million in cuts!” “You hurt our children. I hope you're proud.” Even at the polls, tensions ran high. One voter walked by and told opponents they should be embarrassed. At last night’s council meeting, department heads outlined the necessary cuts—yet even as that happened, YES voters took to Facebook, claiming that town officials were "reaming NO voters.”

Cuts were inevitable. Franklin’s financial challenges are not new, nor are they the fault of those who voted against the override. Some decisions, however, raise questions. For example, the town has stressed the need for more revenue—yet one of the cuts includes removing the third ambulance, a service that actually generates income. If revenue is the concern, why eliminate a funding source? That decision feels less like fiscal responsibility and more like a statement—one that many, YES and NO voters alike, perceive as a punishment.

Blaming voters—on either side—oversimplifies a complex issue. YES voters argue that NO voters caused harm to services. But had the override passed, struggling families would have faced rising costs, possibly forcing them out of Franklin altogether. Does that mean YES voters would have been responsible for that hardship? The truth is, this was a lose-lose vote, with consequences no matter the outcome.

Franklin’s financial struggles stem from more than inflation alone. Past decisions have played a role, and while some missteps are irreversible, acknowledging them is vital. Respect must remain at the core of this conversation—disagreeing does not mean dishonoring the dedication of town leaders or the sacrifices of residents.

At this moment, we as a town have a choice. We can cling to division—YES vs. NO, red vs. blue, town vs. schools—or we can rise above it. We can reject name-calling and vote-shaming, choosing instead to work together toward solutions.

No single person has all the answers. But one truth is clear: if Franklin continues to fight itself, we will never heal. We will never find lasting solutions. And we will watch our town falter.

Kindness does not belong only to those who share our views. It belongs to everyone. It is the foundation upon which Franklin must rebuild—not in spite of disagreement, but through it.

The future of Franklin depends on it.

Jane Callaway-Tripp 

Franklin Voter

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Jane Callaway-Tripp  "Where do we go from here?"

Tom Mercer & I condense the 4 hour Council meeting to about 20 minutes (audio)

FM #1462 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1462 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of June 4, 2025 and the closeout of the FY 2025 budget approval in light of the failed override June 3, 2025.

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Discussion items: 

• FY 2026 Budget adjusted for Option B and approved

• Thanks to all involved for their efforts and collaboration through the Joint Budget process and in resolving the required cuts

• What’s next, another Joint Budget series starts in the fall

• The next couple of budget years are going to be equally tough, we need to work together to figure this out

• THis weekend brings the Farmers Market opening, FHS Class of 2025 graduation, PorchFest returns on Saturday, there is a lot happening

The conversation runs about 25 minutes

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1462-town-council-quarterbacking-06-05-25/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/_f72Yd8VXz0?&t=316 

The agenda doc was updated Wednesday afternoon to add the Option B and Options A & B comparisons for the discussion on the budget cuts.

Option A & B Comparison ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5883/FY26-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Doc-COMPARISON 

Option B -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5882/FY26-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Doc-OPTION-B 

Full agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06042025-1769 

My full set of notes as written during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1718wLXj_U_hdqq82Jb1rVrgeomNdeHaO/view?usp=drive_link 

The 3 slides Jamie talked to in his explanation of Option B

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oxfbkEcNhB5mpjHB8 

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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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

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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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Tom Mercer & I condense the 4 hour Council meeting to about 20 minutes (audio)

Town Council follows through approving the forecasted $3.8M budget cuts resulting from failed override (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The meeting was delayed starting but all 9 councilors were present in Council Chambers with a full audience and at least another 50+ via Zoom.

Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/_f72Yd8VXz0?&t=316

The agenda doc was updated Wednesday afternoon to add the Option B and Options A & B comparisons for the discussion on the budget cuts.

Option A & B Comparison ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5883/FY26-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Doc-COMPARISON

Option B -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5882/FY26-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Doc-OPTION-B

Full agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06042025-1769

Quick recap:

• After the 5 minutes late start, the public hearing on the FY 2026 budget was resumed from the May 22 session.
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walked through the recap and explained the Option A& B using 3 slides (see below) as well as the Option A & B voting docs (linked above)
• Chief Lynch, Chief McLaughlin, Supt Giguere, and Library Director Oti spoke of the cut impacts to their operations but approved of them as necessary due to the failed override
• Supt Giguere confirmed the full details of their cuts would be reviewed with the School Cmte at their meeting June 10. Of the projected 10-15 personnel, he confirmed likely 12 FTE positions,  some teachers, some retirees not being backfilled and other personnel across the district as well as the fees would need to remain as they are this year
• The public then had an opportunity to comment or question the cuts as proposed. Those in Chambers went first before those on Zoom, and all were covered before the Councilors had their turn.
• The vote finally came to approve the cuts as proposed:
• 2 personnel from Police Dept (currently open slots not to be backfilled as had been planned)
• 2 personnel from Fire Dept (currently 1 open position not backfilled, and the last hired will also be leaving)
• This does take the 3rd ambulance offline increasing response times and creates a lose of revenue (for the ambulance runs if required to hospital)
• 1 admin position for Town Administrators office
• 1 from Planning & Community Development
• 1 from Board of Assessors
• the part-time nurse at the Senior Center
• DPW cuts their summer intern program (unspecified number of positions for summer help)
• Library Sunday hours (during the winter, there are open during the summer)
• additional expenses were reduced to bring to the total required (see Option B for details)

• Personnel cuts by my tally = 8 Town side, 12 school side, plus expenses (PS - this tally was confirmed with our Town Administrator Jamie Hellen via email)

• The meeting then went through the long series of votes to approve the final budget, the salary for the Town Clerk, the Community Preservation Act budget before closing just after 11 PM 

My full set of notes as written during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1718wLXj_U_hdqq82Jb1rVrgeomNdeHaO/view?usp=drive_link

The 3 slides Jamie talked to in his explanation of Option B

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oxfbkEcNhB5mpjHB8

Professional Firefighters of Franklin statement on FY 2026 override results

Professional Firefighters of Franklin

IAFF Local 2637

FRANKLIN, MASSACHUSETTS 02038

PO BOX 161 508-528-2323 x1962

BRIAN HAMANN     JOSHUA IMPEY DAVID OGILVIE  MICHAEL McCONAGHY

PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER SECRETARY

To the Residents of Franklin:

We would like to express our deep disappointment in the wake of last night's vote, which resulted in a failed tax override. While we understand that there are many considerations in making these types of decisions, we must stress that this outcome will have a significant and immediate impact on public safety and the well-being of our community. The failure of this funding measure means that we now face unavoidable cuts to our staffing levels, including the deactivation of A3.

The reduction of staffing levels will strain an already overburdened system, potentially leading to longer response times and an increased risk to public safety. The elimination of the third ambulance means that we will no longer be able to respond to certain calls in a timely manner, which puts our ability to serve our community effectively in jeopardy. The failure to pass this tax override is a setback to the progress we've made together in ensuring a safer, healthier community.

We remain committed to our mission and will continue to serve with the dedication and professionalism you have come to expect from us. However, we urge all community leaders and residents to recognize the very real consequences of this decision and consider how we can work together to secure the resources needed to maintain the safety and well-being of everyone in Franklin.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to continuing the conversation and working together toward a safer future.

Professional Firefighters of Franklin

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/posts/4012566389013357/

Unofficial Override Results: The NO's take it by 185 votes (video)

The unofficial results of the override election are in.  You can listen as Town Clerk Nancy Danello make the announcement in the FHS gymnasium about 8:30 PM June 3, 2025

2025 2024

Yes = 5093     5542

No = 5278     5778

Blank =     4         5

Total = 10.375 11,325

Margin = 185          236

Percent turnout    40%            45%

So the budget balancing adjustments will need to be made. The Town Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, June 4. They already continued their 2nd FY 2026 budget hearing to this night. They were hoping to close the hearing and then approve the budget as proposed BUT with the No vote prevailing, the proposed cuts will need to be applied.

The Town Council will determine the amount of the school funding, the School Committee and Central Office will need to determine within their budget how that will fall out.

Likely the sports and bus fees will remain as this year, and there will be additional personnel cuts (10-15 were mentioned previously). They are scheduled to meet on June 10.

There are some important events remaining this week.

• The first Farmers market of the season opens Friday on the Town Common from 2 to 6 PM
• Franklin High School graduates in Class of 2025 Friday evening
• Little Women, the Musical opens at THE BLACK BOX for a run Friday, Sat and Sunday
• Porchfest returns to Franklin on Saturday, with the rain date for Sunday. You can find the full schedule of 30 porches and over 50 performances at Franklin Porchfest Info

For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendars at Franklin.news  where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.

Video link -> https://youtu.be/_f-UkftK3fo

Voices of Franklin: Jane Callaway-Tripp "The Cost of Silence: A Town at a Crossroads"

Franklin is more than streets, buildings, and budget line items. It is history, families, and generations woven into a fabric that once felt unbreakable. It is the town where neighbors looked out for each other, where voices carried weight, where integrity mattered. But something has shifted. The foundation is cracking, and the people who call this town home are standing at a crossroads—one that demands hard truths and honest conversations.

Decisions are being made that do not match the words spoken to justify them. A fiscal cliff, they say. Yet raises far beyond the standard cost-of-living adjustment are handed out—without hesitation, without sustainable planning. How does that add up? Strip away the rhetoric, take away the partisan noise, and one question remains: Is this responsible?

Too often, dissent is met not with discussion but with cruelty. Franklin has shown, time and time again, that politics is not just about governance—it is about power. It is about who gets to speak, whose voice is drowned out, who faces ridicule for daring to stand alone. In an ideal world, people would disagree with respect, with a willingness to listen, with an understanding that opposition is not the enemy—it is balance. But that is not what is happening here.

Mockery replaces debate. Personal attacks replace understanding. State representatives endorse a full panel of candidates in a local nonpartisan election—making it clear that the system is anything but neutral. And as people watch this unfold, they wonder: Where do we go from here? I ask you how Can we remove partisanship when it is prevalently clear it is staring us in the face every day?

The Weight of a Dollar

It is easy to say, “It’s only $300 a year.” But to who? Not everyone lives in comfort. Not everyone has an extra $10 a month. There are people—good, hard-working people—who see their bank accounts already at zero, who know the weight of an unpaid bill sitting in the back of their mind. And yet, they are told to tighten their belts once more, told to make sacrifices for decisions they had no hand in making.

And what happens when someone speaks up, when they say no? They are labeled cheap, claims that a NO voter is nothing more than a “Professional Againsters”, would it then be fair to say a YES voters are nothing more than “Professional Yesman”? Neither is a fair statement and quite insulting to either side. They are dismissed as obstacles in the way of progress. But fiscal responsibility is not selfishness—it is survival. It is about trust, and trust cannot exist where accountability is lacking.

The Numbers Do Not Lie

For years, residents have heard the same argument: We need more people, more development, more revenue. They have watched the approval of apartment projects, the bending of zoning regulations, the granting of variances and waivers that reshaped Franklin’s landscape. But there was an opportunity—a rare moment where the town could have stood up for its people. A 40B project that could have been rejected, with legal justification under safe harbor, but instead? Silence. Indifference. A clear message: Your voices do not matter.

Breaking the Pattern

Franklin’s residents are exhausted—not just by taxes and budget concerns, but division has replaced community. It does not have to be this way. It should not be.

Maybe the solution is not another override. Maybe it is not another fight over partisan alliances or social media insults. Maybe, just maybe, the answer lies in listening. In remembering that the town does not belong to politicians and those who run it—it belongs to the people.

We will not all agree. We are not supposed to. But if Franklin is to stand strong, if its future is to be more than just a history written by those in power, then residents must demand better.

Because the Foundation of Franklin is cracked, we as residents are that foundation remember without the people, there is no Town of Franklin.

Independent voter

Jane Callaway-Tripp 

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin:  Jane Callaway-Tripp "The Cost of Silence: A Town at a Crossroads"

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council Meeting June 4, 2025 - FY 2026 Budget Vote (Updated agenda)

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

June 4, 2025 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. May 7, 2025

b. May 21, 2025

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

 

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. FY26 Town Council Annual Operating Budget Hearing - Continued from May 22, 2025

i. FY26 Voting Document  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5850/9a-1----25-20---Adoption-of-FY26-Budget---Google-Docs

ii. FY26 Town Administrator Budget Message (per Town Charter Section 6-4-1)  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5322/FY26-Budget-Narrative

iii. Appendix A Town Administrator Recommended Budget Voting Document & Budget Book (per Town Charter provision 6-5-1 & 6-5-2)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5246/Appendix-A-Town-Administrator-Recommended-Voting-Document-and-Budget-Book

iv. Appendix B Franklin Public School District Budget Book  

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5269967/-FY26_Franklin_Budget_Book_.docx_-_Google_Docs_1_.pdf

FY 2026 Budget Vote

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-20 Adoption of the FY2026 Budget Appropriations - Budget Vote (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-20 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5851/9a-1----25-20---Adoption-of-FY26-Budget---MEMO

b. Resolution 25-21: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official (Town Clerk)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-21 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5844/9b-25-21_-Salary-Schedule_-Full-Time-Elected-Official-Town-Clerk

c. Bylaw Amendment 25-936: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 73, Departmental Revolving Funds (EV Charging Stations) - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-936 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5845/9c-25-936-and-937---EV-Charging-Stations

d. Bylaw Amendment 25–937: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service (EV Charging Stations)

(Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-937 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5846/9d-BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-937---Ch-82-Fees---EV-Charging-Stations

e. Resolution 25-23: Snow and Ice Transfer of Funds (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-23 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5855/9e-Snow

f. Resolution 25-35: Appropriation of Funds from Receipts Reserved to Road Repairs (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-35 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5856/9F-25-935-TNC-Ride-Share

g. Resolution 25-25: Community Preservation Fund: FY26 Annual Appropriations and Reservations (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-25 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5857/9g-CPA-Budget-FY26

h. Resolution 25-26: FY26 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds - Capital (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-26 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5858/9h-1---RESOLUTION-25-26---CPA-Projects

i. Resolution 25-24: Transfer of Funds from Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings to Water Line Project (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-24 Majority Vote) https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5859/9i-Water-Enterprise

j. Resolution 25-34: Appropriation of Funds from Receipts Reserved for PFAS Remediation (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-34 Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5860/9j-2---PFAS

k. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-935: A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 24, Floodplain District - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-935 - ⅔ Roll Call Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5861/9k-Flood-plain

l. Resolution 25-32: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44 §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-32 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5840/9m---25-32---PEG-Comcast-and-Verizon

m. Resolution 25-33: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($1,510)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-33 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5842/9n-25-33---Gift-Acceptance---Sr-Ctr

n. Resolution 25-22: Expenditure Limits for FY2026 on Departmental Revolving Funds Established by Franklin Town Code Chapter 73, as Provided in MGL Chapter 44, Section 53E½, as Amended (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-22 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5873/9n-25-22-Expenditure-Limits

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Joint Budget Subcommittee

d. Police Station Building Committee

e. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

 

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06042025-1769