Town Council approves single rate but shows interest in split rate, frustration on lack of preparation for the decision (audio)

FM #1599 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1599 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 3 hour session. 

 

Quick recap:

• Franklin TV had trouble broadcasting the video. It was recorded and will be available later. The Zoom session was active for audio only.

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walked the new Council though the 5 year revenue forecast and laid out what’s coming next

• The Public hearing on the Tax rate was opened and ultimately closed after much discussion. The Council did vote to approve the single tax rate by an 8-1 vote. The Council indicated a strong interest for more info on the benefits of a split tax rate. They seemed wanting to go for until they understood that a split rate decision would delay the Town timeline on getting the 1st Quarter bills out

The recording runs about 3 hours 

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1599-town-council-mtg-12-0325/

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Franklin TV video is NOT yet available for replay -> 

The agenda for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12032025-2031 

My notes for the full meeting in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zZoXOBk167dHuuSm3wetBhhP25WyaSRf/view?usp=drive_link 

-------------

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 out. 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!

------------------

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

Annual Tax Rate Hearing for FY 2026 - Charts Updated

The Annual Tax Rate Hearing for FY 2026 is on the Town Council agenda Wednesday, Dec 3, 2025. There will be a public hearing before the Council votes to set the rate. A couple of helpful charts have been updated in advance of the hearing.

The key decision at the tax rate hearing is to maintain the single tax rate or move to a split tax rate. The Board of Assessors memo to the Council lays out the argument distinctly:

"A single tax rate means that all property classes (residential, commercial, industrial and personal) are taxed at the same tax rate. A dual tax rate means the commercial-industrial-personal tax rate is increased while the residential rate is decreased. In other words, some of the residential tax burden is shifted towards commercial, industrial and personal properties.

Please note that a dual tax rate does not produce more tax revenue, it simply shifts the burden." (Bold added for emphasis)

Franklin has historically had an approximate 80-20 split between residential and commercial/industrial as shown in the following chart.

It should be interesting to hear why the residential percent rose from 81 to 82%

As the assessed valuation increases over time, the tax rate will drop. As the valuation decreases, the tax rate will increase. The tax rate is a good talking point but is simply the result of math driven by the assessed values and the amount to be raised to meet the budget.

The net change in assessed values vs the tax rate shows the inverse relationship

The rate actually means little to the average home owner. Whether the rate goes up or down, it is more important to know what the valuation of the residence is. The chart will show that over time, the tax rate can go up or down but the average tax bill will continue to increase due to the automatic 2.5% increase voted by the Council. 

The tax rate means nothing when the actual tax bill always increases

Download these updated charts in a PDF to share -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15VtJzd2QSnAKYVe9I_XTj6t_U_z-8OWd/view?usp=drive_link

FY 2026 Tax classification hearing info -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pnjHbwzxQZ_S_-C2WpF_9LY8rWCZbsHm/view?usp=drive_link

The full Town Council agenda also provide an update on the projected revenue for FY 2027 out five years. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10CKdLHv-tyPPMK8NjyTjoW0-QYb2w4gW/view?usp=drive_link

Agenda for Town Council meeting Dec 3: includes Tax rate hearing and FY 2027 Five Year Fiscal Forecast

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

December 3, 2025 = 6:00 PM

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 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 - None Scheduled

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Amy Galose, Creative Corner

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Franklin’s 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee

i. New Member Maureen Brennan

ii. Ratification of Officers

1. Chair: Jayson Joyce

2. Vice Chair: Robert Browne

3. Clerk: Alan Earls

4. Treasurer: Charleen Belcher

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. FY26 Tax Classification Hearing

i. Legislation for Action Item 9a

ii. Legislation for Action Item 9b

iii. Legislation for Action Item 9c

iv. Legislation for Action Item 9d

v. Legislation for Action Item 9e

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Five-Year Fiscal Forecast

i. FY26 Town Administrator memo - August 2025

ii. FY27-FY31 Fiscal Revenue forecast - August 2025

iii. FY27-FY31 Fiscal Department forecast - August 2025

iv. Budget presentation - August 2025 

v. Other Budget Resources:

1. Town Budget Website Portal

2. School Committee & School Department Website Portal

3. FY26 Compensation & Classification Plan

a. 2022-2023 Compensation & Classification Baseline study

4. Department Heads Letter - December 17, 2024

b. Deputy Town Administrator & Town Administration staffing

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-76: Tax Classification Residential Factor

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-76 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 25-77: Tax Classification Open Space Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-77 - Majority Vote)

c. Resolution 25-78: Tax Classification Small Business Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-78 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 25-79: Tax Classification Residential Property Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-79 - Majority Vote)

e. Resolution 25-80: Tax Classification Senior Means Tested Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-80 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 25-81: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44 §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-81 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Agenda for Town Council meeting Dec 3:
includes Tax rate hearing and
FY 2027 Five Year Fiscal Forecast

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QfgJW2si5mxS-2zYN9l22AB9t7b8Ec6p/view?usp=drive_link

A very full Agenda for the Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Oct 15 at 7 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

October 15, 2025 = 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Franklin Municipal Building 

355 East Central Street - 2nd Floor, Council Chambers

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 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. September 3, 2025  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7164/3a-September-3-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review-1

b. September 17, 2025  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7165/3b-September-17-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Fire Department - Swearing in of promoted employees

• i. Fire Chief Charles Allen
• ii. Battalion Chief Sean Lovely
• iii. Lieutenant Jaden Brodeur

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Franklin's 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee - See "Appointments" legislation in agenda packet for list of names

i. Legislation for Action #9a   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7166/5a-Appointment-250

b. 2025 Election Workers - See "Appointments" legislation in agenda packet for list of names   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7167/5b-Appointment-Election

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Bassam Michael as the Manager - BMRG LLC d/b/a Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub, Located at 370 King Street

i. License Transaction #7a.     https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7168/6a-Kings-Public-Hearing

b. Multiple modifications of a Section 15 Package Store All Alcoholic Beverages License: Change of License Manager, Change of Officers/Directors & Change of Stock - Dharma Bhakti Corporation d/b/a Liquor World, Located at 365 West Central Street

i. License Transaction #7b   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7169/6b-LW-Public-Hearing

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Bassam Michael as the Manager - BMRG LLC d/b/a Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub, Located at 370 King Street Franklin, MA 02038 

b. Multiple modifications of a Section 15 Package Store All Alcoholic Beverages License: Change of License Manager, Change of Officers/Directors & Change of Stock - Dharma Bhakti Corporation d/b/a Liquor World, Located at 365 West Central Street

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Historical Museum 2.0 - Alan Earls, Historical Commission Chair 

b. Historic District Commission Process - Will Lee, Historical Commission Member & Rowan Lowell, Town Archivist 

c. Town Council & Town Administrator 2024-2025 Goals Update - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7172/8c-2024-2025-Town-Council-and-Town-Administration-Goals---Oct-2025

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-63: Increasing the Maximum Number of Members Allowed on Franklin's 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-63 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 25-64: Authorizing the Borrowing of Money to Pay Costs Associated with the Franklin Stormwater Asset Management Plan (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-64 - ½ Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7174/9b-1---25-64

c. Resolution 25-65: Authorizing the Town Administrator to File Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Application (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-65 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7175/9c-1---RESOLUTION-25-65---Authority-to-File-CWSRF

d. Resolution 25-66: Adoption of the Schmidt Farm and Maple Hill Master Plans

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-66 -Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7178/9d-1----Adopting-Master-Plans---Schmidt-and-Maple-Hill

e. Bylaw Amendment 25-943: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 139, Section 139-14, Sewer System Map (Symphony Dr.) - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-943 - Majority Roll Call Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7179/9e-Symphony-Sewer

f. Bylaw Amendment 25-944: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 179, Section 179-9.l Water System Map (Symphony Dr.) - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-944 -Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7180/9f-1---BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-944---Water-Map-Amendment---Symphony-Dr

g. Bylaw Amendment 25-945 - A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 65, Collection Containers - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-945 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7181/9g-Collection-Containers

h. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938 - ½ Majority Roll Call Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7182/9h-1-25-938

i. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 81 Use Regulations Schedule Part Vii: Accessory Uses - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939 - ½ Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7183/9i-ZONING-BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-939---Residential-Commercial-Kitchen-Use-Regulation-Schedule-1

J. Bylaw Amendment 25-940: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82. Fees. Municipal Service. by Adding a New Service Fee (Residential Commercial Kitchen) (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-940 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7184/9j---BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-940---CHAPTER-82-FEES-MUNICIPAL-SERVICE---Residential-Commercial-Kitchen

k. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929: Creation of the Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185. Section 4. Districts Enumerated - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929 - ½ Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7185/9k-25-929

I. Zoning Bylaw 25-930: Zoning Map Changes: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185. Section 5. Zoning Map - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-930 - ½ Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6932/9k-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-930---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Zoning-Map

m. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-931: The Crossing Zoning Use Regulations - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Use Regulation Schedule, Part I through Part VII - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-931 - ½ Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6925/9l-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-931---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Use-Regulation-Schedule_202507180815594442

n. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932: The Crossing Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932 - ½ Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6926/9m-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-932---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Dimensional-Regulations_202507180820461004

o. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-933: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 21, Parking. Loading and Driveway Requirements - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-933 - ½ Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6928/9n-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-933---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Parking-etc-reqs

p. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934: Crossing Neighborhood Crossing District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Sections 3, 4. 20 & 31 - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934 -½ Majority Roll Call Vote)  

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, DCR,
has under consideration the acquisition of
an interest in 19.51 +/- acres of land
in the Town of Franklin

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6927/9o-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-934---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Chapter-185-Sections-3-4-20-31

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

a. Department of Conservation and Recreation (OCR) Public Notification & SNETT Trail Update   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7186/10a-DCR-Notice-of-Proposed-Land-Acquisition

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

Meeting agenda contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10152025-1953 

Town Council welcomed 2 new Police hires, moved zoning bylaws to 2nd reading, hears of solicitation process, and personnel updates (audio)

FM #1517 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1517 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, September  17, 2025. 7 of the 9 members of the committee were present (Chandler, Pellegri absent). 

Quick recap:

• Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides update on biennial election status

• School Cmte Chair Dave Callaghan provides an update on school opening and traffic issues being worked

• 2 new hires effectively back filling for positions authorized within the reduced Police Dept staffing were sworn in and pinned by family members

• 2 public hearings were opened separately; one for the 2 commercial kitchen bylaws to enable the operation of a commercial kitchen within a residence if on septic (not on town sewer); and second, a set of 6 bylaws to create the Crossing Neighborhood zoning district. It would be similar to the Downtown zoning with a couple of exemptions. Councilor Frongillo recused himself from these discussions and votes as his father's business operates in the proposed zoning area

• In legislation for action 

• all 8 of the zoning changes moved to a second reading

• The Council voted to formalize the early in person voting schedule for the November election as announced

• A couple of water & sewer extensions were approved

• A definition of a collection container was accepted and authorized to extend the current use by religious organizations to non-profits, in particular the American Legion and VFW

• A presentation on Solicitation Permits by Police Chief Thomas Lynch and Deputy Police Chief James West was made to provide some info on the process in response to an incident earlier this year. 

• In the Town Administrator's Report 2 key items were covered; 

• one a series of personnel moves; B Taberner's replacement was announced, M Kinhart and M D'Angelo are retiring, Breeka Li Goodlander to return from pregnancy leave in mid-Oct; 

• second, the Assessors revealed new growth will be about $271,000 shorter than projected earlier this year. This will need to be adjusted somehow before the tax rate hearing in Nov/Dec. It seems to be reflecting the slowdown in growth due to interest rates, uncertainty, and the 'nimby-factor', etc.

• The Council entered into executive session not to return to public meeting

The recording runs about 2 hours & 16 minutes

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1517-town-council-mtg-09-17-25/

--------------

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQsgBfKN8cY 

The agenda and docs released for this session can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09172025-1911 

My notes in a single PDF can be found ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MNwWCGlCOgPnqbmMecTz5TqaesbmSt4z/view?usp=drive_link 

-------------

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 out. 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!

------------------

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

Jalen Samuels & Kyle Vaught

Jalen Samuels & Kyle Vaught getting pinned