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The Spring 2025 Rain Barrel Program |
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Saturday, January 4, 2025
The Spring 2025 Rain Barrel Program is now open for Franklin residents
Sunday, November 5, 2023
MassSave Rebate Issues Raised, there may be hope for progress
Our State Representative Jeff Roy made the news this week with one of his hearings this week. He had the utilities (NationalGrid, Eversource, etc.) in for a hearing and he raised some questions on the MassSave program. NewsCenter 5 had been running a series on rebate issues with MassSave so it was timely and got some action. There is still more to be done, so if you have MassSave issue, let Jeff know.
"Massachusetts state lawmakers are now demanding answers from the state's utility companies after NewsCenter 5's reporting about ongoing problems at Mass Save.That's the energy efficiency program the utilities are required by state law to run, paying homeowners who make their homes more energy efficient.Mass Save is critical to Massachusetts meeting its climate goals, but over the past two years the program has been plagued by long delays in issuing rebates, difficult-to-reach customer service and even bounced checks. Dozens of consumers from across the state have told NewsCenter 5 they can't get adequate explanations about what's slowing their rebates from Mass Save.The program is funded by billions of dollars paid by utility customers across the state through a surcharge on monthly utility bills. The current three-year Mass Save program is funded at $4 billion."
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MassSave Rebate Issues Raised, there may be hope for progress |
Sunday, October 30, 2022
Boston Globe: "Billions in state tax refunds to start flowing to taxpayers on Tuesday, officials say"
"THE FIRST CHECKS and direct deposits from a nearly $3 billion pot of excess tax revenue will head back to taxpayers starting on Tuesday when the calendar flips to November, the Baker administration announced Friday.A spokesperson for the Executive Office of Administration and Finance said money will head out the door under the voter-approved tax cap law known as Chapter 62F, which taxpayers triggered for the first time since 1987 by delivering massive amounts of taxes.
About 3 million taxpayers will receive a refund in the form of a mailed check or a direct deposit worth about 14 percent of what they owed in state personal income tax in 2021, the spokesperson said. The administration plans to distribute the refunds on a rolling basis through December 15. The administration had previously estimated refunds of about 13 percent of income tax liabilities."
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Eligible taxpayers will receive their refunds on a rolling basis, Governor Charlie Baker’s office said. LUKE SHARRETT/BLOOMBERG |
Saturday, September 17, 2022
Gov Baker announces tax rebate coming some time
"Stronger-than expected state tax revenues have led to a major surplus for Fiscal Year 2022, and we are pleased to be able to return nearly $3 billion in excess revenue to the taxpayers. Read more http://bit.ly/3RX14ni Estimate your refund http://mass.gov/62frefunds"
Gov Baker announces tax rebate coming some time |
Tuesday, July 12, 2022
MA "House proposes $1b in short and long-term tax relief"
"HOUSE LEADERS rolled out a $523.5 million package of permanent tax breaks on Monday that, when combined with $510 million in one-time payments to middle-income residents proposed last week, would yield more than $1 billion in tax relief for Massachusetts residents.
House and Senate officials released a statement saying they were in agreement on the general framework of the permanent tax relief package but not necessarily on the specifics of each tax break. The permanent tax break package, which would take effect in January, echoes many of the same themes originally proposed in a $700 million tax relief package proposed by Gov. Charlie Baker in his January budget proposal, although some of the tax breaks are smaller and Baker’s call for a sharp reduction in the short-term capital gains tax rate is not included."
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MA "House proposes $1b in short and long-term tax relief" |
Monday, October 25, 2021
Town Council Meeting - 10/20/21 - three audio segments
FM #646-647-648 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 646-647-648 in the series.
This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, October 20, 2021.
The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel, the Police retirement and promotion individuals, along with their guest and family members were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated in person, some via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
I’ve split the just about two hours and forty minutes ( 2:40 total elapsed time) into three (3) logical segments:
- Part 1 -> covers the opening, citizen comments, appointment/swearing in of new firefighter/paramedic and the update on ARPA funding (~54 mins) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/58eae587-351d-46ca-9e11-8f6c5e6523a4
- Part 2 -> covers the Census 2020 data and the reprecincting presentation and Q&A session (~ 40 minutes) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7e79c518-913e-4002-99b9-1ccce36d5b3e
- Part 3 -> covers the Legislation for Action, Council Comments and meeting close. (~ 52 minutes) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c578b0eb-36c0-4d2e-bb40-6ea793864b56
The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Oct 20, 2021
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Agenda document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/october_20_2021_town_council_agenda.pdf
Agenda folder -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/october-20-town-council-agenda
My notes from the meeting ->
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/recap-town-council-approves-creation-of.html
Town Council Quarterbacking session (a short recap with Council Chair Tom Mercer) ->
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/town-council-quarterbacking-with-chair.html
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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
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit www.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"
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Town Council Meeting - 10/20/21 - three audio segments |
Sunday, September 5, 2021
Time running out for this order time for rain barrels
Order before midnight on Monday (Sept. 6th)!
The Great American Rain Barrel Company is offering Franklin residents discounted barrels for just $69. Residents may then apply for a $50 water conservation rebate from the DPW for a total cost of only $19 (rebates are limited to two per household)!
Order before midnight on Monday, September 6, 2021 and pick up at the DPW Admin Office (257 Fisher St, Franklin) on Wednesday, September 15 from 4-6 PM.
Click here for more information or to order: https://www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community/ (select MA, then Franklin for the specifics)
How to apply for a water conservation rebate:https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/water-conservation-rebates-now-available
Saturday, July 10, 2021
Attention Franklin Senior Homeowners
You may be entitled to a $1,000 tax reduction if you have been continuously domiciled in Massachusetts for 10 years and have owned and occupied a Massachusetts property for 5 years;
• Age 70 or older on July 1, 2021,
• Your income last year was $21,393 or less, and
• Your assets (checking, savings, bonds, etc.) not including your home were
$35, 499 or less.
-OR-
You are married,
• One of you was age 70 or older on July 1, 2021,
• Your income last year was $26,385 or less, and
• Your assets (checking, savings, bonds, etc.) not including your home were
$38, 034 or less.
If you are over an above limit, you may still be entitled to a $345 tax reduction if you have owned and occupied your Franklin property as your domicile for at least 5 years,
Your assets (checking, savings, bonds, etc.) not including your home were
$50,712 or less,
-AND-
You are a surviving spouse; or single 70 or older July 1, 2021,
If you think you might qualify and need information or assistance in completing the application, call the Franklin Senior Center; 508 520-4945.
Some widows of veterans may be eligible for a tax exemption.
Please contact:
Veterans’ Services Office at (508) 613-1315
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Rain barrel orders available - Water conservation rebates now available
"It's that time of year again! Spring is right around the corner and it's time to consider installing a rain barrel at your home. The Great American Rain Barrel Company is offering Franklin residents discounted barrels for just $69. Residents may then apply for a $50 water conservation rebate from the DPW for a total cost of only $19 (rebates are limited to two per household)!
Order before midnight on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 and pick up at the DPW Admin Office (257 Fisher St, Franklin) on Wednesday, May 12, from 4-6 PM."
Saturday, January 25, 2020
Franklin residents: Time to Order Your Rain Barrel!
Interested in installing a rain barrel at your home? The Great American Rain Barrel Company is offering Franklin residents discounted barrels for just $69.
Residents may then apply for a $50 water conservation rebate from the DPW for a total cost of only $19 (rebates are limited to two per household)!
Order before midnight, Thursday, April 30 and pick up at the DPW Admin Office (257 Fisher St, Franklin) on Wednesday, May 6, from 4-6 PM.
Click here for more information or to order.
https://www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community/
Apply for a water conservation rebate here
https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/water-conservation-rebates-now-available
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Franklin residents: Time to Order Your Rain Barrel! |
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/time-order-your-rain-barrel-0
Saturday, March 24, 2018
2018 Woodstove Change Out - Rebates Available
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Sunday, March 5, 2017
Water Conservation Rebates Now Available
- Toilets: Check the EPA WaterSense Water Efficient Product List for qualifying toilet. Choose "Tank-Type Toilets" under Product Category and hit Search to see all qualifying toilets or select your specific Brand Name and Model Name and hit Search.
- Purchase and install a qualifying toilet, clothes washer or rain barrel on or after June 1, 2016.
- Fill in the Rebate Application (attachments at bottom of this page) and submit to DPW within 90 days of purchase. Applicant must be the owner of the property and a Water Department account holder in good standing.
- If approved, a check and voucher to dispose of the old washer and/or toilet(s) at the Franklin Recycling Center will be sent right to your home!
- See the Rebate Applications (attachments at bottom of this page) for the full listing of rebate rules.
EPA water sense |
- High efficiency clothes washers use up to 55% less water than standard washers.
- By replacing old, inefficient toilets with WaterSense labeled models, the average family can reduce water used for toilets by 20 to 60 percent—that's nearly 13,000 gallons of water savings every year!
- High efficiency washers also use less overall energy so cost savings may be seen on both your water/sewer and electricity bills!
- Clothes washer rebate application
- Toilet rebate application
- Rain barrel rebate application
Monday, November 14, 2016
Water Conservation Rebate Program
residential use of water |
Did you know the average Franklin family spends $800 per year in water and sewer costs?
But you can save over $200 annually by upgrading your home with WaterSense® labeled products and ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances.
- Toilets: Check the EPA WaterSense Water Efficient Product List for qualifying toilet. Choose "Tank-Type Toilets" under Product Category and hit Search to see all qualifying toilets or select your specific Brand Name and Model Name and hit Search.
- Purchase and install a qualifying toilet, clothes washer or rain barrel on or after June 1, 2016.
- Fill in the Rebate Application (attachments at bottom of this page) and submit to DPW within 90 days of purchase. Applicant must be the owner of the property and a Water Department account holder in good standing.
- If approved, a check and voucher to dispose of the old washer and/or toilet(s) at the Franklin Recycling Center will be sent right to your home!
- See the Rebate Applications (attachments at bottom of this page) for the full listing of rebate rules.
Water Sense |
- High efficiency clothes washers use up to 55% less water than standard washers.
- By replacing old, inefficient toilets with WaterSense labeled models, the average family can reduce water used for toilets by 20 to 60 percent—that's nearly 13,000 gallons of water savings every year!
- High efficiency washers also use less overall energy so cost savings may be seen on both your water/sewer and electricity bills!