Councilor LeBlanc "quarterbacks' the June 10 & June 17 Town Council meetings (audio)

FM #1769 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1769 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Michael LeBlanc. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meetings of June 17 and June 10, 2026. Yes, in reverse order.

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

• June 17 meeting

• Swearing of backfill new hires

• Budget closeout for FY 2026

• June 10

• FY 2027 budget approved by 6-3 vote

• Capital budget approved by 9-0

• CPA funding approved 7-2 vote

• Strategic investment to grow revenue

The conversation runs about 50 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1769-town-council-quarterbacking-06-18-26/

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Franklin TV videos for replay 

• Town Council - June 17 - recap & video link  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/town-council-witnesses-backfill-new.html 

• Town Council - June 10 - recap & video link  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/town-council-takes-almost-5-hours-to.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

• 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!

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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"

Town Council Approves FY27 Operating Budget and Capital Investments for Franklin, MA

June 12, 2026 Town Council Approves FY27 Operating Budget and Capital Investments The Town Council approved the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) operating budget, establishing the Town's financial blueprint and funding priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. Please read the short, two-page FY27 Budget Snapshot and Summary of key investments and highlights of the budget process: FY27 Budget Snapshot and Summary (PDF). The FY27 budget review process began with the Finance Committee conducting several budget hearings totaling more than 17 hours of review and discussion. Throughout the process, committee members worked closely with Town and School officials to evaluate departmental requests, review financial projections, and develop recommendations for the Town Council. The Franklin School Committee and Town Council have met jointly twice since the election, showing voters that collaboration is at the center of the work plan for the legislative session. Many members have been also attending their respective meetings and working very closely together through this budget season.  The FY27 approved budget does not include any proposals for an override, tax increase or other new rate increases to balance the budget. The budget also does not include any proposed reduction to key town departments, including the Franklin Public Schools (FPS), Fire Department, Police Department or Public Works, Senior Center or Library.  These approvals represent important milestones in advancing Franklin's operational, capital, public safety, and community preservation priorities for FY27. With the budget now approved, Town departments will move forward with implementing the programs, services, and investments outlined in the fiscal year plan. The FY27 budget reflects a collaborative effort among Town Councilors, Finance Committee members, School Committee members, Town and School staff, and department leaders to support the services, infrastructure, and community investments that residents rely on while maintaining a commitment to responsible financial planning. Check out the two-page budget snapshot and summary: FY27 Budget Snapshot and Summary (PDF) Take a Closer Look: FY27 Budget Archive  Explore Town budget archives dating back to 2016: Franklin Budget Archive Center  View it on website

Download the Budget Snapshot - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b-0-Fy6oXvJioIZLebkniaZ8Jl3MqVFo/view?usp=sharing

Franklin, MA: Agenda for joint Town Council & School Committee meeting on Tuesday, May 12

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

May 12, 2026 = 7:00 PM

This is a joint meeting of the Franklin Town Council and Franklin School Committee.

Meeting will take place at the Franklin Municipal Building: 

355 East Central Street - 2nd Floor, Council Chambers

1. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion and potential selection of bidders from the Request for Statements of Interest issued by the Franklin Town Council and School Committee for a strategic plan.

i. Request for Statement of Interest for Development of a Strategic Plan   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9423/2026-04-17--Req-for-Information-Strategic-Plan

ii. Presentations (via Zoom) 

7:00 - 7:30: Raftelis  

 https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9322/Raftelis

7:35 - 8:05: Capital Strategic Solutions 

 https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9321/Capital-Strategic-Solutions

8:10 - 8:40: BME Strategies 

 https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9320/BME-Strategies

2. 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/_05122026-2302

Finance Committee closes out 16+ hours of budget hearings with proposed adjustments (audio)

FM #1728 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1728 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee Budget Hearing, the Last of 4 sessions to go over the FY 2027 budget. The meeting was held in Council Chambers with 7 of 9 members present.

Quick recap:

• This session was time well spent by the Committee to review the potential adjustments to the budget and come to a consensus on them. They started with a set of goals and a process to work through the listing of the items for discussion based upon what had occurred over the prior three nights.

• They wanted to minimize use of free cash. The end proposal recommends $1.8M of free cash rather than $2M

• They wanted to move some of the regular recurring 'capital items' to the ops budget where they belong. They took a step in that direction with less than $100K of police gear putting that in the Ops budget. Next cycle those items won't need to come before the Capital budget as a request

• They made a strategic investment in a couple of positions. One already in the budget for a part time clerk in the Assessors office, and additional hybrid inspector/admin help for the Building Commissioner's team. This should help the assessors and inspectors to do the work they need to do while providing some additional administrative help to help the work flow and improve our permit and tax base (both revenue generators)

• They proposed reducing the Facilities expense budget

• They confirmed the need for restoration of the Deputy Town Administrator and the School Resource officers (SROs)

• They will request that the Schools look as possibly using more of their revolving funds to help balance their budget and in turn free up more free cash on the Town side to not be used for the overall budget

• The complete set of the adjustments will be written up, presented by the FinCom to the Town Council and Joint Budget Subcommittee. The line item adjustments will be made and incorporate some other updates for the Town Administrator to issue a revised budget proposal before the Council gets to finalize their vote at the June 10th meeting. It may not be ready for the May 20-21 Council budget hearings, the key item that still might be outstanding before those hearings is the FY 2027 health costs as the annual enrollment completes April 30

Let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1728-finance-cmte-budget-hearing-4-04-09-26/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/3oIsBHQ73Ts?&t=1170 

The amended agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04092026-2222 

My full set of notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NzSDXoQxk7P0ztXRKjPpcPTPrZgBNE78/view?usp=drive_link 

Dept of Arts, Culture & Creative Economy metrics as referenced by Cory Shea during the budget hearing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zQV7NQTLRSy1UnPKxad0wtW8Q-76YqOc/view?usp=drive_link

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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 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"

Joint meeting of Town Council & School Committee gets details on Chapter 70, Council approves RFI for strategic plan (video)

The Franklin Town Council and Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday night. 

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/vMw9RSzLJGI?&t=70

The agenda doc - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182026-2193 

Photos of the slides presented in one album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/WrHjvm6PcK5z2SPq6

(We are supposed to get a copy of the presentation document. When we do, we'll add it here)

My notes in one PDF document - https://drive.google.com/file/d/17c0hL9XH3aIn4vXRq8daYRfGFS3HPriQ/view?usp=drive_link

Chapter 70 Program - Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)

Brief recap

• Presentation on the Chapter 70 Program - Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
• State constitution calls for funding education. Chapter 70 was developed in 1993 to administer the program. It was revised in 2019 with the Student Opportunity Act (SOA). It attempts to normalize school funding across the Commonwealth. Communities can spend more than the state determined "foundation" level but the state will assist the community in meeting the foundation level.
• Franklin is a minimum aid community as the current calculation calls for state assistance in the amount of $13M and we were previously getting $30M, hence we are being held harmless by that $17M. The 17M is the amount that the state determines Franklin could and should be funding from our local resources.
• There is a study underway to take a look at the local contribution requirements but it is likely a couple of years away from taking effect and it is not yet know what will happen. While Franklin is #2 on the list of communities being "held harmless", the number of communities on that list is growing due to the revised calculations
• Appointment to the Finance Committee: Tom Sullivan, Passes 8-0-1
• Resolution 26-16: Approval for Request for Statements of Interest for Development of a Strategic Plan (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-16 - Majority Vote)
• So moved, second, ...
• Motion to amend with Council and SchCmte, and new date Apr 17
• Second, passes 8-0-1
• Motion to approve as amended 
• Second, passes 8-0-1
• Resolution 26-17: Town Council’s Support of FY27 State Budget Priorities (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-17 - Majority Vote)
• So moved, second, discussion 
• Passes 8-0-1
• Resolution 26-18: Town Council Support for H. 4297, An Act relative to the Lowell Mason Act to mandate a percentage of Chapter 70 funds for Arts Education Programs 
• So moved, second, discussion 
• Motion to amend to include house and Senate ways & means, second vote to amend withdrawn ...
• Vote on the original motion, resolution was not changed, just the memo
• Passes 8-0-1
• Resolution 26-19: Request for Special Legislation Re: Increase in Local (Hotel) Excise Tax (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-19 - Majority Vote)
• So moved, second
• Passes 8-0-1

Franklin, MA: Joint Town Council & School Committee meeting - Weds, Mar 18 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

March 18, 2026 = 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.

d. Committee Assignments

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. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

4. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Joint Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Communications Subcommittee

d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee

e. Police Station Building Committee

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

 

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. January 21, 2026 (tabled from February 11, 2026 Town Council meeting)  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8726/7a---January-21-2026-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

b. February 4, 2026  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8725/7b-February-4-2026-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

c. March 4, 2026  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8724/7c-March-4-Minutes

8. APPOINTMENTS

a. Finance Committee: Tom Sullivan

9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 6:00 PM - None Scheduled

10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION -

a. Presentation & Discussion: Chapter 70 Program - Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)  https://www.doe.mass.edu/finance/chapter70/default.html

b. Discussion: School Committee & Town Council Strategic Planning Request for Information  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8719/11b-Discussion-Strategic-Planning

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-16: Approval for Request for Statements of Interest for Development of a Strategic Plan (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-16 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8720/12a-1---RESOLUTION-26-16---Approval-for-Request-for-Statements-of-Interest-for-Development-of-a-Strategic-Plan

b. Resolution 26-17: Town Council’s Support of FY27 State Budget Priorities (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-17 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8721/12b-FY27-State-Budget-Priorities-Letter

c. Resolution 26-18: Town Council Support for H. 4297, An Act relative to the Lowell Mason Act to mandate a percentage of Chapter 70 funds for Arts Education Programs (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-18 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8722/12c-Town-Council-Support-for-H-4297

d. Resolution 26-19: Request for Special Legislation Re: Increase in Local (Hotel) Excise Tax (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-19 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8723/12d-Special-Legislation-Regarding-Increase-in-Local-Excise-Tax

13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

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://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182026-2193 

Town Council Quarterbacking with Councilor Ted Cormier-Leger (audio)

FM #1670 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1670 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Ted Cormier-Leger. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Friday, February 13, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

• After tabling the prior meeting minutes for a future meeting to add some questions that were asked but not reflected in the minutes, they approved a technical change for the Shaw's alcohol license

• Council comments followed Citizen Comments in this new order of agenda items

• The 5 year budget model and forecast 

• The Capital budget 

• Then as the clock turned past 10 PM during their deliberations on the amendments, the Council voted to allow extension of the meeting past their 4 hour curfew. The meeting did close approx. 20 minutes later.

The conversation runs about 70 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1670-town-council-quarterbacking-02-13-26/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay

https://www.youtube.com/live/PGKBpPjZZTM?&t=210 

The agenda and docs released for this session

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02112026-2130  

My notes captured in one PDF file - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OUdG4Uju_rM2ro2mJCBeEIXOfSx9T8M0/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"