Showing posts with label town budget. Show all posts
Showing posts with label town budget. Show all posts

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Town Council responds to budget adjustment by adding back 3rd ambulance, (video)

The Franklin, MA Town Council met at 6 PM on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 as scheduled. All 9 Councilors participated in Council Chambers. The public meeting ran just over 3 hours. The Council entered Executive Session to review another 5 topics. Once into Executive Session they did not return to open meeting.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E1pOkLizKc


My full set of notes in one PDF -> 

Quick recap:
  • In the first of 2 long updates, discussions, the Council ultimately approved the restoration of the 3rd ambulance by adjusting the expense budget by $114K, authorizing the hiring of 2 firefighter/paramedics, and including half of the anticipated ambulance revenue in the budget to balance for the $231,152 shortfall in State funding that came after the State finalized their budget in July
  • In the 2nd, key decision, the Council voted 7-2 to NOT accept a private donation to provide funding for the health & wellness nurse at the Senior Center. There are 2 actions out of this: one for the Town Administrator to find another  way to fund and restore the position, and 2 - to draft a policy for the Town on donations and acceptable uses. As noted during the discussion, the School District has such a policy, the Town does not
  • Per legal advice, the Town Council can not rescind the 40b approval vote for the 444 East Central development. Residents are encouraged to continue to participate in both the Zoning Board of Appeals and Conservation Commission meeting as the project moves through the process. There is no short cut to this long process.
  • Franklin Ridge project is likely to put shovel in the ground before year end (a delay from what was announced earlier this year). In another year, the operator will begin outreach and info session for the resident application process. Federal income guidelines will be followed but 70% of the units to be prioritized for Franklin residents
Additional items will be added to the recap with the publication of the meeting audio and also covered in the Town Council Quarterbacking session when shared in a couple of days.



Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Finance Committee recommends Option B, adding back 2 firefighter/paramedics to resolve budget adjustment (audio)

FM #1492 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1492 in the series. 


This session shares the Finance Committee meeting very briefly conducted Monday, August 11, 2025. The Committee opened with 3 new members and the Chair absent, for his first time, so 8 of 9 present. One member was initially remote, then he came into Chambers so roll call votes were not required. 


The room had changed from the posted agenda so the Studio personnel were not present to broadcast as normal. The Owl was used to enable video and audio for those participating via Zoom. The recording of that can be processed for broadcast later by Franklin TV.


Quick recap:

  • After a lengthy presentation and discussion, the Committee voted to recommend Option B for the Town Council to discuss and determine their vote on the FY 2026 budget adjustment.

  • The State budget finalized in July authorized $231,152 LESS than the Town had put in the budget and adjusted after the failed override.

  • Model A would have split the difference in making further cuts to both Town and School budgets

  • Model B makes some minor cuts ($21K), adjusts health care (by $75K) but also by restoring 2 firefighter/paramedics ($115K) is forecast to also bring in $249K in revenue to offset the adds and ‘balance’ the budget again

  • Note the numbers presented on the option B slide still result in a NET ADD of $18k to the budget (maybe that will get corrected before the Council meeting Wednesday)


Model A

Model A would have split the difference in making further cuts to both Town and School budgets
Model A would split the difference in making further cuts to both Town and School budgets



Model B

Model B makes some minor cuts ($21K), adjusts health care (by $75K) but also by restoring 2 firefighter/paramedics ($115K) is forecast to also bring in $249K in revenue to offset the adds and ‘balance’ the budget again
Model B makes some minor cuts ($21K), adjusts health care (by $75K) but also by restoring 2 firefighter/paramedics ($115K) is forecast to also bring in $249K in revenue to offset the adds and ‘balance’ the budget again


Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1492-tof-finance-cmte-mtg-08-11-25/


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


Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08112025-1822 


FY26 Budget Amendments

a. Town Administrator Memo  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6478/Town-Administrator-Memo 

b. FY26 Control Sheet Model A & B Comparison 

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6434/FY26-Control-Sheet-Model-A-and-B-Comparison 

c. FY26 Budget Voting Doc Model A & B Comparison  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6433/FY26-Budget-Voting-Doc-A-and-B-Comparison 

d. Budget Voting Resolution Model A  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6489/General-Fund-Appropriation-Transfers-and-Adjustments-Resolution-25-52---Option-A 

e. Budget Voting Resolution Model B  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6492/General-Fund-Appropriation-Transfers-and-Adjustments-Resolution-25-52---Option-B


My notes for the meeting captured in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DkU4mNB3P894CmvRaaqTJQXWhFPhYdB6/view?usp=drive_link 


Photos of the presentation slides for the meeting are in one album ->

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

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!

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


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


Saturday, August 9, 2025

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - agenda for meeting Aug 11, 2025 at 7 PM

Finance Committee 
Meeting Agenda & Meeting Packet 
Monday, August 11, 2025 - 7:00 PM

Franklin Municipal Building
355 East Central Street, 3rd Floor Training Room

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments
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 Finance Committee cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Finance Committee may ask town staff to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the town staff from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. Approval of Minutes
a. April 28, 2025
b. April 29, 2025
c. May 1, 2025
d. June 11, 2025
4. FY26 Budget Amendments
a. Town Administrator Memo  
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6478/Town-Administrator-Memo
b. FY26 Control Sheet Model A & B Comparison 
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6434/FY26-Control-Sheet-Model-A-and-B-Comparison
c. FY26 Budget Voting Doc Model A & B Comparison  
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6433/FY26-Budget-Voting-Doc-A-and-B-Comparison
d. Budget Voting Resolution Model A  
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6489/General-Fund-Appropriation-Transfers-and-Adjustments-Resolution-25-52---Option-A
e. Budget Voting Resolution Model B  
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6492/General-Fund-Appropriation-Transfers-and-Adjustments-Resolution-25-52---Option-B
5. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive Series”
a. Town Administrator
i. Five-Year Fiscal Forecast  
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6432/5-Year-Forecast-FY26---FY31
 
ii. Five Year Departmental Forecast  
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6475/Five-Year-Departmental-Forecast---FY2026-to-FY2030

6. Standing Updates:
a. Stabilization Account Report   
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6437/Stabilization-Fund-Balances-6-30-2025docx-1
b. Municipal Local Receipts Report 6/30/25  
https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6436/Local-Receipts-Enterprise-Revenues-Budget-to-Actual-Report---6-30-2025
c. Municipal Local Receipts Fee’s Revenue by Department 6/30/2025  
https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6440/Local-Receipts-Fees-Revenue-by-Dpt-6-30-2025
7. Future Agenda Items / Next meeting Date:
Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - agenda for meeting Aug 11, 2025 at 7 PM
Franklin, MA: Finance Committee 
a. September 10, 2025 (Deep Dive: Technology)
b. October 22, 2025
c. November 5, 2025
d. December 10, 2025
8. Finance Committee Member Comments

9. Adjourn

The agenda doc with remote participation info ->



Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Bob & I review the COA Letter and reveal the town records on the position funding (audio)

FM #1489 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1489 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with Robert (Bob) Kaufman, member of the Council on Aging which oversees the Senior Center in an advisory capacity. We had our discussion on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio.

 

We talk about 

  • The circumstances that created the situation

  • The points of the COA Letter

  • Rebuttal or alternate explanations for the points of the letter


The point of our conversation was to more fully explain the details around the letter and ensure that we could have a better and civil discussion. While this happened this year, given the financial situation of the town, we will likely see this again. We, the collective "we", need to determine how "we" are going to solve our budget problem.


The recording runs about 59 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1489-coa-letter-robert-kaufman-07-30-25/



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


History of the grants and Friends of Franklin Elders (FOFE)
History of the grants and Friends of Franklin Elders (FOFE)
Robert’s email -> bobkaufman@msn.com 


COA Letter as discussed -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/07/franklin-council-on-aging-letter-to.html 


History of the grants and Friends of Franklin Elders (FOFE) funding for the cook and nurse from 2010 through 2017 when the Town budget provided the funding https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iOz6F1W9Rq-H67C2jmhthNNPL7GZCyMQ/view?usp=drive_link 



To save some from searching, Bob did struggle to recall the name of the last Republican Mayor of Chicago -> a source of the history for “Big Bill” Thompson is available https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Hale_Thompson 



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

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!

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


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


Wednesday, June 4, 2025

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



Tuesday, June 3, 2025

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
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)

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)  

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)

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 ->