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

Saturday, June 13, 2026

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

June 12, 2026

Town Council Approves FY27 Operating Budget and Capital Investments

FY27 Budget Approved

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
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Friday, June 12, 2026

Vote tally of the more than 40 votes taken by Town Council on Wednesday, June 10, 2026

The Town Council had an almost 5 hour session on Wednesday to discussion and vote on the budget, the CPA funds, and Capital Budget round 2 among the multiple measure they needed to take action on. 

There were over 40 votes taken that evening. I started tracking the roll call votes (these votes folks would need to know) and ended up putting all the votes in one spreadsheet with a PDF output.

You can find a brief description of the item up for vote, and the vote tally of the roll call up to the recess, the votes after were noted as "Voice Votes"


Download the file for review here


Or view the embedded version here



My notes were also verified via the video, but if I did make a mistake, please let me know, the record can be corrected.

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Thursday, June 11, 2026

Town Council takes almost 5 hours to approve FY 2027 budget, the CPA funded projects & capital round 2 (video)

The Franklin Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, June 10 with all 9 members present in Council Chambers. The session went almost 5 hours with a vote to extend past 4, and a brief "bio break/recess" during.

The 'surprise' of the evening was the announcement that Police Chief TJ Lynch will retire in November 2026.

Ultimately the FY 2027 budget passed by a 6-3 vote, the CPA funding allocation also passed by a 7-2 vote. The use of free cash for the capital round 2 was also approved by a vote of 9-0

Franklin TV video is available for replay  https://www.youtube.com/live/qrKpQCBSomk?&t=170

The agenda and associated materials can be found - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102026-2357 


A Tally of the individual votes is being put together and we be shared as soon as complete




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Wednesday, June 10, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 ???

Wednesday, June 10


1:00pm Writer's Group (Franklin Senior Center)

6:30pm Bingo night (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)

6:30pm Franklin Elks Bingo Night (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)


For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events
For additional details on Library events ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events


For additional details on Senior Center events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9195/May-2026-Newsletter?bidId=
For additional details on Senior Center events ->   
***  Town Meetings today   ***

Charles River Pollution Control District

Wednesday, June 10 Time: 3:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102026-2350 


Historical Commission Meeting

Wednesday, June 10 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102026-2358


Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, June 10 Time: 6:00 PM 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102026-2357 



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Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

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Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:
 
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday


8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM   Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock 
Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)  

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
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Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Reminder: Franklin Town Council will meet on Wednesday, June 10 to determine the FY 2027 operating budget

Reminder: The Franklin Town Council will meet on Wednesday, June 10, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building.

The Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed FY 2027 Operating Budget. The adopted budget will guide Town spending and support services, programs, and operations in the coming fiscal year.

View the agenda https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/franklin-ma-agenda-for-town-council-fy.html


Residents are encouraged to attend in person, join remotely via Zoom, or watch live on Franklin Town Hall TV.

Find the explanation on the recent changes to the FY 2027


The list of resolutions mostly for the budget on the Agenda for June 10

5. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 26-25: Adoption of the FY2027 Budget Appropriations
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-25 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9762/5a-Complete

b. Resolution 26-26: Amendment to FY2027 Budget - Council on Aging
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-26 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9763/5b-Complete

i. Control Sheet & Voting Document (clean version)
ii. Staff Memorandum
iii. Control Sheet & Voting Document (notes version)
iv. Resolution - Adoption of Revised Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
v. Revised Appendix A - Town Administrator Revised Budget

c. Resolution 26-27: MECC Stabilization Transfer to FY27 Operating Budget
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-27 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 26-28: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official (Town Clerk)
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-28 - Majority Vote)

e. Resolution 26-29: Expenditure Limits for FY2027 on Departmental Revolving Funds (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-29 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 26-33: Capital Round 2  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-33 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9757/5f-Complete

g. Resolution 26-32: Free Cash to Fire Truck Stabilization Transfer  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-32 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9767/5g-Complete

h. Resolution 26-34: Group Insurance Trust Fund Transfer  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-34 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9768/5h-Complete

i. Resolution 26-31: Capital FY26 Enterprise Funds  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-31 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9769/5i-Complete

j. Resolution 26-35 - Ambulance Transfer & Appropriation  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-35 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9770/5j-Complete

k. Resolution 26-23: Community Preservation Fund: Annual Appropriations and Reservation (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-23 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9771/5k-Complete

l. Resolution 26-24: FY27 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds - Capital (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-24 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9772/5l-Complete

m. Bylaw Amendment 26-952: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, §82-6, Schedule of Service Fees - Second Reading
(Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 26-952 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9773/5m-Complete

n. Bylaw Amendment 26-953: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Article X: Winter Storm Overnight Parking Ban - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 26-953 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9774/5n-Complete
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Monday, June 8, 2026

Max helps to recap 3 Town Council meetings in this Quarterbacking session (audio)

FM #1759 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1759 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meetings of May 12 (with School Committee) and the 2 budget hearings (May 20, May 21). Yes, we skipped over the May 13 Council meeting. Oops!



We focus on two questions:

  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

  • Joint meeting with School Committee, strategic plan

  • Budget discussions, questions and answers 

  • Final numbers coming up for the June 10, and then June 17 session

  • June is full of events


The conversation runs about 32 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1759-town-council-quarterbacking-06-02-26/

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Franklin TV videos for replay 






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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"


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Sunday, June 7, 2026

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council - FY 2027 budget discussion and vote - June 10 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
June 10, 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.

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. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 6:00 PM
a. Transfer of License, Pledge of License & Pledge of Inventory - Om Devitas Market Inc. d/b/a DeVita’s Market, Located at 198 East Central St., Franklin, MA

4. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. Transfer of License, Pledge of License & Pledge of Inventory - Om Devitas Market Inc. d/b/a DeVita’s Market, Located at 198 East Central St., Franklin, MA
b. License Modification - Change of Officers - The Chateau Restaurant of Franklin, Inc. d/b/a The Chateau Restaurant, Located at 466 King St., Franklin, MA
c. Farmer-Brewery Farmers Market License - Rushford and Sons Brewhouse, LLC  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9761/4c-Complete

5. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 26-25: Adoption of the FY2027 Budget Appropriations
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-25 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9762/5a-Complete

b. Resolution 26-26: Amendment to FY2027 Budget - Council on Aging
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-26 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9763/5b-Complete

i. Control Sheet & Voting Document (clean version)
ii. Staff Memorandum
iii. Control Sheet & Voting Document (notes version)
iv. Resolution - Adoption of Revised Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
v. Revised Appendix A - Town Administrator Revised Budget

c. Resolution 26-27: MECC Stabilization Transfer to FY27 Operating Budget
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-27 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 26-28: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official (Town Clerk)
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-28 - Majority Vote)

e. Resolution 26-29: Expenditure Limits for FY2027 on Departmental Revolving Funds (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-29 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 26-33: Capital Round 2  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-33 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9757/5f-Complete

g. Resolution 26-32: Free Cash to Fire Truck Stabilization Transfer  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-32 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9767/5g-Complete

h. Resolution 26-34: Group Insurance Trust Fund Transfer  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-34 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9768/5h-Complete

i. Resolution 26-31: Capital FY26 Enterprise Funds  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-31 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9769/5i-Complete

j. Resolution 26-35 - Ambulance Transfer & Appropriation  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-35 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9770/5j-Complete

k. Resolution 26-23: Community Preservation Fund: Annual Appropriations and Reservation (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-23 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9771/5k-Complete

l. Resolution 26-24: FY27 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds - Capital (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-24 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9772/5l-Complete

m. Bylaw Amendment 26-952: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, §82-6, Schedule of Service Fees - Second Reading
(Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 26-952 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9773/5m-Complete

n. Bylaw Amendment 26-953: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Article X: Winter Storm Overnight Parking Ban - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 26-953 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9774/5n-Complete

6. ADJOURN
Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc (and supporting documents) also contains remote participation info - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102026-2357 

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Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walks us through the changes to the updated FY 2027 budget (audio)

FM #1751 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1751 in the series.


This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We recorded our conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Thursday, May 28, 2026.  


Key topics

  • Updates to the FY 2027 budget

  • Health care overview

  • Final stretch for budget approval

    • Finance Cmte Jun 3

    • Town Council Jun 10

    • Town Council Jun 17


The recording runs about 1 hour & 5 minutes. Let’s listen to our conversation.

Audio link - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4PJREAiffxNX7eUUsa18hn



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Summary memo on budget changes - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/05/town-administrator-memo-to-finance.html 


Town of Franklin page -  https://www.franklinma.gov/ 


FY 2027 budget page - https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=577 


Community calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar 



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


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"


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