Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Dean College: "Blinking"
The Dance program at Dean College will be putting on a show called "Blinking" Dec 10th.
Elizabeth Warren - House Party - Dec 3
Christine Manns is holding a house party for US Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren on Saturday, Dec 3 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Seating is limited so please RSVP early. You can RSVP by calling Christine at 508-528-7905.
Monday, November 28, 2011
FM #101 - Tax Rate Info
This is #101 in the series for Franklin Matters. This covers tax rate information to prepare for the hearing set for the Town Council meeting on Weds Nov 30, 2011.
Time: 11 minutes, 15 seconds
Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0b02d48e-eb09-4412-8eb1-f82cc308a8da
The presentation to view along with the audio:
Show Notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 101 in the series for Franklin Matters.
In this session, you give me about ten minutes and I'll fill you in on what matters in Franklin.
In particular, we'll prepare for the Town Council meeting Wednesday, Nov 30th, where the big item on the agenda will be the annual tax classification hearing beginning at 7:10 PM.
This is the time and place where the Town Council determines (1) to keep a single tax rate or decides to implement a split tax rate and (2) sets the actual rate.
I have reviewed the data provided by the Board of Assessors for this hearing. I have also spent some time on the Dept of Revenue website updating my files with historical data on Franklin's budget, tax rate, etc.
I have updated the slides to share information that I think will help us all understand the overall situation.
Page 2 shows how the tax rate is calculated. Starting with the levy limit from 2011, 2.5% is added. Based upon Prop 2.5%, up to this amount can be added without a special override vote. The growth from last year is added. This provides a subtotal. Any prior debt exclusions are added and this provides the maximum levy limit. We can technically achieve this due to rounding factors on the rates. So we have what they call an “excess levy capacity” of $9,341. This leaves us with the tax levy, the amount that Franklin is authorized to raise this year. The amount is divided by the total assessed values of all the residential, commercial, industrial and personal property.
The tax assessors package for the Town Council meeting has a number of pages devoted to the property analysis of the residential, commercial/industrial (CIP) to get to this value. The major factor to remember is that due to the overall economic conditions, property values are declining. Divide any number by a declining number and the percent will increase.
Page 3 shows the tax rate as it has varied throughout the years from 1988 to 2012. I really shouldn't use a line to depict the point in time number for each year, but it is much easier to view the data this way. The tax rate high point was in 1997 when it was 14.21% and the low point (in the period shown) was 8.86% in 2007. I find it interesting that the tax rate dropped for ten years in a row (from its peak in 1997), has gone up for the past 5 years, and yet all you hear about is our tax problem?
There are many reasons for the increases shown. I don't have all the information to explain nor do I have the time this week to do so. What I can show on Page 4 is how the assessed value effects the tax rate. The blue bars in this case depict the NET change in assessed total value of all the properties in Franklin. From 1997, the peak tax rate, the overall assessed values rose and the tax rate dropped each year until the values peaked in 2007 (when the tax rate hit its low point). Since 2007, the assessed values have dropped and the rate has risen. With less of a tax base upon which to levy the expected tax revenue, guess what, the tax rate will increase. Simple math.
Well, Page 5 more clearly shows what our 'tax problem” is. The numbers on this chart depict the average tax bill for the period 1988 through 2012. As you can see from the red bars, in no year did the average tax bill decrease. The tax rate line from Page 4 is also shown here. Clearly, the tax rate whether it goes up or down seems to have little effect on the tax bill. It is always going up.
One alternative to increasing the single tax rate is to consider a split tax rate. On Page 6 - the table depicts the residential vs. commercial/industrial property mix since 1999. It has varied a little each year but generally around 80% residential and 20% commercial/industrial. The high point for residential was 82.12 in 1988 and the low point was 77.04 in 1993.
Page 7 shows the same numbers in a chart format. As there is so little variance, I think this more clearly depicts the small range that the commercial/industrial and residential split has had over the years.
Why did I spend time on the CI vs Residential split? I can hear some folks now saying “let's go with a split tax rate”. With kind of property mix we have, a split tax does not solve our problem. See, the split tax does not increase overall tax revenues, it only shifts the proportion of the pie that each party pays as shown on Page 8. For a single dollar decrease in residential property tax, the CI increase would need to be $4. I have said it before and it bears repeating again: We don't need to shift the tax burden from one class to another. We need to grow the overall tax base. We need a bigger pie.
The best opportunities for grow come from the underutilized CI space we have. You should be aware of the efforts of Bryan Taberner and others in the Department of Planning and Community Development. There are scheduled additional bylaw proposals to increase the zoning for biotechnology. This would be one potential area for good growth. We don't need additional residential properties which would further burden the school system. In particular, the residential growth we have seen recently has been mostly in the rental unit arena and that is even worse for Franklin than a single family home. We need healthy growth in CI properties to provide tax revenues and provide some jobs for local residents.
Page 9 provides information on the sources of the data that I used to prepare this.
Page 10 provides my contact information if you have any questions or would like to review this further.
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This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.
How can you help?
If you like this, please tell a neighbor.
If you don't like this, please let me know.
Thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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!
New MassBudget Report on State Education Funding
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108
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Eat at Pizzeria Uno on Tuesday December 6th and Support Franklin Music Boosters, Inc.!
On Tuesday, December 6th, UNO Chicago Grill in Bellingham (205 Hartford Ave.) will donate up to 20% of your check to benefit the Franklin Music Boosters. Dine-in or Takeout! A coupon is required for the Music Boosters to receive this benefit. Please visit their website at www.FranklinMusic.org to print one out.
Franklin Music Boosters is a parent organization which supports the entire Franklin Public School Music Program grades 6-12. Through volunteer support and fundraising, the Music Boosters help provide transportation for performance trips, competitions and outings; sponsor concerts and special events; finance the purchase of musical equipment and uniforms; fund private lessons and scholarships, as well as support the music department with volunteer help. For more information about getting involved with the Franklin Music Boosters, contact Amy Czuba, amyczuba@gmail.com.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Santa arrives on the Franklin Town Common
Yes, Sunday afternoon promptly at 4:00 PM
A good time was had by all!
A good time was had by all!
Santa on the Town Common: 4:00 PM
Santa is scheduled to arrive at the Town Common this afternoon at 4:00 PM.
Photo from 2010. Additional photos can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/11/santa-arrives-on-franklin-town-common_29.html
The video of Santa's arrival in 2010 can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/11/santa-arrives-on-franklin-town-common.html
Photo from 2010. Additional photos can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/11/santa-arrives-on-franklin-town-common_29.html
The video of Santa's arrival in 2010 can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/11/santa-arrives-on-franklin-town-common.html
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - 11/30/11
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
- This meeting is being recorded by Verizon, Comcast, and Franklin Matters.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS - Annual Tax Classification Hearing – 7:10 PM
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 11-65:Classification Tax Allocation– Residential Factor
2. Resolution 11-66:Classification Tax Allocation – Open Space Exemption
3. Resolution 11-67:Classification Tax Allocation – Small Businesses Exemption
4. Resolution 11-68: Classification Tax Allocation – Residential Property Exemption
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
The full set of documents published for this meeting can be viewed/downloaded here (PDF)
Ai3 Architects
Ai3 Architects has been selected for the design of the new Franklin High School because of their work on the 'model school' program that the MSBA invited Franklin to join.
What does Ai3 do?
Visit their website to find more information on the firm's profile
http://ai3architects.com/firm-profile/fp_about_us
They have a set of case studies on projects they did, including Whitman-Hanson High School
http://ai3architects.com/case-studies/cs_whitman_hanson_high_school
The Ai3 site also showcases their portfolio of 8 high schools, 8 middle schools and 7 elementary schools.
http://ai3architects.com/portfolio
What does Ai3 do?
Visit their website to find more information on the firm's profile
http://ai3architects.com/firm-profile/fp_about_us
They have a set of case studies on projects they did, including Whitman-Hanson High School
http://ai3architects.com/case-studies/cs_whitman_hanson_high_school
The Ai3 site also showcases their portfolio of 8 high schools, 8 middle schools and 7 elementary schools.
http://ai3architects.com/portfolio
Celebrate the Holidays with Dinner & A Show
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Celebrate the Holidays with Dinner & a Show!
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Presented by
3 and Franklin Performing Arts Company
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| Franklin Performing Arts Company 38 Main Street Franklin, Massachusetts 02038 US Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy. |  |
"A Christmas Carol - The Musical" Opening Soon!
Hi Steve-
Here is something else you might be interested in. This show is right at the Orpheum in Foxboro and is going to be awesome, complete with actual "snow" and people"flying!" For those that can't afford to make the trip to the Wang for the Rockettes, it is another great option for a holiday show. My daughter Heidi Gleichauf, 15 and a sophomore at Franklin High School is playing the part of Emily, Scrooge's fiance. She is the only cast member from Franklin, but adults and children from Norfolk, Foxboro, Mansfield, Plainville etc. comprise the rest of the all-ages cast.
Here is a description of the show:
Charles Dickens' classic gets the full Broadway treatment by the Broadway team of Alan Menken ("Beauty and the Beast", "Little Mermaid"), Lynn Ahrens ("Ragtime", "Seussical") and Mike Ockrent ("Crazy For You", "Me and My Girl."). A story we all know and love set to music overflowing with Holiday feelings to carry in our hearts all year long.
Called by The New York Times "a tonic for adults, and for children a transfixing journey", this spectacular musical extravaganza is filled with the magic of the holiday season, exuberant dances, flying ghosts and the sights and sounds of Dickensian London. "A Christmas Carol" retains its emotional power and pure joy, thanks to the marvelously-told story by Ockrent and Ahrens, and the Menken/Ahrens score filled with beautiful melodies and emotional lyrics.
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The Un-Common Theatre Co | P.O. Box 161 | Mansfield | MA | 02048 |
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Franklin High School Winter Concert and Silent Auction December 7th
The Franklin High School Winter Concert promises to be a warm and festive evening for music students, their families and the community this year. The concert begins at 7:00 PM on Wednesday December 7th and is being held at the Thomas D. Mercer auditorium at Horace Mann Middle School, 214 Oak Street. Performances by the Franklin High School Orchestra, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble under the direction of Leighanne Rudsit will be featured, as well as the Chorus and Select Chorus directed by Michael Sansoni. Concert goers will enjoy a selection of classic and contemporary pieces with a holiday spirit, and the winners of the Franklin Music Boosters 2011-2012 music scholarships will be recognized.
The Franklin Music Boosters, Inc. will be hosting a silent auction and reception beginning at 6:30 and during intermission, when refreshments will also be served. Many generous area businesses as well as music students and their families have donated items for the auction and refreshments. Donations are still being accepted. Area businesses and individuals who wish to donate please contact Cindy Gleichauf, 508-397-5204 or cindygleichauf@gmail.com.
Franklin Music Boosters, Inc. is a parent organization which supports the entire Franklin Public School Music Program grades 6-12. Through volunteer support and fundraising, the Music Boosters help provide transportation for performance trips, competitions and outings; sponsor concerts and special events; finance the purchase of musical equipment and uniforms; fund private lessons and scholarships, as well as support the music department with volunteer help.
For more information about getting involved with the Franklin Music Boosters, contact Amy Czuba, amyczuba@gmail.com.
DLS reports on average single-family property taxes and values in FY11
In preparation for the tax rate hearing being held Wednesday, Nov 30th at the Town Council meeting, this is some good background reading.
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue by Robert Bliss on 11/18/11
The Division of Local Services in its publication City and Town yesterday reported on average single-family tax bills and property values for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2011.
Given the fiscal confines of the state's property tax limitation law, Proposition 2 1/2, it was not surprising to see that the average property tax bill increased a modest 3.35 percent in FY11.
Proposition 2 1/2 allows for annual tax levy growth of 2 1/2 percent, plus additional property tax revenue coming on line from new growth and/or Proposition 2 1/2 overrides. The rate of increase in average property tax bills in FY10 was 3.3 percent.
And given the relative stability in property values -- Massachusetts has not experienced anything like the steep drop in property valuation seen in states such as Florida or California -- it was not surprising to see a decline in single family property valuation in Massachusetts of 3.23 percent.
As the City and Town story reports, Massachusetts has indeed seen a decline in average single family home valuation since the housing bubble burst in 2008, but the tumble downward has been quite gentle compared with other locales.
The story includes a chart with comparison data for tax bills, valuations, and rankings for the state's cities and towns.
More historic information is available in DLS' Municipal Data Bank in the event readers want to explore trends going back to 1981.
The DLS story makes the point that as property valuations increase, tax rates go down, but when those same valuations go down, as they have in recent years, tax rates go up. There are still many homeowners in Massachusetts who assume that when home valuations go down, property taxes go down as well. However, under Proposition 2 1/2, tax levies are allowed to increase regardless of the direction of property valuations.
Given the fiscal confines of the state's property tax limitation law, Proposition 2 1/2, it was not surprising to see that the average property tax bill increased a modest 3.35 percent in FY11.
Proposition 2 1/2 allows for annual tax levy growth of 2 1/2 percent, plus additional property tax revenue coming on line from new growth and/or Proposition 2 1/2 overrides. The rate of increase in average property tax bills in FY10 was 3.3 percent.
And given the relative stability in property values -- Massachusetts has not experienced anything like the steep drop in property valuation seen in states such as Florida or California -- it was not surprising to see a decline in single family property valuation in Massachusetts of 3.23 percent.
As the City and Town story reports, Massachusetts has indeed seen a decline in average single family home valuation since the housing bubble burst in 2008, but the tumble downward has been quite gentle compared with other locales.
The story includes a chart with comparison data for tax bills, valuations, and rankings for the state's cities and towns.
More historic information is available in DLS' Municipal Data Bank in the event readers want to explore trends going back to 1981.
The DLS story makes the point that as property valuations increase, tax rates go down, but when those same valuations go down, as they have in recent years, tax rates go up. There are still many homeowners in Massachusetts who assume that when home valuations go down, property taxes go down as well. However, under Proposition 2 1/2, tax levies are allowed to increase regardless of the direction of property valuations.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Help my kids school - PLEASE. It just takes a second to help
PLEASE!! I need more help!! We are #11 in the Pepsi Challenge and need to be in the TOP 10 to win.
As many of you may already know, my children's school is trying to raise money for a new Inclusive Playground. Our current one is deteriorating quickly despite the efforts of our DPW to keep it maintained. In deciding to rebuild we have designed a new Inclusive one, where all children of all abilities can play together.
I am asking for your help - it only takes a few seconds and cost you nothing. I am just asking that you vote for our project in the Pepsi Refresh Challenge. We are in the running for $50,000 and just need to reach the TOP 10 to win. We are currently at #17. We started at 43, moved quickly to 22, then 19, 17 and now we are at 11!! We need more votes and support!!!
Go to the Pepsi Website - If you click on this link it should take you directly to us - www.refresheverything.com/kennedyplayground - There is a wonderful video that the KennedyKids are in!
ALSO you can vote a 2nd way by Texting in a vote - TEXT 109738 to 73774
Vote EVERYDAY until Nov 30th to help us!
Any and all help would be appreciated. If you could ask friends and family to help too, we would really appreciate it! Anyone 13 and older can vote! Please help my kids school!!! Our website is www.kennedyplayground.com if you would like to learn more about this project.
Thank you
Sandy Brown
Kennedy Playground Committee
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