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| Kaye Kelly as Outgoing Chair, Franklin Cultural Council |
Monday, November 7, 2022
Kaye Kelly as Outgoing Chair, Franklin Cultural Council
Franklin Community Cable Access, Inc. dba Franklin●TV (www.franklin.tv) - Part 1 of 2
Franklin●TV is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. We operate the local access TV studios for Franklin. We produce local TV programs on three channels:
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26).
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Schools Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28).
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29).
We are Franklin’s local TV channels on Comcast and Verizon. We are not owned by Comcast or Verizon.
Background
The Town of Franklin is the Local Franchise Authority (LFA) that maintains agreements with Comcast and Verizon. Franklin●TV’s funding comes from a local access fee that cable subscribers pay per the LFA agreements. Thus, as an independent nonprofit group, F●TV is not funded by taxes. We operate at no cost to the town. We support both residents and the Town per our charter. F●TV also pays a PILOT fee (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) to the Town of Franklin by agreement. We are the first nonprofit group that contributes to town services. As an IRS 501(c)(3) charity we also may receive grants and donations from contributors.
Community Bulletin Board Service
In addition to programming, Franklin●TV offers free community announcements on our Bulletin Board for all three P/E/G channels. Nonprofit organizations who wish to promote their meetings, special events and activities are welcome to contact us.
Our Studios and Offices
We have five thousand square feet that houses two video studios (a large drive-in access studio and an interview studio), A live television control room, two audio recording and production rooms, six digital video editing/effects systems, and our multi-channel playback systems and offices.
We also have general purpose Community Meeting Space available – free to qualified nonprofit groups and service organizations for occasional meetings. Our facility accommodates up to 30 people.
Uniquely Trying Times for All
At the start of 2020 the world experienced the rapid rise of the drastically transformative COVID pandemic. Whether that transformation would prove disastrous or not in the long run was a matter of reassessing our present circumstances and longer-term future plans.
In the film Apollo 13. NASA's Mission Director Gene Kranz (Ed Harris) declares, "Failure is not an option", and he asks the pivotal question, "I know what's not working. Tell me what's working."
What was not working?
Out of an abundance of caution our studio was closed for the duration. This was true for all local community TV studios. We opted to avoid having people gather for interviews in our smaller studio. Having folks talking in close proximity for an hour or so posed far too much risk of infection.
So, what was working?
We moved quickly to add new technical capabilities across the facility. The entire operation is now controlled remotely. We edit our video programs remotely. We control our cable channels remotely. We manage wfpr.fm, our radio station remotely. We added online video services via YouTube as well.
Meanwhile, normal town business had to continue. Our coverage of open meetings required a substantial expansion of technical facilities, both in our main studio as well as in Franklin's Town Chambers. Zoom became the digital transport means for most of our live event programming. The result is that meetings are now more interactive, enabling town officials, committee members, experts, guest presenters and residents to communicate freely in real-time.
We also began covering Franklin high school's varsity sports as live events via Zoom. This became a major priority since parents could no longer attend events to watch their kids play. Our announcers also worked remotely from home, watching and commenting on the games via Zoom. To facilitate multi-camera sports coverage we designed and constructed three video 'flypacks' - basically a ready-to-air TV control room in a highly portable, fold-up, fifty-pound box. Unfold box. Connect cameras. Broadcast live.
We also worked to support other organizations – Senior Center, The Rec Dept., Black Box, the boy scouts and others to provide streaming coverage for key events where a live audience could not attend.
Finally, our radio station has actually expanded its local programming - effectively doubling since the pandemic began. We provided podcast microphone kits to our radio volunteers to connect them all together and to the radio station via Zoom. Steve Sherlock, Jim Derick, Frank Falvey, Jay Horrigan, Anne Bergen, Pandora Carlucci, Michael Walker-Jones, Jeff Roy, Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone, et al have all engaged in enhancing our community connectedness in a time of increased social isolation through their ongoing radio programs and audio podcasts.
Each challenge during this past year has been met with one philosophy. Whatever the solution – it's here to stay, so do it right. We are already the better for it, and the sweeping technical changes that we have made will be a permanent part of our newer, better normal. Failure was not an option.
This is part of the Franklin Annual Report which can be found online ->
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| The vision is one site to "Watch, Listen, Read" all that matters in Franklin, MA |
Both FHS Cheerleader Varsity and JV teams take First Place in Hockomock Championships
Franklin Athletics (@FHSSports) tweeted on Sun, Nov 06, 2022:
Congratulations to @FHScheer_ both Varsity and JV on their first place finishes at the Hock Championship!!
Let's Go Panthers!!
Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/ZtfUq7E7lE
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| FHS Varsity cheerleaders |
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| FHS Junior Varsity cheerleaders |
Representative Jeff Roy rolls out 2022 endorsements for his re-election campaign
Maura Healey has endorsed Jeffrey Roy in his State Representative race in the 10th Norfolk District (Franklin and Medway). “Representative Roy is a passionate advocate who stands for our values and gets things done for Franklin and Medway,” said Healey. “We’ve worked together on many of the most pressing issues facing Massachusetts residents, including the recently passed clean energy and offshore wind bill, and I look forward to continuing to deliver results together. I’m proud to endorse him for re-election.”
In addition to Healey, Roy has been endorsed by Franklin Firefighters Local 2637, Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, Massachusetts AFL-CIO, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW Local 103), Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund, Sierra Club, 350 Mass Action, Massachusetts Nurses Association, and SEIU Local 509. He has also been endorsed by Franklin Town Council Chair Thomas Mercer; Franklin Town Council Vice-Chair Robert Dellorco; Franklin Town Council Clerk Glenn Jones; and Franklin Town Councilors Deborah Pellegri, Melanie Hamblen, Ted Cormier-Leger, Cobi Frongillo, and Patrick Sheridan.
“Chair Roy was central to the passage of the 2021 Roadmap Bill, one of the strongest climate laws in the US,” said Casey Bowers from the Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund. “He also crafted the House’s offshore wind bill which will ensure the industry takes off in Massachusetts and provides the clean energy we need to reach our roadmap targets. We're grateful for his leadership in addressing the climate crisis.”
"Representative Roy has quickly become a climate champion for Massachusetts," said Mimi Locke, Political Committee Chair for the Sierra Club Massachusetts Chapter. "As House chair of the Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee, he stewarded the Massachusetts 2022 climate bill into law. The bill will significantly build out our clean energy industries while minimizing ratepayer impact and creating new, good clean energy jobs."
350 Mass Action’s Political Director, Cabell Eames stated: "It is with great pleasure that 350 Mass Action proudly endorses Representative Roy for the 10th Norfolk district.
Representative Roy has delivered expansive progress as the chair of the Telecommunications, Utility, and Energy committee, proving that the Commonwealth is ready to be a leader in driving solutions that invigorate our economy at scale and insure a better life for Massachusetts residents in the face of climate change."
“SEIU 509 is proud to endorse Jeff Roy for State Representative in the 10th Norfolk,” said Peter MacKinnon, President of SEIU 509. “Representative Roy is committed to leveling the playing field for every resident of the Commonwealth - from fighting for affordable higher education to championing job growth and creation across our sectors. We look forward to working with him on policies that will continue to uplift our members and the communities they serve.”
Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Steven A. Tolman stated: “The Massachusetts AFL- CIO Executive Council has officially voted to endorse your campaign for State Representative in the 10th Norfolk District. We are proud to support candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to the values and principles of the Labor Movement. I would like to congratulate you on earning the endorsement of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO and our nearly half a million members across the Commonwealth. We look forward to advocating on your behalf and working together to create a brighter future for working people in Massachusetts.”
In his letter announcing the local endorsement, Franklin Union President, Brian Hamann, stated: "The Professional Firefighters of Franklin feel very fortunate to have a friend of your stature representing the 10th Norfolk district. Since your election in 2012 you have stood by our side through triumph and tragedy. Your unwavering commitment to the fire service and our members has been evident.”
In announcing the state level endorsement, PFFM President Richard D. MacKinnon Jr. stated: “During your career as an elected official, you have prioritized the relationships you hold with the firefighters of your district. You understand our issues and are an effective advocate for us on Beacon Hill. We look forward to your next term in office and continued leadership for firefighters.”
"I am absolutely thrilled to receive the support and endorsement from all of these groups and individuals," noted Roy. "In my years in the Massachusetts House I have built strong and lasting relationships and have partnered with them to make Massachusetts and our communities great places to live, work, and raise a family. With their continued support, I am confident we can continue to deliver results for Massachusetts."
Since 2013 Jeff has been part of a legislative team that has addressed the issues of education, economic development, the coronavirus pandemic, health care, substance use disorder, criminal justice, civil rights and social equity, gun safety, climate change, energy, and the environment. In addition, he led efforts to:
• Draft and pass the clean energy and offshore wind bill in 2022;
• Draft and pass the Genocide Education Act in 2021;
• Finalize the Roadmap Bill on climate change in 2021;
• Draft and pass legislation on Step Therapy and Patient Safety in 2022;
• Draft and pass legislation relative to sexual violence on higher education campuses in 2021;
• Draft and pass legislation increasing transparency and financial reporting requirements for higher education institutions in 2019;
• Draft and pass legislation that increased transparency and civic engagement by creating a searchable online database of legal notices in 2015;
• Pass legislation lowering thresholds on specialty license plates, making them available to smaller charities and causes in 2015; and
• Pass legislation to create a Regional Dispatch Center for Franklin, Norfolk, Wrentham, and Plainville in 2013.
He has also led efforts to bring millions of dollars in local aid for schools, roads, infrastructure, public safety, arts, recreation, substance use disorder, economic development, historical preservation, and food insecurity. He has also helped thousands of constituents with issues involving unemployment, health care, human services, and other matters with state agencies.
Roy is seeking re-election as the State Representative for the 10th Norfolk District (Franklin & Medway). He is the Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy and previously served as Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education, and the Joint Committee on Health Care Finance. He is also the Chair of the Manufacturing Caucus, which promotes and encourages “Making It” in Massachusetts. Previously, he served as a member of the Franklin Town Council and Franklin School Committee where he held the position of Chair for 9 of his 10 years. He also chaired Franklin's Master Plan Committee from 2012 to 2013.
For more information on Jeffrey Roy, please visit http://jeffreyroy.com/.
Reminder: Register O'Donnell Announces 2022 Holiday Food Drive November 14 through December 13, 2022
As inflation rates continue to rise and the cost of living becomes an increasing challenge for some families across Norfolk County, Register of Deeds William O'Donnell is asking people to take a moment to contribute to the Annual Registry of Deeds Food Drive, starting Monday November 14th and running through Tuesday December 13th.
"There is no doubt that Norfolk County is a desirable place to live and to work. However, there are people throughout the county that are truly hurting. This year we, as a community, have seen an unprecedented rise in inflation rates, especially in the cost of food. Some Norfolk County families are hit harder by these increased costs and worry about putting food on the table this holiday season."
Today, according to the latest Project Bread statistics, 19.6% of households in Massachusetts are considered food insecure. Furthermore, 22% of children in the state are also considered food insecure. The increasing cost of housing and food are likely factors that contribute to the rising rates of food insecurity.
Register O'Donnell noted. "As the holidays approach, there is definitely a need for more food assistance. Household expenses are higher due to the cost of home heating fuel, food bills, and increased interest rates. Let us be mindful during this Thanksgiving season that others may need our help."
Non-perishable food items can be brought directly to the Registry of Deeds, which is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. A donation bin will be set-up in the Registry's lobby and food can be dropped off Monday through Friday between 8:00AM to 4:30PM. Suggested donations include canned goods, breakfast cereals, pasta, sauces, toiletries, and paper products.
If you can't get to the Registry of Deeds building to drop off food, you can check the Registry website at www.norfolkdeeds.org for a pantry location in your community.
"Working together, we can truly make a huge difference this holiday season," concluded Register O'Donnell.
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on facebook.com/norfolkdeeds, follow us on twitter and instagram @norfolkdeeds.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.
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| Register O'Donnell Announces 2022 Holiday Food Drive November 14 through December 13, 2022 |
Representative Roy step therapy bill signed into law (video)
Patients in Massachusetts will have better access to a wider array of medications after Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy’s step therapy bill was signed by Gov. Charlie Baker last week. Roy filed the bill in the House with Rep. Marjorie Decker (D- Cambridge). The bill will curtail the policy of insurance providers insisting on lower-cost treatments before approving coverage of more expensive medications.
"We've heard countless stories of patients being forced to take drugs that their health insurers want as opposed to what their doctors think is best," said Rep. Roy. "This is a great, common-sense measure to help patients get the care that their physician believes they need. It removes needless insurance protocols that delay necessary treatment and access to medication and removes the barriers that interfere with sound medical judgments made within the confines of the physician-patient relationship.”
The new law requires insurance providers to approve or deny step therapy exemption requests within three business days, or 24 hours in an emergency, meaning faster access to the more expensive drugs. It is a win for patients who would otherwise have to go through a lengthy authorization or review process.
Roy further noted the old "Fail First" practice was untenable for obvious reasons. “Adding to patient stress by delaying access to the medicine they need is unacceptable,” he added. “We live in a state that has some of the best healthcare in the world and this legislation restores access to that great system for all patients. I thank the many volunteers and advocacy groups who shared stories and pushed for this bill.”
Patients will be eligible for an exemption from the step therapy process if the cheaper drugs would harm them, if they have already tried and failed to improve on the drugs, if the treatment would be ineffective or if they're already stable using their preferred medication.
Advocates opposed to step therapy had been working for years to convince Beacon Hill leaders to limit or ban the practice.
Rep. Roy’s floor remarks on the bill are available at https://youtu.be/6zYy_HgR8Ag
For more information on Jeffrey Roy, please visit http://jeffreyroy.com/.
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| Representative Roy step therapy bill signed into law (video) |
"the critical milepost of 2030 is already out of reach"
"Boston is so far behind on climate progress that cutting greenhouse emissions in half by the critical milepost of 2030 is already out of reach, a new assessment has found, and reaching the goal of net zero emissions by 2050 will require a decades-long, all-in effort.The report blamed a decade or more of stalled action at the city, state, and federal levels, and said that dramatic changes must now begin.In a year that saw the hottest three-week period in 151 years of Boston records and just ahead of what is expected to be a record-hot weekend, the report, dubbed the Inaugural Boston Climate Progress Report, was seen as a jolt of reality.“It is a call to action,” said report author Joan Fitzgerald, a professor of public policy and urban affairs at Northeastern University. “But this city government can’t do this alone. ... Everyone has to be moving in lockstep to realize these goals.”
Continue reading the Boston Globe article (subscription maybe required) ->
CommonWealth Magazine coverage ->
Boston Foundation page releasing their report ->
Download the PDF version (there are other versions available) ->
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| Boston’s Long Wharf as a king tide flooded parts of Boston’s waterfront, as well as other coastal areas of Massachusetts. DAVID L. RYAN |
Town Clerk's Office will be closed on November 8 due to State Election
Notice: The Town Clerk's Office will be closed on November 8, 2022 due to State Election
Visit the Town Clerk online at -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk
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| Town Clerk's Office will be closed on November 8 due to State Election |
The Vicious Cycle of Automobile Dependency
Daniel Moser (@_dmoser) tweeted on Sat, Nov 05, 2022:
The Vicious Cycle of Automobile Dependency
Unsustainable planning practices reinforce a cycle of increased automobile use, more automobile-oriented community redevelopment, and reduced mobility options.
Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/vTpFy1UlTc
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| The Vicious Cycle of Automobile Dependency |
The Guardian: "‘It was like an apocalyptic movie’: 20 climate photographs that changed the world"
"For a week in July 2018, a giant 100m-tall iceberg loomed over a tiny village on the west coast of Greenland. Villagers were evacuated, and the world watched in suspense: if a chunk of the 10m-tonne iceberg had broken apart or “calved”, it would have caused a tsunami and obliterated the settlement of Innaarsuit. Eventually, it drifted away from the shore – but as glaciers melt, we can expect to see more masses of ice breaking off and floating dangerously close to land."
Continue reading the article and viewing the impactful photos: (subscription maybe required) -> https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/nov/05/20-climate-photographs-that-changed-the-world
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| They are the images that made us sit up and take notice |
Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Monday, Nov 7, 2022
- wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Monday
9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Todd Monjur
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews
11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM A More Perfect Union – Discussing American Politics and Current Events - Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Dr. Natalia Linos, State Rep Jeff Roy, Chris Woolf, and Nick Remissong host a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = MONDAY
8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Danny Lagarce
9:00 am 4th of July 2022: Matt Zajac
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Stromboli
12:30 pm Sandhya: Macaroons
1:00 pm Cooking Thyme: Apple Crisp
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 5
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 7
3:30 pm Veterans' Call: VA Pension
4:00 pm Physician Focus: Winter is Coming
7:30 pm Frank Presents: Mark Lenzi
8:30 pm Frank's Musings: Ballot Questions
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = MONDAY
7:00 am Public School Concert: Sullivan Winter Music 2019
8:30 am Critical Conversations: Social Media
10:30 am Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 1 12-11-18
12:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Soccer v Milford 10-27-22
2:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Michelle Palladini
3:00 pm All-Town Showcase: Chorus & Orchestra
8:00 pm FHS Varsity Field Hockey: v Barnstable 11-04-22
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = MONDAY
8:00 am Planning Board: 10-17-22
12:00 pm Finance Committee 10-26-22
2:00 pm Planning Board: 10-17-22
7:00 pm Planning Board: LIVE, Chambers, 858 1141 3343
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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| Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) |
Sunday, November 6, 2022
Finance Committee Meeting - Agenda - November 9, 2022 at 7 PM
Finance Committee Meeting
November 9, 2022
Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers
355 East Central Street
Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. Public Comment
3. Approval of Minutes:10-26-2022
4. FY23 Operating Budget Adjustment
a. Town Administrator Memob. FY23 Budget Revenue and Control Sheet, adjustedc. Resolution
5. Future Agenda Items
6. Adjourn
Please find the agenda and links here: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/fin_com_mtg_agenda_nov_9_2022.pdf
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| Finance Committee Meeting - November 9, 2022 at 7 PM |
Town Council Quarterbacking with Tom Mercer gets inside the last meeting for you (audio)
FM #874 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 874 in the series.
This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England, this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of Nov 2, 2022:
ok, what just happened?
What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?
We cover the following key topics
Election Of Officers
License Transactions
o 3 change of manager
o Big Y change of manager
o license transfer from Franklin Village Liquors to Big Y for all alcohol
National Register Historic Districts In Franklin (rescheduled)
Lead Service Line Inventory
Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($1,845), Fire Dept. ($486
Parking
Our conversation runs about 28 minutes:
Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes.
Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Nov 3, 2022
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The agenda and documents for this session can be found ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/november_2_town_council_meeting.pdf
Watch the Franklin.TV video replay on YouTube -> https://youtu.be/CqUQ6OxjMj4
My notes in one threaded PDF document
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JQqjOe3j5PayvvfeB5hnvURBbrcPfUUN/view?usp=share_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
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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
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| Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Nov 2, 2022 |
FY 2023 Budget Adjustments for Review by Finance Committee - Nov 9, 2022
November 4, 2022
Memorandum
To: Finance Committee
From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator
Alecia Alleyne, Assistant to the Town Administrator
Re: FY23 Budget Adjustment & Five-Year Fiscal Forecast Update
We are requesting the Finance Committee to support the amendment to the FY23 Town operating budget as outlined in this memo and recommend the changes to the full Town Council for their approval prior to setting the annual tax rate on November 30th.
Overall, the budget appears to be right on track through 9/30/22. Revenues have hit targeted projections and the staff has done a terrific job of managing cost increases in their expense budgets. We have attached an updated revenue sheet for local receipts through 9/30/22.
Five-Year Fiscal Forecast Update
There is very little updated news since the published forecast in August 2022. Click here for the forecast. Since August, the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates an additional ¾ of 1%. Home mortgage rates have reached a near 40-year high and many economic experts continue to predict a recession within the next 12 to 18 months. The federal government also announced the federal deficit is at $31 trillion. We have attached a recent Massachusetts economic analysis from MassBenchmarks, which is published through a partnership between the UMass-Amherst Donahue Institute and Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, that notes in its October 27, 2022 quarterly report the state’s “declining workforce and interest rate exposure in key industries make the Commonwealth vulnerable to an economic downturn”. The Town should be cognizant of these dynamics and will present new fiscal pressures on the operating budget in the coming fiscal years.
The only additional commentary is it will be our objective throughout the fiscal year to monitor the Town’s financial situation through the lens of the recently awarded AAA bond rating from the rating agencies. As anyone can see in the report, recent financial actions by the Town have resulted in a top rating. As the global economy continues to adapt to geo-political situations, it is prudent to follow these trends, which will ensure the Town maintains its AAA bond rating. This policy approach is a key technique to maintain services within the tax levy.
For those who have not read the ratings report, please click here. It is the most important document to read.
Revenue Adjustments
The following is a macro-synopsis of the revenue adjustments to the FY23 budget from the budget approved earlier this year at the annual budget hearings in May:
1. According to the Assessors, New Growth should attain approximately a $271,000 increase.
2. The Local Receipts bottom line will stay the same except for the additional funds received from the J&J opioid settlement and Host Community Agreement (HCA) funds. Two revised items are:
a. Host Community Agreements, as predicted, will decline. The numbers here depict actual receivables to date and NOT anticipated. I expect this revenue source to be eliminated at a date uncertain in this fiscal year. The Town still has the local option excise tax at 3%.b. J&J Opioid settlement is a new line item of revenue received due to the national opioid settlement. The Town has received $67,505 to date. Expenditure for these funds have strict restrictions per state law, but amounts will be as follows:i. SAFE Coalition will receive $50,000 for direct substance abuse support; andii. Franklin Fire and Franklin Police will receive $17,505 for narcan, training and support in responding to opioid cases in Franklin.
3. State Aid, Assessments & Other Revenues should see an overall increase of approximately $290,000 after the state local aid, education, county assessment and state budget formulas settle out.
Expense Adjustments
The attached resolution depicts the changes within each departmental account on the voting document. All of the changes to this document reflect the actual costs of the municipal collective bargaining agreements that have been ratified, as well as the 2.5% COLA adjustment for all municipal nonunion staff. The exceptions are:
1. The Town Administrator’s expense budget increased just over $103,000, which is where the opioid and host community agreement funds will be expended from.
2. Line item 164 Elections increased $14,738 due to state laws on mail in and early voting.
3. Line item 610 Library is noted due to the large shift from Expenses to Personnel due to collective bargaining agreement. The germane note is that the overall budget maintains the state required funding (“MAR”) requirement.
4. Line items 710/750 Debt & Interest have increased $225,044 to reflect the actual costs of the borrowing for the Municipal Building improvements and the Horace Mann drainage project.
5. Line item 910 - Comp Reserve is reduced approximately $430,000, which are the funds transferred for the COLA and CBA’s. The remaining amount in comp reserve will go toward the usual reasons for appropriation, such as unforeseen personnel decisions, retirement costs, recruitment and retention of employees, collective bargaining, etc. Additionally, I expect some funds to be used to begin implementing the Compensation & Classification Plan, which should be completed later this Fall. Any unused funds revert to the Town’s Free Cash allotment for the annual Capital Plan.
Please let us know if you have any questions
Shared from the Finance Committee agenda ->
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