March 14, 2025
To: Town Council
From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator
Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator
Re: Resolution 25-15: Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot Question Resolution 25-16: Setting Date of Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot
Before the Council this evening are two resolutions relative to an override. The first resolution establishes the date of a special override election. The second establishes the exact question that will be on the ballot.
Beginning in January, the Joint Budget Subcommittee (JBSC), consisting of four members of Town Council, three members of the School Committee, and four members of the Finance Committee, along with the Town Administrator and Superintendent, held a series of six public listening sessions in various locations across town. The objective of these sessions was to give residents multiple opportunities to share opinions, ask questions and gain a better understanding of how the Town’s budget deficit will impact Town services, School services and resident taxes in FY26 and beyond, both with and without an override. The response to these sessions was overwhelmingly positive with many new and familiar faces in attendance and a tremendous amount of valuable information shared. We truly appreciate the questions and feedback and hope this community engagement continues to grow!
At the final JBSC listening session on March 12th, the Committee voted, 9-1 (with one member absent) to recommend the following:
1) That the Town Council vote to put forth a $3,862,672 override ballot question to the registered voters of the Town of Franklin with the following ballot question language - "Shall the Town of Franklin be allowed to assess an additional $3,862,672 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purpose of the municipal and school operating budgets for which monies from this assessment will be used for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025".
2) That the Town Council vote to place the proposed override ballot question before the residents for a vote at a Special Town Election on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
For more information please visit the FY26 Budget page on our website. Assuming the Town Council approves a ballot question and date for the special election, the Town will upload a dedicated override website with legally allowable information.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
 |
| Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot Question for FY 2026 Town & School budget |
