FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Franklin Agricultural Commission

From the Town Administrator's FY 2027 Budget narrative, each department's story is worth sharing.

General Purpose

The Town Council established the Franklin Agricultural Commission per Special Legislation to promote, develop, and foster agricultural resources in the Town of Franklin. The Commission consists of five Members with three-year terms. Members shall be residents of Franklin and at least two members shall be active farmers, employed in an agriculture-related field, or have experience and knowledge in agricultural practices of business. The Commission is also able to have two Associate Members with 1-year terms.

Staffing

● Five (5) Volunteer Members

○ Includes: One (1) Chair

○ Includes: One (1) Vice Chair

FY27 Requested Budget Highlights

● This is a level-funded budget.

● The Commission hopes to continue to provide education and outreach of Franklin arms and supporting the local economy, expand the Franklin Farmer’s Market with the market coordinators, research the potential of becoming a right-to-farm community and expand community garden beds.

The PDF of this section - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v-Ma8h1alSWMfEpvSpKIGx2xxReMhb8k/view?usp=drive_link

For the full FY 2027 budget narrative -  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8912/FY27-Budget-Narrative-FINAL-1

The complete set of FY 2027 budget information can be found 

https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=577

3rd budget hearing covers Public Works & Public Safety (audio)

FM #1727 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1727 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee Budget Hearing on Public Works & Public Safety, the 3rd of 4 sessions to go over the FY 2027 budget. The meeting was held in Council Chambers with 8 of 9 members present.

Quick recap:

• Gus Brown, Building Commissioner, up first

• Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW up next, 

• Next up Police Chief Lynch, level service plus 2, looking to get the SROs back

• Next up, Chief Allen, Fire Dept.

• Dispatch Center or the MECC being covered

• Also skipped Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie last night with no explanation given for it. Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie, both assessments based upon enrollment, not much of a change year to year

• So Thursday night, the Finance Committee will use the 3rd Floor Training room for their discussion to be more “around a table” rather than spread out to help their discussion. Potential revisions coming to the budget, what they are we'll watch and see.

Let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1727-finance-cmte-budget-hearing-3-04-08-26/

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay -  

https://www.youtube.com/live/x8Hb_pCl64A?&t=164 

Agenda doc including links to the FY 2027 budget 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082026-2221 

My full set of notes in one PDF -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D-RumOpcYkE7SZ_czpSZzW5TKdS9SE3B/view?usp=drive_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

• 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"

Mass Senate: We Must Fight Back Against Book Bans

Note, this was edited for publication here, to view the full set of content follow this link - https://masenate.substack.com/p/we-must-fight-back-against-book-bans?publication_id=5356564&post_id=195347225&triedRedirect=true

We have the opportunity to protect the next generation’s ability to think, question, and become fully themselves. Our values as a Commonwealth demand we take it.

͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­

	Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more We Must Fight Back Against Book Bans We have the opportunity to protect the next generation’s ability to think, question, and become fully themselves. Our values as a Commonwealth demand we take it. Julian Cyr Apr 24 ∙ Guest post   READ IN APP   State Senator Julian Cyr speaks at a press conference featuring lawmakers, advocates, writers and librarians in support of his Protect Free Expression bill. Before I ever held elected office—before I understood the mechanics of government or the levers of policy—I was a high school student on Cape Cod trying to make sense of the world around me. At Nauset Regional High School in Eastham, I first got involved in organizing by speaking up with my classmates to protect the arts programs and teachers who helped shape who we were and who we’d become. Senator Julian Cyr as a teen. That experience taught me something I’ve carried ever since: young people deserve to be trusted with complexity, not shielded from it. Books are a fundamental part of that. The books I read in my teens gave me language for things I didn’t yet fully understand, and perspective on lives that looked different from my own. Books helped me ask questions, challenge assumptions, and, over time, better understand myself. That’s why I find the current wave of book ban efforts so troubling and so fundamentally at odds with what education—and our democracy—is supposed to be. Thanks for reading The Gavel Drop! This post is public so feel free to share it. Share <                                                         > What Happens Next An Act regarding freedom of expression is awaiting action in the House of Representatives. If passed by the House, any differences between the House and Senate versions will need to be reconciled—most likely in a conference committee—before the bill heads to Governor Healey’s desk for her review and signature. For Your Consideration If preventing politically-motivated book bans is important to you, please: Learn more in the Senate Press Room. Keep an eye on the House of Representatives for further action on this bill. Contact your State Senator to voice your support. Follow the bill on the Massachusetts Legislature website. Share this update with others! Share Get more from The Massachusetts State Senate in the Substack app Available for iOS and Android A guest post by Julian Cyr State Senator for Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket. Subscribe to receive The Gavel Drop in your inbox for FREE news and insights directly from the Massachusetts State Senate Subscribed   Like Comment Restack   © 2026 Massachusetts State Senate Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon Street Boston, MA 02133 Unsubscribe

The Little Shop of Olive Oils: Family Fun + Gourmet Giveaway!

Lady Bug Walk in Franklin, MA | Family Fun + Gourmet Giveaway! 

Join us for the Lady Bug Walk in downtown Franklin, Massachusetts, and be sure to stop by The Little Shop of Olive Oils—one of the sweetest (and tastiest!) destinations on the trail!

🌿 Enter our raffle for a chance to win a gourmet gift basket filled with premium olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and specialty foods

📸 Take a photo at our charming Lady Bug Wall of Wood—perfect for sharing your day in Franklin

🗺️ Pick up your Lady Bug Walk map and explore all the local shops and stops

Franklin Fun Fact: Did you know Franklin, MA is part of the story behind the official Massachusetts state insect? In 1974, local second graders helped make the ladybug the state insect, creating a piece of history that’s still celebrated today!

Bring the family, enjoy a walk through historic Franklin, support local businesses, and discover delicious flavors along the way.

Come for the ladybugs… stay for the food, fun, and Franklin charm! 

Reminder: Antiques Appraisal Benefit Event Scheduled for May 9 in Franklin

Residents of Franklin and surrounding communities are invited to discover the history and value of their antiques at a special Antiques Appraisal Event to benefit the museum, scheduled for Saturday, May 9, in Franklin.

The event will offer local residents an opportunity to bring antiques, collectibles, heirlooms, and unusual items to be evaluated by a highly experienced appraiser, James C. Johnston. Items may include artwork, coins, jewelry, books, documents, military items (but no guns, please!), toys, advertising items, and historical memorabilia. Verbal appraisals will be provided, along with general information about the item’s age, origin, and current market interest.

This ever-popular event is designed for anyone who has ever wondered about items found in attics, basements, or inherited from family members. Organizers say many people are often surprised to learn what ordinary-looking items can be worth, while other items turn out to have fascinating historical stories even if they are not highly valuable.

Event Details:

• Saturday, May 9 - 1-5 PM
• Franklin Historical Museum
• 80 West Central St., Franklin, MA

Cost: $10 for 1 item, or 3 for $25 

Senior Citizen Discount (65+, $5 for 1 item and $10.00 for 3 items  

No appointment is necessary. For more information, contact alan.r.earls@gmail.com.

This event is open to the public.

Franklin Music Boosters schedule fund raiser at Santa Fe Burrito Grill - May 1

Franklin Music Boosters schedule fund
raiser at Santa Fe Burrito Grill - May 1

Via Franklin Music Boosters:

"Please join us for our fundraiser on May 1st at Santa Fe Burrito Grill, dine-in or take-out, all day!"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18QKAAgr7m/

Beaver St. Interceptor Project: Construction Updates ~ Sunday (4/26) Through Friday (5/1)

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert: Sunday Night (4/26) through Thursday Morning (4/30), 7 PM to 5 AM and Friday (5/1) 7 AM to 3 PM

The Contractor will continue installing the sewer force main within RT. 140 (West Central Street). The work will be contained within the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. During this time there will be evening lane closures on RT. 140. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

Beaver Street Pump Station

At the Franklin Recreation Center, construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with the installation and testing of internal building components and pumps.  Access to the recreation center will NOT be affected during this time.

For additional details on the Interceptor Project   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Officer Caleb MacLean joins Police Dept

via Franklin Police Dept

Officer Caleb MacLean joins Police Dept

"Please join us in welcoming the newest member of the Franklin Police Department, Officer Caleb MacLean.

Officer MacLean began his career in public safety as a Community Service Officer with the Nantucket Police Department before being appointed as a full-time Patrol Officer. He is a graduate of the 20th Recruit Officer Class at the Randolph Police Academy.

A proud Franklin native, Officer MacLean graduated from Franklin High School and went on to attend Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

We’re excited to have Officer MacLean join our team and look forward to his contributions to the community."

Note this is a backfill for a currently funded position not a net new hire. If the FY 2027 budget is approved, the 2 positions cut (School Resource Officers or SROs) could return.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1CX8JB9793/

Rail trail extension work underway

Rail trail extension work underway

Via the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

"Work has started on the rail trail extension between Grove Street and Union Street in Franklin. Workers have started the process of removing the rail infrastructure that is currently in place. 

Once all the rail infrastructure has been removed, then the work can being on creating the trail. While it is exciting to see this work underway, it will still be some time before all the trail work is completed."

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DXfiyArDSuX/?

Boston Globe: "Anti-Chromebook movement sweeping schools"

via the Boston Globe:

"As Beacon Hill wrestles with a school cellphone ban, local leaders have already launched a more aggressive fight against digital distractions in classrooms.

Across Massachusetts and the country, communities are taking aim at school-issued laptops, ipads, and more. The technology once heralded as the savior of education during the COVID-19 pandemic is now in the crosshairs.

Call it the anti-Chromebook movement.

The push comes more than a decade into a nationwide achievement decline and a surge in youth mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating. While there are other potential explanations, many point to screen time as an obvious culprit."

Shared from - https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/04/24/metro/chromebook-cellphone-ban-schools/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view