This was a budget hearing not a personnel performance discussion and totally inappropriate in the 'public forum'. That no one interceded to take it offline was also a disappointment.
The second night closed on a high note with the goodbyes and well wishes for the retiring Town Administrator Jeff Nutting. Jeff has been a professional and dedicated manager for the 12 plus years I have observed and reported on the town's business. I wish him well in his retirement.
Oh and yes, the budget as proposed was passed with two votes. The two votes were required to enable Councilor Glenn Jones to participate in almost all of the discussion and only recuse himself from the vote on the Tri-County portion of the budget. A sensible solution to a potential conflict of interest situation.
The schools will cut teachers, kindergarten aides, and high schoolers will pay for parking among the key take aways. Many of the critical needs prepared for by the schools in their initial budget will go unmet. It may be just this year but for the students, it is one year in school that they don't get to do over.
The method of sharing the budget info is not one that works well. While the Council got their questions answered, they easily skipped over including the public in the discussion. Given the reality of tough budget decisions next year and more across the board than the road repair funds and schools, this should also be a consideration. How best to get the residents and voters involved with the budget details?
Links below provide the detailed notes reported during the meetings as well as links to the budget documents.
Wednesday, May 22
- Live Reporting: Legislation for Action to Closing
- https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/live-reporting-legislation-for-action_22.html
- Live reporting: Town Council - May 22, 2019 - Budg...
- https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/live-reporting-town-council-may-22-2019.html
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-may-22.html
Thursday, May 23
- Real time Reporting: Town Council - Budget Hearing...
- https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/real-time-reporting-town-council-budget.html
Agenda for the second hearing
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-may-23.html
Will be reporting remotely this evening for the Town Council meeting budget hearing #2 #tc0523 pic.twitter.com/0ExWrSvmOC— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) May 23, 2019
With budget hearing scheduled to open at 7:10 looks like Council meeting won't be starting until then (albeit published for a 7 start) #tc0523 pic.twitter.com/I0DWC91vh9— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) May 23, 2019
Kit Brady speaking for better funding for schools and our children. #tc0523 pic.twitter.com/DGORGq7KAP— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) May 23, 2019
Two votes to pass the one FY 2020 town budget #tc0523 pic.twitter.com/w5eT3TN4Ze— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) May 23, 2019
Town administrator Jeff Nutting makes his final report #tc0523 pic.twitter.com/TfTkY5YY90— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) May 23, 2019
New town administrator Jamie Hellen making his thanks for Jeff and getting ready for what comes #tc0523 pic.twitter.com/KyaiKlOE1v— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) May 23, 2019
Rep Jeff Roy presents a resolution from the MA House to recognize Jeff Nutting for his many years of service finishing in Franklin #tc0523 pic.twitter.com/BHYdpRIFvN— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) May 23, 2019
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| New Town Administrator Jamie Hellen makes his remarks thanking Jeff Nutting for his service and guidance |
