Franklin Matters

Friday, April 17, 2020

Run the incredABLE Virtual 5K

You Can Still Run the incredABLE 5K

Here's how it works:

Register as an incredABLE Virtual 5K Runner at events.hmea.org/incredABLE2020
Run a USATF certified course wherever and whenever you choose. You can even run our incredABLE race course in Franklin. Click here to find a course near you.
Screenshot or take a photo of your time on the fitness app you used to time your run.
Submit the screenshot/photo and the course ID# to tandryc@hmea.org by midnight May 10, 2020. Post it on Facebook or Instagram with #incredABLE2020 and win 25 tickets to our Dream Raffle!
The live virtual 5k run will be held on May 17th at 10:00 AM on our Facebook page. Can you beat last year's winners?
Registration fee is $15 for all runners. The first 200 registered participants will receive an incredABLE lunch tote. If you are a returning runner and you get a new runner to register, you'll get an HMEA beach towel.
Your time must be submitted by midnight May 10, 2020 to be entered into the competition.

Winners will be announced during the live streamed virtual event on May 17th

For additional info on the IncredABLE Day https://www.hmea.org/incredable-5k/

Shared from the HMEA newsletter
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Run-the-incredABLE-Virtual-5K.html?soid=1114254466392&aid=Omop8hHnm9I

Run the incredABLE Virtual 5K

Save Small Business Fund - grant application opens Monday, Apr 20

Small businesses are the foundation of our communities and our economy. Employing nearly half the American workforce, they keep our neighborhoods running and make them feel like home. The impacts of the coronavirus pandemic have wrought unprecedented financial uncertainty. These businesses need resources and relief — and they need it now.

That's why the Save Small Business Fund, a grantmaking initiative funded by contributions from corporate and philanthropic partners, is providing $5,000 in short-term relief to employers across the United States. These one-time supplemental cash grants are for businesses that have between three and 20 employees and operate in an economically vulnerable community.

The grant application will go live on Monday, April 20 at 12:00 PM PT/3:00 PM ET. To learn more about the Save Small Business Fund and to apply for a grant, visit www.savesmallbusiness.com

We're all in this together and we'll get through this together,

Jack

Jack Lank, IOM
President and CEO
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce
310 South Street
Plainville, MA 02762

www.unitedregionalchamber.org
"People Do Business With People They Know"

Save Small Business Fund - grant application opens Monday, Apr 20

www.savesmallbusiness.com

IRS: Free File use soars; taxpayers still have time to do their taxes for free

The Internal Revenue Service today reported a record increase in the use of Free File products for entering and filing federal income taxes and reminded taxpayers that they should go through IRS.gov to ensure they get the free offers they are due.

As of April 10, the IRS has received 2.9 million tax returns through the Free File program since January. That is a 28% increase compared to the 2.3 million received during the same time last year and already more than the 2.8 million received during all of 2019.

"The IRS worked with the Free File Alliance to make improvements to the program this year, and this record increase is an encouraging sign," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "We will work to continue improving this program. With the tax deadline extended to July 15, we remind eligible taxpayers who haven't filed to look into the Free File options. Free File online products offer free federal tax return preparation, free electronic filing and free direct deposit of refunds to help get your money faster."

In addition to Free File remaining available through the new July 15 tax deadline, the IRS reminds taxpayers that two Free File products are also available in Spanish.

Economic Impact Payments: Special option available for those who don't normally file
The Free File Alliance also helped provide people who don't normally file a tax return, and don't plan to for 2019, an easy way to register for Economic Impact Payment. This special tool, available only on IRS.gov, can be found at Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here.

The IRS, in partnership with Free File Inc., has provided this streamlined entry that people can quickly and easily complete using their direct deposit information and filing electronically with the IRS. This easy-to-use product adheres to the same security protocols as all other tax software products.

Special note for people required to file a tax return for 2019
People who haven't filed a tax return yet and are required to or plan to file a Form 1040 for 2019, should not use the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here option. Using this option could slow processing of their tax return and their Economic Impact Payment. People required to file for 2019 can use other Free File options or file as they normally do.

Those eligible for an Economic Impact Payment include U.S. citizens or resident aliens who:

Have a valid Social Security number,
Could not be claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer, and
Had adjusted gross income under certain limits.

Some Free File partners also are providing a free option for individuals who are not required to file a tax return but who are eligible for the payment. As a reminder, always go to IRS.gov to seek out these Free File options.

Taxpayers who have not yet filed a tax return for 2019 will still receive an Economic Impact Payment based on their 2018 tax return, if they filed one. The IRS already has started dispersing those payments to those with direct deposit information. Taxpayers can use the new Get My Payment tool on our website to check the status of their payment.

Here's how Free File works:
Taxpayers whose income was $69,000 or less last year are eligible for the free software. There also is Free File Fillable Forms, an electronic version of IRS paper forms. It has no income limitations. Free File options are available at IRS.gov/FreeFile.

Go to IRS.gov/FreeFile to see all Free File options.
Browse each of the offers or use a "look up" tool to help you find the right product. Each Free File partner sets its own eligibility standards generally based on income, age and state residency. But if the taxpayer's adjusted gross income was $69,000 or less, they will find at least one free product to use.

Select a provider and follow the links to their web page to begin a tax return.
Taxpayers should complete and e-File a tax return only when they have all the income and deduction records they need. The fastest way to get a refund is by filing electronically and selecting direct deposit. For those who owe, use direct pay or electronic options.

Please note: Because of COVID-19, the IRS is not processing paper tax returns at this time. Electronic filing options remain available. To receive a refund electronically, use the electronic filing option for Free File and use direct deposit.

Beware of scams
Scammers are using the Economic Impact Payment and fake fillable forms sites to try to trick individuals into providing sensitive information such as banking accounts. Please beware of fake emails, texts and telephone calls about this payment. Don't fall for the fakes – always go to IRS.gov for the official information.

Shared from
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-free-file-use-soars-taxpayers-still-have-time-to-do-their-taxes-for-free

FTC Consumer Alert: Isoprex misleads seniors

Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

Isoprex misleads seniors

by Lisa Weintraub Schifferle, Attorney, FTC, Division of Consumer and Business Education

"Isoprex Slashes Pain in 5 Days – Naturally!" "Walking without a Cane!" "Clinically Proven!" "Relieves painful swelling in 100% of even the worst cases."

These claims are false or misleading, according to the FTC's complaint against Isoprex's distributor, Renaissance Health Publishing, Inc.

Read more
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/04/isoprex-misleads-seniors?

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

FTC Consumer Alert: Isoprex misleads seniors

DAV Provides COVID-19 Financial Aid To Qualified Vets

Thank you, DAV for supporting service-connected disabled veterans by establishing the COVID-19 Relief Fund to help veterans who've lost their jobs or income during this crisis.

THANK YOU FOR A CENTURY OF SERVICE TO VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES!

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/memo_-_covid-19_relief_fund.pdf

https://twitter.com/DAVHQ/photo

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Town Council - Twitter notes recap - April 15, 2020

Town Council meeting about to begin, getting the last Councilors connected
Real time reporting underway for Town Council meeting
Council Chair Tom Mercer lays out the process of talking through the chair, he will take each councilor in order to provide time for speaking, all votes via roll call
Minutes of the Feb 12 meeting were approved via roll call with 8 for, 1 abstain (Hamblen as she did not participate). So 8-0-1 should be the record
Minutes of Mar 19 approved as amended, adding Pellegri to attended list; vote was 9-0
Public hearing on zoning bylaw plot lot changes conducted, hearing opened and closed; Bissanti abstained from discussion
Question on Dean personnel to be Tip certified, even with Sodexo providing the service, this may also require Dean manager of record to be certified. #tc0415 bylaw does require this
Events could happen in different spots within the Campus center, question on could they set up a regular bar? Not what they are asking for, but possible.
Not meant to be a publicly accessible event, management agreement should include that explicit restriction to Dean students and related events ... #tc0415 likely to come back for further discussion around the agreement and restriction
Motion to continue license discussion to the may 6 meeting passed 7-2, Chandler and Earl's voted no. Town and Dean to work on agreement or restriction to license to meet points of discussion tonight
Franklin TV list internet connection so broadcast is interrupted until they recover. My backup recording is still working here at my site (as well as within Zoom)
TA Jamie Hellen providing update on COVID-19, in state of emergency for 35 days, testing has increased, infected and fatalities have increased as well, billing adjusted per local option today
No deaths reported to TA associated with COVID-19, need to get the State to change the data process and reporting to be more complete as noted
Certain departments and specific individuals get access for specific purposes and set times to ensure paper continues to process where it can't be done virtually
Earth day likely still to be held clearly differently than previously, stay tuned for updates and details.
Councilor asking for a target date to work toward, missing (I think) the town is planning the steps for which it can be executed when the date is set/agreed to - currently it is May 4
SNETT trail is on schedule for prospect St construction beginning May, Lincoln St underway, town by Town data to be released weekly, the #s are not a complete picture of the status, 37 cases shown today, 13 as of last weekend were recovered
Councilor comments on Jamie's update taking long time, some speculation, some politics creeping in to the discussion
Next up, the Community Preservation act, getting it back for discussion; only cost for it on Nov election would be the cost of the additional ballot itself. #tc0415 get it on the ballot for the voters to decide
CPA to come back with likely 3% as the amount for the May 6 meeting for approval to out it on the November ballot. Councilors concerned with timing (not good now) but need to be careful to avoid advocacy on this measure
Moving to legislation, first up - the zoning plot line cleanup, Bissanti recused himself, due to roll call clerk required to read full text of legislation, will slow the process down but it is what it is
Motion to move to second reading, passed 8-0-1 (Bissanti recused, 8 for, none against) ( zoning plot line cleanup measure was part of hearing earlier in meeting)
Maple St Bellingham solar agreement up for discussion, good news as this means additional money coming in, two other agreements likely to be completed before end of April, #tc0415. Vote 9-0 for
Trash/recycling rate gets first approval to raise to $278/year effective July 1. Vote was 8-1 for,
Chandler no
Motion to adjourn, passed 9-0

screengrab during Dean discussion

screengrab during plot lines public hearing

Attention Franklin Residents: Important Notice to Taxpayers

Important Notice to Taxpayers

Under “An Act to Address Challenges Faced by Municipalities and State Authorities Resulting From COVID-19,” Chapter 53 of the Acts of 2020, the Town Administrator has adopted two (2) local options to extend the due date for Real Estate and Personal Property (RE/PP) tax payments through June 1, 2020, as well as a waiver of interest on certain municipal tax and other bills (water, sewer, trash & excise), which are paid late, but on or before June 30, 2020.

1. Local Option #1: The due date for Real Estate and Personal Property tax bills has been extended to June 1, 2020. June 1, 2020 is the new due date even if the due date for payment on your enclosed or previously mailed tax bill is April 1, 2020 or May 1, 2020.

What does this Mean?

a. Every property owner in Franklin has one additional month to pay their RE/PP bill.
b. Beginning June 2, 2020, late fees and penalties will be assessed.

2. Local Option #2: The town has also optioned “to waive interest and other penalty for late payment of any excise, tax, betterment assessment or apportionment thereof, water rate or annual sewer use, or other charge, added to a tax for any payments with a due date on or after March 10, 2020 where payment is made late but before June 30, 2020.”

This waiver applies to late payments of bills that have a due date of March 10, 2020 or after when such bills are paid late, but paid on, or before, June 30. This waiver of late fees and penalty does not apply to bills with due dates before March 10, 2020 or if the bill is not paid by June 30

What does this mean?

a. The waiver of late fees and penalties applies to only water, sewer, trash & excise bills.
b. Late fees and penalties will be waived; provided payment is made on or before June 30, 2020.
c. Due dates for all water, sewer, trash and excise bills originally due after March 10 will be due on or before June 30 regardless of the bill due date.
d. On July 1, 2020, late fees and penalties will begin being assessed.

How Can I Pay My Bills?

● White dropbox - residents can drop off payments by check and money order only, census forms, etc. in the white dropbox (mailbox) located on the side of the Municipal Building at 355 East Central Street.

● Online Payment - Permitting and Online Payments (property and real estate, water/sewer/trash, excise taxes) can also be found online: Online payments at
www.franklinma.gov/files

Who Do I Contact With Questions?

If any citizen has a question, they should contact the Treasurer-Collector’s Office. The best method right now is to email Treasurer-Collector Kerri Bertone at kbertone@franklinma.gov

Citizens may also call the general office phone line, leave a voicemail and a member of the staff will return your phone call. The phone number is (508) 520-4950.

Please find the PDF of this on the Town of Franklin page:
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/2020-04-15_tax_delay_psa.pdf

Attention Franklin Residents: Important Notice to Taxpayers

Franklin Matters

Friday, April 17, 2020

Run the incredABLE Virtual 5K

Save Small Business Fund - grant application opens Monday, Apr 20

IRS: Free File use soars; taxpayers still have time to do their taxes for free

FTC Consumer Alert: Isoprex misleads seniors

DAV Provides COVID-19 Financial Aid To Qualified Vets

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Town Council - Twitter notes recap - April 15, 2020

Attention Franklin Residents: Important Notice to Taxpayers

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