Simple choice - maintain or cut

As demand for services rise our staff levels continue to fall. There are two unpleasant solutions to this problem. Continue to reduce services or increase taxes.

An override will be requested for the FY 06 Budget. I estimate it will require approximately $4 million to maintain the level of services that currently exist. A successful override will allow us to balance the budget in the short term but in the long run the fundamental gap between revenues and expenses will arise creating the same problem in the future. The only long-term solution will depend upon changing the the tax laws to curtail the over reliance on the property tax as the primary source of funding local government.

The override is intended to address the current financial problems. It does not address the need to upgrade the high school, reconstruct roads and sidewalks, or fund a hugh unfunded health insurance obligation. These issues will have to be addressed over the next three years.

From the FY 2005 Budget Statement (PDF) published by Jeff Nutting in April 2004. This quote can be found on the bottom of page 11. The override mentioned was held in November 2004 and it failed by a 1,148 votes.

The future fiscal years beyond FY 07 will be difficult to deal without additional revenues. Please carefully review pages 4-6 titled FY 08 Budget Projections. You will note that with a very modest 2.5% increase in general costs along with increases in energy, health insurance, etc. the town will face a multi-million dollar shortfall. The 2.5% increase is not adequate to provide the same level of services that are currently provided and will lead to reductions in school/municipal services. realistically, the increase would need to be closer to 5% to maintain services. There is no way to avoid the eventual reality that our reserves are dwindling while our costs continue to rise faster than our revenues. I believe that FY 08 will be the year that difficult choices will have to be made in order to balance the budget.

From the FISCAL 2007 Annual Report published April 20, 2006 (PDF) by Jeff Nutting. The quote can be found on the bottom of page 2. The difficult choices mentioned did occur in FY 08 and resulted in the first operational override to pass in Franklin by a margin of 1,306 votes.

Final Comment - What do you get for your property taxes?
Franklin's property taxes are very reasonable. Unlike other taxes we pay, all of your property tax dollars remain in Franklin. The average tax bill in Franklin is $3,872. That amount provides high quality education, saves property and lives, plows your streets, provides library and recreational opportunities, and assists our senior citizens and veterans. When you need a paramedic, police officer, or other public service, they are a phone call away. Your tax dollars are used to improve your quality of life, and in the case of property owners, maintain and increase the value of your investment. In good times or bad, we strive to be prudent with your tax dollars and be responsive to your needs.

This is from the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Statement (PDF) as published by Jeff Nutting in March 2008. This quote can be found on the top of the last page, page 11.

As these quotes from the budget information provided during the past several years indicate, an override this year is not a surprise. We have a systemic issue that is not being addressed. We have avoided the painful choices by drawing down the stabilization fund. It is no longer a smart fiscal choice to make. The choice remaining is to cut services (in this case educational services for our children) or raise taxes.

Put all the other arguments aside: Do you want to maintain our quality educational services or do we start cutting deeper than we have before?

-------------

Learn all you can by visiting here frequently.

Visit the School Committee override page for the schedule of information sessions

You can find override related information here

Be informed to cast your vote on June 10th

Town Council after much discussion votes to set June 11 as date for a $6.8M Prop 2 1/2 override (audio in 2 parts) Town Council after much discussion votes to set June 11 as date for a $6.8M Prop 2 1/2 override (audio in 2 parts)

FM #1190-91 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1190-91 in the series. 

This session shares the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, May 1, 2024 in 2 parts. 

All 9 councilors took part in Chambers.

Part 1  (~2 hours)

Covers the first hour of the meeting

• Citizen Comments

• Approval of Minutes - March 13, 2024

• Proclamation: Chris Stearns, Franklin TV 

• Police Department - Introduction of Mental Health Clinician Caroline Ferris

• Appointment to Conservation Commission - Nicole Chiaramonte

• Presentation: FY23 Financial Audit - Scott McIntire, Partner, Marcum LLP

And then skips past the Override presentation to jump to the citizens comments on the override and then the closing of the meeting

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1190-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-05-01-24-part-1-of-2

Part 2 (~ 2 and a quarter hours)

Includes the entire section of the joint presentation by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and School Superintendent Lucas Giguere including the Council question and answers

Many department heads also spoke for the pledge

Legislation for Action

• Resolution 24-19: Override Pledge to the Citizens of Franklin

• Resolution 24-20: Setting Date of Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot

• Resolution 24-21: Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot Question 

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1191-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-05-01-24-part-2-of-2

--------------

The Franklin TV broadcast of the 4 hour plus session is available for replay on YouTube ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9nkmKHkrxA 

Agenda and supporting documents for this session -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/fixed_tc_agenda_v4.pdf 

Joint presentation doc-> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/4b._2024-05-01_override_pledge_presentation.pdf 

My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fv18ylsYtYhbaSiLXkEDkZLQkm8C-2Q1/view?usp=drive_link 

Photo album with the slides as captured during the presentation on Wednesday

https://photos.app.goo.gl/dDxgDMFrcXDaNqR78 

-------------

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!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Town Council after much discussion votes to set June 11 as date for a $6.8M Prop 2 1/2 override (audio in 2 parts)

Override failure reasons - my 2 cents

Why did the override fail?

By the numbers, 1600 yes votes from last year did not vote yes this year:

• 500 of them chose to vote no.
• Just over 1000 stayed home and chose not to vote at all.

What happened to these yes votes?

I think there are a number of reasons.

Apathy is always a factor - "My vote won't make a difference." On a national scale, the individual vote does not count for a whole lot. On the local scale, one vote is ONE vote.

Town priorities - The school budget is always a town matter. The School Department and Superintendent are properly advocates for what they need. The Finance Committee provides some oversight and validation but the ultimate responsibility lies with the Town Council. So while this year (and last) the School Committee brought forth what they needed to maintain the level of education that they were providing, the Town Council chose to follow the beat of their own drummer. Last year the Town planned for the override in advance and included town operations in the override amount. This year, the Town set the schools up on their own and only allowed an override when forced by the School Committee and the presence of growing support within the community. Alas, the support was not enough to carry all the way through.

Mis-information - The hearsay, mis-information and inaccuracies were prevalent in the community discussions. Trying to get the proper information out to the folks was like swimming against the riptide. The Milford Daily News closed out anonymous comments the day after the vote but the damage was done. The constant naysayers were abusive and out in force. Heaven forbid, you try to get a word in edgewise. The key point on this is the difference between a capital expense and an operational expense. Clearly, the majority of Franklin voters don't understand or appreciate the difference.

The 5 Year Plan - This is another aspect of the Town priorities but an important one. This item was brought up several times during the healthy discussion during the Override of 2007. Everyone agreed it was a good thing to do. During the ensuing year, the Town Council did nothing. They instead chose to sit on the school budget problem and hid it from the voters during the November election. That was more important. Some of the councilors chose to break their own by-laws and put up their election signs for the November election in advance of when they were supposed to. That was more important. Some of those councilors chose to make take pot shots at the School Administration and School Superintendent. Sound bites travel well especially when they are unfounded. Finally, the Town Council appointed a committee to develop a long range plan the week before this years override. Too little too late.

State money - The Town has gotten too used to the largess of the commonwealth and the ability of our local representatives to tap the coffers to fill the Franklin revenue needs. The decade plus time of increasing state aid is likely behind us. Other towns are recognizing what we have benefited from and getting jealous. We could make a case for the increases with a growing enrollment. The enrollment growth is tapering off and so will the state funds. The unwillingness of the Franklin tax payer to dip into their own pocket got proved again. Only one operational override has successfully passed. Don't ask a Franklinite to take money out of their pocket for something they should pay for. If the state won't pay for it, Franklin certainly won't.


I believe the Franklin voters who did not cast their ballots will come to regret their decision. The days of Franklin being selected in Top 10 or Top 100 are over. Digging out of this hole will be the hardest thing to do.

The task of the Five Year Plan Committee will be immense. We, the voters, will have a chance of getting a decent plan. There are two "normal, everyday citizens" on the committee along with the elected and appointed officials. We will have to monitor the committee to ensure that they are open and doing something productive. We can not let the Town Council let this opportunity sit idle.


What can we learn from the failure?

Personally, letting others direct the conversation, reporting the facts, hoping for the best doesn't work.

Action will be required. The level of engagement in the town meetings (especially the Town Council) needs to increase.

You, yes you! Don't sit at home and let the talking heads babble on. Make the effort. Go to the Council Chambers. Show them that there are real live people for whom they should care about what they do. Hold them accountable.

Conversation about what is happening needs to maintain some focus on the real issues. Don't let the agenda hide some items. Ask where is it? Ask what is happening? Ask why?

Together we can come out of the hole. Or separately, we can see our home values decline, or students fall behind, our future dim.

This is our choice.

What choice will you make?

How much does Franklin matter to you?

Frequently asked questions: "Can the town guarantee that the funds from the override will always be spent exactly the same way?"

The wording of the ballot question asks for $3 million, but I am told $1.8 million will be used to maintain services in schools, $300,000 to maintain town services and $900,000 for road repair. Can the town guarantee that the funds from the override will always be spent exactly the same way?

Only for one year. There are some states where property taxes are divided into school taxes and other taxes, but that is not the case in Massachusetts. All property tax revenues flow into the town's general fund, and the Town Council can only allocate money from the general fund one year at a time, based on the town's priorities and needs. This provides flexibility in case circumstances change; one year the Police could need more money and the next, it could be the Library.


The override will balance the budget and prevent a major deficit. It will increase the amount of money in the general fund that Franklin will have available to meet our town's needs in future years, providing better financial flexibility to help the schools, police, public safety and library, as well as other important services. The percentage of Franklin's budget allocated to each town department has been relatively stable from year to year, and it would take extreme financial circumstances for the Town Council to attempt to dramatically change the budget. Although they cannot legally make any guarantees, the Town Council and Town Administrator have clearly stated their intention of adhering to the numbers given in the override question in future years.

One of a series to address frequently asked questions
http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/faq-part-1.html


------------


The special election on June 8th gives Franklin voters the choice:

Increase taxes to continue to provide the services we have this year (and that does not restore any of the services already cut)

Or

Continue to cut municipal services for all and cut educational opportunities for our children

I'll help to provide the information. You need to do two things:

1. Make your choice
2. Vote on June 8th

You get bonus points if you talk with your neighbors about this and get them to vote!

Additional information on the override can be found here:

• http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/index.html
• http://franklinschoolcommittee.wordpress.com/override-page/
• http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/05/budget-override-collection-fy-2011.html

Franklin, MA

In the News: Bellingham to decide on a $1.5 million override; Franklin schools budget gap expected to close

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Voters will decide in May on a $1.5 million override requested by the School Department for its fiscal 2021 budget. 

Selectmen last Saturday approved the override, meaning the proposal will appear as a ballot question at the annual town election on May 5. The measure requires approval from a simple majority of voters to pass. 

Superintendent of Schools Peter Marano said the school district is seeking the override to help compensate for a lower reimbursement expected from the state on charter school funding, as well as to add positions in areas of increased need. 

For the average homeowner, the $1.5 million override would result in property taxes being increased by about $160 in the next fiscal year, Marano said, based on a home value of about $325,000.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200226/bellingham-override-bid-heads-to-ballot-selectman-oked-15-million-school-budget-override-request

"The School Department anticipates “a budget gap to close” after reviewing its plans for fiscal 2021, requesting an increase of $3.9 million in funding from the town, according to Superintendent of Schools Sara Ahern. 

Reviewed on Tuesday night before the School Committee, the proposed school budget of $68,767,873 represents an increase of $3,909,373 (6%) over the current budget, said Ahern. Fiscal 2021 begins on July 1. 

The town’s total current budget is $129.6 million, with about half of it - $64.8 million - allocated to Franklin Public Schools. 

Even though the school district is requesting a $3.9 million increase for the coming year, Ahern said she doesn’t anticipate the town paying that entire amount."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200227/franklin-superintendent-anticipates-budget-gap-to-close

The live reporting from the School Committee meeting on Tuesday on the budget for FY 2021
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-recommended-budget-fy.html

Assume Town of Franklin gets $3m in expected revenue, with schools proposing an increase of $3.9m over last year we have a math problem

In the news - seniors tax break bill not likely this time around

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted May 04, 2008 @ 12:13 AM

---

FRANKLIN —

The situation is not unique to Franklin: the elderly are pitted against young people in a battle to pass a Proposition 2-1/2 tax override that keeps schools competitive during budget crises.

Seniors on fixed incomes speak out about their struggle to pay for basic needs and hang onto their homes, while those who are the voice of another vulnerable population - children - endure attacks for proposing a tax increase.

Now that Franklin is in the throes of an override battle, School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy is urging citizens to appeal to their senators (Sens. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, and Karen Spilka, D-Ashland) to pass a bill permitting towns to exempt eligible seniors from tax overrides.

On Feb. 28, the House overwhelmingly (111-34) passed Bill No. 2840, which gives Franklin's Town Council the ability to give this tax break to seniors aged 65 or older with a family income of $60,000 or less (if their real estate tax payments exceed 10 percent of their total income). The bill was sent to the Senate and referred to the Senate Ethics and Rules Committee.

Read the remainder of the article in the Milford Daily News here

--------------------

Franklin seniors seek override relief

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Sun May 04, 2008, 12:08 AM EDT

FRANKLIN -

A group of women playing Scrabble at the Franklin Senior Center recently said a bill protecting them from override taxes ``sounds good'' to them.
``Oh yes, definitely,'' said senior Clare Flynn.
The women ``don't make nearly $60,000,'' and their Social Security income is so low, they are considered to be living in ``poverty,'' they said, laughing and adding they would like to be given the same tax breaks as billionaires.
An exemption would not automatically compel them to vote in favor of a Proposition 2« tax override, however, they said.
``It would depend on what the override is for, if it seemed they (town officials) spent money foolishly, and why they reached the point where they'd have to call for an override,'' Flynn said.
``If the money really would go for what they're saying, then I'd consider it,'' she said.

Read the full article in the Franklin Gazette here

Voices of Franklin: Gretchen Donohue - "supporting the necessary override for public school funding"

To whom it may concern:

As members of this vibrant and caring community, we are faced with a significant decision- asking the taxpayers for an override– that will shape the future of our town and, most importantly, the education of the present and future children of Franklin. Today, I write to you not just as a concerned citizen, or as a public school educator (in a neighboring district), but also as a voice advocating for investing in the vitality and prosperity of our public schools, and recognizing the integral role the schools play in the lives of all of the residents of Franklin.

Our schools are the heart of our community; they educate, inspire, and empower our children, preparing them to become the thought leaders, creative innovators, and engaged citizens of tomorrow. At its core, a school budget is more than just a financial plan; it is a moral document that reflects our values and priorities as a community. The budget is a statement of what we choose to support and what we commit to investing in. By adequately funding our public schools, we demonstrate our commitment to our children. As a result of the current budget, our schools are forced to make difficult decisions (cutting programs, increasing class sizes, reducing resources-, especially in the areas of supporting students’ emotional health).

Some critics misunderstand that any additional cuts will fundamentally change the ability of the Franklin schools to educate all of its students; other critics have praised the Franklin teachers for “doing so much with so little,” but why are they continually given “so little” to work with? Recently critics have noted that there is a “need for a measured approach that affords every taxpayer the opportunity to understand the full financial landscape,”1 but I contend there have been numerous opportunities with information and presentations all readily available to the public.

Now is the time for us to come together as a community and reaffirm our commitment to education. By supporting an override, we can ensure that our schools have the needed resources that they need to not only survive, but thrive. We would do well to remember that our actions in the present will shape the future of our community for generations to come, and I hope we can stand together and invest in our children, knowing that our children’s success is the foundation of our shared prosperity.

When we invest in education, we invest in the potential of every child, regardless of their background, circumstances, race or creed. I reiterate that a budget is a moral document that reflects our values; I urge you to join me in putting our values into action by supporting the necessary override for public school funding.

Together, we can ensure that our schools remain beacons of excellence and opportunity for all.

Thank you for your consideration and your commitment to the future of our community; I appreciate your dedication to the citizens of Franklin.

Sincerely,

Gretchen M. Coyle Donohue, 

7 Padden Road, Franklin, MA 02038

1   https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/249604/opinion-rushed-override-wrong-votenofranklin

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Gretchen Donohue -  "supporting the necessary override for public school funding"

In the News - override views mixed, FINCOM to hear school budget

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Apr 13, 2008 @ 09:08 PM

---

FRANKLIN —

Dale Lippert, a retired instructor from Dean College, didn't pause before expressing his thoughts on a tax override to save the schools from drastic layoffs and cuts this year.

Sitting at the Honey Dew Donuts on Rte. 140, Lippert shook his head, and looking to his friend, another senior, said, "It's not going to happen."

"The bucket is only so deep. I don't think it's a Franklin issue - I think it's a U.S. issue, an economy issue," said Lippert, lamenting the rising cost of gas, milk, and bread.

People on fixed incomes can't meet their basic needs, and others are losing their homes, he said.

"I was a teacher, and I'm 150 percent in favor of education, but there has to be fiscal responsibility. They can't just keep asking people (for more)," Lippert said.

If Franklin puts a tax override question on a ballot this year, he predicted, "a gray revolution" - the senior generation organizing to fight it - adding that he'd be "on the front line."

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News

----------------------------

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Apr 13, 2008 @ 08:33 PM

---

FRANKLIN —

Tonight, School Committee Chairman Jeff Roy will make two financial requests of the Finance Committee: To support a tax override and agree to a $58.6 million budget for schools - $3.2 million on top of Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting's proposed $55.4 million budget.

The School Committee is seeking the tax hike to fund a budget sufficient to maintain the same level of services, teachers and staff at schools.

An adequate tax override would prevent 45 layoffs (mostly teachers) in schools and increased pay-to-ride fees, and save the late bus.

"I'm hoping the Finance Committee will support an override, or at least an override question. I think it's the only real option, because there aren't any real sources of (additional) revenue," he said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Live reporting - Finance Committee endorses the override

Rebecca Cameron provides an update on the Long Range/Financial Planning committee report
brought the 2 1/2 override to the Council and to the voters for a vote
we need to be on the same page to help the process

Roche
The plan was right on target except for the items that weren't on the planning horizon
the forecast has been reconciled to the original report
the Town Council has a $3 M override budget
to use $1.8 M for schools, $300,000 for the Town, and $900,000 for the roads to get started in addressing that problem
we have a way to go with $15 M to fix the worst 30 miles of roads and only $900,000 to start with

Goldsmith - I feel very comfortable asking the Town's people to consider coming forward, the increase are warranted to provide the services to the Town

Roche - There is not a lot of waste out there, the department heads are doing their job and we are getting to lean

Quinn - If you look at the five year plan, it gets worse. Police down, Fire down, DPW, Schools (hundred lost teachers, 1,000 more students). It is unfortunate, times are tough but I think failure to pass the prop will be an issue

Rivera - one of the most important things we can do is to educate the residents as much s we can, if we don't do something what will it look like in a few years, if they have questions, the info is on the website

Roche - Town wide forum on May 24th at 7:00 PM at Horace Mann/Thomas Mercer Auditorium

Cataldo - We can't keep going this way, personal safety is important, this money is not going to be slopping in a trough, this is to provide services that we have had , not increases but the same services

Q
Nutting - Est $255 per average bill for the $3 M override

Quinn - It is important to say, 10 failed overrides with one passed, we are asking for a tax increase because some of the others haven't been passed with growing expenses. Got to make ends meet.

Feldman - we can see some signs of improvement in the economy here and there, hopefully things will continue to improve

Cameron - the important thing is that everyone comes out and vote, the votes need to be cast, we understand the impact it can have on certain people. I get the feeling that this group understands the override is necessary to keep the services. I would like to make a recommendation to support the override.

Motion to recommend $3 M override, passed 8-0

meeting for 1st Tue in June (Jun 1) to be kept for now

motion to adjourn, passed


Franklin, MA

Live reporting: DPW proposal on road repairs

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 
- Department of Public Works

Kate Sjoberg, Mike Maglio, Robert (Brutus)Cantoreggi, and Laurie Ruszala



(document to be added)

http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_DPW/General_Pages/2013%20Roadway%20Presentation.pdf

roads rated 69 or less analyzed

quite a few roads rated 69 or less
if depending only upon Chap 90, the road repairs would decrease
proposal with a possible override shows getting to 70 or better within 5 years


focus had been on water/sewer repairs with road repairs
60% funding from water 40% from other sources

Chap 90 funding is variable (shown in chart)

Council appropriations also vary year to year (shown in chart)

initiative '14 plan
looking for a debt override of a $1M per year (how long not answered yet)

new water study being done in 2014

Nutting
200 miles of roads and each can have an individual issue
water can continue to supply funding for the foreseeable future

dedicated override can be kept to a fund for perpetuity
a million dollar override would cost about $18 per homeowner

Q - Kelly - would the plan be to get the roads accepted before we repaired
A - Yes, we would get them accepted before work is done

Q  - would be reducing the road size?
A - yes, 
discussion on size of the road in subdivisions, they cover that size of the road

reducing the size avoids the cost of repair and future maintenance

C - Powderly - thank you for this, easy to understand, folks can see where things fall out. The Town is reliant on a zero sum game. the only thing that will fix the roads will be a dedicated override

C - Roy - The legislature did authorize more money in Chap 90. The Governor is authorized to do so, he has not released the funds. he is getting pressure from legislators everyday. With the economy going, I am not sure if this is time to do an override. You'll have a new council in place in November and it would be better for their decision.

C - Bissanti - what happened in the 80's, the DPW were not doing the core and compression tests when they were being built, which is why we ended up with the roads we have now.

C - Nutting - you had residents come in a couple of months ago, more are likely, the only thing that will fix the roads is money. Utimately, the town is going to have to take more responsibility

Q - Dellorco - where are the road ratings?
A - The road ratings are on the town website (see link to be added). If I don't fix them, they are calling you. We are up against it. We have done a lot of work in town. full reconstruction is about $100 sq ft. I am not saying Brutus wants an override. If it is adjusted, we can live with it. The facts speak for themselves. The bubble of the last 80-90's is coming and needs to be addressed.

Pay to Ride - discussion only item

The Pay-to-Ride letters need to get out to parents for next year. The pricing in the letter is dependent upon the status of the override coming June 10th.

$39,600 cost of late bus for FY 2009

If the family pays-to-ride and goes home late, they don't pay the extra dollar for the late bus
If the family qualifies for the reduced lunch program, they don't pay for the late bus

Pay-to-Ride sign ups are required in June for next September
provides time for the bus company to prepare the number of buses required

If the override passes, no change in pricing
If the override fails, there is a proposal for a $100 increase in the fee

Ogden recommends issuing the letter with pricing based upon the successful override
with a way for families to opt out if the override fails and they choose not to pay the increase required from the failed override.

updated 8:00 PM
-----------------

Cafasso:
layman's attempt at fuel escalation clause
bus company commits to provide a set amount of services for the year in advance
with fuel costs above and below a certain price, with in a range they absorb the difference
above the range, the cost is passed on to Franklin

Are all the students using the late bus, paying when they are supposed?
Probably not, probably a small amount

Kelly:
concern over time line for notification to bus company and override results
major negotiation point is in July, other opportunities before school opens and just after school opens

GATRA is an alternative, assuming their ridership builds
It would be a slower, longer ride given the nature of their route

Rohrbach:
admits the school committee hasn't voted on a total budget

Ogden:
if you don't sign up, there is no guarantee that there will be a seat for the children if you wait
it would be better to sign up, and if necessary, withdraw

Sabolinski:
There was a significant wait list last year and some of those on the list ended up taking part of the two added buses but the families had to wait until the buses come online.

Armenio:
How late can we wait?

Ogden:
July.

Sabolinski:
Schools share the late bus

Roy:
Pure energy and bio-diesel fuel?

Ogden:
we did investigate it, does not know if it was applied for
will follow up with Mike D'Angelo

Roy:
supports recommendation to go with this years rate and appropriate language to opt out as required

Franklin residents: Why is it worth spending some time with the Joint Budget Subcommittee?

Hello fellow Franklin residents:

I'm reaching out because as some of you have heard and others should hear, Franklin Public Schools is (once again) approaching a fiscal cliff.  In other words, Franklin already doesn't have sufficient resources to competitively support our children's education and it's going to get worse unless we do something about it.

 A group of concerned Franklin residents have officially registered a ballot question committee called "One Franklin 2023" aka One Franklin.  We are piggy backing off of efforts originally started in 2019 after many saw 100+ Franklin teachers standing with pink slips on Route 140.  

I believe that federal funds received during the pandemic helped delay even deeper cuts to school resources in the interim.  Those funds are going away.  We have amazing services in town that are stretched thin, and we need to band together as a community to resolve this issue. 

I took notice earlier this year when my rising 8^th grader came home in tears when she was told that a beloved teacher could not be retained.  I attended a school finance committee meeting to try to understand where the funds were going. 

To my surprise, what I saw was a committee stuck making difficult choices to cut school resources most of us would consider essential because of insufficient funding.  My concern is that I see a funding shortfall that is quickly going to get worse despite the fact that we already trail the vast majority of school districts in Massachusetts.

**Note: 80% of districts in Massachusetts spend more on education, per pupil, than Franklin (as of 2021 - latest available data)

The One Franklin committee is a group of engaged citizens who are working with elected leaders to pass a tax override in Franklin to raise revenues to strengthen Franklin Public Services including the school system while broader funding reforms are investigated and implemented.

A Joint Budget Subcommittee (JBSC) Meeting is scheduled for August 2. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen will present a 5-year forecast of our town's budget for all departments. This is an important starting point that will allow committee members of the JBSC to begin working with town departments to identify specific line items they would request in an override.

Thank you for your time and for caring about Franklin,

Ken Ojukwu

Treasurer, One Franklin

 

What can you do?

1. Save the date:  Your attendance is requested at the Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting on Wednesday August 2, 2023 @ 7 pm Municipal Building 2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street.  I cannot stress enough that engagement at this meeting is essential to gain momentum for any effort to solve our town's financial issues. Please recruit everyone you know to attend, whether they are pro-override or not. All citizens need to be informed and this is a first step.  There will be opportunity for public comment toward the end of the committee's agenda discussions.
1. All citizens are welcome to attend public board and committee meetings in person. Meetings are also live-streamed (and archived) by Franklin TV on the Franklin Town Hall TV YouTube channel. ->   https://www.youtube.com/@franklintownhalltv8887/streams
2. Zoom Link contained in the agenda document 

2. Spread the word!  Please feel free to forward this email and start/continue conversations with other Franklin residents (parents or not) to help us continue to find ways to improve our schools and keep Franklin a preferred place to live and raise a family.

 

3. Consider joining One Franklin. The One Franklin committee is a group of engaged citizens who are working with elected leaders to pass a tax override in Franklin. One of the initiatives of One Franklin is to educate the community as to why we support an override. Please learn about and then consider joining our efforts! The email to get involved is OneFranklinVolunteers@gmail.com.  I've added more information below.  Also, let me know if you are interested in a One Franklin bumper magnet - it's the newest must-have car accessory!

Franklin Matters: What is the One Franklin group doing?

One Franklin Override Info Hub - What is an Override?

Frequently asked questions: "When would the impact of an override take effect in Franklin?"

When would the impact of an override take effect in Franklin?

The June 2010 override ballot question would apply to the fiscal 2011 budget. That is, the override would take effect on July 1, 2010. However, the increase in taxes would not show up until the third quarter tax bill which is mailed at the end of December and due by February 1, 2011.

What is my tax rate now and how does it compare to surrounding communities?

Franklin employs a single tax rate for both commercial property tax payers and residential property tax payers and that rate is currently 12.03 per thousand dollars of assessed property value. Fourteen of our thirty peer towns employ split, or dual property tax rates, one for residential payers and a higher rate for commercial payers. Set forth below is a chart in descending order which shows how Franklin’s $12.03 single property tax rate compares to our 15 other peer towns that employ a single property tax rate. Franklin also happens to have a lower property tax rate than most of our 14 peer towns that employ a split tax rate.

Town	2010Tax Rate
Sharon	17.92
Westborough	16.98
Holliston	16.31
Medway	16.29
Hopkinton	15.76
Chelmsford	15.15
Northborough	14.38
Medfield	14.24
Southborough	14.06
Average	13.95
Reading	13.75
Millis	13.64
Franklin	12.03
Natick	11.67
Foxborough	10.91
North Attleborough	10.44
Shrewsbury	9.68

One of a series to address frequently asked questions
http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/faq-part-1.html


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The special election on June 8th gives Franklin voters the choice:

Increase taxes to continue to provide the services we have this year (and that does not restore any of the services already cut)

Or

Continue to cut municipal services for all and cut educational opportunities for our children

I'll help to provide the information. You need to do two things:

1. Make your choice
2. Vote on June 8th

You get bonus points if you talk with your neighbors about this and get them to vote!

Additional information on the override can be found here:

• http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/index.html
• http://franklinschoolcommittee.wordpress.com/override-page/
• http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/05/budget-override-collection-fy-2011.html

Franklin, MA