In the News - Finance Committee

The Finance Committee meeting was reported on in the Milford Daily News here:

More funds sought for jobless benefits

from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

Franklin 2009 Annual Report

For some good reading, the 2009 Annual Report is now available.

You can access this file from the Town Clerk's web page here (pdf0.

You can also find the 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, and 2004 Annual Reports (PDF) files here

CDC FluView: H1N1 Activity

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

CDC FluView: H1N1 Activity

via Commonwealth Conversations: Public Health by Julia Hurley on 12/1/09

Every week the CDC analyzes information about influenza disease activity in the United States and publishes key findings in a report called FluView. There has been significant media coverage of the report released yesterday covering flu activity for November 15-21 citing a decrease in H1N1 activity. It is important to realize, however, that while activity has decreased in some key indicators it has also increased in others. For example, the report states that thirty-two states are still reporting widespread influenza activity at this time, including Massachusetts. 

While some of these numbers make it seem that the H1N1 flu season has peaked, it is simply too soon to know if it is actually on the decline in Massachusetts. Every flu pandemic is unique so only time will tell if these downturns will continue. In the meantime, it is more important than ever that everyone continue to practice good health hygiene to help prevent getting or spreading any type of flu. Be sure to cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow instead of into your hand, and wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after you cough or sneeze. Finally, be sure to get both the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccine as soon as they are available to you. 

You can read the full FluView every week on the CDC's website at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/

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Live reporting - FINCOM

New business

Jeff showed a map of Franklin where the Charles River Watershed Association, an advocacy group for the Charles River, will be looking at studying how we can reduce the phosphorous output into the streams and ultimately into the Charles River.

EPA and DEP determine the regulations. Franklin, Milford and Bellingham will be part of a pilot process to see how it works. Our regulations will cover land of 2 acres while the rest of the State is covered by regulations for 5 acres.

Related to the Delcorte dam study, the ponds there help to retain the water which allows the water to have the phosphorous drain into the land rather than flowing down the stream.

Lien of Water/Sewer bills
Due to lack of payment, the sewer/and water liens will be applied to their tax bills. The banks and processing companies have determined to only pay the bill and not the lien. Once a lien is placed and penalties are accrued, there is a multiplier effect on interest penalty.

Fiscal 09 taxes, about 100 folks where they have not been paid. A lien on the property will be recorded on the Register of Deeds and posted publicly. If you do get a letter, call the Treasurer Collector immediately. The penalty interest is 16% on liens. A hundred dollar bill can add up very quickly.

An application for a grant to put solar panels on the Parmenter School is being made. No info at this time as to what the status will be.

Motion to select Rebecca Cameron as Vice-Chair
Approved 8-0

Jim Roche
Candidates are being interviewed for an open spot on the Finance Committee.

Jeff Nutting
Regional Transportation was the big cut, it affects Tri-County but not us.
We have to be cognizant of potential budget cuts during the year at the State level. We have done another sweep within the major departments to avoid expenses and save some money in anticipation of further cuts. We'd rather avoid spending now and save to avoid further cuts in overall services or personnel.

The pension system needs to be looked at to see how it is funded. No time frame has been determined yet. The lower return on investments forcing this. Calculations were based upon an 8-9 percent return. What it will mean is an increase in payment by the Town. As the older folks retire, the newer folks will be picking up a greater per cent.

Motion to adjourn
Passed 8-0

Live reporting - Finance Committee Mtg

Attending: 
Linda Huempfner
Pat Goldsmith
Jim Roche
Phyllis Meserve
Jaun Rivera
Mark Cataldo
Rebecca Cameron
Brett Feldman (late)

Missing:
Craig Maire
Robert Texiera

Motion to approve minutes for Oct 6, 2009
approved - 7-0

Per Jeff Nutting, there are three appropriations for approval, the transfer would be from "free cash". The "free cash" amount was recently certified at $2,385,242 (very close to last years total).

1 - Motion to approve $6,000 for Elections
approved - 7-0

2 - Motion to approve $30,000 for Veterans Benefits
The money is a legal obligation. This money is reimbursed at a 75% rate after the fact. Franklin currently has 22 active cases, the most in recent history. This program is uniquely handled by the State, most others are handled at the county or State level. MA is handled at the local level. This is the third year there has been an additional request. The business has grown recently and has been hard to forecast. These benefits are for Franklin veterans.
approved - 7-0

3 - Motion to approve $175,000 for Unemployment
Stephanie has re-looked at the unemployment folks, there are 26 collecting currently. There is no reasonable expectation for these actually gaining employment before the end of the fiscal year. The total exposure is 191,000. We are hedging a bet and coming for less now. We can come back later if the numbers change.

(Brett Feldman arrived)
Approved - 8-0

Jeff provides an update on the Tax Classification Hearing scheduled for the Town Council meeting Wednesday night. The average values have declined. The valuation is 11 months old.

The tax rate is going up to 12.03%

The first two tax bills are estimated, the third and fourth are actual tax bills.

Tax levy, debt exclusion and new growth are the three components of the new tax levy.

Choo Choo stop closed

The bullet was dodged previously but as with programs associated with the MBTA, stick around for more change. It had been reported earlier this year to be closing as the MBTA was going to install ticket machines. Then the Choo Choo Shop remained opened as they backed off the timeline for machines.

Franklin: choo choo stop closed m no ticket machines yet, originally uploaded by shersteve.

Well today, the shop is closed and ticket machines are not to be found around the station building. Maybe they are scheduled for delivery.

Don't misunderstand me, as a commuter, I want train service on a schedule, run effectively for a reasonable price.

Is it too much to ask for such changes like this to be better communicated or coordinated?

Survey says

This entry will keep track of the final results on the Franklin Matters poll questions.

Question: Should the Treasurer/Collector position be changed from elected to appointed?

Yes - 9
No - 6
The question opened on August 4 and closed on August 18. The question will be on the November 2013 ballot for Franklin voters to really decide.

Question: "Would you be in favor of further amending the Franklin Home Rule Charter to provide for the election of a mayor to govern the city known as the town of Franklin?"
Yes - 17
No - 27
The question opened on Jun 20 and closed on June 30th. It will be a non-binding question on the November 2013 ballot.


Question: "Should the Wadsworth Diary continue to be shared daily for February?"
Yes - 13
No - 10
The question was introduced and then closed on Jan 31, 2012


Question: "Do you think the school committee earns an 'almost very high' level of engagement with the Franklin community on school issues?"
Yes - 12
No - 13
The question was introduced and then closed on Nov 29, 2010.


Question: "Would you pay approx. $70 to put the utilities underground?
Yes - 22
No - 44
The survey was introduced in this link and closed on Aug 28, 2010.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/franklin-ma-underground-utilities.html


Overall - is the curbside trash/recycle process better than before?
Yes - 69
No - 17
The poll question closed at midnight August 14, 2010.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/new-trashrecycle-status-survey.html


If the override was split into 2 separate questions, would you have approved the school override? Q1 - $2.1 million for schools Q2 - $900K for roads/the town
Yes - 33
No -  22

This question comes out of the post-override discussion referenced here. The poll closed at midnight on June 25, 2010.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/06/poll-question-results.html




Do you think the new trash/recycle process will be a good thing for Franklin?

Yes - 8

No - 11

This question comes out of the decision to lower the annual curbside fee and implement the new process in July 2010. The summary of the changes can be found in here: FM #58 - Week ending 2/21/10

Should the Town consider saving money by plowing the streets less well than they currently do?

Yes - 5

No - 14

This question grew out of the discussion at the Town Council meeting on 1/6/10 concerning the sidewalk snow removal plans. The poll will close 1/15/10 at midnight.

Do you find that the Franklin School District (across the School Committee, Administration, and individual school web pages) provides the information you need in a way that is easy to find?

Yes - 3

No - 12

The post that lead to this survey can be found here

Will you get the H1N1 vaccine when it is available?

Yes - 2

No - 10

Should Franklin remain with a single tax rate?

Yes -11

No -5

The article that explains the background for this question can be found here

Who is in the best position to control bullying?

Parents - 7

Schools - 3

The article that drove this question can be found here

Should your school measure Body Mass Index (BMI) to report to you and your physician?

Yes - 5

No - 12

The article that drove the question can be found here
The issue came out of the School Committee meeting on 10/27/09

If you have a suggestion for a simple question poll, feel free to send it to me.

In the News - split tax vs. single tax rate

"Changing to a split rate does not in and of itself raise a penny of additional tax revenue to the town," council Vice Chairman Stephen Whalen said. "Rather it just shifts the overall tax burden, such that businesses pay more of the overall tax levy."

He compared Franklin to Milford and Bellingham, towns with split tax rates, and said that Milford businesses are taxed 73 percent more than residents, and Bellingham's commercial properties are taxed 46 percent more than its residential properties.

"A single tax is more business friendly because it results in a lower property tax rate paid by businesses in towns with a single rate," he said.

Franklin to vote on split vs. single tax rate

from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

For my analysis on the tax rate you can view my slidecast here

Santa visits the Town Common

The newly refurbished bandstand was ready to provide a good spot for Santa to visit Franklin and all his friends on Sunday.



Enjoy!

Note: for those reading this via email, you'll need to click through to the web to view the picture slidshow.

FM #50 - Slidecast

This slidecast combines the audio of the podcast with the slides that I refer to.

FM #50 Slidecast

View more presentations from Steve Sherlock.

For the text or session notes, visit here.

Yes, I did make a mistake by not recording the text that should have accompanied the one page in the appendix. The text for the page is included in the notes above.

Town Council - Agenda - 12/02/09

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 21, 2009; November 4, 2009


B. ANNOUNCEMENTS  


C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS


D. CITIZEN COMMENTS


E. APPOINTMENTS

Liaison to the State Ethics Commission  (Debbie Pellegri)

Council on Aging   (Mary Hick, Ken Norman)

F. HEARINGS  -        Annual Tax Classification Hearing – 7:10 PM


G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS –  Annual Alcohol License Renewals


H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS  


I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS


J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 09-74: Classification Tax Allocation– Residential Factor
2. Resolution 09-75: Classification Tax Allocation – Open Space Exemption
3. Resolution 09-76: Classification Tax Allocation – Small Businesses Exemption
4. Resolution 09-77:  Classification Tax Allocation – Residential Property Exemption
5. Resolution 09-78: Appropriation – Veterans’ Benefits
6. Resolution 09-79: Appropriation – Employee Benefits - Unemployment
7. Resolution 09-80: Appropriation – Elections Budget


K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT


L. OLD BUSINESS


M. NEW BUSINESS


N. COUNCIL COMMENTS


O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required


P. ADJOURN


The full set of documents for this meeting can be found on the Town website here

FM #50 - What Matters in Franklin, MA

This segment was joined with a slideshow to create a slidecast. The full production can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/11/fm-50-slidecast.html


This internet radio show or podcast is number 50 in the series for Franklin Matters. In this session, you give me about ten minutes and I'll fill you in on what matters in Franklin. In particular, we'll prepare for the Town Council meeting this Wednesday where the big item on the agenda will be the annual tax classification hearing

Time: 10 minutes, 47 seconds



MP3 File

Session Notes:

Music intro
My intro
FM #50

This internet radio show or podcast is number 50 in the series for Franklin Matters.

In this session, you give me about ten minutes and I'll fill you in on what matters in Franklin.

In particular, we'll prepare for the Town Council meeting this Wednesday where the big item on the agenda will be the annual tax classification hearing beginning at 7:10 PM.

This is the time and place where the Town Council determines to keep a single tax rate or decides to implement a split tax rate.

I have reviewed the data provided by the Board of Assessors for this hearing. I have also spent some time on the Dept of Revenue website obtaining some historical data on Franklin's budget, tax rate, etc.

I have prepared a few slides to share some information that I think can help understand the overall situation to get ready for the meeting Wednesday.

Page 2 shows a table showing the residential vs. commercial/industrial property mix since 1999. It has varied a little each year but generally around 80% residential and 20% commercial/industrial. The high point for residential was 82.12 in 1988 and the low point was 77.04 in 1993.

Page 3 shows the same numbers in a chart format. As there is so little variance, I think this is more clear and understandable than the table of numbers.

Page 4 shows the tax rate as it has varied throughout the years from 1988 to 2009. I really shouldn't use a line to depict the point in time number for each year, but it is much easier to view the data this way. The tax rate high point was in 1997 when it was 14.21% and the low point (in the period shown) was 8.86% in 2007. I find it interesting that the tax rate has dropped for nine of the last twelve years and yet all you hear about is our tax problem?

Well, Page 5 more clearly shows what our tax problem is. The numbers on this chart depict the average tax bill for the period 1988 through 2009. As you can see from the reddish bars, in no year did the average tax bill decrease. The tax rate line from Page 4 is also shown here. Clearly, the tax rate whether it goes up or down seems to have little effect on the tax bill. It is always going up.

There are many reasons for the increases shown. I don't have all the information to explain nor do I have the time this week to do so. What I can show on Page 6 is how the assessed value effects the tax rate. The reddish bars in this case depict the NET change in assessed total value of all the properties in Franklin. Since 2006 the commercial industrial (CI) assessed values have been in a decline. In 2006 and 2007, the new grown for CI covered the decline in valuation so there was a net grown for CI. But for 2008, 2009 and for FY 2010, the new growth has not been able to cover the decline in valuation. More importantly, on the residential side, the decline in valuation has far exceeded the new growth. Hence the overall decline in total assessed values has dropped from 4.9 billion in 2007 to 4.3 billion for FY 2010. With less tax base upon which to levy the same amount of tax revenue, guess what, the tax rate will increase. The decline in overall assessed values has driven the increase for 2008, 2009 and will do so again in 2010.

Yes, I can hear some folks now saying “let's go with a split tax rate”. With kind of property mix we have, a split tax does not solve our problem. See, the split tax does not increase overall tax revenues, it only shifts the proportion of the pie that each party pays as shown on Page 7. For a single dollar decrease in residential property tax, the CI increase would need to be $4. We don't need to shift the tax burden from one to another. We need to grow the overall tax base. We need a bigger pie.

The best opportunities for grow come from the underutilized CI space we have. You should be aware of the efforts of Bryan Taberner and others in the Department of Planning and Community Development. They are busy working to market the attractiveness of Franklin for CI uses. This is where we need to develop. We don't need additional residential properties which would further burden the school system. We need healthy growth in CI properties to provide tax revenues and maybe even provide some jobs for local residents.

  

Page 8 and 9 provide information on the sources of the data that I used to prepare this. As well as contact information if you have any questions or would like to review this further.

One page in the appendix that charts the “free cash” to “free cash as a percent of the overall Town budget. At the end of the last council meeting, Judy Pfeffer asked Jeff Nutting for some information on the history behind “free cash”. I expect Jeff to come back with his answer but while I was putting together my analysis, I found these numbers at the MA DOR website that may help answer part of Judy's question. I think the current administration has done very well in reducing the fluctuations that can be seen over the years. The big spike in FY 2001 I believe is likely related to the settlement that the Town won. It ended up in “free cash” before the Town Council moved it to the Stabilization Fund. (Note: It is my mistake that this paragraph of text did not get recorded. It does go along with the one page that did make it to the appendix.)

For the week ahead:

• Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday
• Town Council meeting Wednesday
• Holiday Stroll on Thursday sponsored by the Downtown Partnership

I would encourage you to participate in these events.

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

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.

How can you help?

If you like this, please tell a neighbor.

If you don't like this, please tell me.

Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

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 East of Shirley. The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with permission.

East Central/Cottage Construction Alert

 Just received the phone call from the Franklin Police and the text of the message follows:

Hello. This is the Franklin Police Department calling with a special traffic advisory. The intersection of Route 140 (E Central Street) and Cottage street will be under construction beginning Monday November 30th. There will be limited traffic lanes/access. Please seek alternate routes. Thank you for your understanding.

 

This should be interesting to a Monday morning surprise for some folks, especially those from out of town heading to the train station.

The alert doesn't say when the construction starts. I would guess around 6:00 or 7:00 AM. Hopefully, they'll be done before 4:00 PM to free the intersection for the going home traffic.

What intersection are they talking about?

The one downtown near the railroad bridge. The Rome Restaurant is on one side, Franklin Pizza was on the other (until it just moved further down Cottage).

View Larger Map

East Coast Driving School

The signs on the door and windows announcing the location for East Coast Driving School. They are moving into the Franklin Center Commons building next door to Sarapaan.

Santa on the Town Common at 4:00 PM

Santa Claus is coming to Franklin today

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News correspondent

For visitors asking where is the Town Common?


View Larger Map