Senator Karen E. Spilka Re-Election Reception and Food Pantry Collection
Join us for a Reception & Food Pantry Collection* for Senator Karen E. Spilka, 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk District – Ashland, Framingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway, Natick
Chair, Economic Development and Emerging Technologies
Monday, June 7, 2010, 5:30-7:00 PM
at Ken’s Steakhouse, 95 Worcester Road, (Rt. 9), Framingham, MA 01701
Suggested Donation: $25 - $50 - $100 – but whatever you can contribute is accepted with appreciation!
*Please bring an item to donate to the food pantry *
Franklin, MA
Friday, June 4, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Frequently asked questions: "Why is Franklin continually facing budget gaps?"
Why is the school district continually facing budget gaps?
Franklin, as with many Massachusetts municipalities, is faced with structural deficits as costs and services rise faster than the available 2.5% increase of annual tax revenues. Health insurance, retiree health insurance, contractual obligations, and unfunded federal and state mandates result in cost increases that outpace the 2.5% annual increase limit. To become more fiscally sound, Franklin needs to continue to operative efficiently and keeping cost relatively low while and generating additional tax revenues in order to provide the high level of services that citizens desire but at a reasonable financial cost to such citizens.
What has the School Committee and administration done to budget in a fiscally conservative manner?
Over the last 10 years, Franklin has (i) significantly reduced and/or eliminated programs and positions (over 100) while meeting higher educational standards/accountability requirements as established by federal and state law, (ii) consolidated facilities and technology services, and (iii) effectively sought and received grants to offset a variety of operational costs. Moreover, Franklin has implemented a number of “Go Green” energy savings initiatives including (A) solar panels at Parmenter Elementary School, and (B) water gardens at Franklin High School. Finally, Franklin has implemented a variety of online services to reduce personnel costs and paper consumption.
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:
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:
Franklin, MA
Franklin, as with many Massachusetts municipalities, is faced with structural deficits as costs and services rise faster than the available 2.5% increase of annual tax revenues. Health insurance, retiree health insurance, contractual obligations, and unfunded federal and state mandates result in cost increases that outpace the 2.5% annual increase limit. To become more fiscally sound, Franklin needs to continue to operative efficiently and keeping cost relatively low while and generating additional tax revenues in order to provide the high level of services that citizens desire but at a reasonable financial cost to such citizens.
What has the School Committee and administration done to budget in a fiscally conservative manner?
Over the last 10 years, Franklin has (i) significantly reduced and/or eliminated programs and positions (over 100) while meeting higher educational standards/accountability requirements as established by federal and state law, (ii) consolidated facilities and technology services, and (iii) effectively sought and received grants to offset a variety of operational costs. Moreover, Franklin has implemented a number of “Go Green” energy savings initiatives including (A) solar panels at Parmenter Elementary School, and (B) water gardens at Franklin High School. Finally, Franklin has implemented a variety of online services to reduce personnel costs and paper consumption.
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:
- Make your choice
- 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
Frequently asked questions: "What is a Proposition 2½ override?"
What is Proposition 2½?
Proposition 2½ was a Massachusetts ballot initiative that became state law when the voters approved it in 1980. The law puts a 2.5-percent cap on the amount of money a community can raise through property taxes from year to year, not counting revenue from the assessed value of new construction and building improvements.
It is important to understand that Proposition 2½ does not say that your property taxes cannot increase more than 2.5-percent a year. It simply says that the total amount of money raised through property taxes, known as the “tax levy,” cannot increase more than 2.5-percent annually. In addition, a community can increase its levy limit each year to reflect new growth in taxable properties.
What is a Proposition 2½ override?
There are three different ways a community can increase its property taxes above the levy limit. What the town of Franklin is considering putting before the voters is an override of its levy limit, which would increase the limit by a specific amount.
The other ways for a community to change how Proposition 2½ would apply are through a debt exclusion, which temporarily excludes from the levy limit an amount of money to pay for new debt, and a capital outlay exclusion, which allows a community to raise its levy limit for one year for the purpose of funding a specific capital project. In the past, Franklin voters have approved debt exclusions to build new schools.
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:
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:
Franklin, MA
Proposition 2½ was a Massachusetts ballot initiative that became state law when the voters approved it in 1980. The law puts a 2.5-percent cap on the amount of money a community can raise through property taxes from year to year, not counting revenue from the assessed value of new construction and building improvements.
It is important to understand that Proposition 2½ does not say that your property taxes cannot increase more than 2.5-percent a year. It simply says that the total amount of money raised through property taxes, known as the “tax levy,” cannot increase more than 2.5-percent annually. In addition, a community can increase its levy limit each year to reflect new growth in taxable properties.
What is a Proposition 2½ override?
There are three different ways a community can increase its property taxes above the levy limit. What the town of Franklin is considering putting before the voters is an override of its levy limit, which would increase the limit by a specific amount.
The other ways for a community to change how Proposition 2½ would apply are through a debt exclusion, which temporarily excludes from the levy limit an amount of money to pay for new debt, and a capital outlay exclusion, which allows a community to raise its levy limit for one year for the purpose of funding a specific capital project. In the past, Franklin voters have approved debt exclusions to build new schools.
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:
- Make your choice
- 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
June brings water restrictions to Franklin
"April showers bring May flowers,
June brings water restrictions to Franklin"
It is that time again. Franklin in order to abide by the water permit issued by MA needs to implement water restrictions. As reported in the Finance Committee budget hearing earlier this year, Franklin is challenging the permit issued as it restricts our usage in impractical ways.
In the meantime, Franklin residents can only water on their trash day and NOT during the hours 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The signs are posted in the normal traffic spots and water restrictions can be enforced by the limited staffing available.
Franklin, MA
June brings water restrictions to Franklin"
It is that time again. Franklin in order to abide by the water permit issued by MA needs to implement water restrictions. As reported in the Finance Committee budget hearing earlier this year, Franklin is challenging the permit issued as it restricts our usage in impractical ways.
In the meantime, Franklin residents can only water on their trash day and NOT during the hours 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The signs are posted in the normal traffic spots and water restrictions can be enforced by the limited staffing available.
Franklin, MA
In the News - wrestling, circus, library
FRANKLIN —
Some know him as Sgt. Muldoon of the New York City Police Department.
Read the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/features/x1218689187/Former-pro-wrestler-says-hed-do-it-all-over-again
FRANKLIN —
Vidbel's Old Tyme Circus will set up its tent on Thursday, June 10, outside Pirelli Veterans Skating Arena, 910 Panther Way. There will be two performances, under the big top, at 5:30 and 7:45 p.m. View the circus tent and equipment set-up at 9 a.m.
Read the article here:
FRANKLIN —
The Town Council last night agreed to continue the deal with Medway to share library services.
The agreement, which began last July, allows Library Director Felicia Oti to spend two-thirds of her time in Franklin and one-third in Medway, said Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting. The deal also allows for sharing maintenance services.
Read the article here
Franklin, MA
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Town Council - 06/02/10
The collection of posts reported Live from the Town Council meeting on June 2nd can be found here:
Franklin, MA
- Live reporting - Closing
- Live reporting - Action items
- Live reporting - Residential Key Box
- Live reporting - Town Council
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Closing
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Third Thursday coming up June 17th, Museum will be open
L. OLD BUSINESS
Vallee - question on EPA files clearing NUstyle building from several years ago, former chief had indicated they were received
Nutting - He has had several reports of files clearing site from EPA, those files have not been found in Jeff's nine years here; subsequent visits have found contamination which would make the files mute anyway
(Yes, this was covered in the School Committee meeting on April 13th. No amounts were referenced although it was claimed to be a 'minimal' increase.)
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Third Thursday coming up June 17th, Museum will be open
L. OLD BUSINESS
Vallee - question on EPA files clearing NUstyle building from several years ago, former chief had indicated they were received
Nutting - He has had several reports of files clearing site from EPA, those files have not been found in Jeff's nine years here; subsequent visits have found contamination which would make the files mute anyway
M. NEW BUSINESS
McGann - do we have consultants working in the schools on a reading program?
was there a contract signed for the school secretaries, what were the details? apparently more senior members got different increases than those junior
(Yes, this was covered in the School Committee meeting on April 13th. No amounts were referenced although it was claimed to be a 'minimal' increase.)
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
McGann - encourage everyone to get out to vote, let's see what happens
Powderly - thanks to Bob Fahey for the veterans breakfast, a great effort to recognize the folks involved
thanks to Jeff Nutting for the municipal agreement with Medway on the library, this is a small but significant step to help
Jones - thanks to Kelly and the Rotarians for the Memorial Day parade and ceremonies
Whalen - get out an vote, a yes vote gets to maintain services; a no vote will further erode our services
Mason - With regards to the citizens comment from the firefighters, I respect your position. The Council has been instructed not to get involved in the negotiations. The Town Administrator is negotiating on behalf of the Town.
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
roll call 6-0 ( all present yes)
Franklin, MA
roll call 6-0 ( all present yes)
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Action items
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION –
Nutting - first four are an annual house keeping accounting move to re-established these revolving accounts before the budget is passed.
1. Resolution 10-24: Establishment of a Fire Department Fire Rescue Training Revolving Account for FY 2011 motion to accept, passed 6-0
2. Resolution 10-25: Establishment of a Council on Aging Senior Center Activities Program Revolving Account for FY 2011 motion to accept, passed 6-03. Resolution 10-26: Establishment of a Council on Aging Supportive Day Program Revolving Account for FY 2011 motion to accept, passed 6-04. Resolution 10-27: Establishment of a Use of Facilities Revolving Account for FY 2011
motion to accept, passed 6-0
Q - McGann
how is the facility resolving account handled?
Nutting - based upon the usage of the facility, there is a fee charged to provide for maintenance, etc.
5. Resolution 10-28: Acceptance of Gift – Franklin Library
motion to accept, passed 6-0
Acceptance of gift of $15,000 for library books
Whalen, I'd like to thank these folks for their dedication and generosity
6. Resolution 10-29: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with Town of Medway for Franklin to Provide Library Administrative and Maintenance Services to Medway
motion to accept, passed 6-0
Nutting - continuation of program started last year, 2/3 here, 1/3 there saves Franklin money, provides Medway with a director, keeps both libraries open
7. Bylaw Amendment 10-648: Chp. 151, Solid Waste; § 151-1. Definition –1st Reading
motion to move to a second meeting, passed 6-0
Allows Chris White to enforce violations in addition to Board of Health as the personnel in the BOH was cut
Franklin, MA
Nutting - first four are an annual house keeping accounting move to re-established these revolving accounts before the budget is passed.
1. Resolution 10-24: Establishment of a Fire Department Fire Rescue Training Revolving Account for FY 2011 motion to accept, passed 6-0
2. Resolution 10-25: Establishment of a Council on Aging Senior Center Activities Program Revolving Account for FY 2011 motion to accept, passed 6-03. Resolution 10-26: Establishment of a Council on Aging Supportive Day Program Revolving Account for FY 2011 motion to accept, passed 6-04. Resolution 10-27: Establishment of a Use of Facilities Revolving Account for FY 2011
motion to accept, passed 6-0
Q - McGann
how is the facility resolving account handled?
Nutting - based upon the usage of the facility, there is a fee charged to provide for maintenance, etc.
5. Resolution 10-28: Acceptance of Gift – Franklin Library
motion to accept, passed 6-0
Acceptance of gift of $15,000 for library books
Whalen, I'd like to thank these folks for their dedication and generosity
6. Resolution 10-29: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with Town of Medway for Franklin to Provide Library Administrative and Maintenance Services to Medway
motion to accept, passed 6-0
Nutting - continuation of program started last year, 2/3 here, 1/3 there saves Franklin money, provides Medway with a director, keeps both libraries open
7. Bylaw Amendment 10-648: Chp. 151, Solid Waste; § 151-1. Definition –1st Reading
motion to move to a second meeting, passed 6-0
Allows Chris White to enforce violations in addition to Board of Health as the personnel in the BOH was cut
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Residential Key Box
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS –
Residential Key Box Program
Fire Chief McCarragher
residential version to access keys to the house especially in cases where there are elderly
saves family members from traveling across town or from out of town to provide access for fire personnel
voluntary program, applications and information available at the Fire Station or on the Fire Dept web page
no cost to the town, the vendor cost is $119.00 plus $14.00 for shipping/handling
already in this edition of the Municipal Services guide
Franklin, MA
Residential Key Box Program
Fire Chief McCarragher
residential version to access keys to the house especially in cases where there are elderly
saves family members from traveling across town or from out of town to provide access for fire personnel
voluntary program, applications and information available at the Fire Station or on the Fire Dept web page
no cost to the town, the vendor cost is $119.00 plus $14.00 for shipping/handling
already in this edition of the Municipal Services guide
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Town Council
Present: Jones, Vallee, Whalen, Mason, McGann, Powderly
Absent: Kelly, Pfeffer, Zollo
Motion to appt Powderly as temporary clerk
passed 6-0
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – May 5, 2010
motion to approve, passed 6-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
June 8th special election for the override
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Bob Donavan, firefighter, union president
E. APPOINTMENTS - none
F. HEARINGS none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS none
Franklin, MA
Absent: Kelly, Pfeffer, Zollo
Motion to appt Powderly as temporary clerk
passed 6-0
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – May 5, 2010
motion to approve, passed 6-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
June 8th special election for the override
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Bob Donavan, firefighter, union president
without a contract for three years, no raise for four years
not trying to negotiate, it is becoming personal
no picketing, no work stoppage, no demands
want to have both sides heard, apparently going to arbitration
not trying to stop the process
E. APPOINTMENTS - none
F. HEARINGS none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS none
Franklin, MA
Vote June 8th
No matter your position, whether for
or against
The real action is to VOTE on June 8th!
Franklin, MA
or against
The real action is to VOTE on June 8th!
Franklin, MA
Frequently asked questions: "What other federal and state funds support the Franklin's school operating budget?"
What other federal and state funds support the school department’s operating budget?
Franklin regularly seeks federal and state grants to supplement the operational budget. During FY 2010 Franklin received $2,784,792 in grants to provide additional staffing and supplemental services to meet the needs of students.
What are some other sources of financial support for the Franklin Public Schools?
The district receives significant financial support from within the community to advance the mission and vision of the school district; the loss of which would be detrimental. Annual gGrants and support are received from the: (i) Franklin Education Foundation, (ii) Music Boosters, (iii) Athletic Booster Clubs, (iv) Parent Communication Councils (PCC), etc.
One of a series to address frequently asked questions
http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/faq-part-2.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:
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:
Franklin, MA
Franklin regularly seeks federal and state grants to supplement the operational budget. During FY 2010 Franklin received $2,784,792 in grants to provide additional staffing and supplemental services to meet the needs of students.
What are some other sources of financial support for the Franklin Public Schools?
The district receives significant financial support from within the community to advance the mission and vision of the school district; the loss of which would be detrimental. Annual gGrants and support are received from the: (i) Franklin Education Foundation, (ii) Music Boosters, (iii) Athletic Booster Clubs, (iv) Parent Communication Councils (PCC), etc.
One of a series to address frequently asked questions
http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/faq-part-2.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:
- Make your choice
- 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
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:
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:
Franklin, MA
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:
- Make your choice
- 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
"I will vote yes, for my children, for the teachers and for the future of Franklin"
Cronin: Vote yes on Franklin override
from Wicked Local Franklin Opinions RSSRead the full letter to the editor in the Wicked Local edition here
http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/news/opinions/x514811860/Cronin-Vote-yes-on-Franklin-override
Franklin, MA
In the News - BYSO, Memorial Day, football, Senior Expo
Local students to perform with Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra
from Wicked Local Franklin News RSSParades of Patriotism
from Wicked Local Franklin News RSSIn Franklin, parade participants and observers gathered on the common for the town's Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony.
Organized by Town Councilor and Rotary Club Fundraising Chairman Matt Kelly, the parade began at 80 West Central St. and featured school bands and local organizations.
After Girl Scouts laid wreaths upon the common's Veterans Monument, Master of Ceremonies Lt. Col. John Reitinger read the Franklin Honor Roll - a list of 37 veterans who died this year.
He said that for the first time in 27 years, more Korean and Vietnam veterans had died than World War II vets.
Franklin football clinic in July
from The Milford Daily News News RSSFranklin Senior Expo June 11
from The Milford Daily News News RSSFranklin, MA
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