- Live reporting - Closing
- Live reporting - Legislation for Action
- Live reporting - Tax hearing
- Live reporting - Town Council
Franklin, MA
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Town Council - 12/08/10
You can find the collection of live reporting from the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Dec 8th here:
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA
"No residents spoke about the tax rate"
Councilors could have shifted the burden to commercial properties by adopting a split tax rate. But, that could result in higher residential taxes next year because the values of commercial properties are dropping quicker than residential ones, said Chris Feeley, a member of the Board of Assessors.
"If in fact we had a dual tax rate last year, the residential rate would have gone up dramatically more," Feeley said. "The town by most standards does not have a big enough industrial or commercial base to warrant a dual tax rate."
Town Council Chairman Scott Mason said that was the most convincing argument to adopt a single tax rate.
Shifting the tax burden to commercial properties would also drive away businesses, especially small companies already battling increasing health insurance costs, said Jack Lank, president of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce.
"If you go with a dual tax rate, you might as well go up on 495 and put a sign that says Franklin is not business-friendly," Lank said.Read the full article in the Milford Daily News
Franklin, MA
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Live reporting - Closing
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
none
M. NEW BUSINESS
none
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Vallee - did you hear Cheli's comment about suing the EPA?
Nutting - it is getting out of control but it will cost some money with no guarantee of success
we are concerned about the time of implementation
at some point the town will have to come up with a payment via tax rate or a storm water fee
Vallee - will it come before the council?
Nutting - yes, it will. It has to be released so we can find out with the cost will be
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
motion to go into executive session, approved 8-0
Franklin, MA
L. OLD BUSINESS
none
M. NEW BUSINESS
none
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Vallee - did you hear Cheli's comment about suing the EPA?
Nutting - it is getting out of control but it will cost some money with no guarantee of success
we are concerned about the time of implementation
at some point the town will have to come up with a payment via tax rate or a storm water fee
Vallee - will it come before the council?
Nutting - yes, it will. It has to be released so we can find out with the cost will be
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
motion to go into executive session, approved 8-0
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Legislation for Action
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 10-70:Classification Tax Allocation– Residential Factor
2. Resolution 10-71:Classification Tax Allocation – Open Space Exemption
motion to approve that there not be an exception for open space, passed 8-0
1. Resolution 10-70:Classification Tax Allocation– Residential Factor
single rate approved, 8-0
2. Resolution 10-71:Classification Tax Allocation – Open Space Exemption
motion to approve that there not be an exception for open space, passed 8-0
3. Resolution 10-72:Classification Tax Allocation – Small Businesses Exemption
motion to approve that there not be an exception for small businesses, passed 8-0
4. Resolution 10-73: Classification Tax Allocation – Residential Property Exemption
motion to approve that there not be an exception for residential property, passed 8-0
interruption to acknowledge an excess capacity for the tax levy, due to a rounding error.
Judy needed to sign a special document so the tax bills could begin to be processed.
6. Resolution 10-75: Appropriation – Fire Truck
requesting 100,000 to continue the funding process for a new truck
motion to approve, seconded
Taking money from the debt stabilization fund to close the account. The money had been put aside to work with the ten year capital plan, as the plan has come to an end, this money is being put to good use here
McCarragher - in the last tne years we have been reducing fleet size, rotational program to keep front line on for ten years, and in reserve for 10 years, the vehicle we are trying to replace is 20 years old. Insurance rating is required to have certain pumping capacity. The number of fires nationwide are decreasing but in MA they are not. Our experience in Franklin is static, we run the same amount each year. We are decreasing our fleet size
Vallee - i see numbers on the internet
McCarragher - we are working with two vehicle manufacturers to get to that point where we are not just fire trucks. The way we build fire trucks is against an old model. You still have to go to the marketplace, you still have to keep things service ready
McCarragher - 65% of our traffic is ambulance calls
Vallee - I think you should focus on hazmat and other vehicles
McCarragher - there is not a movement
Vallee - How many times has the new ladder truck been used?
McCarragher - are we looking to regionalization, yes it takes all to come to the table
Mason - How many times does that truck have to save someones life to be worth its expense?
McCarragher - We used the truck on Monday to get to the roof where the explosion occurred. I am not comfortable providing an answer on number?
Mason - I'll tell you, it is one.
Pfeffer - long approval of the need even in these times
Nutting - injuries to firefighters is also important, better equipment will avoid injuries. You don't see the cost but the Town will save money with safer firefighters. People always think of the citizens but we also think of the operations.
Kelly - You may see the shiney red fire truck but it doesn't show the rotting out on the inside. It was a tough decision on the capital committee but I think this was a good one.
Whalen - for a town this size to have a first rate fire dept. On the one hand, we are taking out 100,000 to put aside for a unit that would we man?
McCarragher - you are not putting the money out the door, it is being moved from one account to another account.
Passed 7-0-1 via roll call, Vallee - abstained
8. Resolution 10-77: Appropriation – Demolition of House on DelCarte Property
motion to amend to $16,000
The amount of $24,000 was initial a open bid
The $16,000 came from the DPW doing the work in-house
price for asbestos abatement and tank removal was $6,000 and bid separately
It is 2 stories, about 1400 sq feet built 50 years ago
taking out the foundation and backfilling and leveling
Passed 8-0
Franklin, MA
motion to approve that there not be an exception for small businesses, passed 8-0
4. Resolution 10-73: Classification Tax Allocation – Residential Property Exemption
motion to approve that there not be an exception for residential property, passed 8-0
interruption to acknowledge an excess capacity for the tax levy, due to a rounding error.
Judy needed to sign a special document so the tax bills could begin to be processed.
6. Resolution 10-75: Appropriation – Fire Truck
requesting 100,000 to continue the funding process for a new truck
motion to approve, seconded
Taking money from the debt stabilization fund to close the account. The money had been put aside to work with the ten year capital plan, as the plan has come to an end, this money is being put to good use here
McCarragher - in the last tne years we have been reducing fleet size, rotational program to keep front line on for ten years, and in reserve for 10 years, the vehicle we are trying to replace is 20 years old. Insurance rating is required to have certain pumping capacity. The number of fires nationwide are decreasing but in MA they are not. Our experience in Franklin is static, we run the same amount each year. We are decreasing our fleet size
Vallee - i see numbers on the internet
McCarragher - we are working with two vehicle manufacturers to get to that point where we are not just fire trucks. The way we build fire trucks is against an old model. You still have to go to the marketplace, you still have to keep things service ready
McCarragher - 65% of our traffic is ambulance calls
Vallee - I think you should focus on hazmat and other vehicles
McCarragher - there is not a movement
Vallee - How many times has the new ladder truck been used?
McCarragher - are we looking to regionalization, yes it takes all to come to the table
Mason - How many times does that truck have to save someones life to be worth its expense?
McCarragher - We used the truck on Monday to get to the roof where the explosion occurred. I am not comfortable providing an answer on number?
Mason - I'll tell you, it is one.
Pfeffer - long approval of the need even in these times
Nutting - injuries to firefighters is also important, better equipment will avoid injuries. You don't see the cost but the Town will save money with safer firefighters. People always think of the citizens but we also think of the operations.
Kelly - You may see the shiney red fire truck but it doesn't show the rotting out on the inside. It was a tough decision on the capital committee but I think this was a good one.
Whalen - for a town this size to have a first rate fire dept. On the one hand, we are taking out 100,000 to put aside for a unit that would we man?
McCarragher - you are not putting the money out the door, it is being moved from one account to another account.
Passed 7-0-1 via roll call, Vallee - abstained
8. Resolution 10-77: Appropriation – Demolition of House on DelCarte Property
motion to amend to $16,000
The amount of $24,000 was initial a open bid
The $16,000 came from the DPW doing the work in-house
price for asbestos abatement and tank removal was $6,000 and bid separately
It is 2 stories, about 1400 sq feet built 50 years ago
taking out the foundation and backfilling and leveling
Passed 8-0
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Tax hearing
F. HEARINGS - Annual Tax Classification Hearing – 7:10 PM
Ken Norman, Chris Feeley, Kevin Doyle, Director of Assssors
Missing Vinny Debaggis, had a fall, fracturing his hip, he is doing well. He is hoping to be home by Christmas
This is the year for a tri-annual revue. The State reviewed our methods, books, etc and we did very well.
You have a set of documents with details.
Town valuation is 4.2 billion
The tax rate would be $12.95/thousand
Mason - there seems to be some level of confusion around how the tax rate is achieved, can you explain?
Doyle - the levy limit is determined, plus the 2.5%, plus the new growth provides a total
This year growth is 513,322
We also add the prior debt exclusions (approx. $1.2 million)
these total to the levy amount we are authorized to raise
The total of appraisals value by classification is calculated
Nutting - the drop is assessed value has caused the increase the rate from the peak of over 5 billion assessed value in 2007
Norman - residential property is easy to calculate as there is sufficient turnover, the commercial/industrial properties turn over less frequently so there are different valuation processes defined by the MA DOR
Feeley - the state comes in to review our numbers before they are published for our town review period. We have to meet their qualification before the number is approved
Jones - Can you explain the difference in decline for residential and 2-3 family
Mason - Is there a number of vacant business properties?
Doyle - I think you would get a better number from the Planning Dept
Nutting - Brian (Taberner) did a survey and has that information.
Powderly - single versus single?
Norman - yes, the calculation is shown as if there was a single tax rate.
Feeley - we are not recommending either way? If we had done a split rate last year, the residential rate would be increasing this year more than the single tax rate would be.
Pfeffer - What would you recommend?
Feeley - as a Board we are not making a recommendation, personally I would not recommend it
Norman - It is not our charge, we are supposed to calculate the assessments, it is a political decision to determine single or split tax rate
Jack Lank - President of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce, 95% of the business are small businesses, mom and pop operations. If you go with a split rate, you might as well put up a sign on i495 saying we are not business friendly. With the challenge for implementing the EPA regulations, the businesses will be hard pressed.
closing the hearing
My analysis of the tax information is available here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/12/fm-79-slidecast-tax-hearing-info-for-fy.html
Franklin, MA
Ken Norman, Chris Feeley, Kevin Doyle, Director of Assssors
Missing Vinny Debaggis, had a fall, fracturing his hip, he is doing well. He is hoping to be home by Christmas
This is the year for a tri-annual revue. The State reviewed our methods, books, etc and we did very well.
You have a set of documents with details.
Town valuation is 4.2 billion
The tax rate would be $12.95/thousand
Mason - there seems to be some level of confusion around how the tax rate is achieved, can you explain?
Doyle - the levy limit is determined, plus the 2.5%, plus the new growth provides a total
This year growth is 513,322
We also add the prior debt exclusions (approx. $1.2 million)
these total to the levy amount we are authorized to raise
The total of appraisals value by classification is calculated
Nutting - the drop is assessed value has caused the increase the rate from the peak of over 5 billion assessed value in 2007
Norman - residential property is easy to calculate as there is sufficient turnover, the commercial/industrial properties turn over less frequently so there are different valuation processes defined by the MA DOR
Feeley - the state comes in to review our numbers before they are published for our town review period. We have to meet their qualification before the number is approved
Jones - Can you explain the difference in decline for residential and 2-3 family
Mason - Is there a number of vacant business properties?
Doyle - I think you would get a better number from the Planning Dept
Nutting - Brian (Taberner) did a survey and has that information.
Powderly - single versus single?
Norman - yes, the calculation is shown as if there was a single tax rate.
Feeley - we are not recommending either way? If we had done a split rate last year, the residential rate would be increasing this year more than the single tax rate would be.
Pfeffer - What would you recommend?
Feeley - as a Board we are not making a recommendation, personally I would not recommend it
Norman - It is not our charge, we are supposed to calculate the assessments, it is a political decision to determine single or split tax rate
Jack Lank - President of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce, 95% of the business are small businesses, mom and pop operations. If you go with a split rate, you might as well put up a sign on i495 saying we are not business friendly. With the challenge for implementing the EPA regulations, the businesses will be hard pressed.
closing the hearing
My analysis of the tax information is available here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/12/fm-79-slidecast-tax-hearing-info-for-fy.html
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Town Council
Present: Kelly, Jones, Vallee, Whalen, Mason, Pfeffer, Zollo, Powderly
Absent: McGann
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – November 17, 2010
motion to approve, passed 8-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none
E. APPOINTMENTS
none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
none
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
none
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
5. Resolution 10-74: Appropriation – Capital 2011
Finance Committee approved 9-0
motion to approve, seconded
Capital Subcommittee met several nights, first time where we have had over 2.1 million in free cash
we are only proposing 800,000 for capital; holding back some for the snow/ice and for unemployment expenses (pending layoffs if an override for FY 2012 doesn't pass).
will add doc from MA DOR on "free cash"
free cash has gone down from over 5% to just over 2% an indication of better management of the voerall budget process
the free cash percent of budget is below the state average
This is the smallest capital budget in a long time.
Police, Fire equipment, money for roads, some items for the schools
Whalen - concerned about the amount being so low, will there be more need next year?
Nutting - DPW didn't ask for any vehicles this year, maybe they will next year; Fire Dept has a truck need that we need to speed up the funding for, School have some requirements that are being addressed
Kelly - thanks to all the departments for coming forward with their needs, putting their wants aside
Mason - thanks to the committee for the hard work. We are accused of not tightening our belt, this is indeed
Passed 8-0, unanimous via roll call
7. Resolution 10-76: Authorization to Borrow – Repairs & Remodeling to Various School Buildings
motion to approve, seconded
The capital committee did recommend this as well as the FINCOM. It is a pretty boring list. Covering electrical and heating requirements, etc around the schools
We have room in our debt capacity for putting this on line in 2013, almost 500,000 of debt capacity
proposal to pay it off over ten years and tweak it accordingly
keep our biggest investment up to date
Jones - this is one of those investments in the school system to keep the facilities functioning properly
Vallee - Are you concerned about our debt?
Nutting - are debt is actually declining, we will not use this for a couple of years. we will have room
The rating agencies like to see no more than a specific level we are well under that, they also like to see investment in infrastructure so we don't face these bills all at once
Mason - some of these items have been put off for years but the time has come
Passed 8-0 via roll call
Franklin, MA
Absent: McGann
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – November 17, 2010
motion to approve, passed 8-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
none
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none
E. APPOINTMENTS
none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
none
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
none
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
5. Resolution 10-74: Appropriation – Capital 2011
Finance Committee approved 9-0
motion to approve, seconded
Capital Subcommittee met several nights, first time where we have had over 2.1 million in free cash
we are only proposing 800,000 for capital; holding back some for the snow/ice and for unemployment expenses (pending layoffs if an override for FY 2012 doesn't pass).
will add doc from MA DOR on "free cash"
free cash has gone down from over 5% to just over 2% an indication of better management of the voerall budget process
the free cash percent of budget is below the state average
This is the smallest capital budget in a long time.
Police, Fire equipment, money for roads, some items for the schools
Whalen - concerned about the amount being so low, will there be more need next year?
Nutting - DPW didn't ask for any vehicles this year, maybe they will next year; Fire Dept has a truck need that we need to speed up the funding for, School have some requirements that are being addressed
Kelly - thanks to all the departments for coming forward with their needs, putting their wants aside
Mason - thanks to the committee for the hard work. We are accused of not tightening our belt, this is indeed
Passed 8-0, unanimous via roll call
7. Resolution 10-76: Authorization to Borrow – Repairs & Remodeling to Various School Buildings
motion to approve, seconded
The capital committee did recommend this as well as the FINCOM. It is a pretty boring list. Covering electrical and heating requirements, etc around the schools
We have room in our debt capacity for putting this on line in 2013, almost 500,000 of debt capacity
proposal to pay it off over ten years and tweak it accordingly
keep our biggest investment up to date
Jones - this is one of those investments in the school system to keep the facilities functioning properly
Vallee - Are you concerned about our debt?
Nutting - are debt is actually declining, we will not use this for a couple of years. we will have room
The rating agencies like to see no more than a specific level we are well under that, they also like to see investment in infrastructure so we don't face these bills all at once
Mason - some of these items have been put off for years but the time has come
Passed 8-0 via roll call
Franklin, MA
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