Editorial note:
Given the schools have already cut their budget by $2 M, with teachers and other personnel scheduled to be let go, class sizes should increase. It would be good to know by how much?
Given the decision was reached by default now due to lack of time to schedule, and/or inaction on the part of the Town Council and Administration there will be no opportunity for residents to change the budget at this point. So it would also be good to find out when this decision was made. At least in the meetings I participated and reported on, it wasn't discussed. Or was it at a meeting I missed? Maybe the Finance Committee budget meeting April 25 that wasn't even recorded.
And given the mention of a possible override for FY 2021, what will be done between now and then to prepare for such a vote? Where is the pain being felt other than in the schools? The Town is hiring in multiple departments. Police are at their largest force in years. The Library doesn't need an exemption for the first time in years. What other services were cut that we would notice? What other services would be in jeopardy next year?
You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF
(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)
| Agenda Item | Summary |
|---|---|
| Town Council Meeting Agenda |
Meeting of May 22, 2019
|
| 1. ANNOUNCEMENTS |
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
|
| 2. CITIZEN COMMENTS |
Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
|
| 3. HEARINGS |
FY 2020 Budget Hearing: 7:10 PM
|
| 4. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION | |
| 4a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION |
Resolution 19-34: Expenditure Limits for FY 2020 on Departmental Revolving Funds Established by Franklin Town Code Chapter 73, as provided in G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53E1/2, as Amended (Motion to Move Resolution 19-34 Majority Vote (5))
|
| 4b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION |
Resolution 19-35: Compensation Plan, FY 2020 (Motion to Move Resolution 19-35- Majority Vote (5))
|
| 5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT | |
| 6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS | |
| 7. COUNCIL COMMENTS | |
| 8. ADJOURN |
Voting document
Budget Message
FY 2020 Proposed Budget
 |
| Legislative Forum hosted by School Committee was meant to bring attention to school budget issues |
