Finance Cmte completes FY 2024 budget hearing series, approves it as proposed, TA Hellen indicates possible additions for School's budget in summer (audio)

FM #996 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 996 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting and last of three budget hearings for the FY 2024 budget year. The meeting was held on Thursday, May 11, 2023. 

Eight members of the Finance Committee participated (1 absent - Koke); 6 present in the Council Chambers, 2 remote. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Comptroller Chris Sandini, Treasurer/Collector Kerri Bertone. 

Quick recap:

• Police Chief TJ Lynch lays out the case for adding four officers to the total to address systemic issues with the schedule and to reduce overtime that results from it

• Ideally, he would add a minimum of 2 more (to remove the ‘bad’ shift remaining), along with 2 more dedicated to traffic control 

• Fire Chief James McLaughlin makes the case for adding 2, 1 EMS Captain, and 1 firefighter/paramedic. This would be an interim step towards enabling a 3rd ambulance. Calls for 2022 exceeded 5,000 for the first time, 2023 on pace to exceed that total. 44% of the calls result in a patient transport to the hospital. 

• These two would be positioned at the downtown station, and during their normal 5 day shift could respond as a third ambulance. To bring on a full time 3rd ambulance for all shifts requires staffing of 10 (8 more than these 2)

• Gary Primo, Metacomet Emergency Call Center (MECC), provides the regional dispatch function for 6 communities. Potential for more growth, expanding within their existing footprint to provide the space for that. It will take time to negotiation with the other communities to jin, as well as time to set up the connections for implementation.

• Gus Brown, Building Inspector, minor adjustments to the budget, actually doing better than a couple of years ago (after restructuring) 

• Committee vote 8-0-1 (1 absent, Koke) to approve the budget and enterprise funds as proposed. 

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen then outlined the possible addition of approx. $800K to the school budget. He would wait until the State budget is finalized this summer (July/Aug) before doing so to ensure the funding as proposed is possible. Desire is to get the funding to the Schools before September. 

• Question unanswered is what the Schools will be able to do without a confirmation of their additional $800K funding? Would they still need to make the cuts and then adjust during the summer (assuming the additions did happen)?

The meeting recording runs about an hour and 40 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting May 11, 2023.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-996-finance-cmte-budget-hearing-3-05-11-23

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Meeting agenda document ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/may_11th_fin_com_agenda.pdf 

FY 2024 budget information -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials 

Jamie's slides with the plan for "next steps" for the School budget (presentation to be put on the Town page, in meantime, here are photo captures) ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/dMZ92X98eWdrABoS9

Franklin TV YouTube link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/cAvlHmmmccQ?feature=share

FY24 Town Administrator Budget Materials website  ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials

My notes can be found in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ByHzZZz4KS0i985Vf4ncWVnJE8d3j7iu/view?usp=share_link

Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee 

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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"

TA Hellen indicates possible additions for School's budget in summer - p1 

TA Hellen indicates possible additions for School's budget in summer - p2

FHS girls lacrosse top Moses Brown on Sunday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Sunday, May 14, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin 14, vs. Moses Brown (RI) 8, 

15-9 loss to NDA on Friday but a bounce back 14-8 win today against Moses Brown! Happy Mother’s Day to all the Franklin moms 💕 thank you for all you do!   https://twitter.com/Fhsglax/status/1657870602412146694

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/sundays-schedule-scoreboard-05-14-23/

FHS Panthers

FHS Diversity Awareness Club schedules "Geo Night" for Wednesday, May 17 from 5 to 8 PM

To end this school year, the Diversity Awareness Club is hosting their annual Geo Night! 

Join them for an after-school event where attendees have the opportunity to travel around the world, exploring a multitude of cultural backgrounds represented at FHS. We're so excited to celebrate with our community!

Students will share different aspects of their culture, including food items, art activities, clothing items, and artifacts. 

In addition, there will be local speakers and performances throughout the night! Join us in the cafeteria on Wednesday, May 17th, from 5-8 PM. 

Entrance fee is $5! We hope to see you there :)

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CsKWgy_OmMC/

GOOD DEEDS: Honoring the Brave Men and Women of Norfolk County

By William P. O’Donnell, Norfolk County Register of Deeds

This month, we observe Memorial Day to honor and remember the brave men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is a day to pay tribute to their sacrifice and express gratitude for their service. I want to take a moment to talk about the history of Memorial Day and to share some ways we can all show our respect on this day.

Memorial Day originated in the aftermath of the Civil War and was initially known as Decoration Day. It became a federal holiday in 1971 and is now observed on the last Monday in May to honor those who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Late May was selected because, all across America, flowers would be in bloom, allowing loved ones to choose the best flowers to lay on the graves of fallen Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen.

You can show respect on Memorial Day by going to a national cemetery or war memorial, putting flowers or flags on the graves of veterans, going to a local parade or ceremony, or simply taking a moment of silence to honor those who have died in service to their country.

Another way to show your respect is by sharing the story of a fallen hero. By telling their stories, it ensures that their legacy lives on and that future generations will remember the sacrifices made by these brave men and women.   

This concept of all Americans coming together on this day is so powerful that in December 2000, the United States Congress passed and the president signed into law "The National Moment of Remembrance Act." This law set up the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance to make sure that the sacrifices of America's fallen heroes are never forgotten. 

The commission's mission is to "encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity." The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.

So, I hope that this Memorial Day, you will join with me and your fellow Americans in taking this time to reflect on the sacrifices made by our brave men and women in uniform and to express our gratitude for their service and dedication to our country.

GOOD DEEDS: Honoring the Brave Men and Women of Norfolk County

More Perfect Union - wfpr.fm: 80 - The Supreme Court, Ethics, Trial Against Trump and Justice

In this episode, the group sits down to discuss a smorgasboard of topics on the Supreme Court and its role in US politics, Ethics, the ongoing trial against former president Donald Trump and the U.S. Justice system.

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4cbe82e8-3f8c-4d33-b140-1b2d32e02bf9

wfpr.fm: A More Perfect Union (audio)

More Perfect Union - WFPR

Discussing American Politics and Current Events

Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Dr. Natalia Linos, Jeff Roy, Chris Woolf and Nick Remissong host a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States.

Find all the More Perfect Union episodes online -> https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm/episodes  or subscribe with your favorite podcast app

Both the FHS Community Service & Empty Bowls Clubs help the Franklin Food Pantry this week

Via the FHS Empty Bowls Club

A set of avocado inspired vases will be for sale at the Empty Bowls Silent Auction, Thurs. May 18th, 6-8pm in the FHS cafeteria. 

Purchase tickets here: bit.ly/EmptyBowls2023

A set of avocado inspired vases will be for sale at the Empty Bowls Silent Auction

Via the FHS Community Service Club

hi everyone! just a reminder that our food drive ends this FRIDAY so please donate if you have not already!! 

Anything is appreciated :) https://t.co/OUxPLQuIn5

FHS Community Service Club food drive ends Fri, May 19

What global warming is doing to ocean temperatures

"By the end of March, the surface temperature of the world’s oceans was above anything seen in the 40 years that satellites have been measuring it.

Records were “headed off the charts” and, as the heat refused to fade for more than a month, the Earth marched into “uncharted territory”, scientists said.

The temperature at the ocean’s surface – like on land – is being pushed higher by global heating but can jump around from one year to the next as weather systems come and go.

But in the 2km below the surface, that variability is almost nowhere to be seen. The rising heat down there has been on a relentless climb for decades, thanks to burning fossil fuels."

Continue reading the article at The Guardian (subscription may be required)

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/15/oceans-have-been-absorbing-the-worlds-extra-heat-but-theres-a-huge-payback

As the ocean heats up, it expands, pushing up sea levels around the globe. Photograph: Kerem Yücel/AFP/Getty Images

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Monday, May 15, 2023

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Monday

9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM A More Perfect Union – Discussing American Politics and Current Events - Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Dr. Natalia Linos, State Rep Jeff Roy, Chris Woolf, and Nick Remissong host a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States.

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = MONDAY

9:00 am     SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman

11:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese

12:30 pm Sandhya: Homemade Cheez-Its

1:00 pm     Cooking Thyme: Lasagna

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 1

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 1

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 8

6:00 pm Veterans' Call: PACT Act

6:30 pm     Sons & Daughters of Italy: Ciambotta

7:00 pm     Frank Presents: Nick Remissong

8:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 5 - Matt Stubbs Antiguas

9:00 pm MIAA: Girls and Women in Sports

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = MONDAY

8:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Mansfield 05-03-23

11:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

12:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse: v St. John's 05-12-23

3:30 pm     FHS Chamber Music 2023

6:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman

7:00 pm     School Committee Legislative Forum 2023

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = MONDAY

8:00 am Planning Board: 05-08-23

11:00 am OSRP 05-04-23

11:30 am Finance Committee: 05-08-23

2:00 pm Planning Board: 05-08-23

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Franklin TV: The Federal Budget & The Debt Ceiling

Congress holds the purse strings.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 05/14/2023

This week (Monday 11 AM, 2 PM, 6 PM) we discuss the U.S. Federal Budget on our radio program ‘More Perfect Union’. Dr. Michael Walker-Jones sent a link to this overview by David Wessel of The Brookings Institute. It’s worth a read.

When the federal government runs a deficit by spending more than it collects in revenue it borrows money to cover the difference by issuing IOUs as U.S. Treasury securities. The debt ceiling is a limit set by Congress on the amount the Treasury can borrow (Currently $31.4 trillion). The Treasury hit that ceiling in January and has been taking what are known as “extraordinary measures” to keep paying the bills. But it will run out of maneuvering room sometime in the next several months, perhaps as early as June, unless Congress acts.

There have been four Federal shutdowns where operations were affected for more than one business day. In 1995-1996, President Clinton and the Republican Congress were unable to agree on spending levels, so the government shut down twice, for a total of 26 days. In 2013, a standoff over funding for the Affordable Care Act resulted in a 16-day shutdown. And in December 2018 and January 2019, a dispute over border wall funding led to a shutdown that lasted 35 days.

Because tax revenues aren’t sufficient to cover all federal spending, the federal government borrows a lot—an average of more than $7 billion per business day. Raising the debt ceiling doesn’t increase federal spending beyond what already has been approved by Congress; it simply allows the government to pay for purchases and obligations it already has made. Because Congress in the past has always lifted the debt ceiling before the Treasury has run out of money, no one knows for sure what will happen if Congress doesn’t act this time—what the Treasury and the Federal Reserve will do, and how financial markets will react. Failure to make timely interest and principal payments on U.S. Treasury securities, regarded as the safest financial asset in the world, would be an unprecedented default and, among other things, would call into question the credibility of the U.S. government’s promises and probably raise the interest rate that investors demand to hold U.S. Treasury debt in the future.

In contrast to government shutdowns, a failure to raise the debt ceiling threatens not only the spending subject to annual appropriation by Congress, but all federal spending—including interest on the debt and Social Security, Medicare, and other government benefits. Federal employees can continue working—there is no need for agencies to decide which services are essential and which are not—but their paychecks may be delayed.

 

We know from transcripts of Federal Reserve meetings that when this issue arose in 2011, the Obama Treasury was planning to make all interest and principal payments and to delay paying all its other bills—including government benefits.

The Biden Treasury hasn’t said what it plans to do if Congress doesn’t raise the debt ceiling in time. It is, however, likely to make interest and principal payments on Treasury debt. Whether and how it will prioritize other payments is unclear— but someone will not get paid on time; there simply won’t be enough cash to meet every obligation.

What is the connection between raising the debt ceiling and reducing the federal deficit? Legally, there is no connection, though sometimes the two issues occur close together if the Treasury bumps up against the debt ceiling close to the end of the federal fiscal year on September 30, the deadline for approving appropriations bills (even if only temporary ones).

Still, members of Congress have used the imperative of raising the debt ceiling as leverage in negotiations in Congress and with the White House over appropriation bills and, sometimes, over broader tax and spending policies. (This maneuver usually is used by members of Congress from a party other than the president’s party.) In 2011, for instance, President Obama and the Republican majority in the House reached a multi-part agreement—the Budget Control Act—just a couple of days before the Treasury ran out of cash. Among other things, it put caps on total appropriated spending and created a special congressional committee to craft a plan to reduce future deficits. The committee failed to come to agreement, triggering a series of automatic spending cuts.

The Brookings Institution is financed through the support of a diverse array of foundations, corporations, governments, individuals, as well as an endowment. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions in this report are solely those of its author(s) and are not influenced by any donors.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

IMHO:

This too shall pass. Odds are that it will be resolved timely. Neither political party wants to repeat the traumas of past shutdowns. Over the decades both parties have raised the debt limit as necessary.

Thanks for listening to 102.9 wfpr●fm. 

And – as always – thanks for watching.

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Franklin TV: The Federal Budget & The Debt Ceiling

Find all the More Perfect Union episodes online -> https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm/episodes  or subscribe with your favorite podcast app

FHS boys lacrosse tops KP on Saturday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, May 13, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.

Boys Lacrosse = King Philip, 6 @ Franklin, 24 – Final

Sacchetti: 3G, 4A

Davis: 3G, 3A

Consigli: 4G, 1A

Walshe: 2G, 2A

Perro: 5G

https://twitter.com/FranklinHSLax/status/1657408438815666176

Girls Tennis = Franklin vs. Bishop Feehan, 10:00AM

FHS saw their 6 game win streak come to an end by a very tough and talented Bishop Feehan team.

Although scores didn't show it, we played very well in all 5 matches.

FHS remains 9-3 in the Hock and gets back to league play Monday at Mansfield.

https://twitter.com/fhs_gvtennis/status/1657416576587505664

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-05-13-23/

FHS Panthers

Franklin Faith Forum - WFPR: 030 - Religion and It's Role In Social Issues (audio)

In this episode, Dr. Pandora Carlucci is joined by Reverend Juncker, Reverend Oughton and Rabbi Alpert to talk about the role of religion in social issues. How can houses of worship help in different situations, what does the text say, the history of these religions regarding social issues and more.

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9fa64b1d-7101-4df6-b991-9dd51b1a5d8a

Franklin Faith Forum - WFPR

Bringing More Faith Into Your Day

Jay Horrigan and Dr. Pandora Carlucci join Pastor Juncker, Reverend Oughton, and Rabbi Alpert to discuss faith in their congregations and how listeners can embrace faith in their own lives.

Find all the episodes -> https://franklin-faith-forum.captivate.fm/

Franklin Faith Forum - WFPR

Finance Committee Budget Hearing #2 gets to hear from Norfolk Aggie, Tri-County & Franklin Public Schools (audio)

FM #995 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 995 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting and second of three budget hearings for the FY 2024 budget year. The meeting was held on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. 

All 9 members of the Finance Committee participated; 7 present in the Council Chambers, 2 remote. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Comptroller Chris Sandini, Treasurer/Collector Kerri Bertone. 

Norfolk Agriculture & Tri-County covered their budgets and answered questions followed by the Franklin School budget. 

Quick recap:

• John Martin, Superintendent Norfolk Aggie; John Wallace, Business Manager, Norfolk Aggie

• Norfolk Aggie, 365 acres, inc in 1916 first campus in Weymouth #fincom0510 four courses of study, explore frosh and soph year then choose major for junior and senior studies

• Animal science is the most popular of the four studies, about 560 total, 16 students from Franklin this year, 3 seniors, applications are open for next year

• 40 students from Boston making it the largest sending community. There is demand for the programs, they do have a wait list

• Karen McGuire, Tri-County Superintendent, presenting along with Dan Haynes,  Business Manager

• Should hear in June about the final cost of the proposed building replacement, and then in August on what MSBA will provide for reimbursement, assuming they do. At that time, the 11 sending communities have 120 days to vote to approve the building proposal

• How the individual communities fund the cost is up to them, cost allocation based upon sending students

• Franklin’s budget was presented by Supt Lucas Giguere, Business Manage Miriam Goodman, School Cmte budget subcmte Chair Dave McNeill

The meeting recording runs about 1 hour and 55 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting May 10, 2023.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-995-finance-cmte-budget-hearing-2-05-10-23

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Meeting agenda document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-05-10_finance_committee_agenda_2.pdf 

FY 2024 budget information -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials 

My notes ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gsupUzfumR385d7qcgklxMfI7enZjmVU/view?usp=share_link 

Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee 

YouTube recording =>  https://www.youtube.com/live/1-4GwOsbRNc?feature=share 

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album -> 

For Tri-County slides -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/6akR6TvwSyrYvkFh6 

For FPS slides -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/2WYTBKhpxisJFUuT9 

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

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"

Tri-County budget is very similar to Franklin's in regards to salary & benefits as percent of total budget