FHS softball, boys lacrosse, & girls tennis teams post wins on Monday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Monday, Apr 22, 2024.

Baseball = North Attleboro, 5 @ Franklin, 4 – Final (8 inn.) 

– North Attleboro erased a three-run deficit in the top of the seventh to keep the game alive and then plated the go-ahead run in the top of the eighth inning to stun Franklin in extra innings. North took the first lead of the game with a run in the top of the third but the Panthers scored three in the bottom half and made it 4-1 on a sac fly from Henry Digiorgio in the bottom of the fourth. In the top of the seventh, freshman Jake Ronci singled up the middle to score Ryan Bannon (single) to make it 4-2, and then with two outs, sophomore Bryce Silva singled to right to bring both junior Kyle Malcolmson and Ronci home to make it 4-4. Lucas Crovo reached on an error to lead off the top of the eighth inning, and then with two outs, Malcolmson reached on another error allowing Crovo to scamper home for the go-ahead run. Bannon (2.1IP, 0H, 0BB, 2K) retired the side in order in the bottom of the eighth to secure the win. Gio Martello got the start for North, surrendering four runs (three earned) on four hits and two walks, striking out three in four innings while Dillon Waterhouse tossed 1.2 scoreless innings in relief. Austin Campbell struck out 12 batters for the Panthers, allowing three runs on two hits and four walks.

Softball = Franklin, 11 @ North Attleboro, 3 – Final 

– North Attleboro seized a three-run lead after just an inning of action but Franklin answered with 11 unanswered runs over the final four frames to take the win on the road. Lucy Palmer (two hits) and Jill Lewicki both drew bases-loaded walks to score runs while Maryellen Charette had an infield single to plate Arianna McDavitt (double) to make it 3-0. Franklin’s offense roared to life in the top of the fourth inning with five runs. Josie Drucker (infield single), Ava Florest (walk), and Ella Weston (single) all drove in a run to tie the game while back-to-back bases-loaded walks to Katie Dowley and Sarah Boozang pushed the Panthers in front. Boozang added a two-run single in the fifth and an RBI double in the seventh to extend Franklin’s advantage. Carly Johnson-Pellegri, Marley Allen, and Sophia Sacramone each chipped in with two hits apiece for the Panthers. Sacramone earned the win, surrendering three runs on six hits and six walks, striking out seven.

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 9 @ Lexington, 6 – Final 

– Franklin built a four-goal lead with a strong defensive first half and held the lead the rest of the way in a 9-6 win on the road at Lexington. Dylan McEvoy and Eddie O’Brien each scored a pair in the first half while Ryan Grasso found the back of the net once as the Panthers staked a 5-1 lead at the break. McEvoy and Drew Hansen scored third quarter goals as Franklin stayed ahead (7-4) going into the fourth, where Seamus Conlan and Ben Paterson each scored to get to the final score.

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 8 vs. Weymouth, 11 – Final 

– A shorthanded Franklin squad battled back from an early deficit but came up short against Weymouth. The visiting Wildcats staked a five-goal lead in the opening quarter before the Panthers clawed their way back into the game. Julia Flynn paced the Panthers’ offense with four goals and two assists while Erin Peterson, Gabi Consigli, Vera Hansen, and Emily Carney (eight draw controls) each scored once. Norah MacCallum was strong defensively for Franklin with three ground balls.

Boys Tennis = Franklin, 2 @ North Attleboro, 3 – Final 

– A pair of doubles wins plus a victory at third singles handed North Attleboro a key division win over visiting Franklin. The team of seniors Carson Dameron and Caleb Cheney rolled to a 6-0, 6-0 victory at first singles while the all-senior tandem of Aaryen Anjnu and Arnav Raghuvashi landed a 6-4, 6-2 win at second doubles for the Rocketeers. North’s lone win in singles action came from junior Darren Liang, who picked up a 6-4, 6-0 win at third singles. Franklin’s Jay Gorgas (first singles, 6-4, 6-0) and Ahan Shetty (second singles, 2-6, 6-0, 7-6 (8)) had wins for the Panthers.

Girls Tennis = North Attleboro, 2 @ Franklin, 3 – Final 

– In a battle of division title hopefuls, Franklin’s doubles play proved pivotal as the Panthers pounced for a 3-2 win over North Attleboro. Franklin swept both doubles matches with the experienced duo of Brooke Daniels and Sydney Tolonen prevailed in three sets (7-5, 3-6, 6-3) to secure the final point for the Panthers. Ava Davies and Izzy Trull added a 6-4, 6-3 win at second doubles and Isabelle Simino added a 6-4, 6-3 win at a competitive third singles contest. North Attleboro senior Lauren Hunt was impressive in a 6-1, 6-1 first singles win while junior Megan Atwood won by the same score at second singles for the Rocketeers.

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-04-22-24/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Franklin, MA: School Committee Special Meeting - April 25 at 6:30 PM

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

School Committee Special Meeting

April 25, 2024 - 6:30-7:30 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

A G E N D A

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

● Call to Order

● Candidate for Interim School Business Administrator Interview

● Deliberation on Candidate for Interim School Business Administrator

● Adjourn

 

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/sc_special_mtg._agenda_-_4_25_24.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Special Meeting - April 25 at 6:30 PM

FPS: Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee Meeting - April 25 at 5 PM

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee

April 25, 2024 - 5:00 PM

Municipal Building 3rd Floor Training Room

A G E N D A

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

● Review of Master Facilities Report

● Evaluation of recommendations from the Report

Agenda doc contains remote participation info ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/comprehensive_facilities_planning_subcom-4_25_24.pdf

FPS: Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee Meeting - April 25 at 5 PM

MassLive: "Former students mark 50th anniversary of ladybug becoming Mass. state insect"

Liesel Nygard reporting for MassLive provides a recap of the Ladybug reunion on Saturday, April 20:

"Did you know that Massachusetts’ official state insect is the ladybug?

The law was passed in 1974 after a large group of second graders from Kennedy School in Franklin, Mass. visited lawmakers at the State House in Boston while wearing homemade ladybug costumes.

Since ladybugs are considered good luck, and protect plants from pests without being harmful to gardens, the children and their teachers considered the insect worthy of becoming the Bay State’s official state’s bug."

Continue reading the article online at MassLive -> 

https://www.masslive.com/news/2024/04/history-takes-wing-former-students-mark-50th-anniv-of-ladybug-becoming-mass-state-insect.html

Former students of Franklin School who helped pass a bug making the ladybug Massachusetts' official state insect celebrate the 50th anniversary of their success with an event at the Franklin Historical Museum on Saturday, April 20, 2024 (MassLive photo by Liesel Nygard).Liesel Nygard

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Tuesday, Apr 23, 2024

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

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM  Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

11:00 AM 2 PM and 8:00 PM SAFE Radio– Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY

7:30 am Joe Landry: Funeral Homes

9:00 am Mental Health: Kallie Montagano & Sonja Wagner

10:00 am Frank Presents: Jacob Juncker

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Chicken Parmesan

1:00 pm Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta

1:30 pm Town of Franklin Fallen Heroes Pt 2

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 7

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 4

3:30 pm Riffin' on Main Street: James Johnston

4:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

5:30 pm Master Plan Committee Open House

6:00 pm Senior Connection: Disabilities Commission

7:00 pm FPAC: Broadway in Franklin 2022

8:30 pm Endless Konnections: Introduction

8:34 pm Endless Konnections: Natasha Ward Pt 1

9:30 pm ArtWeek: Airmen of Note

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY

7:00 am MICCA Festival 2019

9:00 am Public School Concert: FHS Spring Jazz '22

11:30 am Rec Basketball: 7th & 8th Grade Boys Championship

1:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

2:00 pm Mental Health: Jeff Roy

5:30 pm Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2023

7:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse v Wakefield 04-16-24

9:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse v Sharon 04-10-24

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY

8:00 am School Committee 04-09-24

12:00 pm Finance Committee 04-17-24

2:00 pm School Committee 04-09-24

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

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Mary O'Neill talks about the forthcoming Disability Expo scheduled for May 4th at the Franklin Senior Center (audio)

FM #1177 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1177 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Mary O’Neill, Franklin Commission on Persons with Disabilities. We met to record in the Franklin TV & Public Radio studio on Friday, April 19, 2024.  

We talk about the Disability Expo scheduled for the Franklin Senior Center on May 4, 2024 (yes, may the fourth be with you!). It will begin at 11 AM and run until 2 PM.

Free admission, free tickets to a couple of gift baskets, and plenty of resources to talk with about various aspects of disability.

If you have a question for Mary, you can reach her at 508-440-1265.

If you would like a “Kindness Matters” sign, text Mary at the same # and she’ll arrange for you to get one.  

The conversation runs about 12 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Mary. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1177-disability-expo-mary-oneill-04-19-24

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The Franklin Commission on Persons with Disabilities -> https://www.franklinma.gov/commission-persons-disabilities 

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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 www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Mary & I talk about the forthcoming Disability Expo scheduled for May 4th at the Franklin Senior Center (audio)

Executive Summary (Part 1) for the FY 2025 Town of Franklin Budget

The first couple of pages from Town Administrator Jamie Hellen's Executive Summary for the FY 2025 Budget.

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In compliance with Article Six, Sections 6-3-1 through 6-5-2 of the Franklin Town Charter, I am submitting the proposed FY25 Budget Message & Budget to the Town Council and Finance Committee.

I am presenting a balanced budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). The Executive Summary explains the budget process, highlights, assumptions, and some general overview statistics and trends. Detailed department budget narratives that speak about the mission and strategic initiatives within each department are included in Section 2 of this document and detailed budget line item numbers are in Appendix A. The budget process is a year round exercise. Throughout the entire fiscal year (July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025), Town staff continuously update the budget model as new information becomes available. A budget review typically occurs every November prior to setting the annual tax rate. I encourage residents to sign up for Town Council agendas and legal notices here, which disclose the most up to date townwide budget actions and discussions in town.

Residents who seek to take a deeper dive into departmental or project specific finances can review the Franklin Finance Committee meetings. The Finance Committee meets regularly to discuss and debate townwide financial issues at length. Please visit the Town Budget page and consult the website for the latest FY25 budget information. All budget meetings can be viewed on the Town’s YouTube channel, live and in archive, and on Franklin TV.

Despite the public discussions around School finance, the organization continues to perform at a very high level. The Town and Schools provide exceptional services to constituents at a very good value. I encourage every person who reads this to reflect on their own success: very high graduation rates and college readiness, incredible school athletic achievements, superior special education services, and the vibrancy of school extracurricular activities, arts, music and more. Franklin Police is now a fully accredited agency and the Fire Department is the 459th fire department out of 45,000 in the United States to reach an ISO-1 rating. In the last two years over 200 acres of open space have been preserved, with new acquisitions on the horizon. Over the next five years we will be planning how to use this open space to meet the needs of the community. The Department of Public Works (DPW) continues to be a regional leader in rebuilding the Town’s infrastructure, including the largest public works project in history over the next three years in the Beaver Street Interceptor. Recreation, Library and Senior Center programs have never been more popular as we continue to see record breaking numbers in customer demand. For the first time in the Town’s history, we received a AAA Bond Rating in 2022 and I am proud to say we have maintained this noteworthy status. This rating allows the Town to borrow at a lower rate, saving the Town as well as our residents and taxpayers significant money over time.

Despite the overwhelming amount of requests the Town receives for services, departmental operations have excelled throughout these past few years and have become even more efficient. We continue to innovate ways to do more with less.

Enough cannot be said for the dedication, commitment, passion, innovation, humility and teamwork the staff of this organization continues to showcase on a daily basis. The overall achievements of this organization have been tremendous, and we should all be thankful and appreciative of what this team has achieved and the role the municipal and school staff play in the community. The future of the organization remains as bright as ever, and the quality of life in Franklin is as exceptional as it has ever been.

As I have documented in prior Fiscal Forecasts and Budget Narratives, while services in FY25 will remain highly effective, inflation has now settled into the local budget. We are still feeling the effects of 40-year high inflation and the money we raise each year simply does not go as far as it once did. While the Town and

 

Schools received over $12.2 million in grant funds, including the remaining ARPA funds, and over $475,000 in donations in FY23, we will not see grants at this volume in FY25. Inflation, coupled with the loss of significant grant funding, will make it challenging to make substantial new strategic investments that the community is asking for.

Here are the assumptions being incorporated into the FY25 budget:

Revenues Highlights

● The proposed FY25 budget does not include any revenues from the Budget Stabilization “Rainy Day'' Fund. The fund currently has a balance of $3,156,460. It is vital for the Town to continue to maintain and grow the Rainy Day fund rather than deplete it. Budget Stabilization reserves set the town up to be prepared in the event of an emergency, but equally as important, these reserves illustrate to bond rating agencies and financial institutions sound financial policy and execution. Well founded financial annual audits, an effective OPEB policy, passage of the Community Preservation Act, the implementation of a stormwater utility and increasing emergency reserves puts the town in a healthy position to maintain a stable AAA bond rating and quell interest rates in an era of record high inflation.

● The Property Tax Levy and “New Growth” revenue forecast will decrease a cumulative $137,751 to

$3,264,366 from FY24. Traditionally, the Town has used a ten-year average model for the new growth figure. However, the Town’s New Growth has plateaued and is now at the decreasing end of the arc from the front end of the pandemic years.

● State Aid is assumed at the Governor’s FY25 budget levels. Currently, the town stands to realize a net loss of $76,782 in local aid from FY24. The House of Representatives and the State Senate historically increase local aid in their subsequent budgets and the Town ends up with a higher figure than the Governor’s proposed budget. Given the timing of the final state budget, the Town will need to readjust for the final state budget in November. That said, as staff, stakeholders, and elected officials have discussed for many years, state aid is likely not to increase substantially.

● One-Time Revenues will be used to accommodate $2 million of the FY25 operating budget revenue projections. This decision will result in a structural deficit of just over $2 million going into FY26. The breakdown is as follows:

○ $1.507 million in Free Cash; and

○ $500,000 from the MECC Stabilization account to help ease the full assessment back into the budget.

● The Town’s Local Receipts look to rebound past pre-pandemic numbers, while also recognizing that hotel tax revenue and cannabis excise sales taxes are both now in this revenue category. Staff assume an additional $1,116,253 in local receipts over FY24. The preliminary budget model was level service, but in evaluating the forecast, we believe FY25 will show an uptick due to several additional factors:

○ $100,000 in ambulance receipts have climbed steadily due to a record breaking amount of ambulance calls and the Fire Chief’s ability to stay at market levels for ALS/BLS rates. Those numbers will be evaluated by the end of March and a small increase will be made in the formal budget proposal in April. However, revenues will be invested in additional paramedic positions to reflect the increased demand and we will bring the backup ambulance into the peak, daytime rotation to address the high volume of calls we are seeing.

○ $100,000 in cannabis excise local option tax (3%) is well ahead of projections in FY24, and we expect a revised number with additional revenue by the April 12th budget submission.

○ $300,000 due to a fourth hotel opening and numerous events in the area from Gillette Stadium, Great Woods Xfinity Center, Dean College and sporting and entertainment events from Marlborough to Mansfield.

○ $500,000 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax estimates based on the automobile market, which has historically come in over estimated amounts and the valuation of automobiles increasing due to innovation and limited supply.

○ A reminder that most of this revenue source is fee-for-service and reflects fees collected to perform services (e.g. licensing, building permits, ambulance receipts, recreation fees). Motor vehicle excise tax is slightly less than half of the revenue. See FY 2025 assumptions below.

 

For the full FY 2025 budget and narrative sections ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/fy_25_budget_message_narrative_updated_links_2.pdf

All the FY 2025 budget materials can be found -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-25-budget-materials

Executive Summary (Part 1) for the FY 2025 Town of Franklin Budget

Executive Summary (Part 2) for the FY 2025 Town of Franklin Budget

Continuing to share Town administrator Jamie Hellen's Executive Summary for the FY 2025 budget. The first part is here ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/executive-summary-part-1-for-fy-2025.html

Link to the full summary and budget doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/fy_25_budget_message_narrative_updated_links_2.pdf

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Expenditures Highlights

● The Franklin Public School District will see an increase in their budget of $3,000,000 over FY24, which is a 4.2% increase and tied for the largest single year increase the Schools have ever received. Further analysis is in the Future Trends section below.

● The budget includes a 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for all municipal personnel, including collective bargaining agreement commitments, which amounts to $625,000. School salaries are located in the school budget.

● Municipal employee pension costs will absorb almost $388,320 in new revenue for municipal departments and some non-teacher school employees.

● What is NOT in the budget compared to the Preliminary Budget Model presented on March 6th, 2024:

○ $378,000 in additional DPW expenses;

○ $85,000 (plus benefits) in the Facilities Budget for a Sustainability Coordinator;

○ $200,000 in additional Public Property and Buildings expenses (School related);

○ $2,000 in additional Town Council expenses;

○ $5,000 in additional Cultural Council grant money;

○ $5,000 in additional Historical Museum expenses; and

○ $6.3 million for Franklin Public Schools Level Service plus Restoration of cuts.

● What is NOT in the budget with regard to long-term planning:

○ Additional resources toward Debt & Interest. In 2026, we anticipate borrowing for a Remington-Jefferson remodel and the Horace Mann Roof replacement;

○ Additional public infrastructure costs for roads, sidewalks, parking lots, trails, crosswalks, tree trimming to prevent power outages, bike lanes, traffic calming to slow people down; pedestrian crosswalks and other public works improvements;

○ $2 million in annual capital needs transferred to the operating budget - costs for Police and Fire safety gear, school curriculum, school and town technology, school and town fleet, and DPW apparatus.

○ Funds to address an increasing demand and reliance on Technology, mostly in our Schools.

○ Additional staffing investments for green and sustainability goals, open space planning, conservation efforts, and net zero initiatives.

○ Funding for Municipal Capital Projects: Police Station, Beaver Street Recycling Facility and other community requests, such as an Arts Center.

○ An additional $4.3 million for level service for Schools or $6.3 million to restore some previous cuts in 2023-24 to the Schools;

○ Additional Strategic investments toward Franklin Public Schools, such as foreign language, capital, facilities, clubs, academies, and arts related curriculum; and

○ Assumptions related to collective bargaining negotiations for the Town's unions, as these contracts expire at the end of FY25. CBA’s will be for FY26, FY27 and FY28.

 

Future Trends

The constant pressure on local government to fund all of the work that needs to get done is becoming unsustainable. The Massachusetts Municipal Association continues to advocate for greater investment in infrastructure from the state and to relieve the many unfunded mandates the state is placing on local governments. Municipal and School departments work hard managing their budgets, investing in value added services and adapting to citizen feedback and a changing world. Moving into FY25 and the following fiscal years, we see a handful of issues that need to be monitored, most notably cost increases to residents in the form of stormwater utility rates, sewer rates and other major capital investments in town.

1. Affordability for all residents. Residents have seen costs increase across all aspects of their lives. As outlined at the March 6, 2024 Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting, as leaders in the community we have to be conscious of the effects the costs of doing business have on our residents. In addition to the likelihood of an override ballot question for a new Franklin Police Station, residents will also see an increase in the following areas:

○ Sewer Rates. Effective July 1, 2024, there will be a 15% increase in sewer rates. We are required to raise rates to create surety behind the loan for the Beaver Street Interceptor. The interceptor was first built and paid for 109 years ago and lasted for generations. The time has come for the residents of Franklin today to pay for a new interceptor and pay the debt for current and future generations of Franklinites.

○ Stormwater. FY24 represents year one of the Stormwater Utility to address the federal unfunded EPA mandates. As each year progresses, the permit becomes shockingly more expensive. A rate increase will be required to stay up-to-date with the permit. We estimate a minor increase of about $1.50 per billing unit, which is on average $10-$20 a year for most households. This rate increase will ensure solvency of the stormwater utility budget. However, in the next few years, a much more detailed public discussion must take place on the expense associated with the Town’s Phosphorus Control Plan, which is estimated to cost $30 million over five years. Addressing this issue is not optional, as these are unfunded federal mandates. The town has already sued the federal government over this issue.

○ Water Rates. Residents can also expect to see an 8% water rate increase in each of the next three years. Two major federal and state regulatory required projects are expected to come online in the form of a $25 million water filtration project (water tank membrane to protect from manganese and iron) and the first of the Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) required projects - a $6.5 million PFAS Filtration Plant (with a zero % interest loan from the state). Rate payers will see an approximate $50 increase per year over the next three years.

○ The Tri-County School Project. In November 2023, 61% of residents that participated in the election voted in affirmative to raise property taxes through a debt exclusion to pay for Franklin’s anticipated $2.1 million per year assessment. Congratulations to the Tri-County School community for their campaign to build a new facility and successfully navigate the MSBA process. Approximately ⅓ of the project is paid for by the state. The tax impact for this project will begin in FY25 and is reflected in the debt exclusion budget model and expenditure line item with an increase of $132,298. The tax rate will be adjusted later this year to reflect the increase in levy for Franklin's portion. This project is budget neutral. At full maturity in FY27, an average ($650,377) Franklin household will have taxes raised by $169/year to pay for this. That rate will decline over the life of the project.

While I am sure these messages of rate increases are hard to handle, residents must also realize every city and town in Massachusetts is going through similar situations managing severe cost drivers related to public infrastructure. We are fortunate to have ample and clean resources, we do pay for it in Massachusetts.

2. The Franklin Public Schools have informed us that in order to maintain “level” or “status quo” services from the current year to FY25, a budget increase of $7.3 million, or 10.13% is required. A level services budget plus restoration of FY24 cuts yields an increase of $9.3 million, or 12.92% Please review the Budget Update from the School Committee meeting on February 13, 2024 for additional information. Below are some additional informational points that relate to the fiscal challenges of the public schools:

● The state’s Chapter 70 Formula is not in the Towns’ favor and will continue to be a pressure point, especially if the Legislature is forced to alter the formula due to the Town’s increasing “Hold Harmless” situation.

● Significant fixed costs and capital costs to technology, facilities, and fleet will compete with operating costs to education and classrooms. These costs are not a part of the preliminary budget model, but still need funding sources.

● Collective bargaining looms in FY26 with Franklin Education Association (FEA) and other unions. Labor and personnel costs have risen significantly for the schools, but this is also a trend affecting all municipalities statewide.

● Unsustainable special education cost increases, which put pressure on all aspects of the school budget.

● Central office staffing capacity in Administration, Finance and Human Resources and technology investments.

● School Revolving Funds solvency at the end of FY24 heading into FY25 and having some respectable reserves.

● Town and School federal ARPA and ESSR money expires at the end of this calendar year.

● Continued declining enrollment. In 2008, the school district enrollment was 6,464. The most recent enrollment for the 2023-2024 school year is 4,721 (as of Feb 2024). The school district is losing 100-150 students a year in district enrollment and this trend is expected throughout most of the rest of the decade. In 2022, the School Committee hosted a redistricting exercise and looked at future enrollment projections and facilities needs, but that resulted in no action. They have reenaged McKibben Consulting to relook at the district demographics; however even the assumptions used in that study does not not offer a clear picture. Town staff have worked closely with the Schools to ensure the correct development and growth assumptions are made in any final study that may shape redistricting and the better use of town and school facility space. The objective is to streamline operations and maximize space to alleviate increasing fixed costs.

● It is also important to note that portions of the municipal budget are made up of school related costs in the amount of approximately $20 million when fully funded (Note: It is important to note that figure is based on conservative assumptions. This figure could be much higher). Both the Facilities Department and the DPW have seen consistent increases to their budgets specific to school related costs. While these costs continue to increase, it is important to note that their budgets have not been fully restored to pre pandemic levels for school or municipal costs. The “Municipal” budget pays for all school building debt & interest, property and casualty insurance, worker’s compensation, snow removal, non-teacher pension costs, grounds & building maintenance, utilities, OPEB costs, fuel for the school van fleet, unemployment insurance, retired teacher health and life insurance, some staff, and much more.

3. Budget capacity to fund future projects. The Debt and Interest budget remains one of our most pressing budgetary concerns. At 1.59% of recurring general fund revenues, this slice of the budget is far below town goals and has been trending in the wrong direction for years, due to previous borrowing costs coming off the schedule and high interest rates to quell inflation. It should increase through the rest of the decade to maintain our Public Schools and Town facilities. Other scheduled capital facilities or infrastructure projects that would be paid for in these budget line items over the next five years are the Remington-Jefferson rehabilitation, the High School ten-year update, Washington Street to Grove Street sidewalk, Beaver Street Recycling Center and Solid Waste Master Plan, and the Police Station. If the town borrows to do any of these projects in the future, debt and interest will rise and leave fewer dollars available for other areas of the budget.

4. Sustainability. Also looming around the corner for FY26 is a new round of collective bargaining negotiations for the Town's unions - teachers, police patrol, police sergeants, fire, public works, police sergeants, custodians, maintenance/trades, and librarians - as these contracts expire at the end of FY25. If we are to avoid sizable layoffs and/or cuts to all town services this fiscal year, and certainly in FY26 and beyond, the community must recognize that we are all in this together. It is imperative that residents take the time to learn and understand the budgeting pressures on both the schools and the municipality at large, and how these cost pressures counterbalance affordability to all citizens, businesses, and stakeholders in the Town of Franklin. We hope to avoid an “Us v. Them” debate. As we have suggested for many years, the Joint Budget Subcommittee may want to endorse a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Equity Goal to avoid deepening budget deficits in future fiscal years. Otherwise, an escalation of budget increases in personnel and labor will most certainly result in unsustainable costs to the town, including the schools. This issue does not even include a calculation that additional staff investments may be needed for school and municipal services based on what the community desires. The town will be in a painful position of extensive layoffs or service reductions if we do not (1) start to manage expectations on the capacity of the town’s service limits and (2) start to coordinate and better strategically plan town and school operating budget finances.

For the full FY 2025 budget and narrative sections ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/fy_25_budget_message_narrative_updated_links_2.pdf

All the FY 2025 budget materials can be found -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-25-budget-materials

Executive Summary (Part 2) for the FY 2025 Town of Franklin Budget

Register O’Donnell Delivers 2024 First Quarter Real Estate Activity Report

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that Norfolk County recordings for the first quarter of 2024 (January-March 2024) indicate a slight decrease in overall real estate activity due to a drop in mortgage activity as compared to the first quarter of 2023. 

Register O’Donnell Delivers 2024 First Quarter Real Estate Activity Report

 

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds recorded 21,980 documents in the first quarter of 2024. This was 3% less than the first quarter of 2023.

 

“During the recently completed 2024 first quarter, the number of deeds recorded fluctuated in line with seasonal trends,” noted Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell. “However, lending activity, which makes up a significant percentage of overall recordings, was down, likely due to higher interest rates relative to what they were in 2020 and 2021.”

 

The number of deeds for the first quarter of 2024, which reflect both commercial and residential real estate sales and transfers, was 3,262, an increase of half a percent from the first quarter of 2023.

 

“Real estate sales and transfers have remained steady this quarter when compared to the first quarter in 2023, but despite an increase in property listings in the first quarter of 2024, the number of available properties on the market is still not able to keep up with demand, leading to a rise in average property sales prices,” said Register O’Donnell.

 

Overall lending activity was down overall for the first quarter. A total of 2,960 mortgages were recorded this quarter, 7% less than the first quarter of 2023.

 

“Homeowners who took advantage of lower interest rates in 2020 and 2021 are less likely to refinance and are more hesitant to buy at current mortgage interest rates. Higher interest rates also make it harder for first-time home buyers to secure affordable repayment options,” noted O'Donnell.

 

The first quarter's sale prices have increased compared to the first quarter of 2023. The average sale price in the first quarter was $1,019,512, a 14% increase from the first quarter of 2023. The total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales is up $153,241,526, increasing 11% from the same period a year ago.

 

O'Donnell stated, “The increase in sale prices reflects the competitive real estate market in Norfolk County and Massachusetts as a whole, with the number of available properties not being able to meet demand.”

 

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely monitoring the foreclosure market. In the first quarter of 2024, there were 29 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, whereas in the first quarter of 2023, there were 16 recorded. However, in the first quarter of 2024, there were 90 notices to foreclose, the first step in the foreclosure process, less than the 203 recorded in the first quarter of 2023.

 

“We cannot begin to know all the causes that have contributed to these foreclosures and notices to foreclose, but what we do know is that a number of our neighbors have lost their homes,” said Register O'Donnell. “We all experience unforeseen events in our lives, and sometimes events beyond our control can have devastating emotional and financial effects, so I would urge anyone struggling to pay their mortgage or who knows someone who is struggling to contact one of the non-profit organizations listed on our website, www.norfolkdeeds.org.”

 

For the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs (617-479-8181 x376) and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions (508-587-0950) to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400.

  

Register O’Donnell concluded, “The first quarter of 2024 revealed a real estate market that is feeling the effects of a limited inventory of available properties. The demand to both live and work in Norfolk County remains high, which is one factor contributing to the competitive market, and until more inventory becomes available, this trend is likely to persist. An increase in new home construction could alleviate some of the strain, leading to a more balanced market for buyers and sellers alike.”

 

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.

 

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Senior Center week of events for Apr 22 through Apr 26, 2024

Here’s what’s happening this week at the #franklinseniorcenter 

Come on down and join us! 

#franklinma #seniorcenter

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6BpDvGry7t/

Check out the full calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

Senior Center week of events for Apr 22 through Apr 26, 2024