FM #1387 - Joint Budget Listening Session #3 - 02/19/25

This session shares the Joint Budget Listening Session held Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at the Franklin Senior Center. All 10 members participated along with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. School Supt Lucas Giguere missed the session due to school break week.

Brief statements by TA Hellen and School Committee Vice Chair David McNeill opened the session before going to the audience for questions and comments. At least 13 folks stepped up to comment or ask a question, some multiple questions.

Link to the Town page with the budget materials for both Town and School sides

https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=500 

As of today, $3.6M short, may change slightly but that is the ballpark for today. Town budget coming out in April.

Cherry sheet link to MA Dept of revenue as referenced by Town administrator Jamie Hellen https://www.mass.gov/cherry-sheet-estimates 

The recording runs about 2 hours 12 minutes , so let’s listen in.

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The agenda doc 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02192025-1559 

The agenda packet includes:

a. Town Administrator FY26 Budget Update #4 Memorandum - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4201/Town-Administrator-FY26-Budget-Update-4-Memorandum- 

b. Updated FY26 Budget Model (1/30/25)  - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4191/02b-FY26-Budget-Control-Sheet---Control-Summary 

c. Estimated Override Matrix  - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4190/02c-Override-Tax-Rate-Impact-Calculationxlsx---Sheet1 

d. Board of Assessors Request Letter  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4189/02d-Board-of-Assessors-Support-for-Administrative-Assistant

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->    https://www.youtube.com/live/HWM25y_m2Bk?&t=552 

Franklin Public Schools had a tri-fold handout available for participants. A PDF copy for you to view and download is here -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q02Jpzl96WslZNUv6hMeXzwEmwVXCuoM/view?usp=drive_link 

My notes captured during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1639lkClEA8IfavpdIKCQq_MbW2i1AsMB/view?usp=drive_link 

The Dr Bergen, School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan discussion on the history of school cuts  Audio link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pqiBAoPBMg 

The Fire Dept presentation on ambulance call volume at the Feb 5 Town Council meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/town-council-approves-capital-budget_8.html 

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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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