Franklin Override May 22

Is this a crisis?
No, it is worse that one because it has been foreseen for some time and could have been avoided.

How does it happen?
Many reasons contribute to this amongst them:
Franklin’s history of not ever passing an override vote.
Some town councilors believe that Franklin can not afford any increase.

How does it get fixed?
Multiple overrides. Yes, multiple. Not just this year. Next year and perhaps for some years there after. And maybe there is another way to avoid overrides. I have not fully explored this so as I do, I’ll share what I learn.

Why?
Franklin has been living off income from the state that accounts for 20-30% of its total budget. The money (Chapter 70) was initially funded by the state to allow Franklin time to adjust its own revenue stream to meet its needs during a period of considerable growth. This town council and others before it have no plan for helping to correct this situation. If the state cuts the funding by ½ which is possible, we would see a real crisis.

This town council and others before it have continued to raid the emergency fund. The emergency fund was filled some years a go with an 11 M settlement. A one shot deal that has continued to be drawn down time and time again to pay for regular operating expenses. A real emergency could occur and Franklin would not have the funds or wherewithal to be able to cover the emergency. Bankruptcy would be an option.

What are the choices?
Immediately

• If Franklin wants to maintain something resembling services previously provided, then the override needs to pass.
• If Franklin wants to start down the road to developing a ghost town, it should vote against the override.

Longer term

We need to get the Town Council to address and provide a plan for a self sustaining Franklin budget. This is one failure that needs to be addressed so all in Franklin can rest with some confidence in the future.