Franklin, MA provides information on how the town generates revenue and where that money is allocated. It generates income primarily from property taxes, excise taxes, fees, and state funds. Property taxes make up the largest portion, with the average homeowner paying $4,298 in 2009. The town can raise property taxes up to 2.5% annually or seek voter approval for higher increases. Most of the town's budget goes to schools ($51.4M), administrative costs ($8.8M), public safety ($8.9M), and debt repayment for capital projects like new schools and facilities ($5.8M). The document outlines the various sources of town revenue and how those funds are distributed across departments.

1. Franklin, MA
All you need to know and much more!

2. How Does Franklin Make $$$?
INCOME
Property Taxes
Excise Taxes
Fees, Fines, Etc.
State Funds

3. Property Taxes
Property owners pay a % of the value
(assessment) of their property
FRANKLIN 2009
Tax Rate - $11.17 per $1,000
Ave single family home assessed @ $384,800
Ave Tax Bill - $4,298

4. Can Franklin Raise Taxes?

Yes, but …
Proposition 2 ½
A town cannot raise property taxes by over 2 ½% without the
resident’s permission.
Override
A vote by residents to raise their own property taxes
Debt Exclusion
A vote by residents to temporarily raise their taxes
The Debate

5. Excise Taxes

A tax based on the value of your vehicle paid
annually to the town.
Mr. Leighton’s Sweet Ride

6. Fees, Licenses, Etc
Caught in Beaver Pond!

7. State Funds

The state allocates funds for the towns of Massachusetts
including Chapter 70 money which is intended for
public schools.

State money accounts for ½ of the school budget and 1/3
of the town budget.

8. Where does the money go?
Expenditures
Administrative
$8.8M
Public Safety
$8.9M
Schools
$51.4M
Public Works
$3.7M
Human Services
$.4M
Rec. & Culture
$1.2M
Debt
$5.8M
Benefits/ Insurance
$7.2M

9. Administrative

General Government
Comptroller, Assessors,
Collectors, Legal,
Human Resources,
Town Clerk, etc
$8.8M

10. Public Safety
$8.9
Fire Department
Police Station
Animal Safety

11. Public Schools
Schools
Includes:
All Franklin Public Schools
Ben Franklin Classical
Charter
Tri County
Budget Cuts last year
$51 M

12. Public Works

Street Lights, Snow Removal, upkeep of all
public property, Road Repair
$3.7M

13. Human Services

$.4M
Council on Aging

14. Recreation & Culture



Library
Historical Commission
Memorial Day
$1.2M

15. Debt





We are paying for the following capital
expenses:
New schools
Senior Center
Town Hall
Fire Department
$5.8M

16. Benefits & Insurance

Funds for Insurance and other benefits for
town employees and retirees
$7.2M