Franklin MAtters Weekly: Commonwealth

This week starts discussion on yet another opportunity for Franklin residents and taxpayers to come to an agreement on the “common good”.

Yes, Franklin operates within the Commonwealth of Mass. A commonwealth is defined as “one founded on law and united by compact or tacit agreement of the people for the common good.”

The Town has operated with a single tax rate which means that all property owners and businesses pay the same rate. The current Town Council wants to consider a split tax rate. The split tax rate doesn't raise any additional funds. It only shifts the burden from one category (residential) to another (commercial/industrial) although it could be applied the other way; that is, shifting the burden from commercial industrial to residential.

Over the next 3 Town Council sessions, there are 3 workshops scheduled to define the terminology, present results of some studies, and set up for a robust discussion on the pros and cons of the split vs. single tax rate before the tax rate hearing is held in December.

What rate provides the best outcome, for our common good, for all of Franklin?

For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news/ where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.

*** Event & Meeting schedule (with agendas) as of Town pages 10/09/26 5:00 PM ***

Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Time = 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10132026-2558

250th Anniversary Celebration Communications Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Time = 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10132026-2553

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, October 13, 2026 time = 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10132026-2559

Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

Wednesday, October 14, 2026 Time = 3:00 PM