Town Council 10/14/2026

The Franklin Town Council met on October 14, 2026. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to a student presentation and discussion of single versus split property tax rates; no decision was made, and two additional community workshops were announced. Council members emphasized that further analysis of impacts on residents and businesses is needed. The council also advanced a water-system bylaw amendment to a second reading for an approximately 700-foot, 8-inch water-main extension serving a proposed four-lot subdivision at 900 Washington Street. The developer will cover construction and related costs and contribute $40,000 to the town’s water-conservation fund. The amendment passed the vote to advance.

The town administrator reported a FEMA grant of $380,124 for fire-department rescue equipment and training, and a grant of just under $2,000 from Restore America’s Estuaries to support 10 beaver-flow devices for flood reduction and stormwater management. The council approved a change of manager for the BJ’s Wholesale Club all-alcohol package-store license; this was a licensing action, not a procurement award. No RFPs, contract awards, or purchasing approvals were identified.