Finance Committee 10/21/2026

The Franklin Finance Committee met on October 21, 2026, and received a DPW overview of enterprise-fund capital needs and operations. Water-system projects total nearly $69 million in estimated capital needs, including replacement of the Hillside tanks (estimated at $10.5 million), tank rehabilitation, water-main replacements, and future treatment work related to PFAS. Staff described water-main replacement as important to coordinating roadwork and reducing breaks, and discussed financing through rates, borrowing, and state revolving-fund loans. The sewer enterprise fund is in a stronger financial position following rate increases; the $33 million Beaver Street interceptor project is nearing completion, with additional rehabilitation and equipment work planned. Stormwater staff outlined substantial future phosphorus-control costs and the possibility of seeking a permit-extension timeline. No capital project contract awards were made at this meeting.

The committee also heard that negotiations are beginning for the regional solid-waste disposal contract, involving 33 communities and a November 3 meeting; the town hopes for a 20-year term and does not favor a five-year term, but rates and terms remain unresolved. Waste hauling is contracted separately. DPW is considering a phased replacement program for roughly 20,000 aging trash and recycling carts, and potential recycling-center improvements, including landfill capping work and a possible compost staging site; funding and fee implications remain under review. The committee approved the fiscal policies and guidelines by roll-call vote. Other votes approved the prior meeting minutes and the agenda change to hear the DPW presentation first. The committee’s next meeting is scheduled to address long-term debt and financing options.