The tentative 2019 budget for the Town of Franklin spends $1.76 million. To partially finance this, the town board plans to raise $1.19 million in property taxes from landowners, an increase of $ 0.03 million (2.4%) over the 2018 budget. This levy is just under the state-imposed soft cap and similar to the increase in […]
In 2010, the Franklin Town Board stopped their annual internal auditing of the town books and stopped releasing an accounting, both required under NY Town Law. In addition, they did not file an Annual Update Document of this accounting with the Office of the State Comptroller, required under NY Municipal Law. In 2014, after the […]
By Brian Brock For many years now, the Town of Franklin has annually violated New York Town Law by the board not auditing the town books (Section 62) and by the supervisor not releasing the end-of-year accounting (Section 29(10)). How could their malfeasance bring trouble down on our town? Possibilities include ineligibility for state assistance […]
By Brian Brock After having read in the spring issue of this newspaper about the 2014 audit of the Town of Franklin financial operations by the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC), you might have wondered how it could be the first time that you learned of this critique. Arguably, this is because the town […]
By Brian Brock Would you like to know how the town board spent your property taxes last year? You should be able to. Under New York Town Law, each town is required to file an annual financial report. This Annual Update Document (AUD) should be available from the Town Clerk, Dawn Ritz, or the Office […]
With all the coverage of national candidates, you might think that we will be voting for President of the United States this November. However 2015 is an off-year election with only local races for towns and counties. Last year’s atypical local elections were required by the resignation of two councilmen. This year most of the […]
The several parts of our local government each have their own powers and responsibilities. The Board of Education teaches our children. The Fire Department and EMS aid us in emergencies. The Highway Supervisor maintains and improves the roads. The Town Justice judges the accused. The Town Clerk keeps records, collects taxes, and issues licenses.
By Brian Brock Elections for town government are held every other year. In November of odd years, elections are held for Supervisor, Clerk, Highway Superintendent, Justice, and two of the four Councilmen. (Councilmen serve for four years, with two up for reelection each time.) This year Susan Fairbairn and Garret Sitts will be up for […]