Framingham Selectmen Close Town Meeting Warrant, Advance 5 Percent FY18 Budget

FRAMINGHAM -- March 7, 2017, Framingham selectmen advanced a proposed fiscal year 2018 budget with a 5 percent gross increase, or 2.5 percent when $8.8 million in one-time free cash is excluded, while also closing the 2017 Annual Town Meeting warrant at their March 7 meeting. Chief Financial Officer Mary Ellen Kelly told the five-member board the average single-family tax bill would rise approximately $247, with the school department accounting for the largest share of growth at $5.5 million, or 4.5 percent. Selectman Lori Lee pressed for a reduction to a 2 percent levy, saying "I'm very frustrated. I don't know that I can vote for a two-and-a-half percent increase," citing compounding tax burdens on seniors and working families. The board voted 4-0 to sponsor a $75,000 appropriation to the Major Litigation Contingency Fund, with Town Counsel Christopher Petrini citing a surge in police-related litigation. The warrant closed with two parcel-transfer articles added, one for a future fire station site, and the Harding Street land-sale article removed. The largest single item in non-appropriations is now the charter school assessment, exceeding $5 million annually.