The Town Administrator is the chief executive officer of the Town, whose primary responsibility is to administer the policies and programs approved by the Franklin Town Council while ensuring that the provisions of the Town Charter are upheld in all areas of town management.
It is the responsibility of the Town Administrator to annually submit a balanced budget, capital improvement program, five year financial forecast, and other reports to the Town Council, per the Town Charter. This includes revenue projections, analyzing and administering use of reserves for capital acquisitions and projects, and working closely with the Franklin Public School Administration to coordinate on strategic initiatives and resources and maintain a strong partnership.
The Town Administrator is also responsible for negotiating and managing all collective bargaining agreements with employee organizations representing Town employees, and participating in the deliberations of the School Committee and School Administration in collective bargaining pertaining to school employees.
Read a general summary of the Town Administrator’s responsibilities on the website.
Core Functions
What does the Town Administrator do? For a partial list, read this:
● Town Administration works with the Town Council to improve the quality of life of the residents of Franklin.
● The Town Administrator is diligent in balancing the budget, keeping an eye on the Town’s future needs and maintaining its current assets.
● The Town Administrator is responsible for the management of all municipal departments and employees, under the jurisdiction of the Town Council.
● The Town Administrator, along with the administrative staff, develops all Town Council agendas and ensures that all necessary legislation is being voted on in a timely manner.
● The Town Administrator, along with the Human Resources (HR) Director, works on union negotiations with all municipal bargaining units. The TA also has a seat and vote on the teachers collective bargaining agreement.
● The Town Administrator also works closely with the Town’s local legislative delegation to advocate for legislation and earmarks that would benefit the Town of Franklin and its residents.
● In addition to working with all departments under the jurisdiction of the Town Council, Town Administration is tasked with drafting bylaws and resolutions relative to public policy, implementing economic development measures, collaborating with the Town’s internal and external partners on special projects, grants administration, licensing and permitting, management of boards & committees, and administering insurance policies and claims.
● The Operations Manager serves as the Licensing Administrator for all permits and licenses issued by Town Administration, manages public records request responses, Town boards and committees, insurance claims and policy renewals, co-chairs the Safety Committee, administers the Town website, assists the Town Administrator in carrying out goals and projects established by the Council, and supervises
day-to-day office operations.
Staffing
● One (1) Town Administrator
● One (1) Deputy Town Administrator*
● One (1) Operations Manager
● One (1) Director of Communications and Civic Engagement
● One (1) Part-Time Administrative Assistant
● One (1) Part-Time Secretary (to take minutes)
* Proposed restored Position for FY27
Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments
● Town Administration, working with the Finance Department, will continue working to preserve the Town’s AAA bond rating, spotless financial audits and solid financial acumen.
● In 2028, Franklin will celebrate the Town’s 250th Anniversary! In order to plan for this marked celebration, the Town has formed an official celebration committee under Massachusetts General Law and initiated the planning process.
● With the savings of the mid-year departure of the FY26 budgeted Deputy Town Administrator, the Town Administration Department added and filled a full-time Communications Specialist and a part-time Administrative Assistant.
● Town Council and Town Administrator goals are jointly agreed to and located here.
● For accomplishments, please see the Town Council & Town Administration goals archive here for the past lists of goals and accomplishments.
● A main goal for the year is integrating and onboarding the Director Communications and Civic Engagement and Administrative Assistant who were just hired in February 2026.
FY27 Requested Budget Highlights
● The Town Administration department is requesting the position of a full-time Deputy Town Administrator with a budgeted annual salary of $190,000. Staff are currently compiling data and will share the market when we have a final list.
● Otherwise, this is a level funded budget.
● The Administrator’s Office Personnel and Expense budgets have been cut in FY24 and FY25.
