Franklin Senior Center Fate Not So Dire

Recently, a story has been making the rounds, based apparentlly on informal remarks at the Senior Center by a member of the  town administration to the effect that if a tax override is not approved on June 3,  there will be dramatic cuts, potentially including the end of the cafe that serves breakfast in the morning as well as the dementia care program.

Well, according to Sarah Amaral, senior center director, who said she has also received phone calls on the topic, those stories are wide of the mark. 

If the override does not pass, the Senior Center will face a significant and immediate impact — "we would have no choice but to reduce personnel, which will directly result in a reduction of services for our residents," she said.

"This will require us to reassess which programs and services we can continue, with a focus on preserving our most critical offerings — specifically, affordable and nutritious meals and respite care," She said.  These are foundational services, she said, the Senior Center will do everything possible to protect them.

"We’re fortunate to have the support of Town Administration, who fully understand the essential nature of the work we do and are aligned with us in making thoughtful, informed decisions." she said.

As for program fees, those will be increasing regardless of the override outcome. In fact, she said, some fees haven’t been adjusted in many years, and increases are necessary to keep pace with rising costs. "That said, we are approaching this responsibly — keeping increases as modest as possible and applying them in a way that minimizes the impact on our most vulnerable community members," she said. 

Detailed information on these changes will be shared within the next two weeks, according to Amaral.