DLS Publications
The Division of Local Services
DLS produces a number of publications for the use of municipal officials and others interested in municipal finance and administration. Most of these publications can be displayed, downloaded, and printed on your printer in a form identical to their published version, included images, charts, photographs, etc. Some publications have been converted into topics that can be linked to other publications and other Internet resources, so that users can delve deeper into topics beyond the constraints of traditional publications. DLS can immediately update these topics as laws, regulations, and guidelines change, instead of waiting for the next issue of a publication. The converted publications are contained in what is called the Municipal Knowledge Base.
For more information ...
about these and other DLS publications feel free to contact Donna Quinn (617) 626-3838 or mail to: for Donna Quinn. You may also view Forms and Brochures.
These publications include:DIVISION WIDE:
City & Town Newsletter
a monthly newsletter designed to address matters of interest to local officials.
Municipal Knowledge Base
ASSESSMENT:
Assessment Administration: Law Procedures and Valuation Course 101 Handbook
Betterments and Special Assessments - Assessment and Collection Procedures
Bureau of Local Assessment's Commonly Used Forms
In-house Revaluation Cost-Benefit Analysis
Tax Classification Report
ACCOUNTS:
Collector's Manual
Collector Manual Forms in PDF (COLMANF.PDF, about 170KB)
Enterprise Fund Manual MGL Chapter 44 Section 53F1/2
Bureau of Accounts - GASB #34 Guide for Massachusetts Local Governments
Revenue Deficits: An Overview
Bureau of Accounts - State House Note Program Forms
Treasurer's Manual - Massachusetts Collectors and Treasurers Association
Uniform Massachusetts Accounting System (Updated 8/24/2007)
Audit Reports from selected school districts
In February 1997, Executive Order 393 was signed. The order required the Division of Local Services to audit school districts within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The audits included but were not limited to: School finances, staffing, test scores, time learning standards, school improvement and technology plans.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT/TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:
Cherry Sheet Manual
The Corporations Book
is available for all to use. This Corporations Book is "searchable". Just insert a letter or several names then click "search", all of the information is at your fingertips.
Developing a Capital Improvements Program: A Manual for Massachusetts Communities
is a guide to assist municipalities in carrying out their responsibilities in planning, financing and implementing capital improvements.
Costing Municipal Services: Workbook and Case Study
is a guide on the basic concepts and techniques of costing for Massachusetts officials with varying degrees of experience in the field of costing services.
A Guide to Financial Management for Town Officials
Levy Limits: A Primer on Proposition 2 1/2
Municipal Calendar
detailing key dates for administering local government finances
Municipal Finance Glossary
A publication made available to assist local officials with terminology they encounter performing their municipal duties.
Propostion 2 1/2 Ballot Questions - Requirements and Procedures
Technical Assistance
A brochure detailing the Division of Local Services' financial management assistance/consulting available to Massachusetts local governments.
MUNICIPAL FINANCE LAW:
Bulletins
containing late-breaking news, announcements, updates and training opportunities
Informational Guideline Releases
outlining policies, administrative procedures and municipal law updates
Legal Index For Municipal Officers
In Our Opinion
A selection of opinions issued by the Division of Local Services.
Motor Vehicle Excise Manual
the first comprehensive guide
In order to view the information contained in the documents you must have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader Version.
When you are in Acrobat PDF files, the cursor will typically be either a grabbing hand or a pointing hand. If the cursor becomes a pointing hand, you are on a linked area. Clicking anywhere in this area will take you somewhere else: another related file, another location within the same document, even a different computer somewhere else in the world, depending on what linkages the document's Internet editor established beforehand. Usually long publications have Tables of Contents. These will normally be 'dynamic', i.e. you can point to the page or topic you want to go to, click, and you will be there. In some cases, text will be surrounded by a box, usually with a blue line. This is another way of designating a linked area.
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