Financial Management Assistance

Technical Assistance (TA) Section

The Division of Local Services (DLS) offers technical assistance to cities and towns in the form of financial management reviews. In the course of completing more than 400 reports over the last 23 years, DLS has built a substantial knowledge base of best practices in the management of municipal finances which it now shares through this website.

Sharing Costs and Consolidating Services Between and Among Municipalities

The enhanced regionalization and merger analysis completed for the Towns of Hamilton and Wenham by the DOR Division of Local Services explores what the two towns would look like as one. It is also a comprehensive study, of value to all cities and towns, which focuses on the opportunities and the financial impacts of sharing costs and services, short of a full merger. Also posted at this link is information about Inter-Municipal Agreements and other useful references related to the consolidation of services between and among municipalities.

New-Revenue and Expenditure Forecasting Tool

This Excel spreadsheet-based tool will help you develop a financial forecast for your city or town in preparation of your annual budget and for long-term planning. It allows you to view historical revenue and expenditure data specific to your community and assists you in predicting future needs and available resources.

Best Practices - Technical Assistance

Guidance on appropriate procedures, checks and balances, and matters of interest to policy makers, administrators, and finance officers that pertain to technology and to the overall financial management of a community.

Job Responsibilities

Found here are the legal duties associated with various finance positions, including the accountant, treasurer and collector, as well as finance related departments, committees and boards.

Restructuring City and Town Government

Links are provided to pending and enacted special laws that create, or substantially amend, city and town charters. Learn about the options available to adopt a new, or amend an existing municipal charter, to convert from elected to appointed positions and to reorganize government

Published Financial Management Reports

At this location are recently completed financial management reports which are provided as a free service to municipalities. Based on the review of documents, procedures and on interviews with local officials and staff, the DLS Technical Assistance team arrives at observations, conclusions and recommendations to help improve financial operations.

Benchmarks and Spreadsheets

View and download Excel spreadsheets containing city, town and state-wide financial data. Compare your community with others based on variables TA considers most reliable.

Publications and Other Useful Links

Information and guidance is available from DLS publications, such as, Developing a Capital Improvement Program, Costing Municipal Services, Technical Assistance Brochure or a Glossary of Financial Terms. Direct access is provided to statutes, documents, state offices and organizations such as the General Court, the State Open Meeting Law, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, and a wide range of other valuable resources.

Technical Assistance Contacts and Information