City & Town Newsletters

This article serves as an overview of the DLS Financial Management Resource Bureau's extensive experience in assisting municipalities in Massachusetts with financial operations. It emphasizes the Municipal Financial Management Training and Resources, offering tools and templates like Debt Service Calculator, Budget and Tax Rate Planning Tool, and more to aid local officials in making informed financial decisions.

This article identifies the key players involved in managing a town's finances and a highlight the core financial best practices common among fiscally stable communities.

The article "Free Cash Update" discusses the trends and statistics surrounding free cash certifications for municipalities in Massachusetts, highlighting significant increases in free cash as of July 1, 2022, and providing preliminary insights into the certifications for July 1, 2023. It also examines the implications of these figures on municipal budgets and appropriations, along with resources for further understanding free cash management.

This article details July 1, 2024 free cash certifications completed thus far compared to their previous certification as of the time of publication.

Next issue of reviewing areas of fiscal stress using general fund revenues and expenditures.

A multi-issue look at areas of fiscal stress municipalities might be facing. This issue relates to the statutory limitations on the property tax and municipal budgets.

This article features frequently asked questions concerning recent publications and the reservation of funds.

This article features frequently asked questions concerning the accounting procedures associated with police details, specifically when a police officer from another municipality performs a detail.

This month's Ask DLS features frequently asked questions concerning assessor inspections and what happens when a homeowner refuses to allow an assessor onto their property.

This article features frequently asked questions concerning a recent case from the Appellate Tax Board (ATB), Helbert v. Board of Assessors of the Town of Wilmington. This case concerns what constitutes a “sufficient beneficial interest” when property is held in trust.