City & Town Newsletters

This article provides an introduction to motor vehicle excise, one of the most visible and significant revenue sources for Massachusetts cities and towns.

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.

This article provides New Growth data for Fiscal Year 2026 and analyzes recent trends in this important metric using data collected from 348 of Massachusetts’ 351 municipalities.

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 “8 of 58” applications and common scenarios that often receive favorable consideration for abatement.

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