City & Town Newsletters

This article discusses the resources and training available for new municipal finance officials, particularly focusing on the role of the Bureau of Accounts in overseeing financial management and providing guidance to municipalities in Massachusetts.

This article provides a comprehensive resource for local officials and interested taxpayers regarding the property tax abatement process.

This article discusses strategies for semi-annual billing communities that have not adopted Chapter 653 to expedite their tax rate setting process by submitting property valuation forms earlier in the calendar year, thereby potentially reducing approval times. It also highlights the implications of adopting Chapter 653 and the importance of timely submissions for efficient tax billing.

This article provides guidance for new local officials on the importance of financial policies, capital planning, and multi-year forecasting in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of their municipalities. It emphasizes how these tools foster transparency, accountability, and strategic decision-making, ultimately leading to responsible governance and community trust.

This article is part of the 2025 New Officials edition. In it, the Financial Management Resources Bureau highlights the importance of establishing robust financial policies, developing a comprehensive capital plan, and implementing a multi-year forecast in order to ensure a community's strong fiscal condition.

Next issue of reviewing areas of fiscal stress using a municipalities debt burden.

This article provides valuable tips and guidance on navigating the fiscal year-end processes, including submitting free cash for certification and setting tax rates for the upcoming fiscal year. It emphasizes the importance of accurate documentation, clear appropriations, and proactive planning to streamline the financial procedures in municipalities.

This article provides guidance for municipal officials on navigating the fiscal year-end processes, including tips for submitting free cash certifications and setting tax rates for FY24. It emphasizes the importance of accurate documentation and timely actions to ensure a smooth transition into the new fiscal year.

Annual analysis of the property levies, assessed values and tax rates.

This article provides an update on the FY2025 assessment information from the DLS Bureau of Local Assessment. It contains a brief overview of the assessment certification process and data based on municipal submissions as of the end of November of this year.