City & Town Newsletters

Addresses matters of interest to local officials. Published by the Division of Local Services.

Displaying 41 - 50 of 152

Ask DLS: Tax Reform Legislation

This article features frequently asked questions concerning tax reform legislation passed in 2023.

Ask DLS: Tax Title Change

This article features frequently asked questions concerning recent legislative changes to the tax title process (Chapter 14 of the Acts of 2025). 

Ask DLS: Tax Title Reform - Part 2

This article is the second part of multi-part series discussing 2024 tax title reform legislation, focusing on process-related changes that affect the collection and assignment of tax titles. It outlines the new requirements for demand notices, notifications of tax title assignments, and procedures for handling unpaid real estate taxes, while also indicating that further details will be covered in upcoming editions of the series.

Ask DLS: Tax Title Reform - Part 3

This article is the third part of multi-part series discussing 2024 tax title reform legislation, focusing on process-related changes that affect the collection and assignment of tax titles. It outlines the new requirements for demand notices, notifications of tax title assignments, and procedures for handling unpaid real estate taxes, while also indicating that further details will be covered in upcoming editions of the series.

Ask DLS: The Budget Setting Process

This article discusses the roles and powers of city councils, select boards, and finance committees in setting the annual budget for cities and towns, detailing the authority each body holds in the budget process and the legal frameworks governing their actions.

Ask DLS: Transportation Network Companies

Answers frequently asked questions related to transportation network companies and acounting of revenues received from the Commonwealth Transportation Infrastructure fund.

Ask DLS: Treatment of Opioid Settlement Payments

These FAQs on the treatment of anticipated settlement payments from opioid defendants by municipalities, focusing on recent statewide opioid settlements. It addresses questions about setting up special revenue accounts, legislative considerations for amendments, appropriation processes, and the utilization of settlement funds for opioid remediation purposes.

Ask DLS: USPS Changes to the Timing of Postmarks

This Ask DLS features frequently asked questions concerning United States Postal Service (USPS) changes to the timing of postmarks.

Ask DLS: Valuation of Real Property Following a Fire or Natural Disaster

This article features frequently asked questions concerning the valuation of real property following a fire or natural disaster.

Ask DLS: Veteran Property Tax Work-off Abatement Programs

This article features frequently asked questions concerning property tax work-off abatement programs for veterans established under G.L. c. 59, § 5N.