City & Town Newsletters

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

Displaying 61 - 70 of 114

Highly Recommended: Codifying the Town Administrator Role  

In this article the Financial Management Resource Bureau provides guidance on town administrator role in a municipality.

Highly Recommended: Comprehensive Bylaw Review  

This article is a helpful guide for local officials related to town by-laws and sustaining efforts by policymakers that ensure local by-laws remain complete, cohesive and up-to-date.

Highly Recommended: Coordination Among Financial Offices  

This article emphasizes the importance of coordination among financial offices within municipalities, highlighting the interdependence and collaboration required between accounting, assessing, collection, and treasury offices to ensure effective financial management and operations.

Highly Recommended: Defining the Role of Town Administrator  

This article is an overview of the roles and functions of the town administrator who serves as the chief executive local official in a town.

Highly Recommended: Early Approval of Annual Tax Rate  

This article highlights the benefits of a community getting its tax rates set punctually each fiscal year. It provides important details related to the approval process and identifies factors that could increase the chances of missing process deadlines.

Highly Recommended: Establishing a Capital Projects Special Purpose Stabilization Fund  

This article provides helpful guidance to local officials in a community seeking to establish a special purpose capital stabilization fund dedicated to funding regular, required capital repairs and maintenance.

Highly Recommended: Evolving Government Structures  

This article provides insights into the evolution of municipal government structures, highlighting changes such as the adoption of charters, establishment of chief administrative positions, adjustments in select board membership size, consolidation of departments, and the transition from elected to appointed officials.

Highly Recommended: Financial Reserves  

Importance of building financial reserves using sound formal policies governing their funding, use and replenishment.

Highly Recommended: Formal Financial Policies  

This article emphasizes the importance of developing sound financial policies in communities and provides a general roadmap for local officials to reach consensus on those policies for their community.

Highly Recommended: Getting Ready for Budget Season  

This article is a helpful guide for local officials preparing for the annual budget season. It presents a helpful roadmap of suggestions and best practices that foster communication and collaboration as cities and towns craft their fiscal year budgets.