Guidelines, Opinions, Advisories and FAQs

Informational guideline releases, local finance opinions & bulletins issued in recent calendar years

Displaying 51 - 60 of 165

BUL 2023-9 New Cannabis Control Commission Regulations  

Division of Local Services

This Bulletin focuses on recent regulatory changes affecting municipal finance promulgated by the Cannabis Control Commission pursuant to Chapter 180 of the Acts of 2022, An Act Relative to Equity in the Cannabis Industry.

BUL 2024-1 G.L. c. 44, § 53 Clause 4: Inflation Reduction Act Monetized Credits for Local Governments for Certain Clean Energy Projects and Proceeds Received Pursuant to the Altria Settlement Regarding JUUL Products  

Division of Local Services

On December 4, 2023, Governor Healey signed Chapter 77 of the Acts of 2023, Section 9 of which provides, in part, for an exception to the general rule that all receipts are to be recorded as general fund revenue per G.L. c. 44, § 53.

BUL 2024-2 FY2025 Budget Issues and Other Related Matters  

Division of Local Services

This bulletin has information on the following items: budget issues and procedures for fiscal year 2025, recent legislative changes, Coronavirus Relief Fund (CvRF) American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) stabilization fund dedication revenue estimating revenue local receipts tax rate recap free cash appropriations enterprise fund retained earnings certification balance sheet revenue recognition chapter 90 betterment reserve FEMA borrowing purposes terms borrowing premiums surplus proceeds debt exclusion

BUL 2024-3 G.L. c. 44, § 53 Clause 4: Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF II) Auction Proceeds Received Pursuant to the Westfield Gas And Electric Winning Bid  

Division of Local Services

On December 4, 2023, Governor Healey signed Chapter 77 of the Acts of 2023, Section 9 of which provides, in part, for an exception to the general rule that all receipts are to be recorded as general fund revenue per G.L. c. 44, § 53.

BUL-2023-2 FY2024 Budget Issues and Other Related Matters  

Division of Local Services

This bulletin has information on the following items: budget issues and procedures for fiscal year 2024, recent legislative changes, Coronavirus Relief Fund (CvRF) American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) stabilization fund dedication revenue estimating revenue local receipts tax rate recap free cash appropriations enterprise fund retained earnings certification balance sheet revenue recognition chapter 90 betterment reserve FEMA borrowing purposes terms borrowing premiums surplus proceeds debt exclusion

Chapterland FAQs   

Division of Local Services

December 2022 Website FAQs - classified land (Chapterlands or Chapter Lands) forest land farmland recreation / open space

City Budget Process FAQs   

Division of Local Services

July 2020 Website FAQs (revised from March 2019) - city budget process

Deferrals for Qualifying Persons  

Division of Local Services

The Department of Revenue (DOR) has created this fact sheet to provide general information about local property tax deferrals for seniors.

IGR 2002-209 - Clause 41C Option  

Division of Local Services

This IGR explains new options which allow cities and towns to adjust the Clause 41C exemption amount by up to 100% and to vary the age, gross receipts, and whole estate limits and whole estate domicile exclusion within certain parameters.

IGR 2004-209 - Motor Vehicle and Boat Excise Abatements  

Division of Local Services

This IGR explains 2004 legislation which extended the deadline to apply for excise abatements and gave assessors discretionary authority to act on late filed applications in certain cases. Supersedes IGR 00-207 and Bulletin 2000-08B. The Commissioner will no longer accept requests for authority to abate motor vehicle and boat excises under Chapter 58, § 8.