Dashboard data is compiled from required municipal submissions to DLS, annual financial statements, state agency databases, and the US Census. Within each dashboard panel, we identify the source for the live data point and make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information presented.
Looking to create a list of comparable communities? I would suggest using the Community Comparison report found here. This report allows you to narrow the group of communities based on socioeconomic trends (population or size), financial indicators, county, or select your own group.
For guidance with any of the pages found under the Municipal Databank (Data Analytics) contact the Municipal Databank at databank@dor.state.ma.us.
Category One - Operating Position
Trends in certified free cash, stabilization fund balances, overlay reserves, general fund unassigned fund balances, self-insured health insurance trust fund balances and uncollected real estate taxes
Category Two - Unfunded Liabilities
Trends in pension and OPEB liabilities
Category Three - Property Taxes
Trends in average single family tax bills, new growth, levies, tax rates, assessed values, excess and override capacity and Proposition 2½ ballot questions
Category Three Dashboard - Relating to Property Taxation (single family tax bills, new growth, assessed values, tax levies and tax rates)
Category Three Dashboard - Relating to Proposition 2½ limits (excess and override capacity, and Proposition 2½ ballot questions)
Category Four - General Fund Revenues and Expenditures
Trends in general fund revenues and expenditures
Category Five - Demographics
Trends in labor, income, population and equalized property valuations (EQVs)
Category Six - Debt
Trends in outstanding debt, debt service, bond ratings, and authorized but unissued debt