The Division of Local Services’ Data Analytics and Resources Bureau analyzes and distributes data related to local government. All analytics use the data submitted to DLS by individual cities, towns, special purpose districts, regional school districts, and state and federal agencies.
The Municipal Finance Trend Dashboard shows data trends in a specific community across a number of financial categories and years. For more general information on multiple communities, try the Community Comparison report found here. This report allows you to select a group of communities based on socioeconomic trends (population or size), financial indicators, county, and other useful criteria.
For assistance with any of DLS's reports and 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 a community’s unfunded pension liability, funded ratio, pension investments and expected full funding data.
Category Three - Property Taxes
Trends in average single family tax bills, new growth, levies, tax rates, assessed values, excess and override capacity, Proposition 2½ ballot questions, and tax classification
Category Three Dashboard - Relating to Property Taxation (single family tax bills, new growth, assessed values, tax levies, tax rates, and tax classification)
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