Category Archives: Municipal Finance

Legislature Grants 9-C Authority to Governor

Posted on January 15, 2009 by billmanzi

The Legislature yesterday granted expanded 9-c authority to Governor Deval Patrick to close a budget gap that is at about one billion dollars. In doing so the legislature exempted themselves, the judiciary, and constitutional officers from the expanded authority. It … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Municipal Finance, State News | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Regional Dispatch Moves Forward

Posted on January 12, 2009 by billmanzi

Today’s Eagle Tribune has a story on the potential for a regional dispatch center for Essex County. The story talks about a decision, due this month, on a state grant that would facilitate the building of a regional call center. … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Municipal Finance, State News | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

More Cuts Coming

Posted on December 31, 2008 by billmanzi

The Governor yesterday announced to the media that the state budget remains about one billion dollars short, which will trigger a new round of budget cuts that likely will include local aid. Governor Deval Patrick said yesterday that he was … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Municipal Finance, State News | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

More Authority for Mayors Part 2

Posted on December 28, 2008 by billmanzi

Today’s Eagle Tribune has an article that again discusses the potential for changing the criteria for cities to join the State GIC. Under current state law for a city to join the state GIC and take advantage of its lower … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Municipal Finance, State News | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Answering the boo birds

Posted on December 24, 2008 by billmanzi

The comment section over at the Eagle Tribune is a very popular section of their online edition, with folks given a chance to comment on the story of the day and mix in praise and criticism of public officials and … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Methuen City Council, Municipal Finance, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Municipal Meltdown

Posted on January 1, 2008 by billmanzi

I know that I am late getting to talking about the Commonwealth Magazine article on municipal finance so aptly titled “municipal meltdown” but this subject does not fade with time. It was a fine article, and has prompted much discussion, … Continue reading →

Posted in Municipal Finance, State News | 20 Comments

New Controversy for Chapter 40B

Posted on July 27, 2007 by billmanzi

Chapter 40B, the State’s so called anti-snob zoning law, is under renewed attack. The Boston Globe has run a story detailing a renewed effort to repeal the law by a group formed for that purpose. On Monday, John Belskis, founder … Continue reading →

Posted in Municipal Finance, State News | 10 Comments

Methuen Water Rates

Posted on July 9, 2007 by billmanzi

The Methuen City Council will tonight look at water rates in Methuen. The City Council formed a sub-committee to look at our water system, and the budgetary situation it faces. In essence the water enterprise fund has been operating at … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Municipal Finance | 4 Comments

Final Budget Numbers

Posted on July 6, 2007 by billmanzi

I have placed the final budget up in adobe format as promised. Sorry it took so long. Methuen Budget FY2008

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Erasing Boundaries Part Two

Posted on July 6, 2007 by billmanzi

In a previous post I mentioned that I would like to review some of the 19 months of activities, with some highlights being brought forward here. Several months ago Methuen, Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover and the Merrimack Valley Chamber … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Municipal Finance | Leave a comment