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Category Archives: Municipal Finance
MMA Looks to Get in the Que
The Massachusetts Municipal Association yesterday called for an increase in Chapter 90 funding for localities to bridge the gap between what is spent today, and what needs to be spent to bring local roads and bridges to a “state of … Continue reading
Shocking!
I have done a couple of posts about the setting of the “municipal tax factor”, and the annual request by City Councilors from around the Commonwealth to Mayors and Managers to lower tax bills by raiding free cash and reserves. … Continue reading
Michael Widmer on the Massachusetts Budget
Some comments from Michael Widmer, laying out some of the issues facing the Commonwealth, and some of the unpleasant options facing the State as we begin looking to the FY 14 budget. Widmer was a guest on WBUR, Public Radio.
Mayor Thatcher Kezer III on Amesbury Tax Rate
Mayor Thatcher Kezer III of Amesbury, in response to some disagreements with the Newburyport Daily News over the municipal tax situation in Amesbury, did a posting on Facebook rebutting the position of the paper. I have cut and pasted that … Continue reading
Governor's Mid Year Cuts Are Here- Local Aid as Well
The Governor today announced his mid-year budget cuts in response to the revenue shortfalls being experienced by the state. They are below, and they include a 1% cut to unrestricted local aid. The Governor also tapped the rainy day fund … Continue reading
Municipal Tax Rates and Surpluses
Municipal budgeting, like most everything in government that relates to taxation, has become highly politicized. And like much that occurs in budgeting those politics, in many instances, show that budgetary doublespeak is not restricted to federal politicians. Municipal budgets are … Continue reading
Municipal Bond Tax Exemption at Risk
There has been plenty of talk about “tax expenditures” at both the federal and state levels, with all tax breaks under heavy scrutiny. One that has received a little attention, but deserves some more discussion, is the municipal bond tax … Continue reading
No Massachusetts Tax Reductions on January 1, and…..
The relatively modest reduction in the state income tax rate scheduled to occur on January 1, from 5.25% to 5.2%, will not occur, as the financial yardsticks necessary for implementation have not been met. As you may recall voters opted … Continue reading
Posted in Municipal Finance, State News
Tagged Massachusetts budget, Massachusetts Transportation
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Pension Reform?
Professor Edward Glaeser, who writes on a regular basis for the Boston Globe, penned an article on public pensions a couple of months back. It raised some very interesting concepts, which included a call for additional centralization (getting rid of … Continue reading
Posted in Municipal Finance
Tagged Massachusetts Pension Reform, Professor Edward Glaeser
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Municipal Health Care Review
The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, headed by Michael Widmer, has released an analysis of the impacts of the newly enacted municipal health care bill. I had a chance to talk about it this week on WCAP, and it is in the … Continue reading
Posted in Health Care Reform, Municipal Finance
Tagged Michael Widmer, Municipal Health Care Reform
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