Category Archives: Municipal Finance

Release Federal Money ASAP

Posted on August 10, 2010 by billmanzi

The President spoke on the $26 billion bill just passed by Congress to send additional money to state and local governments. I know that we will get some debate on the merits of the bill here (it is a rare … Continue reading →

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

Widmer on Municipal Health Care Reform

Posted on June 11, 2010 by billmanzi

Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation President Michael Widmer weighed in on the Senate bill designed to “reform” municipal health care, and he has found it to be deficient. Widmer’s analysis is right on. The bill has some positive elements, but when considered … Continue reading →

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The Problem with Arbitrators

Posted on May 8, 2010 by billmanzi

The award of a 19% pay raise through an arbitrators ruling for Boston firefighters has caused some real political tumult, with firefighters praising the decision and Mayor Menino and managers throughout the Commonwealth just shaking their heads in disbelief. The … Continue reading →

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Charlie Baker on Municipal Health Care

Posted on March 26, 2010 by billmanzi

Charlie Baker released his municipal health care plan yesterday, and it bears close resemblance to the plan put out by the new Mayor’s coalition. Baker is trying to seize some fertile political ground, and has even adopted our call for … Continue reading →

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New Coalition Advocates for Authority to Redesign Municipal Health Plans

Posted on March 17, 2010 by billmanzi

Mayors and Local Leaders form the Save Our Communities Coalition New Coalition Advocates for Authority to Redesign Municipal Health Plans More than twenty Massachusetts municipal leaders announced today the formation of a new coalition, Save Our Communities Coalition, which will … Continue reading →

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Boston Globe on Municipal Health Care

Posted on March 2, 2010 by billmanzi

The Boston Globe today editoralized on the need for municipal health care reform, including a call to the State Legislature to adopt “plan design” for localities. The Globe wrote a two part series highlighting the unsustainable cost of municipal health … Continue reading →

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

Municipal Relief Package Passes Without Health Care Reform

Posted on February 25, 2010 by billmanzi

The legislature yesterday passed a Municipal Relief Package, which is outlined below. The package, predictably, did not contain “plan design” relief on health care for municipalities. There are some important pieces here, including the pension portion. But the most important … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Municipal Finance, State News | Tagged | 2 Comments

Governor Patrick at the MMA

Posted on January 23, 2010 by billmanzi

Governor Patrick at the MMA yesterday giving the keynote speech and giving an advance peek at his budget, and how it pertains to local aid. His remarks were welcomed by local officials, who had anticipated large cuts in general local … Continue reading →

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

Today's Tribune Story on Pension Obligation

Posted on December 31, 2009 by billmanzi

Today’s Tribune has a story on pension funding by the City of Methuen. The online version has a headline which reads “Mayor says City not able to pay pension money today”, which is not what I said. I said that … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Methuen City Council, Municipal Finance | Tagged , | 1 Comment

The Explosion in Pension Costs

Posted on December 14, 2009 by billmanzi

Today’s Tribune has a story about pension costs in Methuen, and how the continued rapid escalation in these costs are threatening municipal finances throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I do agree with Michael Widmer that any extension of the full … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, Municipal Finance, State News | Tagged | 1 Comment