The Division of Local Services (DLR) publishes throughout the year helpful data and guidance of interest to all local officials. Its most recent City & Town publication summarizes recent legislation on changes to the structure of town governments both by special act and by bylaw. While some changes require a special act, such as increasing a Select Board from 3 to 5 members, other changes, such as creating a consolidated department of inspections, can be done by bylaw. (For consolidation of municipal inspections, see G.L. c. 43C, § 13.)
DLR publishes a list of a local option statutes pertinent to municipal finance. Has your municipality considered adopting the current ceiling for senior property tax abatements and exemptions? What about local meals and room occupancy taxes?
