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Local Aid and Finance Nunes discusses DLS' municipal assistance
Robert Nunes, the state’s new director of municipal affairs, gave selectmen an overview of the bureaus and services of the Division of Local Services, highlighting outreach and training programs, during an April 26 regional meeting of the Massachusetts Selectmen’s Association in Westford.
Nunes oversees the Division of Local Services within the Department of Revenue and serves as the main contact point between municipalities and state government.
Nunes reminded attendees that the DLS maintains the Municipal Databank, a valuable tool used in community financial budgeting and forecasting. The databank, which includes municipal finance and demographic information dating back to the early 1980s, provides standardized reports and specialized data requests.
“We also offer financial reviews for communities,” Nunes said. “We do 20 to 25 management consulting reviews per year at no charge to communities. The mayor or chair of the board of selectmen can request a review by writing to my office.”
The financial management review is a study of a municipality’s financial operations and condition to determine its strengths and weaknesses. The process results in a written management report that evaluates the local government financial systems. The DLS also conducts studies on specific problems such as costing services, capital planning or staff reorganization.
Nunes also highlighted the Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) program. Multiple finance departments in 75 municipalities depend on the DLS for support and training in the use of versions of the CAMA and tax administration system. Nunes noted that CAMA saves municipalities a combined total of $1 million annually.
The Gateway Project, a soon-to-be-created program of the DLS, will enable cities and towns to do all their financial reporting online, Nunes said. All Bureau of Accounts and Bureau of Local Assessment forms submitted by cities and towns will be online, for direct data entry, review, retrieval, signing and submissions.
“DLS will be looking for 12 to 15 communities to take part in the pilot program in fiscal 2008,” said Nunes. “The following fiscal year all 351 cities and towns will be able to do direct data entry online.”
Forms will include Schedule A and recap sheets.
Nunes, the former mayor of Taunton, reminded selectmen that he is very interested in speaking with local officials, working with the MMA, and improving the services available to cities and towns.
Local Aid and Finance Nunes discusses DLS' municipal assistance
Nunes discusses DLS' municipal assistance
Robert Nunes, the state’s new director of municipal affairs, gave selectmen an overview of the bureaus and services of the Division of Local Services, highlighting outreach and training programs, during an April 26 regional meeting of the Massachusetts Selectmen’s Association in Westford.
Nunes oversees the Division of Local Services within the Department of Revenue and serves as the main contact point between municipalities and state government.
Nunes reminded attendees that the DLS maintains the Municipal Databank, a valuable tool used in community financial budgeting and forecasting. The databank, which includes municipal finance and demographic information dating back to the early 1980s, provides standardized reports and specialized data requests.
“We also offer financial reviews for communities,” Nunes said. “We do 20 to 25 management consulting reviews per year at no charge to communities. The mayor or chair of the board of selectmen can request a review by writing to my office.”
The financial management review is a study of a municipality’s financial operations and condition to determine its strengths and weaknesses. The process results in a written management report that evaluates the local government financial systems. The DLS also conducts studies on specific problems such as costing services, capital planning or staff reorganization.
Nunes also highlighted the Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) program. Multiple finance departments in 75 municipalities depend on the DLS for support and training in the use of versions of the CAMA and tax administration system. Nunes noted that CAMA saves municipalities a combined total of $1 million annually.
The Gateway Project, a soon-to-be-created program of the DLS, will enable cities and towns to do all their financial reporting online, Nunes said. All Bureau of Accounts and Bureau of Local Assessment forms submitted by cities and towns will be online, for direct data entry, review, retrieval, signing and submissions.
“DLS will be looking for 12 to 15 communities to take part in the pilot program in fiscal 2008,” said Nunes. “The following fiscal year all 351 cities and towns will be able to do direct data entry online.”
Forms will include Schedule A and recap sheets.
Nunes, the former mayor of Taunton, reminded selectmen that he is very interested in speaking with local officials, working with the MMA, and improving the services available to cities and towns.
Written by MMA Member Services Coordinator Ellen Stoolmacher
