MBLC Blog

Month: February 2021

  • Taxes and Capital Projects: A Conversation with the Division of Local Services

    By Andrea Bunker, Library Building Specialist at the MBLC

    Taxes: one of the known inevitables in life, and in Massachusetts, a subject with a complicated and storied past. Therefore, it is no surprise that advocates of public library building projects often must address whether or not capital improvements will cause an increase in property taxes for residents. For this episode of Building Literacy, we went to the experts on municipal finance and taxation: The Department of Revenue’s Division of Local Services (DLS). With both regulatory and educational functions, the DLS not only provides oversight but also educational opportunities for municipal finance officials. Their Senior Deputy Commissioner, Sean Cronin, converses with us about the basics and what every municipal official, library building project stakeholder, and resident should know.

    This episode is more Massachusetts-focused than many of our others, due in part to the local tax landscape defined by Proposition 2 ½, a property tax reform initiative passed by the voters in 1980. Mr. Cronin discusses the tools and mechanisms available to municipalities within the parameters of Prop 2 ½, such as overrides, debt exclusions, bonding, and stabilization funds. In addition to the basics, we touch upon capital plans and forecasting, even amidst a pandemic. Throughout, he also offers resources that are available through the DLS website: www.mass.gov/DLS.

    So, if you think taxes are a dry subject (with the exception of the Boston Tea Party,) you may want to check out this episode! As always, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episode topics, please email me at Andrea.Bunker@mass.gov.

  • Trustees Orientation Goes Virtual

    By Maura Deedy, Library Advisory Specialist at the MBLC

    The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) Trustee Orientation program held virtually in our living rooms, offices, and kitchens is now available on demand.

    The orientations are an opportunity for new trustees to learn about the MBLC and state funding and for seasoned trustees to gain a refresher. We cover roles and responsibilities, legal obligations, advocacy, State Aid, and more. We missed visiting libraries across the Commonwealth and meeting trustees, directors, and library staff. It’s an opportunity to see firsthand the beautiful spaces, learn about challenges and about what makes very library unique.

    The fall Trustee Orientation was recorded, and we are pleased to make that available via our YouTube channel with closed captioning.  The video has been edited into eight sections, allowing trustees to revisit topics as needed. This was recorded on October 1, 2020 and some information regarding COVID-19, library services, and policies may have changed. If you have any questions, contact the MBLC. Please watch these and bookmark the Virtual Trustee Orientation packet for the referenced materials.

    The future is unknown and we plan on continuing our virtual orientations into 2021. We look forward to making the spring season more interactive with a new series of programs called Trustee Deep Dives meant to strengthen trustee’s knowledge and toolkit in their roles.