At a time when the slow pace of economic recovery and continuing reductions in state and federal assistance underscore our need for strong leadership in financial management, this volume offers a deeper understanding of financial theory and practice for its own sake.

City governments are going bankrupt. Even the ones that aren’t are often stuck in financial chaos. It is easy to blame pensions, poor leadership, or a bad economy. But the problems go much deeper. With decades of experience in local government, author Mark Moses showcases the inside world of the city decision-making process that has spawned these crises. It becomes clear: City governments are maxing out their budgets because they are trying to maximize services. This book, likely the most ambitious attempt by someone who has worked in government to radically examine the delivery of municipal services since 'Reinventing Government' was published more than 25 years ago, explores why city governments pursue an open-ended mission and why bailouts and trendy budgeting processes will be, at best, only temporary solutions. Of interest to current and future city council members, regional and state government officials, those covering city government, financial analysts, city management, and individuals and organizations interested in influencing city policy, this book argues that cities won’t thrive until city hall is disrupted.

This book tells a fascinating story on municipal finances for local government practitioners with rich examples, global practices, and good and bad experiences the authors gained in decades of field work.

Being a Municipal Officer or Municipal Official can be a challenging task in many of the small communities in Maine or any other state. Most of these positions are part time and do not draw the best of salaries. Unfortunately, there is little training and no certification requirements for these positions. In many cases, newly elected officers or elected/appointed officials depend on the past practices of their predecessors. These past practices may be OK or not OK and may not meet todays standards. The budgets are much bigger and there are more state and federal laws/regulations to comply with. In the State of Maine, the Maine Municipal Association (MMA) offers some basic training/workshops and provides legal counsel for member communities for those that choose to participate. Many are not willing to spend the time in attending these training classes/workshops.