By Marc Joffe, includes “Spiraling pension costs and several municipal bankruptcies have heightened interest in local government financial conditions. Unfortunately, municipalities and special districts are too often obliged to use outdated technologies for reporting their fiscal status. As a result, local finance officers are overburdened by redundant work, while taxpayers, bond investors and other stakeholders often receive reports that are difficult to use and understand. Last month, Florida enacted a new law that promises to usher in 21st Century local government financial reporting, offering more accessible data at lower cost.”