Basic Elements of Newsletters and Town Reports

purple grid - divider line

Newsletters

1.   Optimum: 20 pieces in four pages
2.   Front page:

  • Most important pieces go on the front page
  • No less than 3-4 pieces on front page
  • Headline of major story should be larger
  • Keep front page varied (something for everyone) use it to tell what's inside
  • Contains nameplate title/subtitle/issue/date/volume/number

3.   Second page is not as important as third page.
4.   Fourth page is where you can continue/carryover
5.   Keep a balance between "hard" and "soft" news

Town/Annual Reports

  1. Table of contents (alphabetical, chronological, grouped)
  2. Municipal directory
  3. Summary of achievements
    • Letter of Transmittal
    • Selectmen/Council report
    • Board and committee reports
  4. Financial report
    • Tax collectors report (unpaid taxes) liens
    • Treasurers report
    • Auditors report
    • Income and Expenses Graph
  5. Proposed Budget (Town meeting reports)
            good to show trend of past two years as well
  6. Town meeting warrant
            use of "explanations"