Town Government
Town Departments
Finding the Right Department
Most of what residents need from the town runs through a department, not an elected official: paying a bill, pulling a permit, reporting a problem, registering to vote. Each department reports up to the Town Administrator, who appoints most of the department heads.
The directory below covers the departments residents contact most. For the full list, hours, and staff, visit townofbernardston.org. Town Hall is at 38 Church Street.
Department Directory
| Town Clerk | Records, licenses, vital records, the town census, and elections. An appointed position with a three-year term. 413-648-5408. |
|---|---|
| Highway Department | Town roads, culverts, drainage, and snow plowing. 413-648-5424. |
| Board of Health | Inspections, permits, and public health complaints; three members elected town-wide. 413-648-5237. |
| Police Department | Public safety and non-emergency response, at 256 South Street. Non-emergency 413-648-9208; emergencies 911. |
| Fire Department | Fire suppression, prevention, and emergency medical response. Business line 413-648-9757; emergencies 911. |
| Cushman Library | Books, programs, computers, and a card that works at libraries across Massachusetts, at 28 Church Street. 413-648-5402. |
| Senior Center / Council on Aging | Outreach, programs, and services for older residents, at 20 Church Street. 413-648-5413. |
| Treasurer | Town accounts, payroll, and the receipt of town revenue. 413-648-5400. |
| Board of Assessors / Tax Collector | Property valuation, motor vehicle excise, and tax billing; three assessors elected town-wide. 413-648-5407. |
All at Town Hall, 38 Church Street, PO Box 504, Bernardston, MA 01337, unless another address is listed. Department head names are being confirmed against the town’s own current listings.
Town departments carry out state and local law. See how Massachusetts government connects to your town.