Town Government
Boards & Commissions
What Boards & Commissions Are
Beyond the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee, much of East Brookfield’s governing happens on volunteer boards and commissions. They review new development, hear zoning appeals, protect wetlands and open space, weigh in on historic places, and guide services for residents. In a town with no appointed administrator, these rooms are where an ordinary resident can have the most direct hand in a decision.
Some boards are appointed by the Board of Selectmen, permanent and ad hoc. Many others are elected directly on the town ballot: the Board of Assessors, Board of Health, Planning Board, Cemetery Commissioner, Finance Committee, Library Trustees, and Tree Warden all appear on the annual ballot alongside the Selectmen. In a town this size that is the real power map. You can be appointed to some of these seats, and you can simply run for the others.
Key Boards & Commissions
- Planning Board reviews subdivisions, site plans, and major development, and is chaired by Sean Kowalczyk. Elected.
- Zoning Board of Appeals hears variances and special permits.
- Conservation Commission protects East Brookfield’s wetlands, streams, and open space, including the Lake Lashaway shore.
- Finance Committee reviews the budget line by line and advises Town Meeting on spending. Elected.
- Board of Health oversees inspections, trash and recycling, and public health rules, chaired by James Lovett. Elected.
- Cemetery Commission looks after the town’s cemeteries. Elected.
- Historical Commission weighs in on the town’s historic places.
- Cultural Council awards small grants for local arts, music, and community programs.
- Library Trustees and Parks & Recreation Committee govern the public library and the town’s fields and recreation programs.
For the full roster, current members, vacancies, and schedules, see the Boards & Committees index at eastbrookfieldma.us.
How to Serve
- Find an opening: watch the town’s Boards & Committees pages for vacancies, or watch the annual ballot for the elected seats.
- Ask the Selectmen’s Office about appointed seats, or take out nomination papers at the Town Clerk’s office for an elected one.
- Run or apply: an appointed seat needs the Board of Selectmen’s vote; an elected seat needs 20 signatures of registered East Brookfield voters.
- Serve: attend the public meetings and help make decisions for your town.
Serving on a board is one of the most direct ways to shape East Brookfield.