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. In a town this size many of them work from the same building, so the same main number reaches a lot of them.
The directory below covers the departments residents contact most. For the full staff list and hours, visit the town’s own staff directory. The Town Offices are at 12 East Main Street, and the main line is (413) 422-2800.
Department Directory
| Administration | The Town Administrator’s office, which runs the departments and builds the budget. Town Administrator Bryan Smith. (413) 422-2800 ext. 1102. |
|---|---|
| Town Clerk | Records, licenses, vital records, the town census, and elections. Town Clerk Richard Newton, with Assistant Town Clerk Elizabeth Sicard. (413) 422-2800 ext. 1106. |
| Police | Public safety and non-emergency response. Chief of Police Robert Holst, with Sergeant Adam Paicos. (413) 423-3310. |
| Fire | Fire suppression, prevention, and emergency medical response. Fire Chief Philip Wonkka, with Deputy Chief Ryan Betters. (413) 423-3866. |
| Emergency Management | Planning and coordination for storms and other emergencies. Emergency Management Director Philip Wonkka. (413) 423-3866 ext. 1221. |
| Highway | Roads, plowing, drainage, and the town’s equipment, from 16 Public Works Boulevard. Highway Superintendent Glenn McCrory. (413) 423-3500 ext. 1400. |
| Water | The public water system and its billing. Water and Wastewater Superintendent Peter Sanders. (413) 423-3354 ext. 1402. |
| Wastewater | The town’s two treatment plants and the sewer system. Water and Wastewater Superintendent Peter Sanders. (413) 423-3500. |
| Health | Inspections, septic permits, and public health. Director of Public Health David Gillis, with Health Agent Jason O’Brien. (413) 422-2800 ext. 1115. |
| Library | Books, programs, computers, and a card that works at libraries across Massachusetts, at 2 Care Drive. Director Abigail Baines. (413) 422-1617, or (413) 423-3348 for the library desk. |
| Senior and Community Center | The Council on Aging’s programs, meals, transport, and outreach, at 1 Care Drive. Director and Activities Coordinator Dulcie McAndrews. (413) 423-3649. |
| Recreation | Youth and community programs and the town’s fields. Recreation Assistant Breta Petraccia. (413) 422-1187. |
| Planning | Zoning, land use, permitting support, and long-range planning, including the mill redevelopment. Town Planner Glenn Johnson-Mussad. (413) 422-2800 ext. 1108. |
| Building Inspector | Building permits and inspections, provided through the Franklin County Cooperative Inspection Program. Building Inspector Chris Brothers. (413) 774-3167 ext. 109. |
| Assessors | Property valuation, abatements, and exemptions. (413) 422-2800 ext. 1107. |
| Tax Collector | Property tax, water and sewer bills, and excise. Tax Collector Michele Turner. (413) 422-2800 ext. 1104. |
| Treasurer | Town cash, payroll, and debt. Treasurer Jennifer Watroba, with Assistant Treasurer Jean Fountain. (413) 422-2800 ext. 1112. |
| Town Accountant | The town’s books, warrants, and financial reporting. Town Accountant Deborah Mero. (413) 422-2800 ext. 1103. |
| Veterans’ Services | Benefits, claims, and support for veterans and their families, through the regional district office. (413) 772-1571. |
Town departments carry out state and local law. See how Massachusetts government connects to your town.