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 essexma.org. Town Hall is at 30 Martin Street, and the Police and Fire departments are at the Public Safety Building, 11 John Wise Avenue.
Department Directory
| Town Clerk | Records, licenses, vital records, the town census, and elections. Town Clerk Amy S. Akell. 978-768-7111. |
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| Public Works | Streets, water, sewer, cemeteries, the transfer station, and snow plowing. Superintendent of Public Works Michael Galli, at the Water Filtration Plant, 44 Centennial Grove Road. 978-768-6262. |
| Board of Health | Inspections, clinics, and health complaints. Board of Health Administrator Erin Kirchner. 978-768-2503. |
| Police & Harbormaster | Public safety, non-emergency response, and the town’s waterways, from the Public Safety Building at 11 John Wise Avenue. Chief of Police and Harbormaster Tom Shamshak. 978-768-6200. |
| Fire Department | Fire suppression, prevention, and emergency medical response, from the Public Safety Building at 11 John Wise Avenue. Fire Chief Christian Hassel. 978-768-6363. |
| Council on Aging | The Essex Senior Center at 17 Pickering Street, with outreach and programs for older residents. Director Tess Leary. 978-768-7932. |
| T.O.H.P. Burnham Library | Books, programs, computers, and a card that works at libraries across Massachusetts. Director Carla Christensen. 978-768-7410. |
| Board of Assessors | Property values, tax bills, and abatements. Assessor Patricia Wright. 978-768-7831. |
| Treasurer / Collector | Tax and utility payments, and the town’s accounts. 978-768-4519. |
Town departments carry out state and local law. See how Massachusetts government connects to your town.