Town Government
Boards & Commissions
What Boards & Commissions Are
Beyond the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee, much of Hancock’s governing happens on volunteer boards and commissions. They review new development, protect wetlands and open space, weigh in on historic places, care for the cemeteries, 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, such as the Conservation Commission, the Historical Commission, and the Agricultural Commission. Others are elected on the town ballot: the Board of Assessors, the Board of Health, the Planning Board, the Finance Committee, the Cemetery Commission, and the Library Trustees, along with the Moderator and the Constable. In Hancock 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. Elected; chaired by Christie W. Derby.
- Conservation Commission protects Hancock’s wetlands, streams, and open space. Appointed; chaired by Eric Lillie, and the 2025 town report was dedicated to it.
- Finance Committee reviews the budget line by line and advises Town Meeting on spending. Elected; chaired by Linda Burdick.
- Board of Health oversees inspections, trash and recycling, and public health rules. Elected; chaired by John Quimby.
- Board of Assessors sets property values and hears abatements. Elected; chaired by Kristin Hickey.
- Cemetery Commission cares for the town’s cemeteries. Elected; chaired by Donald Cassavaugh.
- Agricultural Commission supports the town’s farms and farm land. Appointed.
- Historical Commission weighs in on the town’s historic places. Appointed; chaired by Marjorie Feathers.
- Library Trustees govern the Taylor Memorial Library. Elected.
For the full roster and current members, see the departments and committees index at town.hancock.ma.us.
How to Serve
- Find an opening: watch the town ballot for elected seats, or ask the Town Clerk about appointed vacancies.
- For an appointed seat, let the Board of Selectmen know you are interested; the board makes the appointments.
- For an elected seat, take out nomination papers with the Town Clerk and run at the spring town election.
- 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 Hancock.