Town Government
Boards & Commissions
What Boards & Commissions Are
Beyond the Select Board and the School Committee, much of Mount Washington’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 this small, these rooms are where an ordinary resident can have the most direct hand in a decision, and there are enough of them that most active residents sit on at least one.
Some boards are appointed by the Select Board, permanent and ad hoc. Others are elected on the town ballot: the Board of Assessors, Board of Health, Planning Board, Library Trustees, Cemetery Committee, and the Tree Warden are all filled by direct election, along with the Moderator. In Mount Washington 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 zoning. Elected; chaired by Ian Collins.
- Zoning Board of Appeals hears variances and special permits. Chaired by Eleanor Tillinghast.
- Conservation Commission protects Mount Washington’s wetlands, streams, and open space. Chaired by John Cotter.
- Finance Committee reviews the budget line by line and advises Town Meeting on spending. Chaired by Tom Furcht.
- Board of Health oversees inspections, septic, wells, and public health rules. Elected; chaired by Justin Torrico.
- Board of Assessors sets property values and hears abatements. Elected.
- Historical Commission works to preserve the town’s historic places (Judy Whitbeck, John Cotter, Ginny Filkins).
- Cultural Council and Council on Aging fund local arts and run programs and outreach for residents.
- Broadband, Cemetery, and ad hoc committees look after the town’s fiber network, its cemeteries, and one-off projects.
For the full roster, current members, vacancies, and schedules, see the departments and committees index at mountwashington-ma.gov.
How to Serve
- Find an opening among the town’s boards and committees, or watch the ballot for elected seats.
- Reach out to the Town Office Manager at Town Hall to ask about vacancies and how to apply.
- Get appointed by the Select Board, or take out nomination papers with the Town Clerk and run for an elected seat.
- 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 Mount Washington.