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. In New Salem the departments answer to the elected Board of Selectmen, and a part-time Town Coordinator keeps the office running between meetings.
The directory below covers the departments residents contact most. For the full list, hours, and staff, visit newsalemma.org. The town offices sit at 19 and 24 South Main Street, and office hours vary by department.
Department Directory
| Town Clerk | Records, licenses, vital records, the town census, and elections. Town Clerk Stacy Senflug. 978-544-6437. |
|---|---|
| Town Coordinator | Runs the Selectmen’s office day to day: agendas, records, procurement, and correspondence. Town Coordinator Emily Hill, 24 South Main Street. 978-544-6437. |
| Highway Department | Roads, snow plowing, and road repair, led by Highway Superintendent Aaron Thibeault. 978-544-2303. |
| Police Department | Public safety and non-emergency response, from 19 South Main Street. Chief of Police John Bonafini. 978-544-2141. |
| Fire Department | Fire suppression, prevention, and rescue, from 33 South Main Street. Fire Chief Matt O’Donnell. 978-544-3345. |
| New Salem Public Library | Books, programs, computers, and a card that works at libraries across Massachusetts, at 23 South Main Street. Interim Library Director Linda Chatfield. 978-544-6334. |
| Town Treasurer | Town funds, payroll, and debt. Town Treasurer Gabriele Voelker. 978-544-6437. |
| Tax Collector | Real estate, personal property, and excise tax bills. Tax Collector Jakob Voelker. 978-544-5775. |
| Building Department | Building permits and inspections. Building Inspector Philip Harris. 978-544-6296. |
| Board of Assessors | Property values and abatements, under a board the voters elect. Chair Bill Lafley. 24 South Main Street. |
Town departments carry out state and local law. See how Massachusetts government connects to your town.