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 Petersham the departments answer to the elected Select Board, and much of the work is overseen by boards the voters elect directly.
The directory below covers the departments residents contact most. For the full list, hours, and staff, visit townofpetersham.gov/directory. The town offices are at 3 South Main Street, and office hours vary by department.
Department Directory
| Town Clerk | Records, licenses, vital records, the town census, and elections. Town Clerk Diana Cooley. 978-724-6649. |
|---|---|
| Highway Department | Roads, snow plowing, and road repair, led by Highway Superintendent Greg Waid, who also serves as Tree Warden. 978-724-3211. |
| Board of Health | Inspections, health complaints, and trash and recycling, under a board the voters elect. Rebecca Jackson. 978-724-0057. |
| Police Department | Public safety and non-emergency response. Police Chief Peter J. Buck. Dispatch 978-724-3330, after hours 978-724-3232. |
| Fire Department | Fire suppression, prevention, and rescue. Fire Chief Robert Legare. 978-724-3371. |
| Council on Aging | Programs, outreach, and services for older residents. Co-Chairs Lynn Shaw and Sheila Youd. 978-724-3353. |
| Petersham Memorial Library | Books, programs, computers, and a card that works at libraries across Massachusetts. Library Director Hedda Monaghan. 978-724-3405. |
| Treasurer | Town funds and payments. Treasurer Dana Robinson. 978-724-6699. |
| Tax Collector | Tax bills and collection. Tax Collector Renee Wingertsman. 978-724-6620. |
| Building Department | Building permits and inspections. Building Commissioner Robert Legare. 978-724-3586. |
| Board of Assessors | Property values and abatements, under a board the voters elect. Chair Ellen Anderson. 978-724-6658. |
| Emergency Management | Emergency planning and the town’s CodeRED notifications. Director Peter Buck. 978-724-3330. |
Town departments carry out state and local law. See how Massachusetts government connects to your town.