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 Plainfield 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 plainfield-ma.us. The Town Office is at 304 Main Street, the main line is 413-634-5420, and the offices are reached by extension. In-person hours vary by office through the week.
Town Office Directory
| Town Clerk | Records, licenses, vital records, the town census, and elections. Town Clerk Ruth Osgood, elected. 413-634-5420 ext. 201. |
|---|---|
| Town Accountant | The town’s books, warrants, and financial reporting. Town Accountant Paula King. 413-634-5420 ext. 202. |
| Treasurer | Town funds, payroll, and debt. Treasurer Ben Gelb. 413-634-5420 ext. 203. |
| Tax Collector | Tax and utility bills. Tax Collector Heather Davis. 413-634-5420 ext. 205. |
| Board of Assessors | Property values and abatements. Assessor Donna Kristensen. 413-634-5420 ext. 206. |
| Building Commissioner | Building permits, inspections, and code enforcement. Building Commissioner and Electrical Inspector David Rhinemiller. |
| Highway Department | Roads, drainage, and snow plowing across about 21 square miles of hill country. |
| Police Department | Public safety and non-emergency response. For an emergency, call 911. |
| Fire-EMS | Fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical response. For an emergency, call 911. |
| Council on Aging | Programs, outreach, and transportation for older residents. |
| Shaw Memorial Library | Books, programs, computers, and a card that works at libraries across Massachusetts. Its trustees are elected on the town ballot. |
Town departments carry out state and local law. See how Massachusetts government connects to your town.