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. Each department reports up to the Town Administrator, who appoints most of the department heads.
The directory below covers the departments residents contact most. For the full list, hours, and staff, visit topsfield-ma.gov. Town Hall is at 8 West Common Street.
Department Directory
| Town Clerk | Records, licenses, vital records, the town census, and elections. Town Clerk Beth Willis. 978-887-1505. |
|---|---|
| Highway Department | Streets, drainage, and snow plowing. Highway Superintendent Gary Wildes. 978-887-1542. |
| Board of Health | Inspections, clinics, and health complaints. Health Director Jon Bouley. 978-887-1520. |
| Police | Public safety and non-emergency response. Police Chief Neal Hovey. 978-887-6533. |
| Fire & Rescue | Fire suppression, prevention, and emergency medical response. Fire Chief Jen Collins-Brown. 978-887-5148. |
| Topsfield Town Library | Books, programs, computers, and a card that works at libraries across Massachusetts, at One South Common Street. Library Director Dan Tremblay. 978-887-1528. |
| Council on Aging | The senior center and outreach for older residents. COA Director Kathleen Barbarisi. 978-887-1523. |
| Conservation Commission | Wetlands, the Ipswich River, and open space. Conservation Administrator Jackie Yee. 978-887-1510. |
| Board of Assessors | Property values and tax assessments. Principal Assessor Toula Guarino. 978-887-1514. |
| Inspectional Services | Building permits and zoning enforcement. Building Inspector Raymond Chesley. 978-887-1522. |
| Town Administrator’s Office | Runs the town day to day and answers to the Select Board. Town Administrator Kevin Harutunian. 978-887-1500. |
Town departments carry out state and local law. See how Massachusetts government connects to your town.