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 oversees the town’s day-to-day operations.
The directory below covers the departments residents contact most. For the full list, hours, and staff, visit townsendma.gov. Town Hall is at 272 Main Street.
Department Directory
| Town Clerk | Records, licenses, vital records, the town census, and elections. Also Clerk of Town Meeting. (978) 597-1700 ext. 1704. |
|---|---|
| Highway Department | Streets, snow plowing, and road maintenance, from 177 Main Street. Highway Superintendent James Smith. (978) 597-1712. |
| Water Department | Public water supply and billing, from 540 Main Street in West Townsend. Water Superintendent David Vigeant. (978) 597-2212. |
| Health Department | Inspections, permits, and public health. Health Administrator Carla Walter. (978) 597-1700 ext. 1713. |
| Police Department | Public safety and non-emergency response, from 70 Brookline Road. Police Chief James P. Sartell. (978) 597-6214. |
| Fire/EMS Department | Fire suppression, prevention, and emergency medical response, from the station at 13 Elm Street. Fire Chief Gary Shepherd. (978) 597-8150. |
| Recreation Department | Parks, fields, youth programs, and summer activities. Director Emy Hoff. (978) 597-1700 ext. 1745. |
| Council on Aging | The Senior Center, outreach, and the Roadrunner van, at 16 Dudley Road. Director Elise Johnson. (978) 597-1720. |
| Public Library | Books, programs, computers, and a card that works at libraries across Massachusetts, at 12 Dudley Road. (978) 597-1714. |
| Treasurer / Collector | Tax bills, payments, and municipal lien certificates. Treasurer/Collector Melissa Ann Dunnet. (978) 597-1708. |
| Veterans’ Agent | Benefits and services for Townsend veterans and their families. Veterans’ Agent Natalie Call. 508-963-5101. |
Town departments carry out state and local law. See how Massachusetts government connects to your town.