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 Wales the departments answer to the elected Board of Selectmen, 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 townofwales.net. The town offices are at 3 Hollow Road, and office hours vary by department.
Department Directory
| Town Clerk | Records, licenses, vital records, the town census, and elections. Town Clerk Sarah Ryan, an elected office; Assistant Town Clerk Leis Phinney. 413-245-7571 Ext. 101. |
|---|---|
| Department of Public Works | Roads, snow plowing, and road repair, led by Christopher R. Ryan, with Tree Warden Ron Anderson. 413-245-7494. |
| Board of Health | Inspections, health complaints, and public health, under a board the voters elect; Chair David Foote, with Title 5 Health Agent Jill Cafarelli. 413-245-7571 Ext. 105. |
| Police Department | Public safety and non-emergency response. Chief of Police Thomas J. Ford III, with Lieutenant Dario Camacho. Station 413-245-6030. |
| Fire Department | Fire suppression, prevention, and rescue. Fire Chief John Croke, with Deputy Chief Matthew Greene. 413-245-7695. |
| Council on Aging | Runs the Wales Senior Center, its activities, meals, and rides for older residents. Senior Center Director Cheri Fisher. 413-245-9683. |
| Wales Public Library | Books, programs, computers, and a card that works at libraries across Massachusetts. Library Director Kara L. Jund. 413-245-9072. |
| Tax Collector | Tax bills and collections. Tax Collector Rebecca Smith. 413-245-7571 Ext. 106. |
| Town Accountant | Town finances and the annual audit. Town Accountant Pamela A. Leduc. 413-245-7571 Ext. 100. |
| Building Department | Building permits and inspections. Building Inspector and Building Commissioner Bill Cantell. 413-245-7571 Ext. 130. |
| Board of Assessors | Property values and abatements, under a board the voters elect. Chair Leis Phinney. 413-245-7571 Ext. 103. |
| Veterans’ Services | Benefits and services for veterans and their families. Veterans’ Service Officer Jason Burgener. 413-525-5436 Ext. 1416. |
Town departments carry out state and local law. See how Massachusetts government connects to your town.