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 westtisbury-ma.gov. Town Hall is at 1059 State Road.
Department Directory
| Town Clerk | Records, licenses, vital records, the town census, and elections. Town Clerk Tara J. Whiting-Wells. 508-696-0148. |
|---|---|
| Highway | Town roads, drainage, signs, and snow clearing. Superintendent of Streets Richard Olsen. 508-338-2604. |
| Board of Health | Inspections, septic and well permits, and public health rules. Health Agent Alex Lam. 508-696-0105. |
| Police | Public safety and non-emergency response, from the station at 454 State Road. Chief of Police Bradley Cortez. 508-693-0020. |
| Fire | Fire suppression, prevention, and burn permits. Fire Chief Gregory Pachico. 508-560-6356. |
| Parks & Recreation | Beaches, fields, trails, and recreation programs. 508-696-0147. |
| Up-Island Council on Aging | The Howes House senior center and outreach for older residents in West Tisbury, Chilmark, and Aquinnah. Director Bethany Hammond. 508-693-2896. |
| Free Public Library | Books, programs, computers, and a card that works at libraries across Massachusetts. Director Alexandra Pratt. 508-693-3366. |
| Conservation | Wetlands, ponds, and open space, under the state Wetlands Protection Act. 508-696-6404. |
| Assessors | Property values, abatements, and exemptions. Principal Assessor MacGregor Anderson. 508-696-0101. |
| Building | Building, electrical, and plumbing permits and inspections. Inspector of Buildings Joseph K. Tierney Jr. 508-696-0113. |
| Treasurer / Collector | Tax and utility bills, payments, and municipal liens. 508-696-0104. |
Town departments carry out state and local law. See how Massachusetts government connects to your town.