Town Government
Williamstown 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. Under Williamstown’s charter the Town Manager appoints most of these department heads, which is why none of their names appears on a ballot and why the Town Manager is the person the Select Board holds responsible for all of them.
The directory below covers the departments residents contact most, with the head the town names on its own site. For the full list, hours, and staff, visit the town’s Departments page. Town Hall is at 31 North Street.
Department Directory
| Town Clerk | Records, licenses, vital records, the town census, and elections. (413) 458-3500. |
|---|---|
| Public Works | Streets, water, snow plowing, and the town’s roads. Director Craig Clough, at 675 Simonds Road. (413) 597-8363. |
| Health | Inspections and public health complaints. Health Inspector Ruth Russell, 31 North Street, Third Floor. (413) 597-8287. |
| Police | Public safety and non-emergency response. Chief of Police Michael Ziemba, at 825 Simonds Road. Non-emergency (413) 458-5733. |
| Fire | Fire suppression, prevention, and response, run by the separate Williamstown Fire District. Fire Chief Jeffrey Dias, 34 Water Street. (413) 458-8113. |
| Council on Aging | The Harper Center, outreach, and programs for older residents. Director Brian O’Grady, 118 Church Street. (413) 458-8250. |
| Building | Building permits, inspections, and zoning enforcement. |
| Assessor | Property valuation, abatements, and exemptions. 31 North Street, Second Floor. |
| Treasurer / Collector | Tax bills, payments, and town cash management. |
| Community & Economic Development | Planning, land use, and development for the town. |
| Veterans Services | Benefits, claims, and services for Williamstown veterans and their families. |
Emergencies are 911. For non-emergencies, the police can be reached at (413) 458-5733 and the fire department at (413) 458-8113.
Town departments carry out state and local law. See how Massachusetts government connects to your town.