Shrewsbury Town Hall is a government building with numerous offices and departments, including municipal offices,the town manager, council on aging, health, public buildings, highways and parks. Check its website for details on contact information for departments or for details on services provided.
The Town Clerk fields requests for copies of vital records, issuance of marriage licenses, dog licenses, sporting licenses, raffle permits and business certifications. The Town Clerk serves as a notary for the public and also oversees elections and town meetings.
The Building Department is responsible for upholding the state and town's building codes for all development in town and issues permits once all the regulations have been adhered to by builders. The permits are necessary for plumbing and gas, wiring and electric, building and zoning.
The Health Department manages any services related to public health and the environment including: "bio-terrorism and emergency preparedness planning, smoking and second-hand smoke, immunizations, solid waste and recycling, the operation of the landfill, on-site sewage disposal, food service sanitation, healthy housing, illegal dumping and nuisance complaints."
Since 1908, the town of Shrewsbury has provided electric services to its residents. In 1983, the town added cable services and has provided the best quality service while keeping costs down for the residents. Shrewsbury also receives wholesale rates from providers and 5 percent of the cable revenue is returned to the town to help keep taxes low.
The purpose of the Shrewsbury Commission on Disabilities is "to bring about full and equal participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of life." The commission assures the advancement of legal rights, supportive services, accommodations and accessibility.
The Assessor's Office oversees the full and fair valuation of all town property. It has a two-member board and a full-time assessor. Residential property values remain the highest portion of real estate value in the town, at 88 percent.
The Shrewsbury Council on Aging is located in the Shrewsbury Senior Center, near the municipal campus. It serves individuals aged 60 or more, retired or disabled people, as well as families with senior issues. The reception area is to the left from the front door. The Council works closely with other local departments and agencies to provide services.
The Senior Center is part of the Council on Aging. Comfortable and welcoming meeting areas are seen throughout the building. The lobby area includes a pool table, books, and a nice area to sit and chat. Many general-interest programs are available such as computer classes, games, music, trips, crafts and yoga classes. Free legal clinics and medical screenings are offered as well. A blood drive is held monthly on the last Thursday of the month.
Suspected rabid animals, stray dogs, dog licensing, leash law and "pooper scooper" laws are enforced by the animal control officer and members of the police department.
Officer Leona M. Pease can be reached directly at (508) 841-8421 or [email protected].
The engineering department provides technical support to the town boards, commissions and departments. The Planning Board reviews concept plans, zoning regulations and the master plan. The Conservation Commission is charged with preserving and protecting the local wetland resource areas.
Shrewsbury Parks and Recreation is a governmental department of the town of Shrewsbury. The Parks and Recreation department oversees recreational activity planning and programming, park maintenance, field maintenance and cemetary maintenance. A list of town recreational events is available online. For further inquiries, phone Shrewsbury Parks and Recreation.