The Swampscott Building Department interprets and enforces state building, architectural, electrical, plumbing and gas codes. Its inspectors also enforce zoning by-laws, review building permit applications and issue permits, as well as carry out field inspections.
Prospective tenants for public housing, offered as part of the town's affordable housing programs (which includes Section 8) should contact the Housing Authority Department. Section 8 is a federal program that helps low-income Dedham residents pay for rent and/or helps place tenants in Section 8-reserved apartments.
Although county government plays a less important role in Massachusetts than in other states, some issues still reside at this level (deeds, land use, agriculture, recreation, senior services) and Dedham is the seat of Norfolk County. From this office the County Treasurer, Commissioner and Advisory Board wield their authority. Bids on county projects may be submitted at this location.
City Hall serves as the center for Peabody's local government. Headed by Mayor Michael Bonfanti, several of the city's key agencies and departments are based here, including the assessors, Board of Appeals, building inspector, city clerk, conservation commission, emergency management, Board of Health and the Liquor Licensing Board. For a complete list of city departments at City Hall, visit the city's official website.
The Marblehead Municipal Light Department serves the Town of Marblehead with safe, reliable and value-added electric service at competitive rates. The department is located in what was once the original light plant, a building that was completed in 1895.
Payments can be made by Direct Deposit, mail, or at nine drop boxes located throughout the community. See the town website for exact locations and a description of additional services. Also, those with plans to dig must first check with DigSafe.
The Canton Board of Health offers locals a wealth of information on health and safety-related regulations, licenses, permits and fees, referrals to clinics, daycare centers and health education programs, coordination of recycling and hazardous waste programs and much more. Review the website regularly for current product recalls, outbreaks and health risks.
Though Salem only spans approximately eight square miles, Police Chief Paul F. Tucker and his team still handle "a little bit of everything." The Department maintains a centralized location on Margin Street, in close proximity to the hustle and bustle of the city's Historic District attractions, restaurants and governmental center. The Salem Police Department staffs ninety-seven officers. Divisions within the department include criminal investigations, patrol and special operations.
The grand 19th-century mansion is set on 15 tended acres. Inside, all the luxurious accouterments remain: Oriental rugs, rich, polished wood paneling, artwork, and marble fireplaces. The mansion is available for private functions. If you'd like to arrange an event, please call for an appointment.
The Council on Aging, located at the Jenks Center, provides a wide range of services to seniors in the Winchester area, offering health insurance counseling, legal consultation and financial counseling. Social services include transportation, housing, personal counseling, handyman services, support groups and long-range community services.
North Shore Work Force Investment Board is made up of prominent and knowledgeable community and business leaders, who are appointed by the mayor of Salem. The board sets oversight and policy making for federally funded employment and training services in the region. It employed over 6,000 people in 2008.
The Public Works Department handles the maintenance and operations of various municipal services including town lighting, sanitation, plowing and sanding, trash collection, recycling programs, yard waste and the collection of hazardous materials.
The Swampscott Fire Department's ranks—31 full-time firefighters and officers—are a mix of veterans and relative newcomers. A third of them have 15 or more years experience; a third have between five and 15 years; and a third have less than five years. These firefighters battle fires and respond to other emergencies, inspect homes and buildings, train to sharpen their skills and teach fire safety and prevention. One of these outreach teaching efforts is the SAFE program, which teaches middle school students fire safety and how to properly report emergencies. Department apparatus includes two fire engines, a ladder truck and a rescue boat. Firefighters are organized into four groups. Each group works a 24-hour shift at a time, from 8am to 8am.
Founded in 1891, the city's power plant provides electricity at some of the region's lowest rates to approximately 25,000 people in Peabody and South Lynnfield. The facility, owned by Peabody residents, often helps the city avoid widespread outages. Five elected Municipal Light Plant commissioners oversee the day-to-day operations.
For more than a century the Swampscott Police Department's officers have patrolled this seaside town. Today, the department has 32 fulltime members among its patrol officers, lieutenants, detectives, captains and the chief.
The department practices community policing. Officers seek to solve problems rather than just respond to calls. The department reaches out to older and younger residents through elder outreach and school resource officer programs.
In Fiscal Year 2009, from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009, the department made 224 arrests. An additional 286 criminal complaints were filed and the department responded to 428 motor vehicle accidents.