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Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.

General

1

  • Look over our Volunteer Opportunities to see what positions are open.  If you are interested in any of the available  positions, complete and submit a Talent Bank form.  For more information, contact Susan Robie at 508-881-0100 then press option 5. 

    General

Stormwater

8

  • Stormwater runoff occurs when rain or snowmelt flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent stormwater from soaking into the ground.
    Stormwater

  • As stormwater flows over driveways, lawns, streets, and sidewalks it picks up debris, chemicals, dirt and other pollutants. Stormwater can flow into a storm sewer system or directly into a lake, stream, river or wetland. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the water bodies we use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water. Polluted runoff is the nation’s greatest threat to clean water.
    Stormwater

  • By practicing healthy household habits, homeowners can keep common pollutants like pesticides, pet waste, grass clippings, and automotive fluids off the ground and out of stormwater. Adopt these healthy household habits and help protect our lakes, streams, rivers, and wetlands. Remember to share these habits with your neighbors!
    Stormwater

  • Call the Conservation Commission at 508-881-0100, ext. 656.
    Stormwater

  • The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Phase II program for the Clean Water Act mandated that all urbanized areas create a regulatory mechanism to control non-point source discharges into the nation’s waterways. Ashland passed its Stormwater Management Bylaw at 2006 Annual Town Meeting to protect the environment through the control of stormwater discharges.
    Stormwater

  • - Any activity subject to the Planning Department’s Site Plan Review - Any activity resulting in soil disturbance of 10,000 square feet or greater - Any residential development or redevelopment of five acres or more - Any activity that will increase the impervious cover more than 50% of the lot - Any activity that will disturb land 5,000 square feet of land with 15% slope or greater - Any activity that will alter, fill or degrade a wetland, water body, floodplain or isolated depression subject to flooding
    Stormwater

  • Complete the Application for a Stormwater Management Permit, attached to the regulations, and file with the Conservation Commission along with the appropriate fee. A public hearing will be held at a regular Conservation Commission meeting.
    Stormwater

  • If you have an activity that requires a permit, then yes.
    Stormwater

Animal Control

10

  • Yes, all dog licensees expire December 31 of that year.
    Animal Control

  • Yes, all pets have to have a rabies shot.
    Animal Control

  • Yes, the Town of Ashland has a 24 hour leash law.
    Animal Control

  • We can, call us at 508-881-0122 and we will or will direct you to someone who can.
    Animal Control

  • Call Animal Control at 508-811-0122 or the Police Department at 508-881-1212.
    Animal Control

  • - Ashland Animal Hospital during the day 508-881-2400 - Tufts Veterinarian in Grafton is 24 hours 508-839-5395
    Animal Control

  • Yes, we have a poop a scoop law.
    Animal Control

  • Call Animal Control in your town as well as surrounding towns. Call the nearest veterinarians and other Humane Societies in our area.
    Animal Control

  • Seek medical help first, then contact the Police Department at 508-881-1212 or the Animal Control Department at 508-881-0122.
    Animal Control

  • Contact the Police Department at 508-881-1212 or Animal Control at 508-881-0122 immediately and do not approach.
    Animal Control

Assessor

10

  • The Assessors Office is open 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday; closed to the public Friday.
    Assessor

  • The Assessors Office re-assesses all properties in Town on a yearly basis as mandated by the Department of Revenue. The benefit of this is that the assessments remain relatively close to the real estate market.
    Assessor

  • Massachusetts General Laws state that the tax bills must retain the owner of record (previous owner) as of January 1 each year. Depending on the date of the purchase, this should change for the first quarter tax bill July 1.
    Assessor

  • The Massachusetts General Laws state that a taxpayer has the right to appeal an assessment once the third quarter bills are issued, which deadline to appeal is usually February 1.
    Assessor

  • The Assessors Office has all the information on the various tax exemptions; i.e. veterans exemption, blind exemption, elderly exemption, etc. You can either stop by the Assessors Office or check the Town’s website.
    Assessor

  • Either the Assessors Office or the Building/Planning Departments may have a plot plan on record. If not, you might have to go to the Registry of Deeds.
    Assessor

  • You need to file for an abatement with our office by either downloading the Motor Vehicle Excise application for abatement from the website or picking up an application at the Assessors Office. Include a copy of your new registration (if applicable); a copy of the plate return receipt for Mass. plates (if applicable); and proof that you sold your car (if applicable). Fax it to 508-231-1503.
    Assessor

  • Yes. Town maps can be located in the
    Assessor

  • Yes. Visit the parcel search.

    Assessor

  • Yes, please download the
    Assessor

Ashland Public Library

15

  • Massachusetts residents may obtain a library card by presenting a photo ID with proof of current address, such as a license. Children between the ages of 5 and 17 may obtain a library card when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian presenting proper identification such as a license.
    Ashland Public Library

  • A maximum of 150 items may be checked out on your Minuteman library card. The only items we limit are DVDs with a “New” sticker on the binding and holiday and school assignment books in the Children’s Room.

    Ashland Public Library

  • Yes. If an item that is checked out to you is lost or damaged, you will be charged the current replacement cost. If the item belongs to another library, you should contact that library to find out their replacement policy.
    Ashland Public Library

  • Yes. Computers are available on a first come, first served basis and cannot be reserved. Computers are available for up to two hours per person per day. Printing fees are $0.15 per sheet for black and white and $0.25 per sheet for color.
    Ashland Public Library

  • Yes, there are two black and white photocopiers available for public use. One is on the main floor of the library and another on the lower level in the Children’s Room. Copies are $0.15 each. Please pay for your photocopies at the front desk when you are finished copying.
    Ashland Public Library

  • No.
    Ashland Public Library

  • Yes.  There is no charge for scanning..

    Ashland Public Library

  • No.
    Ashland Public Library

  • To renew and request items go to Minuteman Library Network and click on “My Account”. Enter your library card number (14 digits with no spaces) and PIN. If you do not have a PIN, follow the directions to set one. Your PIN can be between 3 and 30 characters. 

    Ashland Public Library

  • All PINs are encrypted so we cannot tell you what you selected. Please call the library at 508-881-0134 to ask about resetting your PIN.

    Ashland Public Library

  • There is a 50 item limit per Minuteman library card.

    Ashland Public Library

  • Yes. Please go to Minuteman Library Network and click on “My Account”. Please have your library card number and PIN available.

    Ashland Public Library

  • You can reserve a museum pass via Reserve a Museum Pass.  You will need your library card number and PIN to complete the reservation.  You can also reserve by calling the front desk at 508-881-0134. 

    Ashland Public Library

  • Yes. The library has three rooms available for use by non-profit community groups and associations holding public meetings that are free of charge and open to the public. The large meeting room seats no more than 90 people, the Children’s program room seats no more than 25 people, and the Cheever Conference Room seats no more than 15 people. 

    Library meeting rooms are primarily for the use of the library, library related organizations, and library sponsored programs and are not available for social gatherings, for the benefit of private individuals, for commercial enterprises, or any closed meeting.

    Ashland Public Library

  • No. Please check your local bank to see if a notary public is available.
    Ashland Public Library

Recreation

10

  • - You can register online for almost everything we offer. - By Mail. Complete the registration form and mail it to the Recreation Office along with payment. - By Fax. We will accept a registration via fax only with Mastercard or Visa payment. - In Person. Stop by the Recreation Office during business hours.
    Recreation

  • The Recreation Office is located in the Lower Level of the Community Center Building. Our street address is 162 W Union Street, also known as the entrance to the Ashland State Park.
    Recreation

  • No. Unfortunately all of our programs are fee supported and we are not able to offer discounted rates to any participants.
    Recreation

  • All of the Youth Sports Programs in Ashland are private groups. Each group has their own elected boards and they conduct their own registrations.
    Recreation

  • Ashland State Park is managed by DCR and overseen locally by the staff at Hopkinton State Park. The main phone line for Hopkinton State Park is 508-435-4303.
    Recreation

  • Yes! Registration for trips is open to anyone, resident or not immediately. For programs and classes a registration date is set for non-residents to allow Ashland residents first priority to register.
    Recreation

  • No, the Recreation Office only accepts cash, personal checks, MasterCard and Visa.
    Recreation

  • The Recreation Department is always looking for new programs to offer to the Residents of Ashland. If you are interested in teaching a class, please email the office with a brief description of the class you would like to offer and someone will be in touch with you. If you have a suggestion for a class you would like to see offered please let us know and we will attempt to find a teacher!
    Recreation

  • YES! We sell discounted tickets to AMC Theatres, Regal Cinemas, Six Flags, Water Wizz and Water Country. AMC and Regal tickets are available year round, tickets range from $6.50 to $8. Six Flags, Water Wizz and Water Country tickets are available seasonally.
    Recreation

  • 046-001-074
    Recreation

Town Clerk

14

  • No. Births do not cross State Lines. Nor do any other Vital Records. i.e. marriage or death certificates.
    Town Clerk

  • At any City or Town Clerk’s Office in the State and be married anywhere in the State but the record will always remain in the Town in which you filed. The couple must file their intentions together in person at the Clerk’s Office. The current filing fee is $40. Town Clerk, Cindy Livingstone and Deputy Town Clerk, Christopher P. Sullivan are Justices of the Peace. Please contact them at 508-881-0100 ext. 7127 to make an appointment for your special day.

    Town Clerk

  • State Senate President Karen Spilka from Ashland represents the Middlesex & Norfolk District as of January 4, 2023.

    State Representative Jack Patrick Lewis from Framingham represents the Seventh Middlesex District.  This was not changed.

    Town Clerk

  • Six Precincts as of December 31, 2021

    Town Clerk

  • All Ashland residents vote at Ashland High School.
    Town Clerk

  • Due to the 2020 Federal Census, changes were made to accommodate an additional precinct. The precincts must be equal; it is based on population. Please remember to fill out your census form each year. It is mailed to each household. Please include all children on the census form. 

    Click here for the precinct map.

    Town Clerk

  • Town Meeting and Town Elections are held at the Ashland High School, 65 East Union St.  The first Night of the Annual Town Meeting begins at 7:00 PM sharp on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.  The Annual Town Election will be held on Tuesda,y May 16, 2023 - Polls open from 7:00 AM until 8:00 PM.  Unless otherwise noted.

    Town Clerk

  • The Law states that the census information is a public record unless you are a Public Safety Official or under the age of 17.

    Town Clerk

  • You must fill out a voter registration form. The law states that a voter may be dropped after four years of no activity including not returning your annual census form.
    Town Clerk

  • Yes. M.G.L. Chapter 110 states that anyone doing business under a name other than their own is required to file a DBA (doing business as) certificate in the Town the business is in. If you were incorporated, you would file with the Secretary of State in Boston. You will find the forms on the website.  Please note that the Building Inspector must sign off on all business certificates are home-based businesses prior to filing with the Town Clerk.

    Town Clerk

  • Massachusetts General Law Chapter 140 Sections 137 and 137A states that you must license a dog. You must license the dog beginning at 6 months of age. Please include an updated rabies certificate and if the dog is spayed/neutered we will need that certificate as well. All paperwork that you submit will be returned with the license. If licensing the dog by mail, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Currently the fees are $15 for spayed/neutered dogs and $20 for intact dogs. Licensing begins January and you must license your dog by April 15th. If a dog is not licensed by April 15th you will be subject to a late fee of $50 per dog plus the license fee per the town bylaw.

    Town Clerk

  • We are open until 7:00 PM Wednesday evenings or you may send us a self-addressed stamped envelope; we will be pleased to accommodate you via the mail. With the exception of a marriage intention.

    Town Clerk

  • It depends on the documents.  The law has changed and the Town Clerk’s Office is prevented from notarizing certain documents.  We are unable to notarize wills, Power of Attorney, Real Estate, etc. Please contact the office ahead of time to ask us if your particular document falls under this new rule.  The current fee to notarize a document is $1.25 per signature. Please bring a valid ID you when you come. Do not sign the documents prior to your visit.  There are notaries in the Town of Ashland that are listed on the website who are able to assist you outside of Town Hall.

    Town Clerk

  • The Town Clerk’s Office are Commissioners to Qualify. You will need to make an appointment to take your oath as two people must be present. There is no charge for this service at this time.

    Town Clerk

Treasurer/Collector - Taxes

5

  • Tax due dates are August 1, November 1, February 1 and May 1 of each year. Tax bills are mailed twice per year and each mailing contains two payment coupons. The first mailing is on July 1 and has payment coupons for preliminary taxes due on August and November 1. The second mailing is on January 1 and contains mailing coupons for the February and May 1 payments.
    Treasurer/Collector - Taxes

  • Yes, interest is assessed at a rate of 14% per annum from the due date of the bill.
    Treasurer/Collector - Taxes

  • No. A property tax payment mailed on or before the payment due date, but received by the collector after that date, is late and subject to interest charges because there is no statute permitting taxpayers to mail payments on or before the due date order to avoid interest as is the case with federal and state income tax statutes.
    Treasurer/Collector - Taxes

  • No. The law specifies that the bills be sent to the owner of record at the Registry of Deeds as of January 1. Often mortgages are sold or homeowners refinance the property which can result in an overdue bill. Oftentimes, mortgage companies obtain tax information electronically from the Town of Ashland. Homeowners should forward a copy of their bill to the Escrow Department of their bank/mortgage company or contact them direct to see if they are obtaining tax information electronically from the town.
    Treasurer/Collector - Taxes

  • Real estate and personal property taxes are assessed to the owner of record as of January 1 of the year the taxes are assessed. For example, FY09 taxes are assessed to the owner of record as of January 1, 2008. If the property is sold, the tax bills cannot be changed until the following fiscal year.
    Treasurer/Collector - Taxes

Treasurer/Collector - Liens

3

  • When a taxpayer becomes delinquent in paying real estate taxes or other local charges that constitute liens on real estate, the town has statutory authority to take title to the taxpayer’s property and, subsequently, to undertake proceedings to foreclose the owner’s rights to redeem that property from tax title. Once the town completes the foreclosure in Land Court, the property becomes a “tax possession” of the town.
    Treasurer/Collector - Liens

  • Any person with an ownership interest in a tax title property can redeem that property with the Treasurer at any time until a petition to foreclose has been granted in the Land Court by paying all of the outstanding taxes, interest and other charges due on the property. A payment agreement can also be made with the Treasurer in order to prevent foreclosure. You should contact the Treasurer to schedule an appointment.
    Treasurer/Collector - Liens

  • Properties acquired through tax foreclosure are not available for outright purchase. The town periodically reviews the properties acquired through tax foreclosure and will schedule and advertise auctions as required. You may also contact the Treasurer’s office for more information.
    Treasurer/Collector - Liens

Ashland Food Pantry

11

  • Ashland residents, schools, local businesses, churches and organizations donate all food to the food pantry.
    Ashland Food Pantry

  • The food pantry only serves the residents of Ashland, a proof of residency is needed. In addition, an initial interview and discussion of financial need will be held at first visit. 

    We may request proof of residence in Ashland by asking for the following either by self-report or encourages pantries to allow clients to self-report this information. Where verification is required, we will request rent receipts, health insurance cards, school records, letters from a landlord, or any documentation from a state or federal benefits program, or from a school, doctor, social worker or community based organization 

    Ashland Food Pantry

  • No appointment is needed. Just come in during our regular hours, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. An appointment to speak with someone on any other issues is helpful to ensure someone will be in the office and time for meeting.

    Ashland Food Pantry

  • We accept donations of new clothing and toys for use during the holidays and family emergencies. On limited basis we will accept some clothing in good condition and toys with all the pieces. Please call first to check because we do have limited storage space. Frequently we do have families in need of furniture and household goods. Just give us a call if you have these items to donate to a needy family.
    Ashland Food Pantry

  • The food pantry accepts donations of any non-perishable food, paper products, toiletries, diapers, feminine products, household cleaners. We do have a freezer and refrigerator for perishable goods. We do not take food that has passed the expiration or opened. We also cannot distribute any over the counter medications or ointments.

    Ashland Food Pantry

  • Please come down and visit us. We will take your name and number for anytime that we need some extra help. Holidays and major food drives such as the Post Office and Boy Scout food drives are busy and we can always use a few extra hands.
    Ashland Food Pantry

  • AYFS provides information and referrals to local services and agencies. AYFS houses the Ashland Food Pantry to residents in need, as well as Holiday assistance. Our department screens for and makes recommendations to the Ashland Emergency Fund. AYFS helps residents apply for campership, fuel assistance, food stamps and other assistance.
    Ashland Food Pantry

  • AYFS provides families, with children, with toys and a holiday meal at Thanksgiving and Christmas/Hanukkah.
    Ashland Food Pantry

  • Office hours are Monday  8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 

                              Tuesday 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m

                        Wednesday 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m

                           Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m

                               Friday - Closed  


    Ashland Food Pantry

  • Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
              9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

    Ashland Food Pantry

  • This department is committed to maintaining confidentiality. Any concerns or reports of child abuse or neglect, elder abuse or neglect, must be reported to appropriate agencies. Reports of wanting to harm yourself or others may not be kept confidential.
    Ashland Food Pantry

Health

13

  • The Board of Health is located on the second floor of Town Hall and we look forward to meeting you and answering any questions that may relate to public and environmental health issues in your community.
    Health

  • Septic system files are available at the Board of Health Office. Please contact us to set up a file for a file review.
    Health

  • The municipal water is regulated and tested to meet State requirements by the Water and Sewer Department. They can be reached at 508-881-0120, ext. 7943. This Department also publishes an annual report sent to all Water Customers.
    Health

  • Please contact Lisa Thuot at the Environmental Protection Agency. Her phone number is 617-918-1129.

    Health

  • If your well was permitted after 1986, then we have records.
    Health

  • The septic system needs immediate service to prevent any above ground sewage. An engineer is needed to conduct soil tests and design a replacement septic system.
    Health

  • A Drug Drop Box is now permanently located at the Ashland Community Center, 162 West Union Street.

    Health

  • The Board of Health may be contacted to obtain the appropriate forms. We are always in need for volunteers to serve on the MRC.
    Health

  • The Board of Health investigates food borne illnesses and will request that you call to allow us to gather the needed information. All medical information is kept confidential.
    Health

  • The Ashland Board of Health will be conducting flu clinics at Town Hall, please find more information about upcoming flu clinics here:
    https://www.ashlandmass.com/1096/Flu-Vaccine-Clinics
    You may also reach out to your physician or local pharmacy.

    Health

  • The rubbish and recycling programs are handled by DPW. They can be reached at 508-881-0120.

    Health

  • Call DPW at 508-881-0120.

    Health

  • Contact Waste Management at 800-972-4545.
    Health
  1. Footer Town of Ashland

Contact Us

  1. 101 Main Street
    Ashland, MA 01721
    Phone: 508-881-0100
    Fax: 508-881-0114

Town Hall Hours

  1. Monday         8 am to 3:30 pm
    Tuesday        8 am to 3:30 pm
    Wednesday   8 am to 7 pm
    Thursday       8 am to 3:30 pm
    Friday            Closed
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