Public Records Requests
The Town Clerk is Townsend's Records Access Officer
The Massachusetts Public Records law regulates public access to government documents and records. The full text can be found at Chapter 66, s. 10 of the Massachusetts General Law, subject to exemptions, which may be found at Chapter 4, s. 7(26)of the Massachusetts General Law, and applicable law and policy.
- A guide prepared by the State of Massachusetts regarding public access to records is available here.
- Records of the Town of Townsend are available to any member of the public making a request.
How to make a Public Records Request
Written requests may be made by email, delivery in hand, or by surface mail to any of the Town’s Records Access Officer:
Town Clerk
272 Main Street
Townsend, MA 01469
978-597-1700, extension 1704
CLICK HERE TO SEND EMAIL
Clerk Hours: Mon, Wed, and Thursdays: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Tuesday 9:00am - 6:00pm.
Friday: 9:00 am - noon
The Records Access Officer will send an acknowledgement of receipt of your request, including a good faith estimate of any fees associated with assembling and/or reproducing the requested documents.
Fees
Fees will vary with each individual request, largely dependent upon the volume and complexity of materials requested; fees potentially may include costs for a portion of the time spent inspecting, retrieving or handling documents, and other fees may apply for electronic storage devices, or paper copies.
Parties submitting requests are urged to make the request as specific as possible, including as much detail as may be necessary to determine exactly what document or information is being sought.