How do I reach the Governor's Western MA Office?
The Western Massachusetts office of the Governer can be reached at:
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-the-governor
Can I have an event in the Town Hall Community Room?
Yes, you can have an event in the Town Hall Community Room - appropriate fees apply. Click here for instructions and form to be submitted for approval.
When is Town Hall open?
Town Hall is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8am-4pm, Wednesday 8am-6pm and Friday-Closed, However, not all offices keep those hours so call ahead or check department pages to ensure that the person you wish to see is available.
How do I register to vote? Who may register to vote?
Voter Registration forms are available at the Town Clerk's office and on the clerk's page on the website. You may also register at the Registry of Motor Vehicles when you transact any business, or online at www.mass.gov.
Only a U.S. citizen, resident of Massachusetts who will be 18 years old on or before an election may register to vote. You must register 20 days before an election or the Annual Town Meeting and 10 days before a special town meeting.
What must I do if I changed my address since January 1 or since I registered to vote?
If you have moved within the same town, notify the Town Clerk's office in person, by calling (413) 553-7267, or by email at clerk@richmondma.org. If you have moved to a new town or city please notify the officials there are re-register. Your registration does not automatically follow you.
How do I register my dog?
Dog licenses are available in January of each year. Proof of rabies vaccination and, if applicable, proof of spaying/neutering is required to obtain a license. Licenses are available at the Town Clerk's office. The fee for an unaltered dog is $10 and $5 for an altered dog. Note: New rates effective May 1, 2024 - unaltered $20 and $10 altered.
What is the recycling pick up schedule?
Trash and Recycling collection is on Monday. However for weeks where major holidays fall on a Monday, collection is Tuesday. Recycling rotates on a weekly basis between bottles/cans and paper. Recycling bins are available at Town Hall the cost is $12.50.
How do I obtain a marriage license?
You may come in together to file your marriage intentions for a fee of $35 with the Town Clerk. There is a three day waiting period before you can then come back and pick up the marriage certificate and get married.
When is the Library open?
The library is open on Mondays 1 - 4 PM, Tuesdays 10 AM - 7 PM, Wednesdays 1 - 4 PM, Thursdays 10 AM - 7 PM, Fridays 9 AM - 12:30 pm, Saturdays 9 AM - 2 PM, Sundays CLOSED
Does the Library have free Wi-Fi?
Does the Library have a Fax machine?
Yes, but we can only send out faxes, not receive them. There is no charge.
How often are public beaches tested for water quality?
All public beaches are tested weekly during the summer season. If the bathing water fails the bacteria testing, the beach will be posted for “No Swimming”.
How long are Title 5 Inspections of septic system or cesspool valid?
Inspections are valid for two years, unless the system was pumped yearly, and records kept, in which case the inspection is valid for three years (the home owner is responsible for providing the pumping records).
I am selling my house. Do I need to have the septic system inspected?
Yes. Title 5 requires the inspection of the septic system or cesspool when a property changes hands. The inspection is done by a private sector state certified inspector. The Board of Health will look up records for the system and witness the inspection. If you need to repair or upgrade your system there are many local certified installers who can do the work. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call the Board of Health.
Are there any records for my well on file at the Board of Health?
If the well was drilled in the few years the Board of Health may have the Well Completion Report which is submitted by the well driller to the certifying agency MassDEP and the town. The completion report contains information about the well construction. If your well was drilled or dug before that there are probably no records other than possible location information.
How do I request a ride from the Council On Aging?
Please call Elder Services Transportation Service at 413-499-0524 Ext. 178
Where can I find information about Medicare?
Contact Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc.
877 South St., Suite 4E
Pittsfield, MA 01201
413-499-0524 main
800-544-5242 toll free
413-442-6443 fax
413-499-9764 TTY
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8am to 5pm EST
What are the office hours of the Building Inspector?
The Building Inspector holds office hours on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Wednesdays of the month from 9:00AM-11:30PM. He is available by phone at all other times and can be reached at (413) 446-0964.
What do I do if I feel my property assessment is overvalued or the information is incorrect?
You may be able to file for an abatement with the Board of Assessors. The abatement application is available on the town website or by contacting the office. Applications must be filed within 30 days of the due date of the first installment of the actual bills for the fiscal year.
Is there any type of property tax exemption available?
You may be eligible to reduce a portion of your taxes assessed on your domicile if you meet qualifications for one of the exemptions allowed under Massachusetts law. You may be eligible if you fall into any of these categories:
- Legally blind person
- Veteran with a service-connected disability or certain service awards
- Seniors over the age of 70 with limited income
Do I have a grace period on my real estate, person property, sewer betterment, and sewer operation and maintenance bills?
There is no grace period in Massachusetts for the above mentioned bills. Interest will begin to accrue at the rate of 14% for all bills that are not paid by the due date on the bill.
What do I do if I sell my vehicle, move to another state, or transfer my registration?
You may file for an abatement. The application is available on the town website or by contacting the office. Supporting documentation must be provided with the application for the application to be considered.
If I traded my vehicle in do I still need to pay my motor vehicle excise tax bill?
Yes. In Massachusetts you are required to pay all motor vehicle excise tax bills in full for the year issued. You can then visit the Assessors and ask for an abatement application. The Assessors will be able to tell you how much of a potential refund of the excise tax paid you are entitled to.
Do we need a permit to cut down a dead tree near Richmond Pond?
All trees - alive, dead or dying - within 200 feet of the shore of Richmond Pond must be permitted by the Conservation Commission before they can be cut down.
Do we need a permit to open up a better view from our home on Lenox Mountain?
All tree cutting and/or alteration of the land (excavation, grading, etc.) above 1,400 feet elevation or between 1,300 and 1,400 feet elevation if the slope of the land is greater than 15%, requires a permit from the Conservation Commission under the Berkshire Scenic Mountain Act.
Do I need a permit to put in a swimming pool near Furnace Brook?
Any significant alteration of land or vegetation within 200 feet of a perennial river or stream requires filing an engineered application (Notice of Intent), going through an advertised public hearing, and getting a permit (Order of Conditions) from the Conservation Commission that gets recorded in the Registry of Deeds.
