Rowe Town Seal

Town of

Rowe

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Open Govt

Previous meeting:

Beautification Committee

 

 

 

Meeting Schedule: Meet Monthly

Previous meetings:

Board of Assessors

Contact:

Christine Bailey
Admin Assistant

Rick Williams
Assessor - Chair

Ellen Miller
Assessor

Herb Butzke
Assessor

Address:

Rowe Town Hall
321 Zoar Road, PO Box 462
Rowe, MA 01367

Phone:

Fax:

(413) 339-5520 ext. 104

(413) 339-8585

Email:

assessor@rowe-ma.gov

Office Hours:

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8am-1pm
(or by appointment)

 

FY26 Tax Rates

Residential: $5.24

Commercial-Industrial-Personal: $11.42

 

Fiscal Year 26 Valuations

Real Estate and Personal Property valuations may be viewed by clicking the applicable link(s) below under BOA - Files

 

Abatement & Exemption Application Forms

Abatement and Exemption Application forms are available by clicking the applicable link(s) below under BOA - Forms

 

Tax Maps

Tax Maps (updated to 1-1-25) may be viewed by clicking the applicable link(s) below under BOA - Property Tax Maps

 

Additional Links

AxisGIS - Online Rowe Tax Map System

Franklin County Registry of Deeds (Deeds and Survey Plans)

Mass Dept of Revenue (Taxpayer Forms and Guides)

Mass General Laws (searchable)

 

 

Previous meetings:

Board of Health

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Herb Butzke, Chairperson

Christine Bailey, Admin Asst

boh@rowe-ma.gov

413-339-5520 ext. 105

The Cooperative Public Health Service (CPHS) of the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) serves as the Health Department for the Town of Rowe. The Health Agents, Public Health Nurses and Community Health Educator provide environmental health inspections, communicable disease investigation and prevention, code enforcement, education, wellness, and special programs; CPHS staff work closely with members of the Town Board of Health on these matters. For further information, and for a CPHS staff listing and contact details, please see the CPHS website.

Address:

 

321 Zoar Road
Rowe, MA 01367

Phone:

 

 

BOH Town Hall:    413-339-5520 x 105

BOH Town Nurse:  413-339-5520 x 107

Refuse Gardens:  413-339-0216

Fax:

413-339-5316

Hours:

 

 

BOH Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday  8:00am to 1:00pm

Transfer Station Hours:  Every Saturday 7a-2p; Sunday 8a-12p and Wednesday 7a-10a & 4p-7p. 

The BOH Office and Transfer Station are closed on the following holidays:  New Year’s Day - Martin Luther King Day - President’s Day - Patriot’s Day - Memorial Day - Juneteenth - Independence Day - Labor Day - Columbus Day - Veterans’ Day - Thanksgiving Day - Day after Thanksgiving - Christmas

 

 

Next meeting:

Previous meetings:

Board of Registrars

Meeting Schedule: As Needed

Previous meeting:

Board of Selectmen

Contact:

Brooke Shulda

Town Administrator

townadmin@rowe-ma.gov

Address:

Rowe Town Hall
321 Zoar Road, Post Office Box 462
Rowe, MA 01367

Phone:

(413) 339-5520 ext. 100

Fax:

(413) 339-5316

Hours:

Monday-Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm

 

 

Contact:

Donna Butzke

Administrative Assistant

adminasst@rowe-ma.gov

Address:

Rowe Town Hall
321 Zoar Road, Post Office Box 462
Rowe, MA 01367

Phone:

(413) 339-5520 ext. 101 

Fax:

(413) 339-5316

Office Hours:

 Monday-Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm

Additional Links

Franklin Regional Council of Governments

 

Meeting Schedule: Every other Thursday at 5:00

Next meeting:

Previous meetings:

Cemetery Commission

Previous meetings:

Conservation Commission

Rowe Conservation Commission (CONCOM)

Welcome — and thank you for caring about Rowe’s forests, waters, fields, and trails. Below is a summary of what Rowe’s Conservation Commission (CONCOM) does, our ongoing projects, the partnerships that make them possible, and up-to-date news from the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC).

Our Purview CONCOM is the town board responsible for protecting wetlands and other natural resources under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. We review projects that may affect wetlands, rivers, and lakes, manage town-owned conservation lands, and help guide land-use decisions to ensure Rowe’s natural assets are preserved for future generations.
In addition to regulatory duties, CONCOM advises the Selectboard on conservation and open space issues, supports land management planning, and promotes community education about sustainable land stewardship.

Ongoing Projects
-  Trail Stewardship & Accessibility – Maintaining and improving public trails with a focus on balancing access, safety, and habitat protection. Partnering with the Town Open Space and Recreation Committee on the Land Acquisition project, to add 178+/- acres of Article 97 protected passive recreation.
-  Wetlands Permitting & Monitoring – Reviewing permit applications (NOIs, RDAs) and conducting site visits to ensure activities near wetlands meet state and local standards.
-  Invasive Species Management – Partnering with Town Committees and Departments to identify and remove invasive plants before they spread to sensitive areas.
-  Habitat & Water Quality Initiatives – Supporting the restoration of wetland buffers and stream crossings to improve ecosystem health and climate resilience.
-  Community Engagement & Education – Supporting activities and informational sessions on responsible land use and conservation practices.

Recent MACC News of Interest: 
-  MACC Training and Webinars: Ongoing education and certification programs help CONCOM members stay current with  Wetlands Protection Act updates, best practices, and case law. Free Invasives Management Course: https://grownativemass.org/Our-Programs/Calendar-of-Events/Improving-Habitat-Through-Invasives-Management

How Residents Can Help
-  Attend our Hybrid (local and remote) Conservation meetings — your input matters.
-  Report erosion, invasive plants, or wetland impacts you notice around town.
-  Join volunteer days for trail maintenance or water monitoring.
-  Support conservation projects and budgets during Town Meeting to ensure these efforts continue.

Contact:

Ramon Sanchez
413-339-4836

Address:

321 Zoar Road
PO Box 462
Rowe, MA 01367

Phone:

413-339-4836

Fax:

413-339-5316

Hours:

Meets as needed

 

Helpful Links: 

Request for Determination of Applicability Form

Notice of Intent Form

Wetlands Protection Act Regulations

Previous meetings:

Council on Aging

 

Contact:

B.J Roche

Chair

roche.bj@gmail.com

Address:

Rowe Town Hall
321 Zoar Road
Rowe, MA 01367

Phone:

(413) 339-5520

extension: 101

Meeting Time:

Monthly

 

To Schedule Medical Rides: 

 

Local:            413-625-2502 (Shelburne Falls Senior Center)
Out of Area:  413-774-2262 (FRTA)

Previous meetings:

Cultural Council

The Rowe Cultural Council is the town's appointed committee charged with receiving applications for cultural grant money allocated by the state.  Members are appointed by the Board of Selectmen and serve three-year terms from the date they're appointed, and may not serve more than two consecutive terms or hold an elected office during their tenure.  They typically meet in November or December to decide on grant applications, and as needed throughout the rest of the year.

Meeting Schedule: Meets as needed.

Previous meetings:

Finance Committee

Contact:

Dan Pallotta, Chair

Loretta Dionne, 

Susan Gleason

Marilyn Wilson, vice-chair

Wayne Zavotka

Address:

321 Zoar Road, Rowe, MA 01367

Fax:

413-339-5316

Article III, Section 11 of the Town of Rowe Bylaws:

"In accordance with Section 16 of Chapter 39 of the General Laws there shall be a Finance Committee consisting of five members which shall consider all municipal questions relating to appropriations and may consider any municipal question for the purpose of making reports and recommendations to the Town. This committee shall submit its recommendations and report to each town meeting, annual or special. Two members of said committee shall be elected on each of two consecutive years and one on the third year by ballot at each annual town election. No member of the Board of Selectmen or School Committee shall be eligible to serve on said committee. Members of the Finance Committee holding other town offices or positions must recuse themselves on all matters pertaining to that department. The Finance Committee shall have the powers and duties delegated to it by said Section 16 and other applicable laws including the duty of submitting a budget for the annual Town Meeting and such recommendations shall be printed on the annual Town Meeting warrant."

Responsibilities:

The Town of Rowe Finance Committee's primary role is to help develop an annual budget in conjunction with the Board of Selectmen and various elected and appointed officials. Beginning with the FY2022 Budget, the Finance Committee's will be responsible for ultimately submitting the budget that will be presented to the voters, a shift from the past when it only held advisory/recommending powers and had no say in the final budget.

Prior to all town meetings warrant articles involving finances are reviewed by the Finance Committee. The committee then voted either to recommend or not recommend the various articles, and their recommendations are printed on the warrant that is mailed to all voters.

The Finance Committee is part of the town's "Budget Advisory Group", which consists of the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, School Committee, Board of Assessors, Treasurer, Accountant, and Executive Secretary.

While having limited direct authority over financial matters, their recommendations often carry a great deal of weight, and the committee is often asked to collaborate on many other areas involving town moneys and policy.

The Finance Committee also controls the Reserve Fund- a fund appropriated annually at town meeting to cover unforeseen expenses, and also must concur on all line-item transfers conducted in May and June of each year.

Meetings:

The Finance Committee has no regular meeting schedule, but typically meets once a month during the summer and fall, and then more often during "budget season"- December through May.

Meeting Schedule: As Needed

Previous meetings:

Gracy House Committee

Meeting Schedule: Meet Monthly

Historical Commission

Preserving Our Past, Shaping Our Future

The Rowe Historical Commission is dedicated to protecting the Town’s unique heritage, historic landmarks, and cultural resources — not just for today, but for generations to come. We believe that honoring the past is an essential part of shaping Rowe’s future.

Support Rowe’s History 

What We Do: 

  • Operate as an advisory Historical Commission under current Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 8D.
  • Serve to support preservation efforts, especially for Town-owned properties which could include buildings, sites, or historic trails.
  • Idenitfy, apply for and manage grants from state and federal sources, including the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Massachusetts Historical Commission, and the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Document Rowe’s historic resources and promotes local heritage.
  • Advise town boards and interested property owners.

 

With limited budgets, small towns like Rowe benefit from grant funding to preserve historic places and improve accessibility and sustainability. The Commission is a resource, not a regulator, created to help the entire community. It’s a step toward protecting what we value about Rowe’s past—while planning for its future. 

Our goal is to reflect the values and priorities of the entire community. So, Let’s Work Together — Early and Often

 

 

Want to Learn More or Get Involved? You can attend our monthly meetings and/or contact us any time.
Email us at: TOR9Feb1978@gmail.com

 

Meeting Schedule: Meet as Needed

Next meeting:

Previous meetings:

Library Board of Trustees

Contact:

Molly Lane
Library Director

Address:

318 Zoar Road
Rowe, MA 01367

Phone:

413-339-4761

Fax:

413-339-4713

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday 10-5.
Wednesday-12-8
Thursday3-7

Saturday 10-3

Town Library

Circulation Policy

Using the Rowe Town Library: Any resident of Massachusetts is entitled to use the Library. Borrowers are assigned a Library number which is used each time material is taken out.

LOAN PERIODS: - Books and audio books can be taken out for three (3) weeks. - Videos and periodicals can be taken out for one (1) week.

RENEWALS: Most items can be renewed once--unless reserved by another person. You can renew by phone or in person.

Next meeting:

Previous meetings:

Library Feasibility Committee

Rowe Town Library Renovations and Upgrades

Honoring Our Past, Building for Our Future

The Rowe Town Library is entering an exciting new chapter! Since its founding, our library has stood as a cornerstone of learning, imagination, and community connection. Now, through thoughtful planning and design, we’re taking important steps to ensure it continues to serve all residents—of every age and interest—for generations to come.

Project Overview

Over the past year, the Library Renovation Committee has been working closely with SSV Architects to develop design plans that balance historic preservation, accessibility, and community needs. The goal is to restore and modernize the library so that it remains both a beloved historic landmark and a vibrant, functional space that supports reading, creativity, and connection.

Planned Improvements Include:

  • ADA Accessibility: Full accessibility upgrades, including improved entrances and restrooms.

  • Expanded Meeting & Multi-Use Space: A flexible area for small gatherings, programs, and community events.

  • Outdoor Reading and Event Areas: Inviting spaces to enjoy the natural beauty of Rowe in every season.

  • More Seating and Reading Nooks: Comfortable areas to read, study, and relax.

  • Modern Infrastructure: Upgraded systems to enhance safety, energy efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

Vision for the Future

The renovated Rowe Library will serve as the heart of our community—a welcoming place where residents can learn, discover, and connect. Whether it’s hosting a story hour, a book club, a local history talk, or simply offering a quiet corner to read, the library will continue to bring people together in meaningful ways.

Project Timeline

November 2025 – January 2026:  Finalize construction documents and technical drawings and Coordinate with engineers and prepare bid materials

February – March 2026:  Advertise for bids and review proposals; Establish a detailed construction schedule

June 2026 – April 2027: Construction phase

Throughout this process, the Library Committee will continue to meet regularly and provide updates on progress and opportunities for resident input.

Why It Matters

This renovation is more than a building project—it’s an investment in Rowe’s future. By supporting these upgrades, we’re ensuring that our library remains a safe, accessible, and welcoming space for everyone, while preserving the character and charm that make Rowe special.

Together, we can create a library that reflects the spirit of our town—rooted in history, growing toward the future.

Next meeting:

Previous meetings:

Municipal Light Board

Note that Rowe has voted to authorize the Select Board, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 41, section 21, to act as the Municipal Light Board. The Municipal Light Board appoints or hires the MLP Manager who is in full charge of the operation of the Municipal Light Plant (MLP). Please go to Broadband Municipal Light Plant for further details.

Open Space and Recreation Committee

Winter 2025 Update

The Open Space and Recreation Committee (OSRC) is proud to announce continued steps in Rowe’s commitment to land conservation and outdoor recreation.

Plan Extension and EOEEA Updates

This year, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) updated its guidelines for Open Space & Recreation Plans (OSRPs). One of the most significant changes allows municipalities to extend previously approved Plans from seven years to ten years.

The Town of Rowe’s OSRC worked closely with EOEEA and the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) to request an extension of the town’s existing Plan. To meet the new requirements, the Committee conducted a thorough review and made targeted revisions to ensure the Plan’s goals and objectives remain consistent and achievable within the extended timeline. With this extension, Rowe remains eligible for state grants from the Division of Conservation Services through 2034 — ensuring continued access to critical funding for conservation, recreation, and land management projects.

New and Upcoming Initiatives

The OSRC continues to support the Town through new partnerships and planning efforts that strengthen Rowe’s environmental stewardship and recreational opportunities:

  • DLTA Funding Application: The Committee is working to secure District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) funding to help implement key projects from the Open Space and Recreation Plan and promote community-wide natural resource protection.  In collaboration with the Park Department, we help support their Pollinator Habitat Plan aligned with OSRP Goal A.2 — Protect and enhance natural resources and wildlife habitat. This initiative will improve biodiversity, support native pollinators, and encourage community participation.

Free Invasives Management Course - 1/21/26

Improving Habitat Through Invasives Management, Massachusetts Pollinator Network, via  Kristin O'Brien, Conservation Restriction Manager, Sudbury Valley Trustees

  • January 21 | 2:00 - 3:00pm /  Where: Online via Zoom / Fee: Free
  • Registration: https://grownativemass.org/Our-Programs/Calendar-of-Events/Improving-Habitat-Through-Invasives-Management

Learn about our most common invasive plants and how to manage them by prioritizing your goals. We will discuss the need to pick your battles and focus on what is achievable. 

This event is open to the public but is specifically designed for professionals who manage invasives on large properties, public areas, conservation lands, etc. There will be a home gardener version of this presentation on Feb. 24th at 7pm. Please see the calendar for details.

Kristin O’Brien, Conservation Restriction Manager, joined Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT) in 2017. She manages ~3,650 acres of protected lands across 106 conservation restrictions, creates invasive plant management plans, and oversees SuAsCo CISMA’s Weed Warrior program. Kristin is also the coordinator for the CISMA, which works with local partners to increase invasive plant management efforts in the MetroWest area. Kristin has a BS in biology: ecology and evolution from Hofstra University and an MS in biology: habitat management from Eastern Washington University.

Want to Learn More or Get Involved? You can attend our monthly meetings and/or contact us any time.
Email us at: openspacerecreationcommittee@gmail.com

Thank you again, Rowe — this success belongs to all of us. Let’s keep moving forward together!

Meeting Schedule: as needed

Next meeting:

Previous meetings:

Park Commission

Contact:


Park Manager - Briel Gibson

Address:

Park Commission

321 Zoar Rd, PO Box 462

Rowe, MA 01367

Phone:

(413) 339-8554

(413) 339-5520 x-110

Hours:

Town Hall Fitness Room - Hours

Mon - Thurs 9am to 4pm

Starting November 4th 2024:

Attendent Hours-Mon. and Wed. 9-11am and 4-6 pm

 
For more details about the Park,
see the Pelham Lake Park page
 

 
     

Previous meetings:

Planning Board

The Rowe Planning Board is an elected body consisting of five members, one elected each year for a five-year term.  In Rowe, the Planning Board is the body empowered to grant special permits.  Its other responsibilities include reviewing and making recommendations on Zoning Bylaw changes, holding public hearings on various actions to be taken by private and public entities, and helping to formulate planning documents for the town.

Contact: planningboard@rowe-ma.gov

Meeting Schedule: Second Thursday of the Month at 5:30 PM (subject to change)

Previous meetings:

School Committee

Contact:

Susan Zavotka
Rowe School Committee Chair

Jon Friedman
Rowe Elem School, Principal

Laurie L. Laffond
Rowe Elem School, Secretary

John Franzoni
N. Berkshire School Union, Superintendent

Address:

86 Pond Road

Rowe, MA 01367

Phone:

413-512-5100

Fax:

413-339-5760

Hours:

Meetings as posted
Rowe Elementary School, 86 Pond Rd, Rowe
413-512-5100
contact@roweschool.org

Previous meetings:

Woodlands Partnership

Previous meetings:

Zoning Board of Appeals

Address:
321 Zoar Road
Rowe, MA 01367
Phone:
413-339-4446
Alternate Phone:
413-339-5520
Hours:
As needed

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) is an appellate body that grants variances to the town's zoning bylaws when a building permit has been denied.  The ZBA is appointed by the Board of Selectmen and has five members, each serving a three-year term.  Terms are staggered so that no more than two people should be appointed in any one year.  Members meet only when needed, which can sometimes result in no meetings held in a given year.

Previous meetings:

Calendar of Events
Library Trustees Meeting -- SCHEDULED
Rowe Town Library
Posted to: Library Board of trustees
Town Mosaic
Rowe Town Library
Posted to: General Events
Board of Health -- SCHEDULED
Rowe Town Hall - Meeting Room #1
Posted to: Board of Health
Joint Meeting Selectmen and Finance Comm -- SCHEDULED
Rowe Town Hall Meeting Room 1 and Zoom
Posted to: Board of Selectmen
Library Feasibility -- SCHEDULED
Rowe Town Hall - Meeting Room #1 and via Remote Participation
Posted to: Library Feasibility Committee
Go to Calendar...
Latest News

School Study Documents
information compiled by BERK12 have been posted to the school committee page on the Rowe Elementary Website
Posted: Thu, Dec 18, 2025

Posted: Thu, Dec 18, 2025
Your Voice Matters!

Your Voice Matters!
Dec. 11th 5-7pm at the Rowe Elementary School
Posted: Mon, Dec 01, 2025
Rowe Elementary Research Study

Rowe Elementary Research Study
Community Survey, Parent Focus Group and Community Meeting...
Posted: Tue, Nov 18, 2025

Special Town Meeting
There will be a Special Town Meeting on Monday, June 16th at 6:30 pm at the Rowe Town Hall
Posted: Tue, Jun 03, 2025
Read more News...

Rowe Town Hall
321 Zoar Road
Rowe, MA, 01367
Phone: (413) 339-5520
Fax: (413) 339-5316
Town Hall Hours:
Monday-Thursday 8am-4pm
except for Federal and State Holidays...
Contact Us
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