Open Govt
Previous meeting:
- Thu, Oct 24, 2024 at 12:00 PM
Beautification Committee
Meeting Schedule: Meet Monthly
Previous meetings:
- Sat, Jul 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM
- Mon, Jul 7, 2025 at 07:00 PM
- Mon, Jun 16, 2025 at 07:00 PM
Board of Assessors
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Contact: |
Christine Bailey Rick Williams Ellen Miller Herb Butzke |
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Address: |
Rowe Town Hall |
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Phone: Fax: |
(413) 339-5520 ext. 104 |
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Email: |
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Office Hours: |
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8am-1pm |
FY25 Tax Rates
Residential: $5.14
Commercial-Industrial-Personal: $11.01
Fiscal Year 25 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:
- Wed, Jul 2, 2025 at 10:00 AM
- Tue, May 27, 2025 at 10:00 AM
- Tue, Apr 29, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Board of Health
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413-339-5520 ext. 105 BEAR CAUTION: There have been many bear sightings this year in ROWE! Please click on the following link for helpful information if you come in contact with a bear: Staying safe around bears.
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. |
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Address:
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321 Zoar Road |
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Phone:
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BOH Town Hall: 413-339-5520 x 105 BOH Town Nurse: 413-339-5520 x 107 Refuse Gardens: 413-339-0216 |
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Fax: |
413-339-5316 |
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Hours:
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BOH Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:00am to 1:00pmThe Transfer Station will be 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 |
Previous meetings:
- Wed, Jul 16, 2025 at 06:00 PM
- Wed, Jul 2, 2025 at 06:00 PM
- Wed, Jun 18, 2025 at 06:00 PM
Board of Registrars
Meeting Schedule: As Needed
Previous meeting:
- Thu, Mar 31, 2022 at 06:00 PM
Board of Selectmen
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Contact: |
Town Administrator townadmin@rowe-ma.gov |
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Address: |
Rowe Town Hall |
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Phone: |
(413) 339-5520 ext. 100 |
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Fax: |
(413) 339-5316 |
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Hours: |
Monday-Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm |
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Contact: |
Donna Butzke Administrative Assistant |
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Address: |
Rowe Town Hall |
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Phone: |
(413) 339-5520 ext. 101 |
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Fax: |
(413) 339-5316 |
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Office Hours: |
Monday-Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm |
Additional Links
Franklin Regional Council of Governments
Meeting Schedule: Every other Thursday at 5:00
Next 2 meetings:
- Tue, Jul 22 at 8:30 AM
- Tue, Jul 22 at 8:30 AM
Previous meetings:
- Thu, Jul 17, 2025 at 06:00 PM
- Mon, Jul 14, 2025 at 08:30 AM
- Wed, Jul 9, 2025 at 08:30 AM
Cemetery Commission
Previous meetings:
- Thu, Jul 1, 2021 at 10:00 AM
- Thu, Jun 10, 2021 at 09:00 AM
- Thu, Jan 14, 2021 at 09:00 AM
Conservation Commission
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Contact: |
Ramon Sanchez |
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Address: |
321 Zoar Road |
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Phone: |
413-339-4836 |
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Fax: |
413-339-5316 |
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Hours: |
Meets as needed |
Helpful Links:
Request for Determination of Applicability Form
Wetlands Protection Act Regulations
Previous meetings:
- Wed, Jul 9, 2025 at 05:00 PM
- Wed, Jun 11, 2025 at 05:00 PM
- Thu, May 8, 2025 at 05:00 PM
Council on Aging
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Contact: |
B.J Roche Chair roche.bj@gmail.com |
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Address: |
Rowe Town Hall |
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Phone: |
(413) 339-5520 extension: 101 |
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Meeting Time: |
Monthly |
To Schedule Medical Rides:
Next meeting:
- Wed, Aug 13 at 3:00 PM
Previous meetings:
- Wed, Jul 9, 2025 at 03:00 PM
- Wed, Jun 11, 2025 at 03:00 PM
- Thu, May 29, 2025 at 03:00 PM
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:
- Wed, Jun 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM
- Mon, Dec 16, 2024 at 04:00 PM
- Mon, Dec 9, 2024 at 04:00 PM
Finance Committee
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Contact: |
Dan Pallotta, Chair Loretta Dionne, Susan Gleason Marilyn Wilson, vice-chair Wayne Zavotka |
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Address: |
321 Zoar Road, Rowe, MA 01367 |
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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:
- Fri, Jun 27, 2025 at 01:00 PM
- Thu, Mar 13, 2025 at 06:00 PM
- Thu, Mar 6, 2025 at 06:00 PM
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.
A Public Hearing will be held on 29 July at 5:30PM at the Town Hall to review the proposed by-laws and answer any questions.
What the Proposed Historical Commission By-Law Means for Rowe
As Rowe residents consider the Warrant Article to amend the Historical Commission’s By-Laws, here’s a quick overview of what it does—and what it doesn’t do.
What It Does:
- Creates an advisory Historical Commission under current Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 8D.
- Supports preservation efforts, especially for Town-owned properties which could include buildings, sites, or historic trails.
- Applies for and manages grants from state and federal sources, including the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Massachusetts Historical Commission, and the National Register of Historic Places.
- Documents Rowe’s historic resources and promotes local heritage.
- Advises town boards and interested property owners —not regulates.
*Any proposal to form a Local Historic District would require a separate Town Meeting vote.
Why This Matters: With limited budgets, small towns like Rowe benefit from grant funding to preserve historic places and improve accessibility and sustainability. These Historical Commission by-laws will help make Rowe eligible for that funding—without placing a burden on residents.
This 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. For the full by-laws see the Town Clerk.
Our goal is to reflect the values and priorities of the entire community. So, Let’s Work Together — Early and Often
Meeting Schedule: Meet as Needed
Previous meetings:
- Wed, Jun 25, 2025 at 05:30 PM
- Tue, Jun 10, 2025 at 05:30 PM
- Thu, May 22, 2025 at 05:30 PM
Library Board of Trustees
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Contact: |
Molly Lane |
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Address: |
318 Zoar Road |
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Phone: |
413-339-4761 |
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Fax: |
413-339-4713 |
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Hours of Operation: |
Tuesday 10-5. 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.
Previous meetings:
- Wed, Jul 16, 2025 at 10:00 AM
- Wed, Jun 25, 2025 at 11:30 AM
- Wed, Jun 18, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Library Feasibility Committee
Feasibility Study and ADA Upgrades for the existing Rowe Town Library.
Restoring the rich and eclectic history of the Library, while creating a safe, multi-functional space for all Town Residents of all ages and readership interests to enjoy!
Proposed Design Upgrades Include:
- ADA Accessibility and Upgrades Bathrooms
- Added Meeting Room and Multi-Functional Event Space
- Added Outdoor Reading and Event Spaces
- Increased Seating and Reading Areas
- Upgaded Infrastructure, Safety, and Cohesion
Vision: The Rowe Library will be the heart of the community—a welcoming space where people come to learn, discover, and connect. We will aim to inspire curiosity, foster lifelong learning, and bring people together to build a stronger, more connected community.
Mission: Our mission is to serve as a dynamic community hub that inspires discovery, fosters lifelong learning, and nurtures meaningful connections. We are committed to providing inclusive spaces, diverse resources, and innovative programs that empower individuals to explore ideas, unlock potential, and enrich their lives.
Through collaboration and a deep dedication to our community's needs, we aim to cultivate a welcoming environment where knowledge, creativity, and connection thrive.
Previous meetings:
- Thu, Jun 12, 2025 at 09:00 AM
- Thu, May 29, 2025 at 05:00 PM
- Wed, May 7, 2025 at 09:00 AM
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
Mid-Spring 2025 Update
The Open Space and Recreation Committee (OSRC) is proud to announce a major step forward in Rowe’s commitment to land conservation and outdoor recreation.
Ongoing Priorities from Your Feedback: Based on the community-wide Open Space and Recreation Plan Survey [February 2025], the OSRC continues to prioritize what matters most to residents:
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Invasive Species Management:
Targeted fieldwork is beginning to control invasive plants and restore native habitats — such as Pelham Lake Park's intiaitves and workshops. -
Maintaining Recreational Structures:
Improvements are underway to keep trails, bridges, and access points safe and usable. -
ADA Accessibility:
Evaluating sites for ADA-compliant upgrades — including at the renovated Town Library. -
Indoor Recreation Enhancements:
Collaborating with other departments and Rowe School to support year-round community use. -
Public Land Management:
Upgrades in signage, mapping, and oversight are in progress to enhance land use and stewardship.
?? 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
Previous meetings:
- Mon, Jun 9, 2025 at 05:30 PM
- Tue, May 20, 2025 at 05:30 PM
- Thu, May 8, 2025 at 05:30 PM
Park Commission
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Contact: |
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Address: |
Park Commission 321 Zoar Rd, PO Box 462 Rowe, MA 01367 |
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Phone: |
(413) 339-5520 x-110 |
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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
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For more details about the Park,see the Pelham Lake Park page |
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Previous meetings:
- Mon, Jun 2, 2025 at 05:15 PM
- Mon, May 5, 2025 at 05:00 PM
- Mon, Apr 21, 2025 at 05:00 PM
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:
- Tue, Jul 1, 2025 at 05:30 PM
- Tue, Apr 8, 2025 at 06:00 PM
- Thu, Mar 6, 2025 at 06:00 PM
School Committee
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Contact: |
Susan Zavotka William Knittle Laurie L. Laffond John Franzoni |
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Address: |
86 Pond Road |
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Phone: |
413-512-5100 |
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Fax: |
413-339-5760 |
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Hours: |
Meetings as posted |
Previous meetings:
- Wed, Jun 18, 2025 at 10:30 AM
- Thu, May 8, 2025 at 03:30 PM
- Tue, Apr 8, 2025 at 03:30 PM
Woodlands Partnership
Previous meetings:
- Tue, Jun 24, 2025 at 05:00 PM
- Wed, Jun 18, 2025 at 10:00 AM
- Fri, Jun 13, 2025 at 03:00 PM
Zoning Board of Appeals
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Address:
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321 Zoar Road
Rowe, MA 01367 |
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Phone:
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413-339-4446
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Alternate Phone:
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413-339-5520
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Hours:
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As needed
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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:
- Fri, Nov 15, 2024 at 09:00 AM
- Wed, Feb 28, 2024 at 10:00 AM
- Wed, Dec 13, 2023 at 10:00 AM
