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)

 

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:

Board of Health

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Herb Butzke, Chairperson

Christine Bailey, Admin Asst

boh@rowe-ma.gov

413-339-5520 ext. 105

 

BEAR CAUTIONThere 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.

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

The 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:

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 2 meetings:

Previous meetings:

Cemetery Commission

Previous meetings:

Conservation Commission

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)

Next meeting:

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.

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:

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.

Previous meetings:

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:

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:

  • 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:

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

William Knittle
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
Rowe Town Hall - Meeting Room #1 or Via Zoom Participation
Posted to: Board of Selectmen
Rowe Town Hall - Meeting Room #1 or Via Zoom Participation
Posted to: Board of Selectmen
Rowe Town Library
Posted to: General Events
Pelham Lake Park
Posted to: Parks Commission
Rowe Town Library
Posted to: General Events
Latest News
There will be a Special Town Meeting on Monday, June 16th at 6:30 pm at the Rowe Town Hall
Join us for a Town Hall event on Thursday May 29th at 11 am
The 2024 Town Annual Report is now available either in a hard copy at the Town Hall or right here to be read digitally...
Stay tuned for times, dates and places where you can work on our town mosaic.
Saturday April 12th 2025-10-12 noon