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animals

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1. What animals, in addition to Dogs and Cats may be kept?

Chickens and rabbits.

2. Are pigs allowed?

They are not allowed.

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Board of Assessors

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1. Fiscal Year 2019 Tax Rates

Residential $15.93

CIP $28.20

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Building Department

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1. How do I get a Building Permit?

You can get a Building Permit by going into our website at clintonma.gov.

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Clinton Community Access Productions

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1. How do I contact CCAP

cctv@clintonma.gov

2. How do I view the Selectmens meetings

Use this link YouTube to view Clinton Mass

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Council on Aging/Clinton Senior Center

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1. How do I sign up for an event?

Please call the Clinton Senior Center at 978-733-4747 or visit us at The Clinton Senior Center (271 Church St. Clinton, MA. 01510) 

2. Where does the WRTA Van go?

Please review New Passenger Information Packet.

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Facilities and Grounds

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1. Where are you located?

The facilities department is located in Town Hall on the lower level.

2. What are your hours of operation?

The office is open from 8 am to 4 pm weekdays.

3. What does Facilities and Grounds do?

The Facilities and Grounds department oversees all town owned property and grounds including school properties and grounds.

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Fire Department

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1. When is Open Brush Burning Season?

 Massachusetts open burn season will begin on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, and runs to May 1, 2019. Permission to burn will be issued on a daily basis, to obtain permission please contact the Clinton Public Saftey Dispatch Center at (978) 365-4165 option 0. Fire Department Personnel will determine conditions for burning for the day. Hours for open burn are 10 am to 4 pm. More information on rules and regulations for open burns can be found on mass.gov. 

2. How do I obtain a Open Brush Burning Permit?

Open Brush Burning Permits are issued on a daily basis during the burning season only. To obtain permission to burn please call at (978) 365-4165 Option 0 to reach Public Safety Dispatch Center. Permission to burn for the day will begin at 10:00 am with all open brush burning to be extinguished by 4:00 pm daily. For more information on open burning rule and regulations please visit the mass.gov Open Burning Safety page. 

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Meals on Wheels

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1. What is Meals on Wheels?

The Meals on Wheels Program is a meal program offering a well-balanced meal to adults through home delivered services or congregate dining sites. It is a federally funded Nutrition Program that encompasses both the familiar Meals on Wheels Program and Congregate Dining Sites. Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver nutritionally balanced meals to home bound elders and adults with disabilities while Congregate Dining Sites provide the opportunity for those elders who are able to leave their homes without assistance to come out to eat and socialize. The Nutrition Program is available in our 28 cities and towns service area.

Services
Menu standards are based on current federal and state guidelines. Each meal contains at least 1/3 of the current daily Recommended Dietary Allowance of nutrients and considers the special dietary needs of the elderly participants.

In addition to the Regular home delivered meal, Elder Services offers the following medically tailored meals:

         1. Cardiac/Modified: For consumers requiring a low sodium & reduced carbohydrate diet. The daily meal comes with skim milk and contains no more than 70 grams of carbohydrates and 900 mg of sodium.  A low carbohydrate snack is provided daily to enjoy between meals.

         2. Chinese: For consumers who prefer Asian influenced meals like pork lo-mein, orange chicken, tofu w/bok choy and dumplings.

         3. Latino: For consumers who prefer Latin inspired meals including pastelon, coconut fish, paella and enchiladas.

         4. Low Lactose: For consumers needing a reduced lactose diet. Daily milk will be substituted with lactose-free milk and meals high in lactose will be produced with lower lactose ingredients.

         5. Renal: For consumers with decreased kidney function requiring a sodium, potassium and phosphorus restriction. Juice is sent with the meal instead of milk.

         6. Texture Modified: For consumers with chewing/swallowing issues..Food items will be chopped, diced or pureed.

Congregate Dining Site Locations
Located in senior centers, dining sites are locations where adults aged 60 and over and younger adults with disabilities can enjoy good food and good company. 

Eligibility
Adults, at least 60 years of age or qualified adults with disability who are determined to be “homebound” are eligible for home delivered meals. Any adult over the age of 60 may participate at the Congregate Dining Site.

2. How do I sign up for Meals on Wheels?

You can sign yourself or a family member up for Meals on Wheels (MOW) by calling Montachusett Opportunity Council at:

Tel: 978-345-7040

Fax: 978-343-7360

Email: info@mocinc.org

OR you can visit the Montachusett Opportunity Council website at https://www.mocinc.org/

Montachusett Opportunity Council (MOC) is located in Fitchburg:

601 River Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420

 

3. What is the website for Meals on Wheels?

https://www.mocinc.org/elder-services

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Office of Veteran Services

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1. What are the financial criteria and monthly benefits?

The monthly benefit depends on the living situation and special needs of the applicant as well as the income he or she receives from all sources. Please contact the Clinton Veteran Services Office for questions and/or an eligibility evaluation.

2. Who is eligible?

• Veterans
• A spouse or window(er) of the veteran if not divorced
• Children under 18, children 18 to 23 while in high school or college and other children over 18 if totally disabled and affected by the disability prior to 18 years of age
• The mother or father of the veteran, or any other person who has acted as parent for five years prior to the veteran's military service

3. Who is a veteran?

For veteran services benefits, a veteran is any person who has actively served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or full-time national guard duty and received a discharge under honorable conditions.

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Police Department

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1. What forms do I need to complete if I am in a motor vehicle accident?

Every person operating a motor vehicle which is involved in an accident in which any person is killed or injured or in which there is damage in excess of one thousand dollars to any one vehicle or other property shall, within five days after such accident, report in writing to the registrar on a form approved by him (RMV Motor Vehicle Crash Report) and send a copy thereof to the police department having jurisdiction. Such report shall not be required during the period of incapacity of any person who is physically incapable of making a report. 

MA RMV Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report

2. When is open brush burning season?

 Massachusetts open burn season will begin on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, and runs to May 1, 2019. Permission to burn will be issued on a daily basis, to obtain permission please contact the Clinton Public Saftey Dispatch Center at (978) 365-4165 option 0. Fire Department Personnel will determine conditions for burning for the day. Hours for open burn are 10 am to 4 pm. More information on rules and regulations for open burns can be found on mass.gov.

3. How do I obtain permission to burn brush?

Open Brush Burning Permits are issued on a daily basis during the burning season only. To obtain permission to burn please call at (978) 365-4165 Option 0 to reach Public Safety Dispatch Center. Permission to burn for the day will begin at 10:00 am with all open brush burning to be extinguished by 4:00 pm daily. For more information on open burning rule and regulations please visit the mass.gov Open Burning Safety page.

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Public Works

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1. How do I begin curbside trash & recycling service?

Please view the Trash & Recycling Regulations for more information.

Email or Call Public Works to begin or end service.

2. What Can I put in the Green Recycle Cart?

Paper, Cardboard, Glass, Aluminum Cans, Plastics (#1 - #7)

3. How do I request a Final Water/ Sewer reading?

Contact the Department?

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Real Estate Taxes

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1. At what ratio is property assessed?

100% of full and fair cash value.

2. What does 100% of full and fair cash value mean?

The courts have defined this phrase to mean "current market value", the price arrived at by a willing buyer and a willing seller, each with a good knowledge of the market and each acting without undue pressure or compulsion. Thus, in determining value, assessors seek to approximate what property would sell for on the open market, within an acceptable range of error.

3. How do I check ownership or valuation of property?

Go to Assessment Data Tab or, if you need certified owner information you can either:

• Go in to the Assessors Office for this information or 
• (Mail in a request for information, with an inquiry fee of $5 per parcel. 

All properties listed on the Assessing website are sorted by street address, owners name or by map, block, lot and unit number.

4. What is a map, block and lot (MBLU)?

The combination of the map, block, lot and unit (MBLU) is a unique parcel identifier assigned to each individual property in the Town of Clinton. For example, Map 2, Block 24, Lot 825 and Unit A (referred to as MBLU 2/24/825/A) uniquely identifies the parcel located at 1300 Main Street in Clinton.

5. How do I change my mailing address for tax billing?

You may download the change form under the forms tab and submit it to the Board of Assessors.

6. When do I file for overvaluation abatement?

You must file between January 1 and February 1 of the tax year, or within 30 days of the mailing date as shown on the tax bill.

However, you should ask yourself three questions before filing for an abatement:
• Is the data on my property correct?
• Is my value in line with others on my street?
• Is my value in line with recent sale prices in my neighborhood?
The Assessors will be happy to assist you in determining whether your assessment is fair and equitable.

7. Where do I file an abatement application?

You can file an application with the Board of Assessors:

242 Church Street
Clinton, Massachusetts 01510

8. When are real property tax bills mailed and payments due?

Tax bills are mailed four times a year.

The quarterly tax payments are due on the following dates:

• August 1
• November 1
• February 1
• May 1

The bills are sent 30 days prior to these due dates. Payments are due thirty days from the date the tax bill is issued.

9. Where should I mail my real estate tax payment?

Please send your payment and remittance slip to:

Town of Clinton
Tax Collector
242 Church Street
Clinton, Massachusetts 01510

Please make checks payable to: Town of Clinton. If you do not have a remittance slip, for proper crediting, please write the parcel ID (Map, Block, Lot and Unit) on the check and include the property location and owner’s name. To obtain a receipt, enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and both portions of the bill with the payment.

10. What should I do in the event I do not receive my bill?

You should request a duplicate tax bill by calling the Collectors Office at 978-365-4123.

11. What happens if I do not pay my tax bill?

Tax payments must be received on or before the due date to avoid interest charges. If payment is not made within 30 days of the original date of mailing, the account will begin to accrue interest at the rate of 14% per annum, computed from the date the bill was due. A demand notice will be sent and a demand fee of $5 is charged against the account. If the account remains outstanding 14 days after the issuance of the demand notice, a warrant notice is sent. The warrant fee is $9. Please note that demand and warrant notices are sent only on the third and fourth quarter bills. If the account remains delinquent after June 30 of the fiscal year, a tax lien (a legal claim placed on property for debt) is placed on the property and is recorded with the Worcester County Registry of Deeds. In addition, the property is placed in the tax title system. A tax lien is the first step in the foreclosure process. All taxes, costs and interest must be paid to prevent foreclosure.

12. What do I need to do if my mortgage company pays the taxes on my property?

If your taxes are escrowed by a bank or mortgage company, you will want to ensure that they make timely payment. Most banks and mortgage companies subscribe to a tax service that will notify them directly of the amount they need to pay for your taxes. However, if you have recently purchased, refinanced, or have a mortgage company that does not subscribe to a tax service, it will be up to you to notify them by forwarding your tax bill to them. Do not change your mailing address on your tax bill to be sent directly to the mortgage company. It will impede you from receiving proper notice of unpaid taxes. You may request that your mortgage company receive a duplicate tax bill if necessary by emailing us.

13. Why should I pay interest on a late payment when I never received my tax bill?

Under state law, failure to receive a bill does not affect the validity of the tax or any interest or fines incurred due to late payment(s). It is the responsibility of the taxpayer to secure his/her tax bill when one is not received. You can request a duplicate tax bill by calling the Collector Office at 978-365-4123. The Collectors Office will mail you a remittance slip on request. However, the request must be received early enough to allow sufficient time to avoid late charges.

14. How can I change the tax bill to my name, after purchasing a parcel of property?

New owners will be automatically updated by the Assessor’s Office upon receipt of a copy of the recorded deed from the Registry of Deeds. If the sale is very close to a tax due date, you may call the Collectors Office at 978-365-4123 for a remittance slip to be sent to you. The Collector of Taxes is required by Massachusetts General Law to issue the bill to the assessed owner as of January 1. The Assessors will amend the property records to show a “care of” owner on the second line of the bill, the postal service should deliver the bill to the care of owner. The old owners name will automatically be removed on the next January 1 billing cycle.

15. Who is responsible for the taxes if a property is sold after January 1?

Although the tax bill will bear the name of the assessed owner as of January 1, the new owner is responsible for all taxes once the sale of the property is finalized. The amount of tax owed by the old owner is determined at the time of closing and is typically deducted from the selling price. Once this deduction is made, the new owner must pay all bills, as they become due in order to avoid collection actions, including foreclosure. The lawyers assisting each party should already have investigated any outstanding taxes and obtained a Municipal Lien Certificate. Once the agreement is made, the new owner is obligated to pay any outstanding taxes due on the property.

16. What should I do if I recently sold my property, but I am still receiving a tax bill?

If you receive a bill after the sale, please forward it to the new owner immediately as it is his/her responsibility to make payment.

17. What happens if the check I mail 'bounces'?

If your check is returned due to insufficient funds, absence of signature, or technical error, the account will have the same status as an 'unpaid' account. You will receive notice from the Collector of Taxes notifying you of the insufficient funds. As provided by law, a penalty charge of $25 will be assessed to your tax account for each bad check received, in addition to any other fees and interest applicable. You will be required to make payment by cash, certified check, or money order within 10 days.

18. What happens when a tax bill is paid, but you receive a demand notice for tax not paid, or, you find out that you overpaid?

If you or your mortgage company have paid the tax bill and for some reason you receive a demand notice for non-payment of the tax due, you must provide proof of payment. Please call us at 978-365-4123 for the requirements.

19. What if I have a credit on my account?

A refund check is issued to a taxpayer who has a credit balance on their bill, provided that they supply the Town with the proper information and they have no other outstanding taxes due and payable to the Town.

If the credit was caused by overpayment, a request for refund should be accompanied by a copy of the canceled checks (front and back) for the fiscal year(s) in which the credit(s) exist. If the property has recently been purchased or refinanced, please also include a copy of the HUD Settlement Statement, which lists the details of the taxes paid at the closing.

If the credit was caused by abatement, the refund will automatically be issued unless the property has changed hands during the fiscal year. When the credit on a real estate bill is a result of an abatement, the refund total may include 8% interest. The refund interest is calculated from the abatement date or the due date of the tax (whichever is later), to the issue date of the refund.

The refund will usually be returned to the record owner. If the property has been sold during the fiscal year to a new owner, the date of transfer (deed date) and the information on the HUD Settlement Statement will determine who is eligible for the refund. If you have any questions, please email us.

20. Where can I go for more information?

Questions about valuation or abatement requests can be directed to the Assessors Office at 978-365-4117. Questions about payments or balances can be directed to the Tax Collector at 978-365-4123.

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Town Clerk

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1. How do I obtain a Marriage License

Both parties must appear at the Clerk's Office together. There is a 3 day waiting period, and you must get married within 60 days. 

2. Is there a waiting period to get my license?

Yes, Massachusetts State law says there is a 3 day waiting period after filing for the Marriage Intention. The license is then good for 60 days to get married.

3. Is my name automatically change after I get married?

No, there several things you must do after getting married. First obtain a certified a copy or copies of your marriage certificate from the Town Clerk's office, it will have your new last name on it. You then need to visit the Social Security website or office to fill out an application for a new Social Security card. Once you receive your new card you may then go the Registry of Motor Vehicles with your marriage certificate and Social Security card in hand and have your license changed to your new name. From then on you'll use your marriage certificate, new Social Security card and new license to change banks accounts, employer, post office, utility companies, insurance companies (auto, home, life), doctor offices, voter registration, investment accounts providres, passports, etc.  

4. How to obtain a Business Certificate

Persons conducting a business under any title other than the true name of the person, partnership or corporation, must file a Business Certificate (DBA) in the community where an office of the business is situated.

You must be 18 years of age or older to file a business certificate

If there is more than one owner, both must be present to sign the form or the signature can be notarized.

Certificates are good for 4 years and the fee is $30.00 cash or check

If you provide worker's compensation we will need the name of the provider, your policy# or self -insurance license #and expiration date.

5. How do I register to vote?

 
You can register in person at the Town Clerk's Office, our hours are 8-4, or you can fill out a Mail In Voter Registration Form and mail it to our office. You can also visit www.registertovote.com for more information and printable voter registration form. Please make sure you complete the registration forms as thoroughly as possible. If you  have any questions please feel free to call our office 978-365-4119.

6. Is there a deadline to register before an election?

Yes, the deadline to register to vote for an election must be done 20 days prior to election day. Any registration forms received after the 20 days will not be eligible to vote in the upcoming election, but will be eligible to vote in all future elections.

7. How old do you have to be to register to vote?

You have to be 18 years old to register to vote. However, you are able to pre-register to vote when you are 16, on your 18th birthday you will be automatically registered.

8. How to obtain a Dog License

All dogs 6 months and older must be registered with the Town Clerk's Office by April 1st of each year. A $10.00 fine will be added after April 1st.

You will need an updated copy of their rabies certificate and cash or check

Neutered or Spayed $10.00 Intact $15.00

You can also mail in a copy of the rabies certificate, along with a check for the amount due and a self-addressed stamped envelope and we will mail the license to you.

9. How much is a dog license?

The fee for a dog license for intact dog is $15, if the dog is neutered/spayed its $10. After April 1st there will a late fee of $10 added to the total of the license cost.

10. Can I get my dog license by mail?

Yes, you can mail in a copy of the rabies certificate, a check made out to the Town of Clinton for the amount due, a self addressed envelope and we will mail the license to you.

11. What do I need to bring with me to get a dog license?

You will need to bring an updated copy of the dog's rabies certificate with your correct information (name address, phone number) on it. The previous years license is not available, a new copy of the certificate needs to brought in every year. Along with the fee $10 (spayed or neutered) or $15 (intact.)

12. My dog is registered in another town, do I have to reregister if I move to Clinton?

Yes, please bring in the current year dog registration from the old town, a copy of the updated rabies certificate and we will register your dog at no charge.

13. Does my dog have to wear the registration tag?

"The owner or keeper of a licensed dog all cause it to wear around its neck or body a collar or harness...to which shall be securely attached a tag..." Information on the license is considered to be public by Massachusetts General Law.

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Trash & Recycling

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1. What are the Trash & Recycling Regulations?

Click to view the Regulations.

2. What Day is my Trash & Recycling Picked up?

Your Trash & Recycling is picked up on the same day by different trucks at different times.

Click the Schedule to view your pickup day.

3. How am I charged for Trash & Recycling?

SINGLE FAMILY PROPERTIES

• The Town charges a monthly fee of $14.00 per month for each SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE.
• The fee includes 1 trash bag per week – no sticker required.
• Curbside trash pickup is EVERY week and recycling pick up is EVERY OTHER week.
• ONE Trash sticker is required for each ADDITIONAL bag of trash at the curb.  

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENCE 

• The Town charges a monthly fee of $11.00 per month for each MULTI FAMILY PROPERTY.
• ALL BAGS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE ONE TRASH STICKER ATTACHED.
• Curbside Trash pickup is EVERY week and recycling pickup is EVERY OTHER week.
• Trash stickers can be purchased for $2.50 per trash sticker.

BILLING

• The monthly fee will be ADDED to your Quarterly Water Bill as a SEPARATE charge.
• On each Quarterly Water Bill there will be the fee for 3 months of collection service.
• The program is billed on a monthly basis. The Town will NOT pro-rate any unused portion.

EXEMPTIONS

• To determine if you quality for a personal exemption to receive a reduced fee you must be over 70 years old and be financially qualified. Contact the Clinton Board of Assessors Office at 978-365-

• To determine if you qualify for a Veteran’s Exemption (applies to owners of single family properties only) Contact the Town of Clinton Veteran’s Office at 978-365-4112.

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Treasurer

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1. What are the health insurance rates?

Please see attached pdf

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Van Services

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1. What days are the vans in service?

The van hours of operation are 8:15 AM to 2:30 PM Monday-Friday

Van Services for seniors aged 60+ and individuals with disabilities are made possible by the Clinton Senior Center in conjunction with the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (W.R.T.A.)

2. Is the van handicap accessible?

Yes, both vans are equipped with an accessible LIFT.

When calling to schedule transportation, please communicate to our Dispatcher, David Derezinski if you will need to use the van lift.

3. Where does the van go?

In Town- Monday-Friday

Out of Town- 

Monday- Lancaster / Sterling, ($3.50 fee) & Leominster ($4.00 fee)

Tuesday-Bolton Primary Care Physicians only ($3.50 fee)/ Highland Commons in Berlin ($4.00)

Wednesday and Friday- Worcester ($4.50 fee)

When scheduling medical, dental, eye, etc appointments, please do so between 9 am and 12 pm.

****UPDATE: DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, W.R.T.A. HAS TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED ALL VAN FEES****

4. How soon in advance do I need to book my ride?

ALL VAN SERVICE REQUIRES A 48 HOUR ADVANCE NOTICE

*excluding weekends & holidays*

You may call to book your ride up to 6 weeks in advance. 

As soon as you know you have an appointment, you can call David at 978-733-4747 ext. 309 to book your ride. 

ALL VAN SERVICE REQUESTS ARE FIRST COME FIRST SERVED.

5. What if I need to cancel my ride the day of?

Please call the Senior Center Dispatcher as soon as possible at 978-733-4747 ext. 309

6. What if there is inclement weather?

Van Transportation– Storm Policy/Inclement Weather

The Clinton Senior Center looks to the Clinton Public Schools as a guideline when considering inclement weather. 

It is the policy of the Clinton Council on Aging that when the Clinton Public Schools are closed because of a storm or road conditions, ALL rides will be cancelled for the day.  

If the Clinton Public School is delayed in opening, it is up to the discretion of the Council on Aging Director to determine if van rides are cancelled or delayed.  

It is the policy of the Council on Aging that if road conditions worsen throughout any day the van is in operation the Council on Aging Director may take the van off the roads for the safety of all.

When it is necessary to cancel rides, you will receive a telephone call letting you know service has been cancelled for the day. It is your responsibility to find alternate transportation for the day.

7. Can the van driver assist me at my pick up and or drop off location(s)?

The van driver may help passengers on and off the van, however, the service provided is CURB TO CURB ONLY. 

Please be sure to bring onto the van that which you can carry off yourself.

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Winter Parking Ban

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1. When is a winter parking ban in effect?

When a winter parking ban is in effect Blue Flashing Lights will be on at various intersections. All vehicles must be parked off the street from Midnight to 6 AM when flashing.

You can sign up for emergency alerts on your home phone or cell phone on the town website home page and click the green EMERGENCY ALERT icon to register. 

A Winter Parking Ban alert will also be posted at the top of the town's website when it is in effect.