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1. What is the last date to file a real estate abatement?

February 1st is the last date to file for a real estate abatement

2. I sold my car but paid the excise tax for the whole year, what do I do?

File for an abatement in the Assessors' Office.

3. What are the office hours?

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:30-1:00 and 1:30-4:00, Tuesday 8:30-1:00 and 1:30 to 6:00, Closed Fridays

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1. How do I submit information for the community Bulletin Board?

Please submit the information using the Bulletin Board submission form, which can be found using the link below. Click for Bulletin Board submission.

2. What are the Cable Access Channels on my Charter listing?

Public Access is channel 191.
Government Access is channel 192.
Tiger TV is channel 194.

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1. What is the difference between public and subsidized housing?

Different housing programs have different requirements. While they all help make your rent more affordable, it is important to understand the distinctions of these programs so that you can apply to the ones that are best suited for your needs. Visit our Housing Authority page for more information.

2. Who is your landlord?

If you live in public housing, the local housing authority owns your building and is your landlord. In a few cases, a private company may manage the building for the housing authority or may be part of the ownership, but the building is still controlled by the housing authority.

If you live in subsidized housing, the housing authority is not your landlord.

Visit our

Housing Authority page for more information.

3. Who is eligible for public and subsidized housing?

To be eligible for public and subsidized housing, your income must be below certain income limits. You must also meet other qualifications.

Income limits for public housing and vouchers are set by the government and change every year. Income limits for multifamily subsidized housing vary from development to development.

For more information, visit our Housing Authority Resources page.

4. Where can you apply?

To apply for public housing, you must submit an application to the housing authority in the city or town where you would like to live. You can apply to as many as you want.
For more information, visit our Housing Authority page for more information.

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1. Who may register?

Only a person who is a US citizen, and a resident of Douglas may register to vote. For more information, visit our
Register to Vote page.

2. How can I register to vote?

You can register online, in person, or by mail. For more information about registering in Douglas, please visit our Register to Vote page.

3. When may I register?

There is no waiting period to be eligible to register to vote. If you move, you may register to vote as soon as you move into your new home.

4. What must I do if I’ve changed my address since I registered?

If you have moved within Douglas, notify the Town Clerk’s office of your new address in writing. If you have moved to a new city or town, you must register to vote in the new city or town.

For more information, contact the Town Clerk's Office at 508-476-4000, ext. 355.

5. Are there deadlines to register to vote?

Yes. In order to vote you must be registered:
- 20 days before all primaries and elections
OR
- 10 days before a special town meeting

For more information, contact the Town Clerk's Office at 508-476-4000, ext. 355.

6. Do I need to attach identification to my voter registration form?

Yes, if you are registering to vote for the first time in Massachusetts. Because of a new federal law, the Help America Vote Act of 2002 passed by Congress, if you registered to vote by mail on or after January 1, 2003, you will be required to show identification when you vote or you can send in a copy of your identification with your voter registration form.

For more information, visit our Register to Vote page.

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1. What is a conflict of interest?

Generally, a conflict of interest refers to a matter in which a public employee's private interests conflict or appear to conflict with his public duties or responsibilities.

2. Who is a public employee?

A public employee generally is any elected or appointed state, county or municipal employee, whether serving full-time or part-time, and whether paid or unpaid.

For more information, view our Ethics Commission page.

3. Are consultants or vendors hired by state, county or municipal agencies public employees subject to the conflict of interest law?

Yes, in certain circumstances. The Ethics Commission will consider several factors in determining whether any company employees who are providing services to a governmental agency under the company's contract should be considered public employees subject to the conflict of interest law.

For more information, contact the Town Clerk at 508-476-4000, ext. 355

4. Where can I get advice if I believe something I might do is subject to restrictions or prohibitions imposed by the conflict of interest law?

The Commission's Legal Division provides free, confidential advice to anyone subject to the conflict of interest law. Advice also may be sought from your town counsel, city solicitor or agency counsel. To obtain advice from the State Ethics Commission Commission, call 617-371-9500 or 888-485-4766.

5. When should I seek advice from the Commission's Legal Division?

You should seek advice as soon as you become aware of a potential conflict of interest that might occur in the future. You cannot seek advice about the conduct of someone other than yourself unless you are the individual's authorized representative, such as his or her attorney.

The Legal Division generally will not provide advice about hypothetical situations or speculative circumstances and will not provide advice if the conduct has already occurred. The review of past conduct situations falls under the jurisdiction of the Commission's Enforcement Division.

6. When will my request for advice be answered?

In most cases, telephone requests for advice are handled the day the call is received by the "Attorney of the Day." Occasionally, the attorney may need additional time or additional information before advice can be given.

7. If I believe someone has violated the conflict of interest law, how do I file a complaint? Is there a form?

If you believe someone has violated the conflict of interest law, you can file a complaint with the State Ethics Commission. Learn more on the Ethics Commission page.

8. What happens once I make a complaint?

The Enforcement Division reviews the complaint to determine whether it warrants additional investigation. Complaints about conduct that is outside the Commission's jurisdiction or beyond the Commission's statute of limitations are closed with no further action.

Fore more information, visit our Ethics Commission page.

9. How long does the process take?

This process varies with every case. Depending on the complexity of the facts or alleged violations, complaints can be resolved anywhere from several weeks to several years.

10. If a complaint is filed against me, can I get a copy of it?

No, by law, the Commission's investigation and any related documents are confidential and are not public records. For more information, visit the State Ethics Commission page.

11. If a complaint is filed against me, can I learn who filed the complaint?

No, the Commission's statute and regulations require that complainant identities be kept confidential. For more information, visit the State Ethics Commission page.

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1. Who must file a Business Certificate?

Any person, whether individually or as a partnership, conducting business under any title other than the complete name of the owner(s) or your business is incorporated.

Any corporation doing business in a name other than its corporate name. The certificate must be completed and filed by a corporate officer.

For more information contact the Town Clerk at 508-476-4000, ext. 255.

2. Where does one file a Business Certificate Application?

File with the Town Clerk, in every city or town where an office of said business may be situated. The Town Clerk is located at: 29 Depot Street Douglas, MA 01516

For more information contact our office at 508-476-4000, ext. 255.

3. What about a change in business?

Upon discontinuing, retiring or withdrawing from such business, or in the case of a change of residence of such person or of the location where the business is conducted, the owner(s) of the business must inform the Town Clerk.

For more information contact the Town Clerk at 508-476-4000, ext. 255.

4. Does the Business Certificate have to be displayed?

No, the certificate does not have to be displayed. However, you must provide a copy upon request.

5. How much does it cost to file?

A Business Certificate filing fee is $30. For more information regarding the fee, contact the Town Clerk at 508-476-4000, ext. 255.

6. Do you need proof of workers’ compensation coverage?

Yes, if you have people working for you. For more information regarding worker's compensation, visit our Business Certificate Business Certificate page.

7. What if I do not have any employee’s?

If you feel that you are not required to carry workers’ compensation, you must sign a sworn affidavit that no such coverage is required. A copy of the signed affidavit must be sent to the Town Clerk’s Office.


For more information, or to view the Worker's Compensation Insurance Affidavit, visit our Business Certificate page.

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1. What are your office hours?

The office is open Mon, Wed & Thur. 8:30 am -1:00 pm & 1:30 pm-4:00 pm
The office is open Tuesdays from 8:30 am -1:00 pm & 1:30 pm-6:00 pm
Our office is closed on Friday's

2. Does the Town offer an online payment site?

Yes, The Town of Douglas offers online payments through the Unipay website.
Click here to pay a bill online

3. What forms of payment are accepted?

Our office accepts: Cash, Checks & Credit Cards

4. Is there an after hours payment drop box?

Yes, there is a block drop box located at the bottom of the ramp in front of the Town Hall. Please do not put cash in this box. We ask that you put your payment in an envelope.

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1. Where do I find the current Water Rates?

Click here to go to current rates page Current Water Rates

2. Where do I find current Sewer Rates?

Click here to go to current rates page Current Sewer Rates

3. How do I pay my Bill Online

Click Here to Go to Online Pay Pay my bill