Frequently Asked Questions

Assessor's Office

When am I eligible for motor vehicle excise abatement?

What is motor vehicle excise tax?

How do I file for an abatement?

I just bought property this year. Why is the prior owner still on the tax bill?

How long will the Measure and List program last?

Collector's Office

I received an excise tax on a car I no longer own. Where do I go for an adjustment of this bill?

How do I pay for overdue excise taxes that have been marked at the Registry of Motor Vehicles for non-renewal?

How do I dispute a parking ticket?

I need to pay a final water bill. I don't have the bill but the reading was done yesterday. How do I pay?

Where do I pay my water/sewer bill?

Conservation Commission

Does the Commission have a local wetlands ordinance?

Where are the cities Conservation Lands and walking trails and are there maps available?

Does the City have an Open Space Plan?

When do I need to file with the Conservation Commission?

Why are wetlands protected?

Fire Department

What if I am sure that blasting damage has occurred?

Am I entitled to a Pre-Blast Survey?

Is blasting allowed in Marlborough?

Marlborough's rubbish removal contractor did not take my propane tank. Why?

Do I have to remove my underground heating oil tank?

HUD Section 8

How do I apply?

Housing vouchers - how do they function?

Local preferences and waiting list - what are they and how do they affect me?

Can I move and continue to receive housing choice voucher assistance?

Human Resources

What type of health insurance do we offer?

When is open enrollment?

Human Services

What needs does the department of Human Services help to meet?

Does the department work with any other organizations?

What services does the department provide?

Inspectional Services

What are the rules regarding sheds?

Can I have an inspector from the Inspectional Services Office do a home inspection for me?

Are contractors licensed by the City?

How will I receive my permit?

How long will it take to get my permit?

Legal Department

Does the Legal Department offer internships?

How can I make a public records request?

Where can I find the City Ordinances?

How do I file a claim against the City for damage to my property or injury to my person that I believe is the fault of the City?

Does the Legal Department provide legal advice to residents?

Marlborough Police Department

Do I need to display my permit when I go door to door?

Is there a fee involved to get a solicitor's permit?

I want to go door to door at residences selling items in the City. Do I need a permit to do this?

Can I get a restraining order for my minor children?

If I get an order from the police department, do I have to go to court?

Office of the Comptroller

Where can I obtain a copy of the budget?

Planning Board

How can I see copies of meeting minutes?

How often does the Planning Board meet?

How do I know if my land is subdividable?

What is a scenic road?

What is an "Open Space" subdivision?

Procurement Office

How can I contract with the City?

How can you make a request to purchase or seek abandonment of City-owned property or purchase an abutter’s lot?

How to obtain bid/proposal results?

When is a public procurement process required?

Where do I find current bids/proposals?

Retirement Board

Do you have direct deposit?

How do I receive a refund of my annuity savings account?

How do I change my beneficiary?

How do I update my address?

Street Division

Am I responsible for clearing the sidewalk adjacent to my property?

When the plows come down the back lane, they sometimes leave a ridge of snow at the entrance to my driveway. Whose responsibility is it to move that snow?

The City plowed my residential street, leaving a rather large windrow. Will the City be picking this snow up?

Will the City open the access to our property?

How often does the City sand/salt roadways?

Zoning Board of Appeals

How does the Zoning Board decide if a variance should be granted?

Will abutters be notified for a hearing?

How often does the Board meet?

What is the function of the Board of Appeals?

Who makes up the Zoning Board of Appeal?