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Boards & Committees
Boards and Committees
There are many ways that the Town of Ipswich works to serve the community. The following are the major Boards and Committees of the town, including a description of their main functions. If you need information on or assistance with a particular town function or service, these sections of the website should be helpful to you.
Note: The Town of Ipswich Board of Selectmen seeks interested residents to become involved as volunteer members of a Town board or commission. Please e-mail your interest with a resume to Jennifer Breaker or apply in person at the Town Manager's office in the Town Hall.
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Boards and Committees
The mission of the Ipswich Agricultural Commission is to support and provide a voice for the significant agricultural community and resources of Ipswich.
Board of Assessors: Responsible for the appraisal and assessment of all taxable real estate for the purpose of establishing the tax rate.
Board of Selectmen: As the elected Chief Executive body for the Town of Ipswich, the Board of Selectmen's duties include appointing the Town Manager and many committees, issuing certain licenses and permits, enforcing special sections of the Town By-laws, and regulating the public ways.
Zoning Board of Appeals: Grants special permits, Grants variances, conducts appeal hearings and reviews comprehensive permits.
Conservation Commission: The Conservation Commission and Department administer and enforce state and local wetlands regulations and are responsible for natural resourcemanagement and protection.
Finance Committee: The Finance Committee’s mission is to make objective recommendations to Town Meeting on all warrant articles. The Committee is also responsible for reviewing every matter before town meeting and has broad authority to investigate town operations and to summon public officials to appear and produce documents.
Board of Health: The department focuses on issues related to the general health of the citizens. The department also performs food licensing and food inspections, vaccination programs and septic system inspections.
Library Board of Trustees: Responsible for loaning materials such as books, periodicals, books on tape, cassettes, videos, puzzles, and children's book and tape kits.
Planning Board: The Planning & Development Department provides staff assistance to the following Boards and Commissions:Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Open Space Committee, Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board, Affordable Housing Partnership,Community Development Plan Implementation Task Force, Design Review Board and the Agricultural Commission.
School Committee: This department is responsible for providing education to acquire the skills and knowledge essential to become successful and responsible citizens.
Utility Sub-Committee: Provides electric, water and wastewater service, and maintains the infrastructure.

