There are many ways that the Town of Ipswich works to serve the community.  The following are the major Departments, 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. Click on the Quick Links menu items for all other Departments, Boards and Committees.

Agriculture Commission:

The mission of the Ipswich Agricultural Commission is to support and provide a voice for the significant agricultural community and resources of Ipswich.

Assessor: 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.

Code Enforcement: Enforcement of the regulations of the Massachusetts State Building Code, and the Ipswich Zoning Bylaw are the responsibilities of this office.  Building Permits, Certificates of Use / Occupancy, and Annual Inspection Certificates are all issued by this department.

• Building: checks to see that certain standards of safety and structural quality are being met in buildings.
   
• Electrical: checks the safe functioning of electrical systems.
   
• Plumbing-Gas: examines water supply lines and drainage systems.
   
• ZBA: Grants special permits, Grants variances, conducts appeal hearings and reviews comprehensive permits.

Collector/Treasurer: The department performs administrative duties in reciving, accountingfor, depositing, and investing Town funds and custody of Town cash and investments. The department also issues Crane beach Stickers for residents.

Conservation: The Conservation Commission and Department administer and enforce state and local wetlands regulations and are responsible for natural resourcemanagement and protection.

Council on Aging: Advocate for Ipswich senior citizens and to design, implement and promote programs and services that support their independence, health and well-being.

Finance: Responsible for all financial record keeping, payroll, insurances, accounts payable and receivable, and the Information Technology Department.

 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.The Finance Committee’s mission is to make objective recommendations to Town Meeting on the annual Town and School budgets and all warrant articles with financial implications.

Fire Department: Providing a dedicated  service to the community by protecting lives and property.

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.

Human Resources: The department is responsible for personnel sourcing and hiring, applicant tracking, skills development and tracking, benefits administration and compliance with associated government regulations.

Library: Responsible for loaning materials such as books, periodicals, books on tape, cassettes, videos, puzzles, and children's book and tape kits.

Planning & Development: 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.

Plant and Facilities: The Plant & Facilities Department provides scheduled and routine maintenance to all Town buildings and building equipment,  The department is also responsible for managing all major building related capital projects and capital improvements for all areas of responsibility.

Police: Responsible for all safety and emergency activities in the town.

Public Works: Responsible for the maintenance of roads of the town, the care and upkeep of all parks and cemeteries of the town. The department also maintains the trees and roadside vegitation.

Purchasing:  The department oversees and coordinates purchasing activities, implements program goals and objectives; and performs a variety of administrative, professional, and technical tasks relative to purchasing supplies,materials, equipment and services, disposal of surplus property.

Recreation: The Ipswich Recreation Department strives to maintain a variety of programs, services, and activities to enhance the social, physical, and emotion well being of all our citizens.

Schools: This department is responsible  for providing education to acquire the skills and knowledge essential to become successful and responsible citizens.

Town Clerk: Responsible for the recording and maintenance of all documents pertaining to vital Records, conduct of Elections, certification of Voters and licensing of marriages, businesses, shellfish, and dogs.

Town Manager: The Town Manager is the chief administrative officer of the Town and is responsible to the Board of Selectmen for the proper operation of town affairs for which the Town Manager is given responsibility under the Charter, the By-Laws, the General Laws, or by a vote of the Board of Selectmen.

Utilities: Provides electric, water and wastewater service, and maintains the infrastructure.