News from Brandi Page, Town Administrator
April 2026
Town Budget
How is my tax money used?
That’s a question most of us ask. We want to be assured that the town uses our money wisely and improves the quality of life for its residents.
Over a third of the budget goes directly to education. Education is often the largest responsibility for a community. Running the transfer station and maintaining buildings and properties make up almost 10%. This includes parks, playgrounds and the town beach. Employee benefits make up 9%. This includes health insurance and retirement benefits that we have to provide full-time employees. As I’m sure you see in the private sector, health insurance rates are constantly increasing.
Public safety is one of our top priorities and makes up just under a quarter of our overall budget. Fire, rescue, police and highway are all essential services and are required to provide coverage in a much different way than administrative services. Otis sees a large influx of visitors in the summer and this increases the demand on these essential departments.
Administrative services in other categories include day-to-day operations such as tax collection, property assessment, permits, licensing, elections, vital records, accounting, treasury and administrative management.
We work completely within Massachusetts and federal laws. Employees regularly attend training sessions to keep up with changing requirements and to learn efficiencies.
How do I get help with something I need?
Our goal is to serve and protect the residents of Otis. Whether you call with a question or stop in to get information, we try to always be available and connect you with what you are looking for.
We know it can be an inconvenience when you look for a particular office and the employee is out. We maintain coverage as best as possible without increasing costs to the taxpayers. We appreciate your patience at those times. We strive to communicate effectively through our website, reverse 911 calls and social media posts. With newer technology we are better able to connect you with what you need.
We encourage you to regularly browse the website and become familiar with the different resources available.
Town of Otis (413) 269-0100
