Frequently Asked Questions

A staff member would have access to look up your accounts and obtain this information call 508-647-6425 or email collector@natickma.org

A staff member can look up your accounts to obtain this information by dialing 508-647-6425 or emailing the office at collector@natickma.org

Upon receipt of the deed from either the owner or Registry of Deeds and after the next January 1st assessment period begins (bills due the following August 1st) the bills will be issued in the new owners name.

Real Estate Tax bills are due August 1, November 1, February 1, and May,1 (Unless the first falls on the weekend it will be the first Monday after the 1st) any property owner who is concerned that they did not receive a bill is encouraged to contact the Collector’s Office at 508-647-6425.

Recyclables are picked up by the town every other week on the same day as your trash. 

Find details: https://www.natickma.gov/893/Recycling-Center

If you are unsure of your recycling schedule call 508-647-6562 or 508-647-6550. Recycling calendars are mailed out each year and additional ones can be picked up at the Department of Public Works.

Items such as glass bottles or jars, tin, steel, aluminum, plastic containers, and milk and juice cartons can be put out for pickup and must be placed in a recycling bin.

Items such as newspaper, magazines, books, paper bags, envelopes, and office paper can be put out for pickup but must be placed in a paper bag next to the bin.

Corrugated cardboard can also be picked up but it must be flattened and broken down to 2 feet x 2 feet.

No pizza boxes, plastic bags or soiled paper will be picked up.

Occasionally residents’ trash or recycling is overlooked and we miss picking it up. If this situation occurs for you, simply call the Department of Public Works as soon as you notice at 508-647-6550, and we will send someone back out as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.

The Recycling Center is open Thursday and Friday from 8:00AM - 12:00PM and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00AM - 3:30PM. 

It is located on West Street next to the high school football field.

Recycling totes can be purchased by visiting: https://unipaygold.unibank.com/Default.aspx?customerid=432 (Click on "DPW and Recycling Totes") 

• Purchased totes will be delivered free of charge.
• All curbside collection eligible residents were issued their first 96 gallon recycling tote at no cost when curbside recycling began.
• We have two options of size for recycling totes.
  • 64 Gallon Recycling Tote ($73.00)
  • 96 Gallon Recycling Tote ($85.00)

If you need an additional recycling tote, you can purchase one at the link above.

Residents moving into newly constructed homes should call 508-647-6562 to arrange delivery of their first tote.

Notes:

• Recycling totes are no longer stored at the DPW, so pickup is no longer an option
• Color is not a choice, it's determined by address
• Prices and size options have changed (in recent years)

Your trash is picked up at curbside once each week; the collection day depends on where you live. 

Find details: https://www.natickma.gov/902/Trash-Recycling-Collection

If you don’t know which day, call 508-647-6562 or 508-647-6550.

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All trash needs to be placed at curbside by 7:00AM on the pickup day, as the trucks will not return for any trash that was not already out. Please be careful if you put trash out the night before, animals may tear open bags or get into trash barrels during the night, and collectors can not pick up trash that is not in a specially-marked trash bags.

These bags are available at several local retailers. Unaccepted material will be left at curbside.

We do indeed maintain the reservation calendar for the Sign Board. The board was designed to provide a neat, orderly spot for non-profit organizations in town to get word out about upcoming, non-profit events that their organization is planning within a few weeks of it’s posting. Often times the event will be a fundraiser to benefit a charity or perhaps a scholarship fund. The advertised event must be available to the general public and attended by anyone in the general community. If a group doesn’t meet that above criteria, we can not issue the reservation.

Boards are available through us for $8. The fee is only for the actual poster board and not the space rental. The space is given in 1-week time frames on a Monday - Sunday basis. We reserve the right to limit the amount of times any one group can utilize the space in order to accommodate the many groups looking to post their information.

All fields in Natick require a permit. Permits are a way to assure that a group requesting a particular field will not run into conflict with another group. Planning for games, tournaments, etc. is much easier when you are assured of a date and specific time frame for the field you’re using.

In order to maintain the various parks and fields in Natick, the Recreation and Parks Department has set up specific fees along with rules and regulations to govern their use.

Real property values represent the market value of the property on January 1st, ie what the property would likely sell for if put on the open market.  Additional information is available at our real estate page.

There are many different exemptions available. Personal exemptions are designed to aid disabled Veterans, elderly and senior taxpayers, blind individuals, and surviving spouses and minor children. Additional information is available at our Exemption Guidelines and Forms page.

Excise abatements are warranted when a vehicle is sold, traded, or donated within the year, or has been registered in another state.

General information required for an abatement is based on “what happened to the car” and “what happened to the plate.” 

Details can be found on our Motor Vehicle Excise page.

No, the FY2019 bills do not include the debt exclusion for the new Kennedy Middle School or the new Fire Station.  However, this bill does include past debt exclusions for the Community Senior Center, High School, and Wilson Middle School.

The tax rate for fiscal year 2019 is $12.71 per $1,000 of assessed value. To calculate your taxes using this rate use the following formula:

Taxes = Assessed Value x 0.01271

Additional information regarding tax rates can be found at: our Tax Rate History page.

• Any person conducting business under any title other than the complete real name of the owner, whether individually or as a partnership
• Any corporation doing business in a name other than the corporate name (Must be filed by a corporate officer)

• $50 - Business certificate filing (includes one certified copy)
• $10 - Withdrawals, discontinuances, changes, etc. (includes on certified copy)

For information on adding an irrigation meter, view the Irrigation Meter Information.

• Dispose of wastes properly
• Use the minimum amount of chemicals on your yard
• Do not fertilize prior to rain and only use the proper amount
• Keep your car well-maintained

1. Customer receives email notification or accesses account via the town’s website by clicking on the “Online Payments” button.
2. Customer locates and views invoice and either enters payment information for a one time payment or registers to schedule a payment.
3. Customer receives an email confirmation with their payment amount and payment process date.

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• Ponds
• Marshes
• Meadows
• Seasonal pools of water and their banks
• Seasonal Streams
• Streams
• Swamps
• Wet woods

• assignments made pursuant to certain support orders, including qualified domestic relations orders
• assignments made to provide restitution in instances of dereliction of duty
• assignments made by a member for the purpose of payment of a health or life insurance premium, for a policy related to work and in effect on the member's retirement
• repayments of benefits paid by the Commonwealth for those individuals who have become public charges
• notice of levy issued by the Internal Revenue Service for the purposes of collecting unpaid federal tax

• If you go back to work in city, town, county, municipal, or state government in Massachusetts, you can now earn the difference between the current salary of the position you retired from and your pension, plus an additional $15,000.
• Rules pertaining to the maximum 960 hours certain retirees can work in a calendar year still apply. For example, if the current salary of the position you retired from is $40,000 and your pension is $20,000 per year, you would be able to earn up to $35,000 per calendar year or work up to 960 hours, whichever comes first
• As a retiree, you must cease employment whenever either one of the above two conditions are met. If you are at your allowable limit and wish to continue working, then you must waive your retirement allowance.
• Separate earnings limitations apply to members who receive Accidental Disability Benefits.

We are located at the Community-Senior Center at 117 East Central Street. For more specific directions, please call us at 508-647-6540.

We are open Monday through Wednesday between 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Thursday from 8:00 am - 7:00 pm and Friday from 8:00 am - 2:30 pm. We are closed on all major holidays. If the Natick Schools are closed due to inclement weather, all programs are canceled, but staff may be in the building. Please call the Center at 508-647-6540 if you have questions.

The Natick Community-Senior Center offers a large selection of programs and activities, including dance, exercise, support groups, games, movies, arts and crafts,  wellness lectures, discussion groups, and much, much more. For a complete listing of monthly programs, view the monthly newsletters.

Anyone is welcome to attend any of our programs. The only program that has an age restriction is Bingo, which is controlled by the State Lottery Commission which requires that a player be at least 60 years old.

The Natick Connector is an 8-seat passenger van that is a convenient, secure, and accessible transportation service for seniors and disabled residents. The service provides door-to-door transportation to destinations in Natick and the surrounding towns of Framingham, Wellesley, Wayland, Ashland (Market Basket only), and Sherborn and runs Monday-Friday 9:00 am-4:00 pm. Call the MWRA at 508-820-4650 to set up an account; 2 business days advance notice is required. 

Certified volunteer counselors from Serving Health Information Needs of the Everyone (SHINE) provide information, counseling, and other assistance on health insurance options for seniors citizens and other Medicare beneficiaries several days a week. Prescheduled appointments are necessary. Please call 508-647-6540 to schedule your private and confidential appointment with a SHINE counselor. 

Home-delivered meals (also known as Meals On Wheels) are available through Springwell. If interested in finding out more information, call Springwell at (617) 926-4100.

The program is designed to provide Natick residents 65 years of age and older convenient access to downtown businesses and service providers at a reduced cost.  The permit allows seniors to park at any town parking metered space, including kiosk parking, for 2 hours or less based on the time allowed on the meter.  

♦  For the permit to be valid the senior to whom it is issued must be in the vehicle as the driver or passenger.

♦  The permit is not valid for business owners or employees or for commuting purposes.

♦  The permit must be hung from the rearview mirror facing the front of the car.

♦  The permit is valid during the calendar year in which it is issued.

♦  The permit does not authorize the operator to park in any restricted area or to be exempt from any other parking violation.

To apply for a permit come to the Community-Senior Center, 117 East Central Street during normal business hours.  The charge for the permit is $3.00 for a new permit per calendar year or $5.00 for a replacement fee for lost or stolen permits. You must present your driver’s license or government-issued ID to verify your age and proof of Natick residency.  

Only one permit will be issued per person.   Misuse or abuse of the parking permit will result in the suspension of the permit and may affect eligibility in future years.

We have a limited amount of slightly used medical equipment available for loan to Natick seniors. Equipment usually available includes: wheelchairs, walkers, commodes, canes, tub seats, and assorted other items. Equipment can be signed out for as long as it is needed, free of charge. Please clean well before returning. Call the Community Senior Center at 508-647-6540 for availability.

You can sign up to volunteer by going to www.myvolunteerpage.com and search for Natick. This will bring you to our online volunteer page where you can see our volunteer opportunities and a link to our online volunteer application. If you do not have access to a computer, you may call the Center at 508-647-6540 and ask for a paper volunteer application to be mailed to you. Please note: most of our volunteer opportunities take place during regular business hours, Monday-Friday. 

We have many types of volunteer opportunities. Some of the things that our volunteers do are based at the Natick Community Senior Center. Call the Center at 508-647-6540 and ask for the Volunteer Services Program Manager who can help you.

The Select Board is authorized to grant the following liquor licenses in accordance with MGL Chapter 138:

• Restaurant All Alcohol
• Restaurant Beer and Wine 
• Package Store All Alcohol
• Package Store Beer and Wine
• Innholder
• Club

Chapter 138 places a restriction on the number of licenses that any city or town can issue. That quota is based on population. Please contact the Select Boards Office regarding the availability of liquor licenses.  

Please contact the Select Board’s Office, at 508 647-6410, for rules and regulations, applications, and the application process.

Banners celebrating events and festivals in Natick and celebrating traditional holidays are approved by the Select Board. You should contact the Select Board’s Office, at 508-647-6410, to be informed of the town’s policies and guidelines governing banners.

To apply for a permit to occupy a public way to host a block party submit an application via OpenGov. You need to include your address, the date of the event as well as a rain date in your application. The matter will then be placed on the Select Board’s agenda for one of their regularly scheduled meetings. You will receive a letter from the board notifying you as to whether or not they approved your request.

To ensure timely review and consideration of your application it is highly recommended to apply at least 30 days prior to the event. The Select Board meets on a bi-weekly schedule. 

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Use of the Common is approved by the Select Board with a recommendation from the Recreation and Parks Commission. Any individual or organization wishing to hold an event on the Common should submit a request in writing to both the Select Board and the Recreation Department. To check the availability of a particular date and obtain the rules and regulations for the use of the Common, please contact the Recreation and Parks Commission, by phone at 508-647-6530, or in person at: 179 Boden Lane Natick, MA 01760

Email: selectboard@natickma.org

- or -

Write to: Select Board, 13 E. Central St., Natick, MA 01760

You can also contact their office at 508-647-6410.  The Select Board does include on its agenda the item called “Public Speak” -- where 10 minutes is allotted for this section of the agenda and each individual can address the Select Board for up to 3 minutes. 

You need to write to: Safety Committee 13 E. Central St. Natick, MA 01760

Include in your letter the location and the reasons / concerns for your request along with your name, address, and telephone number. The Safety Committee will review your request and make a recommendation to the Select Board pertaining to such request. After hearing from the Safety Committee, the board will vote whether to approve your request at one of their regularly scheduled meetings.

During the COVID-19 pandemic any registered voter may vote by mail.

The link below allows you to enter your address to determine where you vote:  https://www.sec.state.ma.us/wheredoivotema/bal/MyElectionInfo.aspx  You may also call the Town Clerk’s office at (508) 647-6430 Ext 4 and any member of the staff will be able to help you.

Here are 3 easy ways t determine your voting precinct:

1. View the below map (visual guidance)
2. Use an interactive GIS map (precise address)
3. Use the mass.gov lookup

There are several ways to register to vote: 

1. You can register to vote on-line at the following link https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/  (You must have a Massachusetts drivers license or a State ID
2. You can download a voter registration form at http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleifv/howreg.htm and mail it to us or drop it off at the Town Clerk’s office in Town Hall at 13 East Central St. There is a mail slot to the right of the front door of Town Hall and you may also drop your form there. 
3. Town Hall remains closed to the public except by appointment.  Call (508) 647-6430 X4  to set up an appointment to register to vote. 
4. Any resident over age 16 may pre-register to vote.  If you are pre-registered you automatically be registered when you turn age 18 (even if it is after October 24).

The polls will open at 7 AM in the morning and close at 8 PM in the evening. Anyone in line when the polls close at 8 PM will be able to vote.

All mail in ballots include the following:

• Instructions for filling out the ballot.  Please use black or blue ink to assure that the vote tabulator will read the the ballot. Do not use red ink or pencil 
• The ballot
• An inner envelope which says either "ABSENTEE BALLOT ENVELOPE" or "EARLY BALLOT ENVELOPE" (yellow color)-- THIS MUST BE SIGNED.  (If it is not signed it will be rejected and not counted)
• A white postage pre-paid envelope to return the ballot by mail if you want or need to mail it back
• Ballots may also be dropped off at Town Hall.  There will be a ballot drop box at the front of the building.  Until 8:00 pm on election day.

If you have not received your mail in ballot, you can apply for an absentee ballot application if applicable, by noon the day before the election, or vote at the polls.

Yes, if we have not received your mail in ballot, come to the polls to vote in person. 

If you recently registered to vote you should have, or will receive, a confirmation notice from the Town Clerk’s office confirming your registration and indicating your polling location. If you are not sure if you received a confirmation notice,   you may check a your voting status using the following link: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx or call the Town Clerk’s office at (508) 647-6430 Ext. 4 and any member of the staff will be able to help you.  

You do not need to show identification to register to vote. However, you are required to provide identification information on the form; either the last four digits of your social security number, your Massachusetts driver’s license number or Massachusetts State ID number. If you do not have that information when you register to vote you will be asked to show identification at the polls the first time that you vote in that location. The identification required at the polls must include the address at which you are registered. You may only register to vote on-line if you have a valid MA drivers license or State ID.

No. You must re-register to vote in your new community. If you have moved within Natick you must register to vote at your new address. You must also re-register to vote if your last name has changed since you last registered even if your address did not change.

If you have moved within the last six (6) months and have not registered in your new community, you may vote at your previous address. If you moved more than six (6) months ago, you must register in your new community.

If you registered to vote at the Registry of Motor Vehicles, you should receive a letter confirming your registration and your polling location. Please note: as of January 1, 2020 if you complete any business at the Registry of Motor Vehicles, you will automatically be registered to vote unless you opt out.If you are already registered your registration will remain the same.  If you were not previously registered you will be registered as an unenrolled voter (not a member of a political party).  Please note that this will not affect your ability to vote in a primary. These registrations are sent electronically through a statewide system. We urge you to call the Town Clerk’s office at (508) 647-6430 Ext. 4 to confirm your registration if you have not received a confirmation letter, or check your voter registration status at the following site: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx There may be a lag time before the forms from the Registry of Motor Vehicles are received in the Town Clerk’s office. Confirming your voter registration will facilitate voting.

Sample Ballots will be posted as soon as they are available.

Massachusetts does not have a voter ID law. The only time that you will be asked for identification is if you are a first time voter and did not provide identification information at the time you registered to vote or if you are an inactive voter. A voter may become inactive when they or the head of household does not return the Annual Town Census also known as the Street Listing which is mailed in January every year. An “inactive” voter will be asked for identification that shows that they live at the address at which they are registered and they will be asked to sign an affirmation of continuous residency. If you want to make sure that you are an active voter you may call the Town Clerk's office at (508) 647-6430 Ext 4 and any member of the staff will be able to help you. You may change your voter status from inactive to active by re-registering to vote or completing the Annual Town Census. 

Citizens who are members of the military and are on active duty may vote as Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) voters. The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website has detailed voting information for members of the military at the following link: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elemil/milidx.htm 

The link below has very detailed information regarding voting for citizens who live either permanently or temporarily outside of the country and for voting for members of the military and their families: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elemil/milidx.htm 

Some repairs or services require access to equipment inside your home.  If you find an orange tag like the one show below, please call us at 508-647-6557. We will schedule a convenient time to perform the necessary service.

With the fixed network meter reading system, we can read most meters daily.  The balance of the water meters are read every month.

The water meter inside the home is wired to a transmitter that is placed on the outside of the home. Natick uses a fixed network to read the majority of the meters.  The remainder of the meters are read by a drive by read system once per month. 

Water usage is billed in units. On the water bill, it says “usage” then a number. That number is the number of units you are being billed for. One unit is 100 Cubic Feet of water, which is equal to 748.1 gallons. Therefore, one billing unit is 748.1 gallons. 

We bill Quarterly or 4 times per year. Each bill will account for three months of usage. Billing is conducted by the Collectors Office at Town Hall. 

Steps to take if you think something is wrong: First, think back. Did you water your lawn and gardens? Was it an exceptionally dry summer? Have you had a running toilet? Did someone leave a hose running or faucet running? As explained, if your water usage moves into the next rate tier the water and sewer per unit increases causing higher than expected water & sewer bills. Second, check the leak detection dial on the water meter. Locate your water meter, on the meter is a red dial or a red triangle. These dials detect small or low flows. If all the water-using devices in your home are off then this dial should not be moving. If the dial is moving, it is possible you have a leak. If you suspect you have a leak please contact a licensed plumber to check the plumbing systems. Third, if you have specific questions about the bill, how it was calculated, past payments, amount due: check Natick My360 (see above) first. This will show your current and past usage. If you still have questions please contact the Collector’s Office at Town Hall: collector@natickma.org or (508)647-6425. Fourth, if you have specific questions about water meter reads or water use history: check Natick My360 (see above) first. This will show your current usage and historical usage. If you still have questions please contact the Natick DPW Water/Sewer Division at water@natickma.org or 508-647-6557. Finally, if you feel you have been billed incorrectly or you feel you should not be responsible for the charges you could file for a water/sewer abatement. The abatement process starts with the Collector’s Office at Town Hall. 

To initiate the Water & Sewer abatement process, please use the water & sewer abatement form or or contact the office at collector@natickma.org or (508)647-6425 to start the process.

Fill out the Final Meter Read form and email it to water@natickma.org. The final meter reading should be conducted close to the sale closing date. The form can be found here:   https://www.natickma.gov/1604/Final-Bill

The water/sewer account is transferred during the real estate transaction’s closing; you should not have to do anything. If you are seeking information on when to expect the first quarterly bill you should contact the collector’s office at: collector@natickma.org

Sewer usage is calculated from the water meter usage. Water use and sewer use are based upon the same reading. Sewer is billed, per unit, higher than water. Natick’s sewer is transported and treated by the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA). The costs are substantially higher to clean and treat wastewater than cleaning and treating Natick’s potable water. 

Equivalent Dwelling Unit, if you live in or own a multiple dwelling unit apartment or condominium that shares a water meter the EDU represents the number of dwelling units associated with a single meter. 

Natick uses a tiered billing system. The more water you use, the more per unit the water & sewer will cost. If you use more water during warmer months (i.e. water your lawn) your water bill could be substantially higher because the higher usage is billed at a higher per unit cost. 

The RTS fee is a portion of the fixed costs to operate the Water and Sewer system.  Fixed Costs are not impacted by the amount of water supplied or the amount of wastewater collected. Typical fixed costs are office and management staff salaries, insurance, infrastructure, facilities, treatment systems, etc. 

To divide the fixed costs equitably for residential accounts, the RTS fee is multiplied by the Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU).  Using this method, accounts that use a larger portion of the entire system will be charged a higher RTS fee. For example, an apartment building with 100 EDUs will be charged a higher RTS fee than a single family residence (SFR).

The Board of Selectmen set the rates for water & sewer users in the Town of Natick. This is because in addition to being elected to the Board of Selectmen, they also serve as the Water & Sewer Commissioners. 

Natick’s sewer is transported and treated by the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA). The costs are substantially higher to clean and treat wastewater than cleaning and treating Natick’s potable water. 

We have teamed up with a vendor to allow customers access to an online portal that they can log into to view many items related to their water usage. You can view current and historical usage, and more. This service is free to access. To gain access please follow this link: https://natickma.gov/1918/Water-Usage

Concerned ratepayers can send correspondence (via phone, e-mail or written letter) to the Board of Selectmen at anytime. They can also appear at any Selectmen’s meeting and be heard under Citizen’s Concerns. How to get a hold of your water & sewer commissioners: Phone: (508) 647-6410 E-Mail: selectmen@natickma.org Letter: Natick Water & Sewer Commissioners 13 East Central Street Natick, MA 01760 Board of Selectmen Meetings Calendar

Natick does allow the use of irrigation meters. Irrigation meters are separate meters, installed by a licensed plumber, that do not add sewer charges for the water used. As the name infers, this is for water that does not enter the municipal sewer system. Irrigation water rates are higher than domestic use rates, but the rates are lower than the combined water & sewer rates. Details on the irrigation meter program may be found at: https://www.natickma.gov/1064/Irrigation-Meter-Information

Natick gets its water from ground water wells located in Natick and Dover. The water is pumped and treated through four individual treatment plants. 

Water in the distribution system can be discolored for multiple reasons. The Water Division conducts water quality hydrant flushing twice a year (Spring/Fall), if there is a fire and a hydrant is used in the neighborhood, if there is a water main break, all these reasons, plus others, could cause discolored water. If in the morning after the seasonal water quality flushing is completed for the area, or if the water main has been repaired and water service restored: please flush your cold water tap, preferably, a tub faucet or outside spigot for 20 minutes. If the water doesn’t run clear after running the cold water, please call the Water Division at 508-647-6557. 

Check for leaks in your basement or yard where the water service line is located. In winter, check for frozen pipes or a frozen meter. Please call the Water Division at 508-647-6557, if this is urgent and after business hours, please contact the Natick Police dispatch at 508-647-9500. I 

Locate your water meter and shut the valve closest to the meter. If the valve cannot be closed or if it is still leaking once the valve is closed, please call the Water Division at 508-647-6557, if this is urgent and after business hours, please contact the Natick Police dispatch at 508-647-9500. 

• Moodiness, irritability, anger, aggressive behavior
• Depression
• Incoherence, forgetfulness, slurred speech
• Clumsiness, poor balance, lack of coordination
• Rapid speech, uncharacteristic talkativeness, restlessness
• Irresponsibility, recklessness, bad judgement
• Secrecy
• Thefts or sudden requests for money
• Decreased motivation and lack of interest in former activities
• New friends replace old friends
• Problems at school, such as discipline issues, poor grades

• Psychiatric Emergency Services: 508-872-3333
• MetroWest Medical Center Crisis Assessment Team: 508-650-7380
• Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Abuse Hotline: (800)327-5050 http://www.helpline-online.com
• SAMSA (Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Association): http://www.samhsa.gov
• MOAR (Massachusetts Organization of Addiction Recovery): http://www.moar-recovery.org

Your first and second quarter bills are always preliminary because we have not received certification of our values from the Department of Revenue. This year is a Department Of Revenue (DOR) recertification year so they will be doing a field audit and review of all assessed values which takes time.  DOR is anticipated to certify its rates in late September.  In addition the FY 2019 tax rate will be set by the Board of Selectmen in November. If you’d like more information on how the tax rate is set please click HERE. Once we’ve received the certified assessed values and the BOS have voted a tax rate, a final calculation of tax due will be completed. The third and fourth quarter tax bills will be adjusted and the preliminary amounts paid will be fully credited.

Some taxpayers are seeing larger amounts due.  The market escalation indicates values changes are necessary and some taxpayers are seeing significant changes.  These changes are based upon the current market conditions.  Under the guidelines set by the Department of Revenue and Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 59; assessments must reflect “100% full and fair cash valuation.”  Essentially, assessments need to be based on what similar properties are selling for in the current real estate market.  

No.  This bill does not include the debt exclusion for the new Kennedy Middle School.  However, this bill does include past debt exclusions for the Community Senior Center, High School, and Wilson Middle School.

The bills will be mailed at the end of December 2018. The processes outlined above have been concluded and new values established. Taxpayer’s will likely see changes in the amount due.

Yes! If you have any concerns about the accuracy of their tax bill you can:

• Contact the Assessor's Office and a staff member will go through the bill and explain both the calculation and the assessment.  We also encourage people to look at their last years bills which often reflect a reduction in January;
• Residents can ask for a re-inspection of their property to confirm the assessed value.  This may especially be helpful if the interior has not been inspected recently. Please call 508-647-6420 to make an appointment; and,
• You can file for an abatement when you receive your 3^rd quarter bill in January.

By law (M.G.L c.59 section 59) if you feel that your property is not worth what it has been assessed for, you may request a reduction in the value by completing and filing an Application of Abatement, available by clicking HERE, with the Assessor’s office.  Your application must be filed after you’ve received your third quarter bill and before February 1^st.  For more information please visit the Assessor’s webpage .

Yes!  The Assessor’s Office has a number of programs to aid eligible residents with their taxes.  Please visit Assessor’s webpage or you can call 508-647-6420 or email at Assessors@natickma.org for more information.

No bags will be picked up.  Our staff need to see what items they're picking up, and if it can fit in a bag it should be placed in a Blue PAYT bag for curbside trash collection. 

A maximum of 5 items are allowed per pick up for the 5 for $50.

There are no refunds.  Our drivers are scheduled to pick up at the designated address as a bulky form was submitted.

We use different trucks for different items.  One truck is used for metal, another for other items and a separate one for mattress and box springs.  Please be patient, if you items are not picked up by 4:00 pm that day, please email, bulkytrash@natickma.org

Our staff will use their discretion in picking up 5 items and the remaining items will be left behind and stickered as being in excess of 5 items.

Residents are allowed to pay with an e-check online.

No, the staff will only pick up a maximum of 5 accepted items per week.  You are welcome to submit a bulky pickup for the following week.

No, when you schedule a pickup prior to Thursday at 3pm, the pickup is the following Monday.  If you choose to delay a pickup, please hold off scheduling.

You will only be charged the $35/item separate fee ("5 for $50" fee is not required).

We strongly encourage all residents to schedule & pay online (you asked & we built it!), but "yes" - we will still accept scheduling & payment in-person. We're doing this as a service to residents who do not have internet access & who might better appreciate face-to-face interaction.  

NOTE: For in-person scheduling & payments, we only accept checks (no cash).

Please call the DPW with any questions, 508-647-6550

No, refunds will not be accepted after payment is processed.

Natick My360 is a web-based consumer portal provided by Neptune Technology Group, allowing water utility customers to monitor their water usage in real-time, view detailed consumption data, set usage alerts, and identify potential leaks through an accessible online dashboard, essentially giving them greater control over their water consumption and promoting water conservation.

The registration process requires an email address from the user, along with an account number and either a service address or name exactly as it appears on the water bill.  Some users are not typing the address exactly as shown on the water bill, for example typing “North Main Street” instead of “North Main St”.  You only need the account number and one other piece of information, either the name or address.  If “Smith, Jane” is the billing full name, “Jane Smith" will return an error.  If you continue to have trouble, please contact the Water Division office for assistance.

Your account number is on your water bill.  If you are unable to locate one of your bills you can email us at water@natickma.org with your name and address and we can send you your account number. If you are still having problems please contact the office at 508-647-6557.

The basic answer is no, existing meters and transmitters work with the new meter read system.  Some “older” transmitters have a difficult time communicating to the system and need replacement.  If you sign up for Natick My360 and can only view monthly readings, please contact the Water Division office and we will add you to a replacement list.  Please note that while we expect 95% of the meters will be able to connect to the system, there will be a few exceptions that customers will not be able to receive daily usage.  Those exceptions, at a minimum, will still be able to see monthly usage.

Natick My360 is a third-party application hosted by Neptune Technology Group.  If the service is down Neptune will work to get the application back up and running.  Please understand that Natick My360 is a tool to help consumers monitor their water usage.  Just because the service is down doesn’t absolve the consumer from being responsible for their water usage.

Answer A: It is anticipated that the majority of customers will have as frequent as daily readings. However, a small percentage of customers will not. Some transmitters are older than others and need to be replaced.  If this is the case, please contact the office to have your address added to a list and the transmitter will be scheduled to be replaced.  

Answer B: Some transmitters (even new ones), because of topography and other physical barriers, will not be able to consistently send the data to the receivers.  Some may see weekly readings, but at a minimum everyone will see monthly readings.

WaterSmart was not able to take full advantage of the new meter reading system, therefore we moved to Natick My360.  WaterSmart had some other advantages for the end users that Natick My360 does not, but we felt the more frequent usage data is more valuable to the customer.

The water meter inside the home is wired to a transmitter that is placed on the outside of the home.  Natick uses a combination of a fixed read network (capable of reading up to daily) and a drive by read system (readings once per month).

Water usage is billed in units. On the water bill, it says “usage” then a number. That number is the number of units you are being billed for. One unit is 100 Cubic Feet of water, which is equal to 748 gallons. Therefore, one billing unit is 748 gallons.

Natick sends bills quarterly or 4 times per year.  Each bill will account for three months of usage.  Billing is conducted by the Collectors Office at Town Hall.

Yes, Natick My360 will eventually show two years worth of usage.

Real Estate/Personal Property tax is billed quarterly in two mailings.  The first and second quarters are mailed out by June 30^th.  The third and fourth quarters are mailed out by December 31^st.

Due dates - Quarterly Tax Billing System:

• First Quarter (July, August, September):  August 1^st                    
• Second Quarter (October, November, December):  November 1^st
• Third Quarter (January, February, March):  February 1^st
• Fourth Quarter (April, May, June):  May 1^st

Note:  If the payment due date falls on a weekend, the due date will move to the first Monday after the due date.

Preliminary tax bills are estimated bills.  The estimate is based on the actual net tax bill of the previous fiscal year.  The preliminary tax is due in two installments, August (1^st quarter) and November (2^nd quarter).

Real estate/Personal Property tax is the actual tax for the Fiscal Year.  In December, the Assessing Department assesses the tax for the year and the amounts paid on the Preliminary bills are subtracted from the tax.  The Real Estate/Personal Property tax is due in two installments, February (3^rd quarter and May (4^th quarter).

The Fiscal Year (FY__) begins July 1^st and ends June 30^th.

By M.G.L. Chapter 60: Section 3 all tax bills are mailed to the owner of the property, not the mortgage company to whom your taxes are escrowed with.  We have no way of knowing who your mortgage company is if your mortgage was sold to another company, or if you have refinanced with a different mortgage company.  We do not bill mortgage companies.

It is advised to check with your mortgage company on whether or not they need a copy of the bill.  Some mortgage companies require you to mail them a copy while others get the information electronically from us on their own.

M.G.L. Chapter 59 Section 11 states the name of the owner of record as of January 1^st will appear on the tax bill for the next fiscal year (4 bills per fiscal year).  Although your name is in the care of line, you are the owner and are responsible for the property.

You may contact the Collector's Office for a copy at 508-647-6425.  Under state law, Chapter 60, Section 3, Failure to receive your property tax bill does not excuse you from payment of taxes, or from the interest and fees that accrue on the outstanding balance(s).  A tax bill is generated and mailed for every property in the Town.  It is the responsibility of the property owner to pay taxes regardless of receipt of a bill.

All changes of address must be submitted to the Assessor’s Office; email: assessors@natickma.org -or- call: 508-647-6420.

The Collector/Treasurer’s Office does not maintain address databases.  Please do not send address changes with your payment.

If you sold your property on a date that is close to a tax due date, more than likely bills were printed (with the prior owner’s name) prior to the transaction, and/or the Assessor’s Office hadn't received the recorded deed from the Registry of Deeds.  It sometimes takes up to a month to receive notification from the Registry to the Assessor’s Office on a property transfer. If you are unable to forward the bill to the new owners, please return the bill to the Collector/Treasurer's Office, 13 East Central Street, Natick 01760 (with a quick note informing us of property transfer) so we may forward the bill to the appropriate party. Please do so immediately, it is very important that the party responsible receive the bill in a timely manner.

There could be many reasons why you may not be seeing your exemption; they could be any of the following:

• Exemptions are only applied to the Actual Tax bill (3rd and 4th quarter).
• The bill may have been printed prior to the exemption being granted.
• Exemption paperwork needs to be submitted and filed every year with the Assessor’s Office.

If you have any questions regarding your exemption, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 508-647-6420.

No. Interest is accrued the day after the due date.

No. Bills are considered paid when received in the Collector/Treasurer's Office.  Postmark dates on envelopes are not accepted as the date of payment.  All payments are to be received by the Collector/Treasurer's office by the due date.  Payments are processed on the day they are received.  Late payments will incur interest/penalties.

Yes, partial payments are encouraged and show good faith if you are unable to making a full payment.  They also help keep interest down if the bill becomes delinquent.

Although your taxes were withdrawn from your escrow a month prior to the due date, we generally don't receive payment until the day of or the day prior to the due date.  If you would like to check the status of your taxes, please call us the following week from the due date to allow us to post all payments.

We cannot answer that question for you, you must contact your mortgage company and inquire with them.

Credit balances are generally not refunded during the middle of the fiscal year because all bills have not yet been issued or paid. A double payment or overpayment will be credited towards next quarter’s tax due.  If there is an overpayment on the May installment (4th quarter), or a credit balance exists after the May 1^st tax installment is paid, credit will be issued if all accounts are satisfied.  In most cases, a refund will automatically be refunded to the owner of record at the end of the fiscal year.  Credits do not automatically move forward from one fiscal year to another.

If your real estate tax account shows a payment that you, your mortgage company, or closing attorney did not make, you should make your tax payment as required so there is a credit available for the Town to refund the mistaken payor.  If any payment(s) posted to your account was/were in fact erroneous, it is conceivable that you may be contacted in the future for reimbursement by the payor(s) who made the payment(s) in error, or by the Town of Natick.  If you have an escrow account with your mortgage company, be aware that it may be affected by any payment errors made by third-party payors. Mortgage companies and banks sometimes make payment errors.  We do not bill them; they electronically choose the accounts upon which they wish to pay.  If you believe your account was paid in error, please contact and inform the Collector/Treasurer’s Office.

Real Estate and Personal Property outstanding balances are subject to 14% interest according to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59, sections 57 and 57C.  The Tax Title interest rate is 16% under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 60, section 62.

Real Estate Demand notices are the initial step toward Tax Title Foreclosure.  This Demand notice is a formal notice to you, that taxes have not been paid.  If you received a Demand notice, you should not ignore this bill.  Failure to pay will lead to a Notice of Tax Taking advertisement in the newspaper, a public notice posting in Town Hall and a tax taking notice on the Town’s website. In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, the Town must advertise and post notices.  The fee for the advertisement is added to the outstanding tax bill.  If not paid, a lien is placed on the property and the fees associated with recording the lien are added to the bill.  For more information, see Mass. General Law, Chapter 60, §§ 37, 53, 54, 55 and 60.  Also see Frequently asked questions about tax lien foreclosure cases in the Land Court | Mass.gov.

If you received a bill and it includes real estate, betterments, special assessments and other charges that are unpaid and overdue, this means there are delinquent taxes on the property.  Please contact our office for an exact pay-off amount as interest continues to accrue daily.  If your mortgage company pays your Real Estate taxes, contact them and inform them of the outstanding taxes.

When real estate taxes are not paid on time and in full, a lien is placed on the property in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws.  The Town of Natick perfects this lien by commencing Tax Title procedures.  An Instrument of Taking is filed at the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds.  Now, a matter of public record, the Towns interest in those unpaid tax dollars, interest fees and costs constitute a recorded lien on the property.  This lien is a cloud on the title. This means that when the property is re-financed or sold, the Towns lien must be paid to have good title to the property.  Upon payment of the Tax Title lien in full, an Instrument of Redemption is issued by the Town.  This document must be filed at the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds to remove the cloud on the title.  The Instrument of Redemption removes the lien and clears the title to the property.  See Mass. General Law, Chapter 60, Section 53 for more information.

Yes. By M.G.L. Chapter 60, Section 58, if the whole or any portion of Real Estate tax remains unpaid after its due, the mortgage company may pay the amount due, including interest and charges, and it may be added to the mortgage debt.

The Community Preservation Act surcharge was approved by the voters of the Town of Natick beginning in Fiscal Year 2024.  This surcharge is 1.00% of the total property tax due for the parcel and is used for the acquisition and preservation of open space, recreational land, affordable housing, and historic properties.  View the Community Preservation Committee page for more information.

An abatement is a reduction in a real estate valuation based on a correction to the assessed valuation.  Contact Assessors Office for abatement information.

The above exemptions are a reduction in a real estate tax due based on certain criteria and income requirements set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  Contact Assessor’s Office for exemption information.

This can be done at the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds located at 208 Cambridge Street, PO BOX 68, Cambridge MA 02141, 617-679-6300.  We cannot do this at Town Hall.

You can check this at Middlesex South Registry of Deeds located at 208 Cambridge Street, PO BOX 68, Cambridge MA 02141, 617-679-6300.  We do not have this information at Town Hall.

The interest rate is set by State law and can not be changed or waived by the Town.  All interest charges are required to be collected.  The town opted not to foreclose (The Tax Title Process) on people's homes during the COVID pandemic.  During this time, all property owners received tax bills which they were required to pay.  If you need a detailed itemization of your tax bills please contact the Collector/Treasurer's Office at 508-647-6425.

No, interest rates are set by the State and the Town is required to collect all interest.  The only exception is when a taxpayer is put into Tax Title, at which time the Taxpayer has the option of entering into a Tax Title Payment Agreement that allows the Town to waive interest.  Please see the Town of Natick By-laws, Article 43A for the terms and conditions of the agreement.

No, notice through publishing the Tax Title list in two public places, on the Town's website, posting on the taxpayer's property, and mailing to the taxpayer is required by law.

Supplemental/new construction bills are sent to taxpayers once they've completed a construction project that increased the value of their property.  Every property owner who has improved their property will receive a supplemental bill in May which is due in June.  The supplement bill does not go to the mortgage company, so if the mortgage company is paying the taxes it is incumbent on the property owner to get in touch with them to adjust their mortgage escrow to make certain that it is paid.  

The Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). The Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) is a cabinet-level office in Massachusetts that manages the state's environmental and energy policies.

1. Level 1 (Mild Drought). All nonessential outdoor water uses are restricted to no more than one day per week, before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m., except that watering of ornamentals and flower gardens with drip irrigation, hand-held hose or watering cans may be permitted. 
2. Level 2 (Significant Drought). All nonessential outdoor water uses are banned, except that watering of ornamentals and flower gardens with drip irrigation, hand-held hose or watering cans may be permitted. 
3. Level 3 (Critical Drought) or Level 4 (Drought Emergency). All nonessential outdoor water uses are banned.

Under the new water Registration, “nonessential outdoor water use” is defined as outdoor use of water not used for: specific health and safety reasons, for the production of food including vegetable gardens, maintenance of livestock, to provide core functions of certain businesses, irrigation of public parks and public/private recreation fields before 9am and after 5pm, and for other select conditions as outlined in the Registration. 

Upon EEA’s declaration of an official drought, the Town will publish a notice on the Town’s website, on official Town social media or by such other means reasonably calculated to reach and inform all users of water of the state of water supply conservation.

Under Article 80 of the current Bylaw of the Town of Natick, the Town will continue to enforce mandatory water bans, similar to the method in place prior to the new Registration requirements. Under the Bylaw, any person violating the water use restrictions will be fined $50 for the first violation and $100 for each subsequent violation. Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense. 

The town had 24 months from the date of the new Registration to begin implementation of the new water use restrictions, depending on the drought declaration. Since the Registration is dated April 2023, implementation began in April 2025. 

The Town of Natick participated in a group appeal in Superior Court along with 20 other Public Water Systems to contest the State’s ability to condition Water Registrations, and attempted to maintain exclusive control over its local water supply. As a Public Water System, Natick is supportive of water conservation, particularly during drought conditions exacerbated by climate change. However, since no two water systems are alike, the appeal group felt that issuing blanket conditions on all water registrants, regardless of their individual system characteristics or supplemental supplies, was not in the overall best interest of the individual Public Water Systems. 

Information on the official drought status as declared by the EEA can be found at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/drought-status. Further information on Natick’s Water Restrictions can be found on the Water and Sewer Division webpage at (link).

Sign up to receive updates: https://www.natickma.gov/list.aspx?ListID=524

Town staff will use this subscription list to send all relevant and timely project information.

The project is estimated to be completed over a 2.5-year period (April ‘25 - June ‘27).  

View a preliminary project plan document: https://www.natickma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/19494/Johnson-Elementary_Future-Use_Project-Plan--Alignment-Meeting_Presented-to-SB_4925 (as presented to the Select Board 4/9/25).

The Select Board (a 5-member body) will serve as the elected body that will make the final decision, this is set to happen by June 2027 (subject to change).

The Select Board will determine whether to create an Advisory Committee (yes or no) in late 2025 or early 2026.  If the Select Board chooses to establish an Advisory Committee, the Select Board will establish: a committee charge, member composition, and other details. 

• The general public commonly associates the former Johnson Elementary School to this address: 99 S. Main St. (the USPS postal address, as well as Google Maps), but the property is comprised as two distinct parcels:
  
  
  • 105 S. Main St. (see GIS map and property record card)
  • 36 Pitts St. (see GIS map and property record card)
• Some high-level property details (aggregating both parcels)
  • The building was built in 1940
  • The building totals 26,000 square feet 
  • The property is zoned as “RG” - i.e. “Residential General” (both parcels)
  • The property is 7.3 acres (both parcels combined), which equates to 317,988 square feet
  • Floor plan document (PDF) detailing the interior building layout 

All Natick Public Schools fall under the School Committee’s care, custody and control.  Here are key milestones leading up to the Johnson Elementary School closure:

• Since the late 1990’s, discussions concerning a potential Johnson Elementary closing have been ongoing 
• Nov 2021– the School Committee voted (5-1-1) to close Johnson Elementary (no later than June 2025)
  • Here’s a document that was presented at a Oct ’21 public forum (by NPS staff and the School Committee), this was presented as the informative, pre-decision document: Recovery, Futuring and Long-Range Facilities and Capital Decision-Making
• Dec 2021– The School Committee approved a phased Johnson closing that:
  • Starting the ‘22/’23 school year, the school no longer accepted kindergarteners
  • Next, the ‘23/’24 school year continued with further limited enrollment (2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders)
  • And, lastly, a final ‘24/’25 school year with only a 3rd and 4th grade
• Dec 2023 – the School Committee voted to accelerate the Johnson Elementary closure – closing the school 1-year earlier than originally planned, at the close of the ‘23/’24 school year
• Dec 2023 – the School Committee voted to transfer Johnson Elementary care, custody, and control to the Select Board (this transfer was then approved at Spring Annual Town Meeting 2024)

The game is on Friday, June 5, 2026. First pitch is at 6:05 PM

At Polar Park in Worcester, MA (home of the Worcester Red Sox, the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox).

Address: 100 Madison St, Worcester, MA 01608

View Google Maps info

While the WooSox play their minor league baseball game, the entire evening focuses on Natick.  You’ll see Natick neighbors and youth participating in on-field ceremonies, and a huge section of the stands will be filled with people representing the 01760!

Tickets start at $9.00 (+fees)

You can purchase them online through the official Natick Town Takeover link: gofevo.com/event/NatickTT26

Yes! You can support the community by donating tickets via the Natick Service Council through the ticket link -- https://www.gofevo.com/event/NatickTT26

The option to donate is included as part of the cart/checkout process.

You can drive to Worcester, or take the MBTA Commuter Rail (Framingham/Worcester Line) for easy travel to and from the ballpark.  Polar Park is a short walk from the Worcester Union Station.

Find Google Maps info