Last Updated on January 3, 2025 3:40 pm by Admin
Below are some helpful instructions for filing complaints against the town government.
Massachusetts Open Meeting Law Complaints
- Go to this page: https://www.mass.gov/the-open-meeting-law
- In the “All other tasks” section, click on the “File an Open Meeting Law complaint” link to download the form
- Instructions for filing a complaint:
- Fill out the attached two-page form completely and sign it. File the complaint with the public body within 30 days of the alleged violation. If the violation was not reasonably discoverable at the time it occurred, you must file the complaint within 30 days of the date the violation was reasonably discoverable. A violation that occurs during an open session of a meeting is reasonably discoverable on the date of the meeting.
- To file the complaint:
- For a local or municipal public body, you must submit a copy of the complaint to the chair of the public body AND to the municipal clerk.
- For all other public bodies, you must submit a copy of the complaint to the chair of the public body.
- Complaints may be filed by mail, email, or by hand. Please retain a copy for your records.
- If the public body does not respond within 14 business days and does not request an extension to respond, contact the Division for further assistance.
State Ethics Commission Complaints
- Go to this page: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/file-a-complaint-with-the-state-ethics-commission
- Scroll down to the “How to file” section and choose “Online“.
- Click on the File a complaint online link and a form will be downloaded.
- Fill out the form and click the “Submit” button at the bottom to email the form to the State Ethics Commission.
- Notes:
- You must provide your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address or your complaint will not be accepted. All written communication from the Commission will be sent to either your home address or to the e-mail address you provided. Please notify the Commission of any change of address while your complaint is being reviewed.
- Anonymous complaints will not be accepted electronically. If you wish to remain anonymous, please call, write, fax, or visit the Commission.