Press Release: Dudley re-opens its town hall to the public five days a week, effective November 6

October 25, 2023

Dudley re-opens its town hall to the public five days a week, effective November 6.

Budget constraints caused by inflation and an insurmountable increase in public education costs led the Dudley Board of Selectmen to seek Proposition 2 ½ Override elections in April and June. Both were unsuccessful, which necessitated a decision to reduce staff and close town hall offices to the public three days per week. The reduction in public hours to 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays only went into effect on July 25.

Voters in a third Proposition 2 ½ override election in August approved three of five menu-style questions. This resident support has afforded the re-hiring of some cut positions, and in turn, the reinstating of public hours in formerly understaffed offices.

Effective 8 a.m. November 6, town hall will re-open to the public five days per week. The hours will be 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. through 12 p.m. on Friday.

Public access evening office hours will also be reinstated for the Town Clerk, Assessor and Treasurer/Collector offices. Monday hours for these offices will be 8 a.m. through 6:30 p.m.

Some individual office hours may vary at times and some town officials are available beyond normal office hours by appointment. Visit www.dudleyma.gov for each department’s webpage and information.

Public board, committee and commission meetings are and will continue to be posted online at www.dudleyma.gov