From the Town Clerk….. 2023 Census and Dog Licenses

Happy Spring!!

Thank you to those who have returned their census forms. Collection of census data is winding down, as we have a cut-off in April. For those of you who haven’t, please do so as soon as possible to be counted. Remember, state aid to Bellingham is based on population, so it is important that all residents are counted. If there are no changes at your household, simply sign and date the form and return. Included with the census forms is a dog license application. If you do not have a dog, please recycle the dog registration form. If you do have a dog(s), kindly fill out the form and return it to the Town Clerk’s office, along with proof of current rabies vaccination certificate which is obtainable from your veterinarian. Both the census form and the dog application with rabies certificate may be returned via mail, in-person, or by placement in the blue drop box outside the front entrance of the Municipal Center. You may also apply for your dog license online by going to the Town website and clicking “Online Transactions”. Once processed, dog licenses will be mailed to you. Please remember that 2022 dog licenses will expire on March 31, 2023, therefore, application and payment for 2023 dog licenses are due by April 1st. In accordance with a new Town Bylaw, there is a one-month grace period before a late fee of $25 per household will be assessed. Beginning in June, a one-time $50 fine will be levied, followed by referral to the magistrate of Milford District Court. So please apply for your dog license before May 1st to avoid any late charge or potential fine!

2023 Town Election

Bellingham’s Local Town Election will be held on Tuesday, May 2nd at the Bellingham High School Gymnasium. Polling hours will be from Noon until 8:00 PM. For those who cannot make it to the polls

there is an absentee option. If needed, please contact the Town Clerk’s office for an absentee ballot application.

Offices on the ballot and official candidates are as follows:

Select Board (2 Kelly H. Grant (Incumbent)

Donald F. Martinis (Incumbent)

Michael Hennessey

Library Trustee (2 TWO OPEN SEATS

Planning Board (1 William R. O’Connell (Incumbent)

Stephen W. Goyette

School Committee (1 John McCarthy

Beverly Pierce

Housing Authority (1 Tenant Representative 

(to be appointed by Select Board)

Candidates’ Forum

There will be a Candidates’ Forum held at the Senior Center on April 11th at 10:00 AM. Come hear 

the candidates’ visions for the future of Bellingham. Refreshments will be served. Please register with the Senior Center at 508-966-0398.

New Assistant Town Clerk

Please join me in congratulating Amy Bartelloni on her appointment to Assistant Town Clerk.

Amy has been working part-time in the office since 2019 and is sure to be a competent Assistant.