Town of Ware, MA

What Town of Ware, MA does

The Town of Ware, MA is a municipal government entity founded in 1761, serving residents and businesses in Hampshire County, Massachusetts under Massachusetts General Laws and a Home Rule Charter adopted in 2007. It delivers essential public services through a network of departments — Public Safety (Police, Fire, Emergency Management), Public Works (highway, water, sewer, wastewater treatment), Planning & Community Development, Municipal Finance/Treasurer-Collector, Assessors, Tax Collector, Town Clerk, Building & Inspection Services, Parks & Recreation, Senior Center/Council on Aging, Veterans' Services, and Information Technology — supplemented by regional public health services through the Quabbin Health District partnership with Belchertown and Pelham.

The Town operates a digital services platform built on standard municipal SaaS integrations: Opengov/Viewpoint Cloud for online permitting, Munis Self-Service for tax and utility payments, Code Red/OnSolve for emergency notifications, AxisGIS for interactive property assessment mapping, and Zoom for virtual public meetings. These systems enable online transactions, permit tracking, and remote public engagement, supported by a centralized Town Hall at 126 Main Street plus 13 satellite department locations. There are no proprietary AI/ML, data, or technology assets — the entire stack is commercial off-the-shelf.

Revenue is generated through a municipal monopoly model combining recurring property taxation (FY2026 uniform rate of $14.49 per $1,000 assessed value), metered water and sewer utility fees (effective February 1, 2026, with water base $49.91 and sewer base $92.35 for the first 500 cu. ft.), motor vehicle excise taxes, state and federal grants (including CDBG since 1982), and licensing/permit fees spanning building permits, cannabis host community agreements (seven operators), and dog licensing. Governance is provided by a five-member elected Selectboard, a Town Manager as Chief Administrative Officer, and numerous appointed boards and committees (Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Finance Committee, ADA Commission, Housing Authority, and others). The customer base is structurally concentrated: all revenue derives from Ware residents and businesses with no ability to expand geographically beyond town limits except through inter-municipal partnerships such as the Quabbin Health District.

Name

Town of Ware, MA

Legal name

Town of Ware

Website

https://townofware.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1761

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Town of Ware, MA is a 1761-founded municipal government in Hampshire County providing public safety, utilities, planning, permitting, tax administration, and senior services to local residents and businesses through approximately 56 employees and a network of departmental offices anchored at 126 Main Street.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Municipal Government Services

NAICS

Waste Collection (5621), Solid Waste Collection (562111)

SIC

Sanitary Services (4950)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Works / In-House Municipal Collection Operations (EUAIAAAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Municipal Solid Waste Collection (Residential/Commercial) (IMAIAFAA), Street & Public Space Litter Collection (Municipal Cleaning) (BPALAAAE)

Keywords

• Municipal government services
• Public safety services
• Water and sewer utilities
• Property tax administration
• Building permits and inspections

Headquarters

HQ city

Ware

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices14 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Property Tax Revenue: The primary revenue source for the Town of Ware. The Board of Assessors values all real and personal property for ad valorem taxation. Fiscal Year 2026 Tax Rate: Residential $14.49 per $1,000 assessed value, Commercial/Industrial/Personal Property: $14.49 per $1,000 assessed value.
2. Water and Sewer Utility Fees: Water and Sewer rates effective February 1, 2026: Water base rate $49.91 for up to 500 cu. ft. plus $7.97 per 100 cu. ft. thereafter. Sewer base rate $92.35 for up to 500 cu. ft. plus $11.02 per 100 cu. ft. thereafter.
3. Motor Vehicle Excise Tax: Collection of Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes administered through the Tax Collector's office
4. State and Federal Grants: CDBG grants, Economic Development Block Grants, and various state/federal funding programs administered through Planning & Community Development Department. The town has received CDBG funding since 1982.
5. Licensing and Permit Fees: Building permits, cannabis business host community agreements, dog licenses, and various municipal permits and licenses

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Town of Ware, MA is a municipal government providing essential public services to residents, businesses, and visitors within Ware, Hampshire County, Massachusetts. Core offerings include public safety (police, fire, emergency management), water and sewer utilities, property assessment and tax collection, building permits and inspections, public works (highway and cemetery), parks and recreation, planning and community development, and vital records administration. The town also operates digital self-service platforms for online permitting, tax/utility payments, GIS property maps, and emergency notifications.

Product overview

The Town of Ware, MA provides a digital services platform consisting of an integrated ecosystem of web-based municipal service tools. The core offerings include the Opengov/Viewpoint Cloud online permitting system for building and construction permits, the Munis Self Service payment portal for tax and utility payments, the Code Red/OnSolve emergency notification system, and AxisGIS interactive mapping. These systems are complemented by Zoom-based virtual meeting capabilities for public board meetings and the Quabbin Health District regional health services network. The platform serves residents by enabling online transactions with town government including permit applications, tax payments, and utility billing, while providing emergency alerts and GIS information access.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Water and Sewer Utility Services Municipal water and sewer utility service for Ware residents and businesses, with rates effective February 1, 2026: Water base rate $49.91 for up to 500 cu. ft. plus $7.97 per 100 cu. ft. thereafter; Sewer base rate $92.35 for up to 500 cu. ft. plus $11.02 per 100 cu. ft. thereafter. Includes operation of the Waste Water Treatment Plant at 30 Robbins Road.
• Police and Public Safety Services 24/7 law enforcement and public safety services through the Ware Police Department at 22 North Street, including emergency response (Dial 9-1-1), non-emergency dispatch (413-967-3571), and anonymous tip line services for residents and businesses.
• Fire and Emergency Response Services Fire suppression, emergency medical response, and fire prevention services through the Ware Fire Department at 200 West Street, with general business line 413-967-5901 and office hours Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Online Permitting System (Opengov/Viewpoint Cloud) Web-based permitting portal at warema.viewpointcloud.com allowing contractors and homeowners to submit building permit applications, upload plans and required documents, pay fees, and track permit status with email notifications at each stage.
• Online Payment Center (Munis Self Service) Self-service payment portal for Real Estate taxes, Personal Property taxes, Water/Sewer bills, and Motor Vehicle excise taxes, accepting E-Checks, Credit Card, and Debit Card payments (Visa not accepted for Water/Sewer payments).
• Property Assessment and Tax Administration Municipal property valuation and tax assessment services through the Board of Assessors at 126 Main Street Suite G, with FY2026 tax rate of $14.49 per $1,000 of assessed value for both residential and commercial/industrial/personal properties, certified by Massachusetts DOR.
• Quabbin Health District Regional Health Services Regional public health services for Belchertown, Pelham, and Ware residents (approximately 26,267 residents across 120 square miles), including communicable disease surveillance via the MAVEN network, public health investigations, emergency response, flu vaccination clinics, tobacco control, and substance abuse prevention programs. Established in 1980 under Section 27A of Chapter 111 of MGL.
• Affordable Housing Programs State and federal housing assistance programs administered through the Ware Housing Authority at 20 Valley View, including Chapter 667 (elderly/disabled housing), Chapter 705 (family housing), and Section 8 existing rental assistance for eligible low-income, elderly, and disabled residents.
• Code Red Emergency Notification System Emergency alert system via OnSolve providing telephone and email notifications to registered residents for emergencies, severe weather events, and important town announcements. Signup available at accountportal.onsolve.net/townofware.
• Parks and Recreation Services Parks, recreation facilities, and cemetery services managed through the Parks Manager office, including community garden program at 80 Pleasant St (in partnership with Quaboag Valley Food Policy Council, Trinity Episcopal Jubilee Ministries, Ware Grange #164, Workshop13, and Hardwick Farmer's Coop Exchange).
• Planning and Community Development Services Land use planning, zoning administration, economic development programs, and community development services through the Planning & Community Development Department at 126 Main Street Suite E, including administration of CDBG grants since 1982, Economic Development Block Grants, and cannabis business host community agreements.

Quantifiable outcome

• Water/Sewer rate increases effective February 1, 2026 to support utility infrastructure maintenance
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Quabbin Health DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Quabbin Health District is a comprehensive regional health department established in 1980 serving the communities of Belchertown, Pelham, and Ware under Section 27A of Chapter 111 of the MGL. The district provides public health services for approximately 26,267 residents within a 120 square-mile radius, including communicable disease surveillance, public health investigations, emergency response, flu vaccination clinics, tobacco control, and substance abuse prevention programs.
• Quaboag Hills Substance Use Alliance (QHSUA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Quaboag Hills Substance Use Alliance is a diverse group focused on substance use prevention, treatment and recovery. Meets second Monday of the month at 9:00-10:30am via Zoom. Includes Director of Prevention & Community Health, Drug-Free Communities Program Director, Youth Engagement Coordinator, and STOP Act Grant Project Director.
• Cannabis Business Host Community Agreement PartnersminorOthersCannabis Advisory Committee established March 19, 2019 provides information and advice on cannabis-related businesses. Host Community Agreements in place with: B'Leaf Wellness Centre LLC, Cedar Roots LLC, Curaleaf MA, Primo Co LLC, Minuteman Farm LLC, River Bend LLC, and 82nd Wellness.
• Quaboag Valley Community Development CorporationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional non-profit economic development organization serving 15 towns of the Quaboag Region and Southern Worcester County. Offers programs and services focused on community and economic development and supporting small business.
• Quaboag Valley Business Assistance Corporation (QVBAC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization to Quaboag Valley CDC offering programs and services for small business support in the Quaboag region.
• Worcester Regional Chamber of CommerceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional chamber of commerce providing business networking and resources for Ware businesses.
• Ware Business & Civic AssociationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBusiness association formed in 2011 to transform Ware into a destination point for visitors while acting as a resource to local businesses. Offers free seminars and hosts Meet and Greet events, typically meeting third Wednesday of each month.
• Massachusetts Office of Business DevelopmentminorOthersState agency assisting businesses relocating to or expanding in Massachusetts, with attention to jobs created, jobs retained, and capital invested. Provides access to resources, expertise, and incentive programs.
• Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network (MSBDC)minorOthersRun by UMass Amherst, provides free and confidential one-to-one business advice to prospective and existing small businesses focusing on business growth, financing, and strategic marketing. Low-cost educational training programs offered.
• Pioneer Valley Planning CommissionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional planning commission providing planning and development resources to Ware and surrounding communities.
• Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)coreOthersState agency overseeing housing authority programs including Chapter 667 (elderly/disabled housing), Chapter 705 (family housing), and Section 8 existing rental assistance programs administered through Ware Housing Authority.
• Cyber-Seniors ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership between Ware Senior Center and Ware High School where student mentors provide technology guidance to seniors. Began as high school project inspired award-winning documentary broadcast in 40 countries including PBS, Netflix, and CBC.
• Quaboag Valley Food Policy CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity garden program operator in partnership with Trinity Episcopal Jubilee Ministries, Ware Grange #164, Workshop13, and Hardwick Farmer's Coop Exchange at 80 Pleasant St location. Free plots for residents with water, tools, and seeds provided.
• Quaboag ConnectorminorOthersPublic transportation service for the Quaboag region providing mobility options for Ware residents.
• Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA)minorOthersRegional bus transit providing public transportation services to Ware residents.
• Massachusetts Historical CommissionminorOthersState agency linked to National Park Service and US Department of Interior for historic preservation support to Ware Historical Commission.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Town of Hadley, MA: Direct peer — Hampshire County town with comparable municipal operations including water/sewer utilities, public works, and digital services. Shares similar operating scale and Massachusetts municipal governance framework.
• Town of South Hadley, MA: Direct peer — Hampshire County town of similar scale with comparable municipal service portfolio including water/sewer utilities, public works, planning, and online permitting/payment systems. Operates under same Massachusetts General Laws framework.
• Town of Warren, MA: Direct peer — neighboring Worcester County town in the Quaboag region, comparable in population and municipal service delivery. Shares regional economic development context with similar budget profile and operational scope.
• Town of Easthampton, MA: Direct peer — Hampshire County municipal government of comparable size providing standard Massachusetts municipal services. Shares regional context with similar revenue mix (property tax, utilities, fees) and service delivery model.
• Town of Palmer, MA: Direct peer — adjacent small town in the Quaboag region with similar population, comparable municipal service mix, and shared regional economic development ties through Quaboag Valley CDC. Operates under the same Massachusetts municipal framework.
• Town of Spencer, MA: Direct peer — nearby Worcester County town of similar size and operating profile. Provides standard municipal services including water/sewer, public works, and public safety with comparable budget scale.
• Town of Brookfield, MA: Direct peer — small Worcester County town in the Quaboag region adjacent to Ware with similar population, operating under the same Massachusetts municipal framework. Comparable service mix and staff scale.
• Town of Granby, MA: Direct peer — Hampshire County town with similar small-town municipal operations and comparable staff scale. Provides standard Massachusetts municipal services including public safety, utilities, and community development.
• Town of Belchertown, MA: Direct peer — fellow Hampshire County town of comparable size and partner in the Quabbin Health District regional health partnership. Operates similar municipal services, tax structure, and digital permitting/payment systems for a small New England population.
• Town of Monson, MA: Direct peer — small Hampshire County/Hampden County town of similar population size, offering equivalent municipal services including public safety, public works, and utilities. Comparable budget scale and operational profile.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/tweet
• Facebookfacebook.com/TownofWareMA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/town-of-ware---community-development-department

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles25 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Town of Ware, MA