The Treasurer accounts for and manages funds of the Town. Many other Massachusetts towns have the position of Town Accountant, but Hawley has never officially created that position, so the Treasurer performs all duties typically assigned to the Town Accountant as well as duties assigned to the Treasurer. Over the years, this job has evolved into a hybrid “Financial Administrator” role, combining the traditional Hawley Treasurer position along with providing assistance to the Board of Assessors. Our Financial Administrator is Virginia Gabert.
Virginia’s work is overseen by the Selectmen (who approve all expenditures), and all records may be reviewed by the Town Auditor upon request. There is also oversight by the Department of Revenue, Bureau of Accounts (DOR-BOA), via several required end-of-year financial reports and detailed reconciliations. Annual reporting is also required by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) as well as several other funding sources.
Assessors’ assistance includes managing the assessing software; assisting the Assessors in managing the collection of assessment data as well as data entry; annual reporting as required by the Department of Revenue, Bureau of Local Assessment (DOR-BLA); oversight of the steps necessary for certifying property values (a key step toward setting the tax rate each year); and managing the five-year Revaluation (more thorough detailed statistical analysis of property-valuation methodology to ensure fair and equitable property values throughout town, which is also evaluate by DOR-BLA). Her goal has always been to ensure that everyone in Hawley is being assessed fairly and accurately. Any property owner with questions about their assessment may contact her, or look up their Property Record Card from the Public Access link on the assessors’ page to review the assessment information.
Financial Administrator Virginia Gabert
Virginia has been working for the Town of Hawley in various capacities since 1991. Email Virginia.
