Abolish Norfolk County
A redundant layer of government that costs taxpayers millions and answers to no one. It's time to end it.
The Ask
A simple, direct question
Should we direct our State Representative to abolish the Norfolk County Commissioners' office? Here's exactly what changes and, just as importantly, what doesn't.
What Goes
The County Commissioners’ Office
The elected-by-almost-nobody commissioners who run county government.
The County Advisory Board
A redundant administrative layer that duplicates what the state already does.
What Stays
Sheriff, Jail & District Attorney
Already state-funded. This question does not pertain to them in any way.
Registry of Deeds
Continues, funded directly by the state, minus the costly middleman. Exactly like the 13 other Registries of Deeds in already abolished counties like Essex and Middlesex Counties.
Norfolk County Agricultural High School
Continues, state-funded, plus a new conservation restriction protecting its forests, farmland, and green space.
Precedent: Essex County abolished its commissioners and kept both its Agricultural school and Registry of Deeds. As a bonus, the Ag High School's Board of Trustees would be reorganized, replacing the 3 ex-officio commissioner seats with elected members.
The Case
The numbers don't lie
Millions in spending, redundant fees, and a track record of holding your money hostage. Here's what the county government actually costs you.
Million per year
The Norfolk County government’s FY2027 budget, the number county officials themselves cite.
Million per year
A yearly tax assessment that goes up every year, charged to and paid by the 28 Norfolk County communities for “services.”
already abolished
MA county governments already gone, including Essex, Middlesex, and Worcester. Norfolk is one of just six holdouts. Life went on fine in these abolished Massachusetts counties.
COVID relief sat on
Federal American Rescue Plan money the Commissioners held for ~9 months while counties without commissioners passed it to towns immediately. Where did the interest go?
The County Director and Assistant County Director were paid $120,000 each, a total of $240,000, out of these COVID monies. This $240,000 was in addition to their paid government salaries.
The Bubbling Brook Solar Fight
The Commissioners are pushing a controversial solar project that would clear ~30 acres of forest, farmland, and recreation space in Walpole at the Ag High School, despite overwhelming public opposition. The school's roofs and parking lots were already used for solar. Abolishing the county is a path to delay or stop it and protect the land. With a July 2026 timeline, the clock is ticking.
Watch the hearingYour Money, Fighting Your Towns
The Commissioners sued the Town of Walpole after it denied the solar company building permits, taxpayer-funded litigation that mainly benefits their lawyer. Let that sink in: your tax dollars are paying lawyers to fight your own towns.
Wasting Taxpayer Monies
- Two elected County Commissioners are paid $52,764.61 and the third $55,788.95 to show up for a one-hour meeting on Wednesdays.
- The County Director started in June 2021 at $123,000 and just got a raise to $175,000, a $52,000 increase.
- The Assistant County Director started in June 2021 at $80,000 and just got a raise to $125,000, a $45,000 increase.
Could you and your community use the money wasted on an inefficient, irrelevant layer of government?
Sign the Petition
Add your name
Every signature is proof to the Legislature that Norfolk County residents want this layer of government gone.
Abolish Norfolk County
Tell the Massachusetts Legislature it's time to abolish Norfolk County government and stop wasting taxpayer money on a redundant layer of bureaucracy.
Want to see exactly what you're signing?
Serve in elected office?
Are you an Elected Official? If so, click here.Recently signed
- Mary G.Westwood
- Mary G.Westwood
- Patrick C.Walpole
- Jessica F.Quincy
- Carol L.Walpole
- Rita T.Walpole
Your District
Find your State Rep
Enter your address, or tap any district on the map. Districts that represent part of Norfolk County are shown in red until their member commits to abolishing it; districts outside the county are grey. The gold outline marks the Norfolk County line.
Are you an elected official? Take the pledge to push for abolishing Norfolk County government.
Search your address or tap a district to see its representative and where they stand.
Take Action
This is how we win
Abolishing Norfolk County takes people power. Add your name, tell your representative, and help build the pressure to end the Commissioners' office for good.
Join the movement
Drop your email to volunteer, host a signature table, or just stay in the loop.
FAQ
Straight answers
The fears are understandable. Here's the truth about what actually changes.