Local taxes are assessed by a board of three assessors elected for staggered three year terms. School affairs are administered by a school committee of five persons elected for staggered three year terms. In addition, the Board of Selectmen appoints members to various boards, committees and commissions. The Town provides general governmental services for the territory within its boundaries, including police and fire protection, a water and sewer system, public education K-12, parks and recreation and public library. Principal services provided by the County are a jail and house of correction and a hospital and registries of deeds.
Private utilities provide gas and electricity.
The North Shore Regional Vocational School District provides vocational technical education in grades nine through twelve for the Town and fifteen neighboring communities. The Swampscott Housing Authority provides housing for eligible low income families and handicapped persons. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority provides rail and bus services to the Town.