Who Actually Governs Pelham?
Pelham is unique: the entire Town is made up of two incorporated Villages. That means Village governments handle most day-to-day services, while Town government handles shared functions. Then add the School District, County, and State on top.
Village of Pelham
The primary local government for residents of "Pelham Heights" and former North Pelham. The Board of Trustees sets policy, manages the budget, and runs most everyday services — police, fire, garbage, water, and roads.
Village of Pelham Manor
The second of Pelham's two villages, covering the Manor neighborhood. Has its own elected Mayor and Board of Trustees, runs its own police and fire departments, and manages village-level services independently.
Town of Pelham
The Town umbrella covers both villages. Rather than duplicating services, it handles shared functions that make sense to consolidate: municipal courts, tax assessment & collection, recreation programs, the public library, and ambulance service.
Pelham Union Free School District
An elected Board of Education governs K–12 education across four elementary schools, one middle school, and Pelham Memorial High School. The school district has its own budget voted on separately by residents each May.
Westchester County
County government provides regional services including the county police, health department, parks, sewer districts, and social services. Westchester is also the entity that establishes equalization rates used in property tax assessments.
Who to call for what?
Pothole on your street? → Village DPW
Noise complaint? → Village Police
Tax bill question? → Town Receiver of Taxes
School issue? → Board of Education
Parks & rec programs? → Town Recreation Dept
Property assessment dispute? → Town Assessor
Library hours? → Pelham Public Library (Town-run)