Robo-receptionist answers calls to town hall after 1:00 p.m.

February 19, 2010
by Christine Yeres

A live receptionist who is a certified notary public will continue to answer the main number for New Castle Town Hall, 238-4771, from 8:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. But from 1:00 p.m. until town hall closes at 4:30 p.m., a recorded message directs callers to the various departments there. The robo-system – a cost-cutting measure by the town board – has been in place for close to a month.

When the recording begins, you can immediately press the number listed below for the department you want to contact. Or you can dial the department directly at the number listed next to it on the list below. NewCastleNOW.org will keep this list posted permanently at the top of our “Government” page for easy reference.

1 Building and Engineering   238-7273

2 Justice Court   238-7265

3 Parks and Recreation   238-3909

4 Water Billing   238-7277

5 Public Works and Water Department   238-3968

6 Town Clerk, Receiver of Taxes   238-4772

7 Assessor   238-4722

8 Accounts Payable (for vendors)  238-2543

9 Administration (government officials and town administrator)  238-4774

“For all other inquiries,” the message advises callers to “visit the town’s website, www.mynewcastle.org, or press zero.”  Press the “star” symbol to hear a repeat of the message.

“Zero” will get you to a human in the town clerk’s office.  Most callers who get through to the town clerk’s office by means of the “zero” option, one employee noted, seem to have been in search of the Justice Court, Building and Engineering or the Town Clerk.

Night Message

At 4:30 p.m. the phone message changes to advise people to:

Phone “9-1-1” for a police or medical emergency;

Phone 238-4422 to reach police for a non-emergency;

Phone 238-4422 (police) for a highway emergency; or

Phone 944-0036 or 944-0037 to reach the Millwood Water Treatment Plant for a water emergency.