Duties & Responsibilities of the Town Clerk

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Census:

• Conducts the annual town census.
• Prepares the street list of residents and the school list.
• Furnishes the jury list to the Office of the Jury Commissioner.

Elections:

• Oversees polling places, election officers, and the general conduct of all elections.
• Directs preparation of ballots, polling places, voting equipment and voting lists.
• Administers campaign finance laws.
• Certifies nomination papers and initiative petitions.
• Serves on the local Board of Registrars.
• Supervises voter registration and absentee ballots preparation/distribution
• Prepares, records and reports official election results to the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth.

Licenses:

• Issues state licenses and permits, including:
• Marriage licenses
• Permits for raffles and bazaars

Issues local licenses, permits, and certificates as mandated by statute or bylaw, which include:

• Business certificates
• Dog Licenses
• Kennel License

Local Boards and Committees:

• Administers the oath of office to all elected and appointed members of local boards and committees.
• Informs in writing all  elected and appointed officials about the State's Open Meeting and Conflict of Interest Laws.
• Posts meetings notices of all government bodies.

Official Decisions and Duties:

Records and certifies all official actions of the Town, including:

• Town Meeting legislation and appropriations
• Planning Board and Board of Appeal decisions
• Certifies all notes for borrowing.
• Keeper of the Town Seal
• Records state tax liens filings.

Public Records:

• Provides access to public records to comply with Massachusetts General Law.
• Certifies copies of all town records.
• Records and preserves original birth, marriage, and death records
• Provides input to the Massachusetts central vital registration system.
• Provides certified copies of vital records. Conducts or assists with genealogical research for members of the public.
• Responsible for maintenance, disposition, and preservation of municipal archival records and materials.
• Maintains records of adopted municipal codes, general bylaws and zoning bylaws, resignations, appointments, petitions, publications, budgets, election results and town meeting minutes and financial statements.
• Submits general bylaws and zoning bylaws to Attorney General for approval.
• Maintains the Annual List of Residents.