ABOUT MAMCWhat Do Clerks Do?Ask Municipal Clerks what they do and you will receive a variety of responses. It seems the role defies categorical description. What at one time might have been viewed the traditional responsibilities have changed with the times and with the evolving demands on local governments and the expectations of the public.Most Clerks assemble Council agendas, prepare and preserve the corporate records in the form of council minutes, bylaws or ordinances, agreements and other legal documents. Some keep records on births, deaths and marriages. Most witness oaths and affidavits and certify documents. Some have financial responsibilities. Some manage their municipalities utility systems. Some issue business licenses, dog licenses, and take charge of bylaw or ordinance enforcement and public information, public relations, government protocol, advertising and create and maintain Internet web sites. Some have responsibilities for emergency preparedness and disaster planning. Many conduct municipal elections, prepare legal notices, provide policy and procedure advice, manage access to information and arrange and record public hearings or manage their municipalities archives and record centers. Some clerks perform dual responsibilities such as Clerk/Treasurer, Clerk/Administrator or some other combination. What distinguishes the Clerk's aspect from this duality, and what sets the Clerk apart from other officials is that while other players must comply with democratic procedural requirements, the Clerk is accountable for the legislative procedures; maintaining open and fair processes for citizen access to information and the public records. |
