Additional Duties of the Town Clerk
Records and preserves original birth, marriage and death records providing the basis for the Commonwealth’s central vital registration system.
The Town Clerk can provide certified copies of all birth, marriage and death records that we have on file. You can request certified copies of these records in person, by mail or by phone. Please be ready to provide the type of record you are requesting, the name of the person or persons, the date or approximate date of the event and where the event occurred. Certified copies of birth, marriage or death certificates are $10.00.
- Birth Records: For anyone born in the town or whose parents were living in the town at the time of the birth.
- Marriage Records: For any couple who filed their intentions through the town.
- Death Records: For any death in the town or if the deceased was a resident of the town at the time of death.
Issues business certificates which are required when you conduct a business under a name other than your own. The certificate should be issued from the Town where you conduct your business. The fee is $40.00 for a business certificate and it is valid for four years.
Issues dog licenses which are required for any dog that resides in the Town. A valid rabies certificate is required to obtain a dog tag from the Town. The fee is $10.00 for a spayed or neutered dog and $15.00 for unaltered dogs. Dog licenses need to be renewed in January of each year. A $25.00 late fee will be applied for all unlicensed dogs after May 31st of each year.
Notary Public: The Clerk’s Office has one notary public on staff to assist in notarizing documents for the Town citizens. There is no charge for the notary public. Please be sure to bring proper identification and do not sign the document before entering Town Hall. Your signature is required only in front of the notary public.
Conducts the annual town census and prepares the street list of residents and furnishes the jury list to the Office of the Jury Commissioner.
Supervises voter registration and absentee balloting.
Prepares, records and reports official election results to the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth.
Directs preparation of ballots, voting equipment, voting lists, certifies nomination papers and initiative petitions.
Oversees polling places, election officers, and the general conduct of all elections.
Records and certifies all official actions of the Town, including town meeting legislation and appropriations, Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals Decisions, signs all notes for borrowing, and keeps the Town Seal.
Administers the oath of office to all elected and appointed members of local committees and boards and ensures that all elected and appointed officials are informed in writing of the State’s Open Meeting and Conflict of Interest Laws.
Posts all Town Meetings in accordance with the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law.
Collect and file all Meeting Minutes submitted by various Boards.
Maintains records of adopted municipal codes, local bylaws, oaths of office, resignations and appointments, petitions, publications, budgets, meeting minutes, and financial statements.
Submits bylaws and zoning ordinances to Attorney General for approval.
Provides access to public records in compliance with State Public Records Law and corresponding regulations.
Assists with genealogical research for members of the public and is responsible for maintenance, disposition, and preservation of municipal archival records and materials.
Issues licenses for raffles and bazaars.
