The role of the city/town clerk in municipal finance

Learn how the city/town clerk contributes to the financial stability of Massachusetts communities.

A city or town clerk is an integral member of the municipal management team and a central information point for residents. While the job responsibilities may vary from community to community in Massachusetts, the clerk is a bonded official who is the municipality’s record keeper and often the chief election officer.

Overview of responsibilities

• Responsibilities of the City/Town Clerk
• Clerks Year End Letter (PDF)
• City & Town: Helpful Tools for Municipal Clerks (PDF)

Adopting Local Option Excise

• Adopting Local Option Excise Taxes (Video)
• Local Option Excise
• Notification of Acceptance of Local Option Statutes

Local Elections and Town Meeting

• Entering Election and Town Meeting Dates in DLS Gateway
• Gateway Quick Tips Series: Clerks
  Entering Election and Town Meeting Dates in DLS Gateway (PDF)

Local Officials Directory

• Welcome to Gateway (Video)
• Gateway: Adding and editing officials
• Gateway Quick Tips Series: Clerks 
  Adding and Editing Officials in DLS Gateway’s Local Officials Directory (PDF)
• DLS Gateway Security Local Administrator Guide (PDF)
• City & Town: It’s time to update the Local Officials Directory (PDF)
• City & Town: Frequently Asked Questions About the Local Officials Directory (PDF)

Municipal Debt and Borrowing

• Municipal Debt and Borrowing
• DA-82 Loan Authorizations Report (PDF)
• State House Note Program and Other Borrowing Guidelines

Proposition 2 ½ Votes

• Submitting Proposition 2 ½ Ballot Votes in Gateway (Video)
• Submitting Proposition 2 ½ Ballot Votes in Gateway Presentation (PDF)
• Proposition 2½ Ballot Questions - Requirements and Procedures (PDF)

Record Legislative Action

• City/Town Appropriation Instructions & Template (PDF)
• Foundations in Municipal Government – Summer – Legislative Process

Tax Rate Setting Process

• Roles of Local Officials in the Tax Rate Process (PDF)