About Town Clerk

Chances are you've had an interaction with the Clerk's office. Whether it was to get a dog license, handicap parking permit, or file a FOIL request, many reasons may bring you here.

If you're less familiar with what the Town Clerk does, read on to learn more about their responsibilities and how they can serve you.

Duties of the Town Clerk

The Town Clerk is an important job, and one that is accomplished with the help of many people in the town office, including our Deputy Clerks. Duties are established by state and local laws.

Below are some of the most important tasks of the Town Clerk.

Maintain and Keep Accurate Town Records

Section 30 of NY State Law states the Town Clerk:

Shall have the custody of all the records, books and papers of the town. He shall attend all meetings of the town board, act as clerk thereof, and keep a complete and accurate record of the proceedings of each meeting, and of all propositions adopted pursuant to this chapter.

Read more about my experience with managing records.

Issue Deeds and Licenses

The Town Clerk issues and collects fees for all licenses or permits. Examples of these include:

Deeds
Marriage Licenses
Dog Licenses
Building permits

Reports and Financial Management

According to New York State Law Section 30.9.

Except in towns where the office of town comptroller has been created the town clerk, when required by resolution of its town board, shall countersign all checks required to be signed by the supervisor.

Read more about my experience with reporting and financial management.

Post Notices and Communicate With the Public

Section 30.6 of New York State Law states:

Towns which maintain a regularly and routinely updated website and utilizes a high speed internet connection shall, to the extent practicable, maintain an electronic version of such sign-board and shall post a link to the electronic version of the sign-board on its homepage. An electronic version of such sign-board shall include a town website page designed or intended to provide electronic access to public notices.

Read more about my ideas to use our new website and a newsletter better to communicate important information with you!

Collect Taxes

While some towns have their own tax collector, Woodstock's Town Clerk also plays this role. Collecting taxes is a busy job, and it can be an overwhelming time for the office. Similar to other towns, I propose hiring "surge" staff to help fill in during the busy tax season. If needed, we could also offer extended office hours so more people can come in and get help or questions answered.

Read more about my plans to have online payments.

Appoint and Manage Deputy Clerks

This is a busy office and it takes a team to do the job!

According to State Law 30.10:

The town clerk may appoint...a first deputy town clerk
In addition, the town clerk may appoint... up to two additional deputy town clerks

The Town Clerk relies on Deputy Clerks to carry out the day to day operations that keep the heart of this town beating strong. The Clerk is responsible for managing all of their work, and ensuring it is done to highest standards.

Learn more about my experience managing people and teams.

Contact Me

What do you think this town needs? How can we improve the services the Clerk's office offers?

I want to hear from you! Send me a message about what is important to you.

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