History of the Town Clerk
The position of Town Clerk has an ancient & honorable history. In biblical times town clerks were scribes or scholars, learned men who were among the few people who could read and write. Their writings became the historical record of the times.
The position has since evolved to include many duties now mandated by law, and many others established by tradition in the community. Functions of the office vary with the size of the community and whether the Town Clerk is a full or part-time position.
In some communities the Town Clerk may also be the Finance Officer, Tax Collector, Treasurer, or Town Manager. In Massachusetts, most Town Clerks are elected to office; in some communities, they are appointed by the Board of Selectmen or the Town Manager.
Town Clerks are committed to work beyond the scope of the mandates and customs of their communities and serve the citizens as the focal point of town government.
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