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The Town Clerk is the Clerk of the Corporation ( Bolton was incorporated in 1738). The position of the Town Clerk is one of the oldest in municipal government. The Town Clerk is relied upon to operate as the necessary link between the legislative and administrative bodies and the public. Often considered the core of local government, the Town Clerk's Office serves as the central information point for local residents and citizens at large.
The Town Clerk is the chief election official. The Clerk supervises voter registration and absentee balloting, oversees polling places, election officers, and the general conduct of all elections. The Clerk directs the preparation of ballots, polling places, voting equipment, voting lists, administers campaign finance laws, certifies nomination papers and initiative petitions, and serves on the Board of Registrars. The Clerk conducts the annual town census and prepares the street list of residents.
The Town Clerk is the keeper of the town seal. The Town Clerk attests by signature and seal to bonds, borrowing, contracts, bylaws, resolutions and any other documents requiring town certification. The Clerk records and certifies all official actions of the Town, including town meeting legislation, appropriations, and Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals Decisions. The Clerk provides certified copies of vital records and conducts genealogical research for members of the public, and is responsible for maintenance, disposition, and preservation of municipal archival records and materials.
The Town Clerk is the official keeper of town records. The Clerk 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 of the State’s Open Meeting and Conflict of Interest Laws. The Town Clerk posts meetings of all governmental bodies. [All town boards must post their scheduled meetings at least 48 hours prior to the meeting with the Town Clerk’s Office. For the purpose of convenience the Town Clerk’s Office maintains a meeting list on the web. However, the “Official” posting board is located in the Town Hall and on the Town Clerk’s counter.] The Clerk maintains records of adopted municipal codes, local bylaws, oaths of office, resignations and appointments, petitions, publications,
budgets, meeting minutes, and financial statements. The Town Clerk submits bylaws and zoning ordinances to the Attorney General for approval.
The Town Clerks Office is the Public Information Center. The Clerk responds to inquiries from the general public, frequently serving as facilitator with departments, providing knowledge and assistance in a fair and impartial manner to all.
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