Township Clerk / Registrar
The position of Municipal Clerk, also commonly known as Township Clerk, is governed by State Statute. The position requires appointment by the governing body, and ultimately must be held by a Registered Municipal Clerk, a state issued certification following successful completion of specific coursework and exam.
The role of Municipal Clerk is one of significant responsibility and diversification. The principal or "core" duties of a Municipal Clerk are defined by State Statute as the following:
- Secretary to the Governing Body
- Secretary to the Municipal Corporation
- Election Administrator and Registrar of Voters
- Administrative and Licensing Officer
- Custodian of Records
These "core" duties encompass a myriad of State Statues and include interaction with all levels of government, federal, state, county, and local, most municipal departments, local organizations, and residents. Each one of the aformentioned duties includes numerous responsibilities and tasks that are undertaken by the Municipal Clerk and staff.
As Secretary to the Governing body (Township Council), the Municipal Clerk attends all Council meetings; records minutes; assists in preparing the Council meeting agenda and resolutions; compiles meeting packets, receives bids and RFP's; administers and records Oaths of Office; processes correspondence and records, files and advertises ordinances and acts as a liaison between the public and governing body.
The Municipal Clerk, as Secretary to the Municipal Corporation, signs official documents, has custody of the Township Seal and atttests the signature of the Mayor and other Township officials.
As Election Official, the Municipal Clerk handles voter registration, accepts petitions for vacancies in local elected offices, furnishes materials for local, primary and general elections, selects polling areas and calculates and maintains custody of election results.
The Municipal Clerk also issues various licenses, i.e. Peddler / Solicitor, Bingo, Raffle, Liquor, Limo, etc.; furnishes data to the public, provides copies of Ordinances, Resolutions and other information requested by the public and personnel.
Additionally, the Municipal Clerk's Office is often referred to as the doorway to the community because of the diversification of the position, and often serves a direct link between the municipality's residents and local government. If the Municipal Clerk is unable to directly assist you, be assured that you will be referred to the appropriate party or pointed in the right direction.
It is the responsibility of the Registrar of Vital Statistics to record all births, deaths and marriages occurring within the Township of Byram. The accumulation of information from vital records provides data about the events that occur throughout the entire State of New Jersey. In addition, the Registrar is also responsible for issuing marriage licenses, marriage certificates, birth certificates and death certificates. The Registrar hours are 8:30am-4:30pm Monday - Friday.
Forms
Documents
Peddler / Solicitor Information
Contacts
Cindy Church
Township Clerk / Registrar of Vital Statistics
973-347-2500 x127
cchurch@byramtwp.org
