Local Offices & Officials

We hope this compilation of publications and other resources will help both local officials and members of the public as they strive to understand and improve their municipalities. Return to the A to Z search and index page to peruse more topics.

Please remember that the laws governing municipalities and local governments are ever changing. We always recommend noting the date of the document, taking a look at the relevant statutes, and, if possible, checking in with the organization that produced the document. As always, requests for legal advice and legal opinions should be directed to a private attorney.

Local Offices & Officials

Secretary of State Resources:

• Guide to Vermont's Town Clerks, Treasurers, and County Clerks
• Selectboard Member Listing
• Justice of the Peace Listing
• The Vermont Justices of the Peace Guide (2019)
• A Handbook for Vermont Moderators (2009)
• Local Office Descriptions
• Notaries Public Info and FAQs
• Oaths of Office and Certificates of Election

Additional Contacts & Resources:

• Vermont Department of Health: Town Health Officer Manual and other resources
• Vermont Department of Taxes: Lister and Assessor Handbook and other resources
• Vermont Department of Transportation: The Orange Book: A Handbook for Local Officials
• State Government Municipal Day (Vermont Agency of Natural Resources)
• Town Officer Education Conference (UVM Extension)
• Muninet listserv
• Vermont League of Cities & Towns
• Vermont Municipal Clerks and Treasurers Association
• Vermont Planning Information Center: Vermont Zoning Administrators Handbook and other resources for planning commissions, development review boards, and ZAs
• Vermont School Boards Association: Resources for school boards, new members, and chairs

Additional Local Government Information & Resources:
For further information regarding local government, please visit the Elections Division which maintains a wealth of information pertaining to local offices as well as comprehensive resources for local elections. The Vermont State Archives and Records Administration hosts documentation ranging from historic town and village records to pertinent statutory information.