Appointed clerks:

1. Do not have to be town residents.
2. Have their qualifications, job descriptions, and wages/benefits set by the town board as they are essentially town employees hired by the board.
3. Cannot be removed by the board during their term of office, unless there is “cause” for removal (misconduct in office or neglect of duties). The board can simply choose not to re-appoint an official at the end of his or her term without having to establish cause.
4. Can be appointed for a term not to exceed 3 years at one time. Can be appointed for a shorter term such as six months or one year or whatever the board deems appropriate.

Elected clerks:

1. Do have to be town residents.
2. Are answerable to the electorate and cannot be required by the board to hold specific qualifications or obtain training (unless required by state law-such as election training for clerks).
3. Can be recalled from office like other elected officials, but cannot be removed from office by a board vote.
4. Are elected for two year terms at the spring election in odd-numbered years.