What is a County Clerk?

The County Clerk is a Constitutional Officer who is elected for a 4-year term. The duties of the County Clerk are prescribed by state statute.  The Clerk is the "keeper of records" for the citizens of Alpena County. Duties include:

• Clerk of the 26th Circuit Court has control of court files, maintains all court case filings, administers oaths and is the keeper of the Circuit Court Seal which is used to certify over 275 different documents.
   
• Register of Vital Statistics. Records and Indexes are maintained on all Alpena County births, deaths, and marriages.
   
• The Clerk’s Office accepts applications and issues all marriage licenses, reviews and records all county births and death certificates, and issues certified copies as requested.
   
• Chief Election Officer for county, supervises elections, receives and files county petitions, serves as a member of the County Election Committee, Clerk of the Election Scheduling Committee and the County Board of Canvassers. Tabulates election results on election night for all Federal, State and County Elections.
   
• Clerk of the County Board of Commissioners. Attends all Full Board meetings and responsible for maintaining Board minutes.
   
• The Clerk is responsible for maintaining county expenditures and assists with county monthly claims, which are approved by the Board of Commissioners.
   
• All accounts payable checks and county payroll checks preparation, tax withholding, benefits payment and forms along with all necessary reports are done in the Clerk’s office. Also, as Clerk of the Court, all submitted court vouchers, bond and restitution payments are done in this office.
   
• Clerk of the Jury Commission: Sends out all juror questionnaires for Circuit, District and Probate Courts and prepares juror panels for the various courts. The County Clerk is responsible for notification of jurors to appear for jury duty in the Circuit Court.
   
• Other duties include: Clerk of the Gun Board and issuing of Concealed Weapons permits after approval, filing of Assumed Name Certifications for businesses, processing Notary applications, serves as a member of the County Plat Board, County Apportionment Commission, filing of Veterans Discharges and doing all necessary Oath of Office.