Description of the City Clerk's Office

The City Clerk, along with the Tax Collector, is the oldest among public servants. The Clerk is the direct link between the citizens and their government.  The City Clerk attends all meetings of the City Council.  A complete journal is kept of all proceedings.  In addition to meeting minutes, the Clerk must keep a ledger of all City Ordinances passed by the City Council.  The City currently has over 7,000 Ordinances on file in the Clerk's vault.

The City Clerk is the custodian of the municipal seal and is custodian of all official papers, files, and documents.  This includes contracts, leases, deeds and other agreements made by the City.  The Clerk's Office also keeps record of all City vehicles, including titles and registrations.

It is the duty of the Clerk to publish or post all notices of elections as required by law, to accept candidates' petitions, and to certify the ballot to the County Clerk for the City-wide offices.  The Clerk’s Office provides voters’ registration service and notary service.  Temporary Handicap Parking Placards are also issued by the Clerk’s Office.

The City Clerk handles the Birth and Death Certificates of all births occurring in Alton and all deaths occurring in Alton, Godfrey, Moro, and Fosterburg.  The Clerk issues Certified Copies of birth and death certificates to property identified individuals and funeral homes.  The City Clerk submits a monthly report to the Vital Records Office in Springfield, Illinois.

The City Clerk keeps a record of all Resolutions, Ordinances, Departmental Monthly Reports, Communications, Petitions, Appointments, Resignations, and various Committee and Commission proceedings.

The City Clerk is the sole custodian and supervisor of the care and maintenance of the City Hall Building.