The Town of Romulus is proposing a major change to how it fills one of its key administrative roles. Town leaders want to convert the town clerk position from an elected office to an appointed employee role starting in 2028.
Officials say the shift is about improving efficiency, accountability, and service to residents.
Why the change is being proposed
Unlike policy-making positions, the town clerk’s job is largely administrative—managing records, handling vital documents, and processing resident requests. According to town officials, it’s also become highly technical, requiring skills in software, data entry, and digital communication.
Right now, anyone over 18 who lives in Romulus can run for the job, and there are no required qualifications or oversight of job performance once elected. By making it a hired role, the town says it would gain the ability to set job qualifications, supervise performance, and ensure consistent training and support.
“Residents deserve competent, efficient, quality customer service when paying bills or requesting information,” the town wrote in its announcement.
What happens next
The proposed change would go to a mandatory public referendum, where voters will have the final say. If approved, the elected position would be eliminated at the end of 2027. Beginning in 2028, the town board would hire a qualified individual into a civil service position.
The town also plans to open the role to non-residents by waiving the residency requirement, aiming to expand the pool of qualified applicants.
What it means for voters
If voters approve the change, the new town clerk would be hired for a renewable one-year term, with duties and hours set by the town board. The move also gives the town authority to conduct performance reviews, enforce work hours, and implement disciplinary action if necessary.
Supporters say it brings the position in line with professional standards and helps ensure long-term stability and accountability. Critics may see it as a loss of direct voter control.
A public hearing and referendum will be scheduled before any change takes effect. For updates, visit romulusny.gov.
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