CLERK-DUTIES

SECTION 53. 1. It shall be the duty of the city clerk to attend all meetings of the council and keep an accurate record of all their proceedings. He shall be custodian of the corporate seal of the city and of all the municipal books, records and papers, except as the custody of the same is not herein otherwise provided for. He shall have full power and authority to take all affidavits and administer all oaths necessary in the transaction of city business, but shall make no charge therefor. His official books and records shall be kept properly indexed and be open to public inspection during office hours.

2.   He shall be the general accountant of the city, and shall keep a complete set of books for that purpose. Such books shall exhibit accurate and detailed statements of all moneys received and expended for account of the city and of the property owned by the city, and the income, if any, derived therefrom. He shall keep separate accounts of each appropriation, and of the dates, purpose and manner of each payment therefrom.

3.   He shall issue all licenses, and keep a classified record of the same, showing date of issuance and expiration, class and amount. He must draw warrants on the city treasurer in favor of all persons entitled thereto, in payment of all claims and demands chargeable against the city, which have been legally examined and allowed, as herein provided; also for all debts and demands against the city when the amounts are fixed by law or ordinance. All warrants must distinctly specify the liability for which they are drawn, and when it accrued.

4.   He shall draw and countersign all warrants on the treasury, and no payment of city funds shall be made except on draft or warrant countersigned by him. He shall not countersign any such draft or warrant until he has found that the payment has been legally authorized, that the money therefor has been duly appropriated, and that such appropriation has not been exhausted.

5.   He shall perform such duties required of him by ordinance as may not be inconsistent with the duties of his office.

6.   He shall report to the council monthly the actual condition of each fund in the treasury, and make generally a specific exhibit of the city's financial condition. He shall also make an annual report, showing in detail the source from which the city's resources were derived and how much revenues were expended for the preceding fiscal year, as well as showing in summarized form the city's assets and indebtedness of all kinds. He shall give full information as to the actual condition of the city treasury and every fund thereof, whenever required by the mayor or common council, or any member thereof. All such reports of said clerk are to be verified under oath.

   S.L. 1907, pp. 85-86.