CITY CLERK, the chief clerical official of the cities of the United States performing most of the duties of an English town clerk. In cities under the council form of government he is usually elected either as a partisan candidate or candidate without regard to party lines. In cities under the commission or commission-manager form of government, he usually is ap pointed by the mayor subject to the approval of the commission, or is chosen by the commission. He may serve for an indefinite number of terms. The city clerk keeps the minutes of the meet ings of the city council or commission. He also keeps all other city records, and in many States has authority to issue licences. He usually has a force of deputies appointed by him or by the authority which appoints him, or selected by civil service regu lations.
See Herman G. James, Local Government in the United States (192 1) ; Chester C. Maxey, An Outline of Municipal Government