[Adopted 3-20-2021]
A. 
Pursuant to C.G.S. § 9-185, as it may be amended from time to time, the office of Town Clerk shall cease to be an elective office as of November 2, 2021, the date of the next biennial municipal election after the effective date of this article, and from that date the Town Clerk shall be appointed by the Board of Selectmen; provided that the person holding the office of Town Clerk on November 2, 2021, shall continue in office until his/her successor is appointed and sworn.
B. 
The Board of Selectmen shall endeavor to appoint a resident of the Town of Voluntown capable of performing the duties of the Town Clerk but may appoint the person it deems to be the best qualified candidate, regardless of residence.
C. 
The term of office of each appointed Town Clerk shall be continuous, until his/her successor is appointed and sworn in.
The Town Clerk shall have all the powers and duties conferred by the Connecticut General Statutes, as they may be amended from time to time, and by this article. The Board of Selectmen may, in addition, establish a job description and qualifications for the position of Town Clerk and amend it from time to time, but need not do so before making the appointment to be made immediately after the November 2, 2021, municipal election.
The Board of Selectmen may remove the Town Clerk during his/her appointed term, but only for cause. As used in this section, "cause" shall mean, but not be limited to, misconduct in office; willful and material neglect of duty; incompetence in the conduct of office; dishonesty or other unethical behavior; violation of law; and excessive absence.
A vacancy in the office of Town Clerk shall be filled by appointment by the Board of Selectmen as soon as practicable after the occurrence of the vacancy.
This article shall take effect 15 days after notice of its adoption is published in accordance with C.G.S.§ 7-157.