Town Clerk

Town Clerk	Anna Lavarreda
Hours	Mon 4-7pm, Tue 4-7pm or by appointment; [More availability to come after 6/19/22]
Phone	(413) 624-7100
FAX	(413) 624-8852
Email	townclerk@colrain-ma.gov
Address	55 Main Road, Colrain, MA 01340

You can order and pay for birth, death, and marriage certificates, as well as dog and kennel licenses through our Online Payment Gateway.

Town Clerk's Duties

The Town Clerk's office provides many services to the general public, as well as to local, state and federal governments, including the follow:

• Chief election official: Voter registration, absentee ballots, oversight of polling place and conduct of elections, and records of all actions of Town Meetings.
• Maintains the municipal code, the official Town bulletin board, meeting postings, oaths of office, appointments and resignations of all Town Officials.
• Licensing officer: Marriage Certificates, Raffle Permits, Business Certificates, Dog Licenses.
• Certified requests for public documents.
• Compilation of Annual Census and Street / Voting lists.
• This office responds to inquiries from the public as well as from other departments, boards and committees.

Annual Town Meeting and Running for office

Running for elected positions - How do I get on the ballot?

Nomination Papers - Nomination papers will be available on February 1st. There will be a listing of all offices to appear and the terms, including any vacancies posted at the town offices and on the town website. The deadline for submitting completed nomination papers to the board of registrars is March 15th (town clerk's office)

A total of 20 certified voter signatures are required for those running for office in Colrain. Candidates should complete their information on the nomination papers at the town office before collecting signatures.

Citizen’s Article - May voters place articles on the warrant?

Yes, voters may “insert” articles in the warrant. They have to do so before selectmen “close” the warrant.

To insert an article in the warrant for an annual Town Meeting, at least 10 registered voters of the town must sign a written request. The written request of registered voters for the insertion of subjects in town meeting warrants shall not be valid unless the required number of registered voters not only sign their names but also state their residence, with street and number, if any. Voters do not have to include their addresses after their signatures, but it is a good idea.

If you want a sample of an article to use to draft your own, go to town hall and ask for a copy of the annual report, or check if your town has a website and publishes the annual report there. The annual report will have warrants from the previous year’s Town Meeting, which you can use as samples. For further assistance, contact the town clerk or town counsel.

Citizens may insert an article in the warrant for a special Town Meeting. Selectmen shall insert in the warrant for every special town meeting all subjects which shall be requested by 100 registered voters or 10% of the total number of voters, whichever is lesser.

Registration Deadlines

In order to vote you must be registered:

• 20 days prior to all primaries and elections, and/or
• 10 days before a Special Town Meeting.
• When a voter registration date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline falls back to previous workday

Post Warrants

• Annual Town Meeting
  • 20 Days before Town Meeting
  • Articles to be placed on warrant need to be submitted prior to this date
  • For further information please contact Selectman – Town Clerk
• Special Town Meeting
  • 14 Days before Town Meeting
  • Articles to be placed on warrant need to be submitted prior to this date
• For further information please contact Selectman – Town Clerk

Mission Statement

It is the mission of this office to be a reliable provider of information and quality services to the community and its residents, and to work cooperatively and in concert with all departments, boards and committees while complying with state and local statutes.

DOG OWNERS

Did you know that your veterinarian is required by law to notify the Town Clerk of rabies vaccinations obtained by resident dogs?

• Starting January 1^st you may register your dog for the current year.
• All dogs 6 months or older must be licensed every year with the Town Clerk.
• You must have a current rabies certificate to obtain your license.
• licenses expire March 31st for the previous year.

To renew a dog license during Covid:

Include the following with your payment:

• A renewal check (made payable to the Town of Colrain)
• A copy of the current rabies certificate
• Please Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you would like the license and tag mailed back to you

If the Town Office is closed, the following is suggested to obtain your dog license:

• Drop the information and check in town office foyer mail slot or send in the mail. The license and tag will be mailed back to you or left in the foyer for you to pick up
• Call the Town Clerk to make arrangements (413-624-7100)

Pay online using Online Payment Gateway.

• Spayed and neutered dog licenses are $5.00
• Dogs not neutered or spayed are $10.00
• Kennel (1-4) $20, (5-10) $35, (over 10 dogs) $50

Late fine of $10.00 per dog after April 1st, $25.00 late fee after May1st