A municipality with a population of 1,500 or more according to the 1990 Federal Census or any subsequent Federal Census, which employs an officer or employee responsible for exercising any of the duties of Municipal Clerk & Recorder, must have at least one certified person. For other municipalities, certification is optional.
What is a Catastrophic Illness Trust
A “Catastrophic Illness Trust” is defined as a trust or custodial account established to benefit those with a catastrophic illness, or a severe illness requiring prolonged hospitalization and/or doctors and medicines. Trustees or a bank or trust company acting as trustee are required to provide notice to the Division of Charitable Solicitations on establishment of the trust. This notice is required before soliciting donations in the State of Tennessee.
The trustees, other than a bank or trust company acting as trustee, are also required to file with the Division of Charitable Solicitations an annual accounting of the trust on the anniversary of the establishment of the trust. This accounting must include all revenue and expenditures of the trust. The trustees must keep true and accurate financial records of the trust for no less than three (3) years. In addition, the Secretary of State may compel additional production of documents, exhibits, or things by any person which the Secretary believes to be pertinent in conducting any investigation.
Are there any continuing education requirements?
To retain certification, a certified person is required to attend a minimum of 18 hours of continuing education courses every 3 years. This requirement may be met by attending a minimum of 18 credit hours from any of the following or combination thereof, provided that the hours were not used to complete the required hours of education for certification:
The Academy for Advanced Education (U.T.);
The International Institute of Municipal Clerks annual conference or state, provincial or regional clerks meetings;
Seminars conducted by the Tennessee Municipal League;
Leadership and Technical Programs (U.T. Municipal Training); or
Job-related seminars.
Who is exempt from certification?
Any person who is licensed to practice law in Tennessee and who satisfies continuing legal education requirements
Any person who has been appointed or is acting in the capacity of a city manager or administrator and who possesses a M.A. degree in public administration
Any person who is a certified public accountant holding a certificate as provided in Section 62-1-106 or Section 6-1-107
Any person who has served as both a city judge and city recorder for at least 25 years
What are the qualifications for certification?
To be certified, a person must obtain certification from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks or must complete a minimum of 100 credit hours from any of the following or combination thereof:
The Municipal Clerks Institute (U.T.);
The U.T. Center for Government Training
Seminars conducted by the Tennessee Municipal League;
Leadership and Technical Programs (U.T. Municipal Training);
Job-related seminars; or
An A.A. or A.S. degree (maximum credit of 25 hours) or a B.A. or B.S. degree (maximum credit of 50 hours), provided that credit will be given for only one degree.