The role of the City Clerk originates back to ancient civilizations when scribes would document the business of government. The City Clerk for Lakeland attends all City Commission meetings and keeps a journal of the governing body’s proceedings. The City Clerk is the custodian of the seal of the City and of all contracts, records, and documents that memorialize official business. The City Clerk oversees elections for those seeking office as a City Commissioner and they administer the process for the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority.
As the City of Lakeland’s population has grown over the years, so has the role of the City Clerk. Today, Clerks are the glue that holds many cities together. City Clerks wear many hats and tend to be among the most knowledgeable in an organization for record documentation, record retention, keeping minutes for important meetings, and administering municipal elections.