DIVISION OF LOCAL SERVICES 

Technical Assistance Section -  For more information
 EMAIL: tacontact@dor.state.ma.us
(JOB RESPONSIBILITIES) 1 (TREASURER)
Below is a summary of the duties of the town treasurer as extracted from the
Treasurers' Manual, published by The Massachusetts Collector and Treasurer’s Association
in collaboration with the Division of Local Services and others.
1. Receives, takes charge of and accounts for all monies belonging to the town; receives and identifies monies due the town and
    reports the same to the accountant (MGL Ch. 41, Section 35)

2. Maintains a cash book; provides for adequate funds for current obligations (through issuance of long-term or short-term debt);
    invests the towns funds (MGL Ch. 44, Sections 55, 55A)

3. Upon authorization of the selectmen or accountant, pay out public money (MGL Ch. 41, Sections 52, 56)

4. Pays over and accounts for salaries and wages, including payroll and personnel deductions (MGL Ch. 41, Section 41);
    maintains payroll and personnel records (MGL Ch. 149, Section 178B; MGL Ch. 175, Section 138A); when so
    appointed, administers unemployment compensation programs (MGL Ch. 40, Section 5E); assures compliance with
    labor and industry, retirement and insurance laws; monitors compliance with personnel by-laws, union contracts and civil
    service regulations (MGL Ch. 41, Section 35)

5. With selectmen approval, negotiates all borrowing, prepares necessary documents and notes and reports the same to the
    Director of Accounts (MGL Ch. 44, Section 23, 24, 28)

6. Report to the town accountant, or if none, to the advisory committee, the amount of debt and interest due in the next fiscal year
    when budgets are submitted (MGL Ch. 41 sec. 59)

7. Maintain custody of stabilization funds, pension reserve funds, trust funds, investments, and other funds not allocated to other
    agencies (MGL Ch. 40 sec. 5B, 5D; MGL Ch. 41 sec. 46; MGL Ch. 44 sec. 53)

8. Maintain custody of town’s financial documents including insurance policies, fidelity bonds, deeds, etc.
    (MGL Ch. 41 sec. 57, MGL Ch. 44 sec. 54)

9. Maintain tax title accounts; conduct sales of land; prepare documents to petition for foreclosure
    (MGL Ch. 60 sec. 50, 61, 62, 63, 76, 77, 79, 80)

10. Prepare reports including reconciliation of treasurer’s cash, weekly or monthly report of receipts and balances to the
     accountant, reports of payroll deductions; an annual report; and reports to the Director of Accounts including a quarterly
     report of reconciliation of treasurer’s cash, and an annual report of cash management achievements.

11. Close and reconcile all books and accounts including cash book, warrants, bank accounts, insurance programs, retirement
      funds, debt records and tax title accounts.

posted by Jeff Bennett