News from the Office of the Town Clerk

The 2021 official population as reported by the Town Clerk is 3,395.  This represents a small increase from 2020 where 3,364 was reported.

The Annual Street listing will be mailed the first week of January 2022.  It will include a dog license application. In case you are new to Massachusetts, the annual street listing is a legal document of the Commonwealth and must be returned each year to remain on the active voter list.  Pursuant to MA law, your name can then be removed from the voting list for failure to return the street listing after 2 years.  If you do not receive one by the end of January, please contact this office. 

Are you interested in running for a town board position?  A list of open offices will be certified and published after the New Year.  The legislation to change the position of Town Clerk from elected to appointed has passed the House and is with the Senate. We remain hopeful it will be resolved before the registrars certify vacancies for 2022. If it has not passed, the vacancy will be certified as an elected position.  I am retiring in May (I’m not ready to say goodbye just yet….).  If the position remains elected, the candidate must be a resident of Dunstable.  If appointed, they can interview candidates from outside of town.

2022 is a busy election year.  The date of the September primary is still being debated as is the Vote by Mail program and identification requirements at the polls so stay tuned to this section and the town website for updates.

Dog licenses will begin in early January.  All dogs, 6 months and older must be licensed.  If you reserved a personal dog tag number, your dog must be licensed by the end of January or the number will be passed on (I’m not sure whether the new Town Clerk will offer this program).  We have to account for the dog numbers each month with the Accountant (monies in).  Seniors, age 70 and older, have the fee waived pursuant to a town meeting vote.  The dogs must still be licensed.

Whatever holiday you celebrate, make it a good one and Happy New Year, best wishes for good health!!