Clerks take vitals work concerns to state level

Town, village and city clerks are so opposed to losing their right to issue birth, death and marriage certificates that they're sounding the alarm on a related state proposal.

A lingering bill outlining state Health Department responsibilities during a pandemic emergency says registrar duties can be consolidated if deemed necessary by the health commissioner. Some clerks allege that it's a way to back into a recommendation by the state's consolidated government task force to keep vital statistics at the county level.

"If it hadn't been specifically stated there, it might not have jumped out at us so much," said Janet M. Wheater, Oswegatchie clerk and president of the St. Lawrence County Municipal Clerks Association. "I still think they're trying to change this and conceal it in this bill."

Clerks oppose consolidation because of the hardship they say it will put on residents.

"We are a very large county," said Cindy L. Goliber, Potsdam clerk and second vice president of the state Town Clerks Association. "We don't think that's good for our residents who will have to drive to Canton for birth and death certificates or for funeral directors to get death certificates."

St. Lawrence County Clerk Patricia A. Ritchie will ask her legislators July 21 to oppose any consolidation of registrar duties.

"I'd have to have more staff if we took on the vital statistics," she said.

The change would not only add work for county staffs but also take away the $10 fee towns, villages and cities charge for vital certificates.

Mrs. Ritchie, who serves as the first vice president of the state County Clerks Association, has circulated the concerns among her peers. A few counties already handle registrar duties.

"It wouldn't surprise me. Most states do it that way," said JoAnn M. Wilder, Jefferson County clerk. "It will be a monumental task if and when it happens."

The state Senate and Assembly have matching bills that clerks fear will be considered the next time lawmakers return to Albany.

The Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness recommended consolidating the state's 1,452 entities issuing birth and death certificates in its April report. The county level is the most appropriate place, it said.

Consolidation would create a standardized system of forms that will be easier to access, according to the commission.