Town Government
Town Clerk's Office
The direct link between residents and Town Hall — licenses, certificates, records, notary, and the answers to a lot of everyday questions.
Historically, the Town Clerk's office has been the direct link between residents and their local government. Many people contact the office for information — or to find out where else to get it. If you're not sure who handles something, the Clerk's office is a good first call.
How the Clerk can help
Trash & recycling questions
Problems with pickup, what can and can’t go curbside (household trash only in the cans — no chairs, rugs, wood, or construction/demolition debris), and Clean-Up Day questions. Non-household items go to Clean-Up Days, April–November, 8 AM–noon on the 2nd Saturday of the month at the Town Highway Garage.
Trash & Recycling →New to town?
New residents can get set up and pointed to the information and services they need — trash day, water/sewer, voter and school district info, and more.
HVCC Certificates of Residency
Hudson Valley Community College students who need a Certificate of Residency (required for the in-state tuition rate) can get one from the Clerk. Please bring a photo ID.
Water & sewer bills
Questions about your water or sewer bill. Payments can be made by credit card over the phone (a transaction fee applies).
Water rates & billing →Notary public
A notary is available at the Clerk’s office during business hours.
Sporting licenses
New York State hunting and fishing (sporting) licenses are issued through the Clerk’s office.
Dog licenses
All dogs in the town must be licensed through the Town Clerk. You’ll need proof of a current rabies vaccination and, if applicable, proof of spay/neuter.
Licenses, permits & certificates
The Clerk can tell you how and where to obtain the various licenses, permits, and certificates residents need.
Requesting information (FOIL)
Under New York's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), residents have the right to request access to most public records the town keeps. To make a request, fill out the FOIL request form and submit it to the Town Clerk's office — in person, by mail, or by email — describing the records you're looking for as specifically as you can. The Clerk is the town's records access officer and will respond within the timeframes the law requires.
📬 Submit the completed form to the Town Clerk’s office at Town Hall, 290 Northline Drive, Melrose, NY 12121, or email townclerk@townofschaghticoke.org.
Download the FOIL Request FormForms & applications
These are the town's official forms, hosted here for easy download. Fill them out and return them to the Clerk's office (in person, by mail, or as noted on the form).
📄 Dog License Application
Apply for or renew a dog license. Bring proof of current rabies vaccination (and spay/neuter, if applicable).
📄 Handicap Parking Permit Application
The New York State DMV form MV-664.1, for a parking permit or plates for persons with severe disabilities. Completed forms are processed by the Town Clerk — do not mail this to the DMV.
Latest version at NYS DMV →