DISPOSITION SCHEDULE A:
GENERAL DISPOSITION SCHEDULE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT RECORDS
Records (regardless of media) are scheduled for retention by the office which has legal accountability. Additional copies held only for convenience are not records, and may be destroyed when no longer needed. Drafts and notes may also be destroyed when no longer needed, except when these materials document the development of local government policy and are therefore incorporated into an official file. Drafts and notes incorporated into official files become part of that file, and have the same retention period as the other records contained therein.
Most record series listed on the General Disposition Schedule may be found in any office of local government, although several are unique to municipalities. Attachments B Q are Disposition Schedules for specific offices/departments of local government.
The "retention" column indicates either 1) a limited period after which the records may be destroyed, or 2) the word "Permanent," indicating the records may not be destroyed and must be retained permanently.
Unless otherwise noted, please refer to the following citations for confidentiality restrictions:
(1) Federal Privacy Act of 1974 (Section 7 of Pub. L. 93-579), 5 U. S. C., § 552a;
(2) Social Security Act, 42 U. S. C. §§ 408(a)(8) and 405(c)(2)(C)(viii)(I);
(3) Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U. S. C. § 1232g;
(4) Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information (HIPAA), 45 CFR Section 160 through 164.
For citations (1) and (2), the primary records concerns are redaction of social security numbers and proper disposal of nonpermanent records containing them. The presence of a social security number does not, by itself, render an entire document confidential.
Series Series Title / Description and Confidentiality Status Retention
A.01. Accident Reports Filed by Local Government Employees 6 years
Includes personal injury, property damage, vehicle accidents. Not Confidential
A.02. Administrative Calendars Current year
Employee calendars, facility use schedules, meeting schedules. Not Confidential
A.03. Aerial Photographs Permanent
Systematic documentation of land use; not casual photos, which may be destroyed when no longer useful. Not Confidential
A.04. Agendas 6 years
Meetings of official boards and committees. Not Confidential
A.05. Annual Reports Created by Local Government (one copy) Permanent
E.g., town reports, comprehensive reports of counties, school districts, etc. Not Confidential
A.06. Applications for Employment - Not Hired 2 years
Cover letters, application form, references, etc. (See A.53 for other personnel records.) Confidential
MRSA 30-A § 2702 for school personnel, MRSA 20-A § 6101(2)
A.07. Appointments/Oaths 25 years
Appointments to boards, commissions, or other offices with accompanying oaths of office, usually in a bound volume or "book." Not Confidential
A.08. Audit Reports Permanent
Report issued by auditor following each official audit. Not Confidential
A.09. Audits, Internal (Working Papers) 6 years
Calculations and other backup materials used by auditors to generate final report. Not Confidential
A.10. Bank Reconciliations 6 years
Reconciliation of bank balance with local government agency account(s). Not Confidential
A.11. Bankruptcy Notices 10 years after debt dismissed
Notices filed with local government official by individuals who have been declared bankrupt, in order to have debt(s) owed to local government agency dismissed. Not Confidential
A.12. Bids 6 years
Bids made by potential vendors to provide goods or services for local government agency purchase. Not Confidential
A.13. Bills 6 years
Written requests for payment, to or from a local government agency. Not Confidential
A.14. Bills of Sale for Property That Must Be Filed with Municipal Clerk 6 years after property is sold or removed
Bills of sale for property owned by a local government agency, such as a house located on rented land. Not Confidential
A.15. Bond Records, Financial 6 years after expiration
Bonds (financial, representing funds invested) purchased or sold by municipality. Not Confidential
A.16. Bond Records, Performance 6 years after expiration
Bonds posted as insurance against employee theft. Not Confidential
A.17. Board of Appeals Files Permanent
Case files, including proposal initially refused by Planning Board, documents submitted in support or opposition to appeal, related correspondence. Not Confidential
A.18.a Budget Records - Summary Permanent
Final copy of the budget, listing anticipated revenues and expenses for year. Not Confidential
A.18.b Budget Records Forms and Information Used to Compile Summary 6 years
Working files used to draw up the final budget, including estimates and requests submitted for compilation by individual departments. Not Confidential
A.19. Buildings and Grounds Records Destroy when building no longer exists, or transfer records to its new owner
Record of construction (if applicable), purchase, and on-going repair and alteration of buildings owned and/or operated by local government agency. Not Confidential
A.20. Cash Sheets and Other Accounting Records Summarized by Permanent Documents, Such as Ledgers 6 years
All temporary accounting records that are generated in the course of creating a local government agency's permanent ledger. Not Confidential
A.21. Cemetery Lots Permanent
Record of ownership of lots in municipally operated cemeteries. Not Confidential
A.22.a Certified Mail Receipts - Routine 3 months
Receipts for items sent by certified mail, not used to transmit documents that are the subject of litigation or likely to become the subject of litigation. Not Confidential
A.22.b Certified Mail Receipts - Evidential Keep with file copy of item transmitted
Receipts for items sent by certified mail, used to transmit documents that are the subject of litigation or likely to become the subject of litigation. Not Confidential (unless transmitted item is Confidential)
A.23 Checks 6 years
Canceled checks, or images of canceled checks, returned to local government agency by bank. Not Confidential
A.24. Clothing Records 3 years
Clothing allowances, uniform allowances, and uniform records, for employees whose work clothing is provided all or in part by the local government employer. Not Confidential
A.25.a Complaints Leading to Inspections See Municipal Inspections
Complaints to local government officials that result in inspection of the purported problem situation. Not Confidential
A.25.b Complaints - Other 3 years from resolution
Complaints to local government officials that do not result in inspections. Not Confidential
A.26 Contracts 6 years after completion
Contracts entered into by local government agencies for the purchase of goods, services, leasing of property, etc. Not Confidential
A.27.a Correspondence - Transitory 1 year
Letters of transmittal, requests for information, letters of application, of thanks, etc. Not Confidential
A.27.b Correspondence - Substantive File with related record series
Letters and memoranda documenting actions taken by the local government agency. Not Confidential (unless matter documented makes it so)
A.27.c Correspondence Received from Parents by Schools File with student's permanent record
(See Disposition Schedule L for School Records)
Letters and other written communications received by school administrators or school administrative offices from parents of students regarding the student's school experience. (Notes and other written communications between parents and individual teachers are covered by Disposition Schedule L, Item 38 - Notes on Students). Confidential
(3)
A.28. Deeds to Properties Owned by Local Government Agencies Permanent
Deeds (plus any related documents) to a local government agency's real property. These deeds must also be recorded at the appropriate County Register's Office. Not Confidential
A.29. Deposit Slips 6 years
Bank deposit slips for accounts maintained by local government agencies. Not Confidential
A.30. Depreciation Schedules 6 years after disposal of property
Depreciation schedules for non-real property owned by local government agencies. Not Confidential
A.31. Employee Drug Tests 5 years
Records of drug test and results for employees of local government agency. Confidential (4)
A.32. Equipment Records 2 years from disposal
All documents related to the purchase, upgrading, and maintenance of equipment such as motor vehicles, computers, etc. Not Confidential
A.33. Expense Reports 6 years
Expense account vouchers and supporting documents submitted for reimbursement by employees and elected/appointed officials. Not Confidential
A.34. Grants 3 years
Federal, state and privately funded grants sought and/or obtained by local government agencies: applications, reports, and supporting documentation. Not Confidential
A.35.a Hazardous Chemicals - Material Safety Data Sheets Current MSDS only
Material Safety Data Sheets explain the hazards and describe the measures that should be taken if employees are exposed to chemicals stored or used at the work site. Not Confidential
A.35.b Hazardous Chemicals - Chemical Identification List and Related Records 20 years (per Title 26, Chp. 823, 1716.1)
Each work site where hazardous chemicals are used or stored must maintain a list, with MSDS (see A.32.a above) and any related documents. Not Confidential
A.36.a Health Records - Clinics Sponsored by Local Government Agency 10 years
Immunizations, cholesterol/blood pressure screenings, etc. Does not include records maintained by government-operated hospitals or similar health care facilities. Confidential (4)
A.36.b Health Records - Individuals 60 years
Health records of local government employees, individuals visited by municipal nurses, etc. Does not include records maintained by government-operated hospitals or similar health care facilities. Confidential
(4)
A.36.c Health Records - Historic Permanent
Records of health emergencies or disasters. Not Confidential
A.37.a Hospital Liens - Discharged 6 years
Liens filed with the municipality by a local hospital against a patient who has failed to arrange for payment for care, in cases where the lien is discharged because the obligation has been paid. Not Confidential
A.37.b Hospital Liens Not Discharged Permanent
Liens filed with the municipality by a local hospital against a patient who has failed to arrange for payment for care, in cases where the lien has not been discharged because the obligation remains unpaid. Not Confidential
A.38. Insurance Claims Until settled plus 6 years
Includes both claims filed against local government agency, and claims filed against others by local government agency. Not Confidential
A.39.a. Insurance Policies, General Liability 30 years after expiration
Policies carried by local government agency to protect itself against liability claims. Not Confidential
A.39.b. Insurance Policies, All Other 6 years after expiration
Policies carried by local government agency to protect itself against all other losses except liability claims. Not Confidential
A.40. Inventories 6 years
Lists of capital equipment or minor equipment and other non-real property owned by local government agency. Not Confidential
A.41.a Job Descriptions No Grievances Pending Retain current version only
Description of duties performed or to be performed by particular positions. Not Confidential
A.41.b Job Descriptions Grieved with Collective Bargaining Follow applicable collective bargaining agreement
Description of duties performed or to be performed by particular positions. Not Confidential
A.42. Labor Citations Safety Violations Current plus one year
Record of safety violations discovered during inspection of local government facilities. Note: an uncorrected violation may not be destroyed. Not Confidential
A.43. Leases Permanent
Leases entered into by local government agency. Not Confidential
A.44. Ledgers/Journal Entries (Including Distribution Records) Permanent
Summary accounting records, showing line item totals of income and expenditures for year. Not Confidential
A.45. Minutes of Meetings, Notes (Handwritten or Stenographic) Until transcribed
(See also Item 51.) Notes taken during official meetings held by local government agency, for the purpose of producing minutes. Not Confidential
A.46. Minutes of Meetings Permanent
All official meetings held or conducted by local government officials, where official minutes are kept. Not Confidential
A.47. Minutes of Meetings, Transitory 2 years
Routine staff meetings, NOT the official proceeding of a board or committee. Not Confidential
A.48. Mortgages Permanent
Mortgages on property owned by local government agency, and discharges of these mortgages. Must also be recorded at the appropriate Registry of Deeds. Not Confidential
A.49.a Municipal Inspection Files, No Order Resulting 3 years
These files contain records of inspections performed by such municipal officials as the Building Inspector, Fire Chief, Code Enforcement Officer, Plumbing Inspector, Electrical Inspector, Health Officer, or any other municipal officer whose official duties require making inspections and keeping a record of the results, where the inspection does not result in an order of eviction, compliance, correction or remediation. Not Confidential
A.49.b Municipal Inspection Files, Order Resulting 3 years from closure of case
These files contain records of inspections performed by such municipal officials as the Building Inspector, Fire Chief, Code Enforcement Officer, Plumbing Inspector, Electrical Inspector, Health Officer, or any other municipal officer whose official duties require making inspections and keeping a record of the results, where the inspection results in an order of eviction, compliance, correction or remediation. Not Confidential
A.50. Municipal Ordinances Permanent
All ordinances adopted by a municipality, including documentation as to why the ordinance was proposed. Not Confidential
A.51. Parks and Recreation Facilities Until 6 years after facility ceases to be operated
Construction and maintenance of nature trails, playgrounds, and other facilities maintained by municipality, except for municipally owned and operated buildings. Not Confidential
A.52. Payrolls 6 years
All records used to create payrolls for local government agency employees. Confidential
(1), (2)
A.53.a Personnel Records Employment History 60 years unless employer has been notified that the former employee has died; in which case 10 years after former employee's death
Employment history (including dates of employment, salary history, full time/part time status). Confidential
MRSA 30-A § 2702
A.53.b Personnel Records Transitory 6 years or until destruction is permitted by applicable collective bargaining agreement
All other personnel records, including courses and workshops taken. Confidential
MRSA 30-A § 2702
A.53.c Personnel Records Form I-9 1 year after termination or 3 years after hire, whichever is later
Federally required proof that employee has a legal right to work in the U.S. Confidential (1), (2)
A.54. Property Records 6 years after disposal of property
Other than deeds to real estate documentation for purchase and maintenance of property that the local government agency records on an inventory. Not Confidential
A.55. Receipts 6 years
Documentation for payments made to others by local government agency, and documentation for payments received from others by local government agency. Not Confidential
A.56.a Recordings of Meetings Without Verbatim Transcript 5 years
All official meetings held or conducted by local government officials. If both an audio and a video recording are made at the direction of the local government agency, only one or the other needs to be retained for 5 years. Not Confidential
A.56.b Recordings of Meetings With Verbatim Transcript Until transcribed
All official meetings held or conducted by local government officials, when a verbatim transcript has been made from the recording. Not Confidential
A.56.c Verbatim Transcript Permanent
All official meetings held or conducted by local government officials verbatim transcript made from audio or video recording created at the direction of the local government agency. Not Confidential
A.57. Regulatory Statistics 6 years
Regulatory statistics maintained for State or Federal agencies (such as affirmative action and equal opportunity records, OSHA-required records, etc.) Not Confidential
A.58. Retirement and Pension Records See Long Term Personnel Records
All records needed to document an employee's retirement rights and status. Confidential (1), (2)
A.59. Salmonella Analysis Reports 3 years after last batch of compost is sold, or 2 years after closure of facility (CH 419, sec. 6.A; CH 409, sec. 4.F)
Salmonella analysis reports from solid waste treatment plants, required by Dept. of Environmental Protection. Not Confidential
A.60.a Site Plans - Approved Permanent
Final plans submitted to planning boards and land use committees, approved to allow the work to proceed. Not Confidential
A.60.b Site Plans Work in Progress Until no longer needed
Plans superseded by subsequent changes in execution, and all sketches, notes, and supporting documents to completed (final) plan. Not Confidential
A.61. Training and Education of Employees Update as needed
Training and education of employees: Information about available training/education opportunities. Not Confidential
A.62. Trees Until 3 years after tree is removed
Municipal arborist's records of trees growing in municipality. Not Confidential
A.63. Union Agreements Retain until new agreement is signed and time limit for filing grievances under old agreement has expired
Collective bargaining agreements with unions representing employees of local government agency. Not Confidential
A.64. Vacation and Holiday Schedules Current year
Schedule for employee use of leave time. Not Confidential
A.65. Volunteer Files 6 years after separation
All records maintained on service of individual volunteers. Confidential (1), (2)
A.66. Vouchers 6 years
Authorization to pay local government agency's financial obligations. Not Confidential
A.67. Warrants Financial and Treasurer's 6 years
Warrants for payment of obligations, and warrants sworn by local government officials to guarantee proper discharge of their duties. Not Confidential
A.68. Warrants Municipal Permanent
Municipal warrant used to call a town meeting. Not Confidential
A.69. Welfare records - applications and case files 3 years
General assistance, donated commodities, HEAP (Heating and Energy Assistance Program), ECIP (Energy Crisis Intervention Program), etc. Confidential (1), (2)
A.70. Wellness program records Current year
Records of employee participation in program designed to encourage behaviors thought to result in improved heath. Confidential (4)
A.71.a Workers Compensation Records First Report of Injury 1 year after close of case
No lost work time, so that the only record required is the initial report of injury. Confidential (4)
A.71.b Workers Compensation Records Completed Claim 1 year after close of case
First report plus other records, when claim is finalized by a lump sum settlement. Confidential (4)
A.71.c Workers Compensation Records Long Term Claim 20 years after last payment
First report plus other records where time is lost from work, and case is not finalized by lump sum payment. Confidential (4)
Page Updated October 26, 2005.
