Starting as a Municipal Court Clerk can feel overwhelming. Between learning daily court operations, understanding reporting requirements, handling defendants, preparing dockets, and managing deadlines, many new clerks are also trying to figure out how professional organizations, training opportunities, memberships, and conferences actually work.
This guide is intended to help new clerks understand the basics of becoming connected and involved with the Mississippi Municipal Court Clerks Association (MMCCA), planning for training opportunities, and preparing your court budget accordingly.
What Is MMCCA?
The Mississippi Municipal Court Clerks Association (MMCCA) is a statewide professional organization that supports Municipal Court Clerks and Deputy Clerks throughout Mississippi.
The association provides:
- Training opportunities
- Networking with other clerks across the state
- Practical resources and guidance
- Communication regarding court-related updates
- Support for new and experienced clerks alike
For many clerks, especially those in smaller courts, MMCCA becomes an important professional support system.
Additional information and resources can be found at:
www.mmcca.org
Understanding Annual MMCCA Membership Dues
In order to participate fully in MMCCA events and receive discounted conference registration pricing, your annual dues must be paid and your court must be in good standing with the association.
Current Annual Dues
- Municipal Court Clerk: $100
- Deputy Court Clerk(s): $25 each
Annual dues forms are typically posted each year on the MMCCA website under the Resources section.
Important Membership Timeline
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| October 1 | Annual dues forms typically become available |
| January 1 | Annual dues deadline |
| Throughout Year | Maintain active membership status |
For example:
- Dues forms released October 1, 2025 would apply to the 2026 membership year.
- Those dues would generally be due by January 1, 2026.
How Are Dues Paid?
Most clerks will need approval from their municipality before dues can be paid because city funds are being used.
Typically, the process looks something like this:
- Prepare a memo requesting approval to pay annual MMCCA dues
- Submit the memo through your City Clerk or administration office
- Obtain Board approval if required by your municipality
- Your municipality issues payment
- Payment is mailed to the association treasurer
Mailing Information
Mississippi Municipal Court Clerks Association
Attn: Amanda Chism/Treasurer
P.O. Box 188
Blue Mountain, MS 38610
For questions regarding dues or membership status, clerks may contact the association treasurer directly.
Budgeting for Membership and Training
One of the biggest things new clerks often do not realize is that training and membership expenses should be planned for during the annual budget process.
Most municipalities operate on a fiscal year running:
October 1 – September 30
That means planning ahead is extremely important.
When preparing your court budget each spring, you should consider:
- Annual MMCCA dues
- Conference registration fees
- Hotel costs
- Travel expenses
- Mileage reimbursement
- Meals
- Deputy clerk attendance if applicable
Including these items in your proposed budget early helps avoid problems later when registration deadlines approach.
Understanding MMCCA Summer Training
The annual MMCCA Summer Training is typically held during Mississippi Municipal League (MML) week, usually on Wednesday and Thursday.
Many city officials are already attending MML events during that week, and many courts schedule around it accordingly.
The Summer Training provides:
- Practical clerk training
- Networking opportunities
- Access to experienced clerks
- Updates on court-related issues
- Statewide professional collaboration
- An array of experienced speakers
What Costs Does the Municipality Usually Cover?
Each municipality is responsible for covering:
- Registration fees
- Hotel accommodations
- Travel expenses
- Meals
- Mileage reimbursement
As long as dues are paid and the court is in good standing, both clerks and deputy clerks may attend.
Conference Registration Basics
Conference registration forms are posted on the MMCCA website each year.
A few important things to remember:
- Each attendee must submit a separate registration form although the check can cover multiple clerks that will be attending
- Deputy clerks may attend if their dues are paid
- Registration fees are lower for courts in good standing
- Registering earlier helps the association plan appropriately
Registration Pricing Example
| Membership Status | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| MMCCA dues paid/current | $50 per attendee |
| Dues not current | $100 per attendee |
Simply maintaining current dues can significantly reduce conference costs for your court.
Suggested Timeline for New Clerks
| Time of Year | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| October | Submit annual MMCCA dues |
| January | Confirm dues are current |
| March-April | Request Board approval for summer training travel |
| Spring Budget Season | Include training and dues in court budget for the next year |
| Before June | Submit conference registration forms |
| July | Attend MMCCA Summer Training |
A Final Thought for New Clerks
Training opportunities are more than simply conferences. They provide practical guidance, operational consistency, networking opportunities, and access to other clerks who may already have experience with situations your court is facing for the first time.
No clerk learns this job completely alone.
Getting plugged into professional organizations, statewide training opportunities, and relationships with other clerks can make a tremendous difference — especially early in your career.
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