The probate court is located in Groton Town Hall, and hears matters including adoption, guardianship, name changes,…More enforcement of living wills and distribution of property after death. The probate judge presides over the court and is elected to a four-year term.</p> <p>Groton's probate court coveres the Town of Groton, City of Groton, Groton Long Point, Noank, Mystic and Old Mystic.</p>

Once inside the lobby of the Groton Municipal Building, the city clerk's office is the first office on the right.…More Debra Patrick has been city clerk for about seven years, and serves as clerk for the council. Her office publishes the meeting agendas and minutes for the mayor and City Council, and posts the agendas and minutes for city boards, commissions and committees.</p> <p>The clerk's office also archives city annual reports, and provides notary services for free.</p> <p>The office does not handle land records or vital records such as birth, death or marriage certificates. These are managed in Groton Town Hall at 45 Fort Hill Road.</p>

The mayor's office in the Groton city municipal building is to the right of the lobby, past the city clerk's…More office.</p> <p>Marian Galbriath is serving her first term as mayor and ran unopposed for the office in 2011 after Dennis L. Popp left the post. As chief executive, she oversees city departments including the police, fire and highway department. She also acts as chairman of the Groton Utilities Commission and chairman of the board of directors for Thames Valley Communications, a division of the utility which provides cable, Internet and digital phone service.</p> <p>The mayor is elected to a 2-year term, with elections held in odd years in May.</p>

The finance department, led by director Michael Hillsberg, handles financial transactions, payroll and purchasing for…More the city. The office in the Groton Muncipal Building employs five people including Hillsberg, and has five sections: accounting, cash management, purchasing, payroll and risk management.</p> <p>The department also assists the mayor's office and City Council with preparation of the operating and capital improvements budgets.</p>

The City of Groton Zoning and Building Department reviews building construction, issues permits, investigates…More complaints of zoning violations and inspects commercial properties.</p> <p>Carlton Smith oversees the department, and building inspector Walter Woycik inspects residential properties. Inspections review whether structures comply with national regulations and local codes relating to issues such as ventilation, sanitation and proper exits.</p>