What percentage of a municipality's records are generally considered to have permanent value?

In the context of municipal records, it is typically understood that a small percentage of a municipality's records are deemed to have permanent value. Generally, this range is recognized to be between 5% and 10%. Records that hold permanent value are those that document significant decisions, events, or ongoing responsibilities, which require retention for historical, legal, or administrative reasons.

The rationale behind this understanding is that a majority of records are often routine, transactional, or of limited long-term interest, while only a select few are critical for future reference or historical documentation. Recognizing the 5% to 10% range helps municipal clerks to prioritize their records management efforts effectively, ensuring that valuable information is preserved while allowing for the proper disposal of less critical materials. This ratio guides clerks in complying with legal retention requirements and supporting the municipality's operational needs efficiently.