About Wells — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility functions as Rutland County's primary detention center. Anyone arrested in Rutland County goes through the booking process at this facility, where they're processed and held pending bail hearings or court appearances. Family members and attorneys can locate detainees through the Vermont Department of Corrections website, which maintains current inmate information. Visitation at the facility requires advance appointments and strict adherence to security protocols.
Arrest Records
The Rutland County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain arrest records for the region. These records document the circumstances of each arrest, charges filed, and booking information. Anyone seeking arrest records must submit requests to the appropriate law enforcement agency under procedures established by the Vermont Public Records Act. A typical arrest record includes the subject's personal details, the date of arrest, specific charges, and booking information that provides a complete account of the incident.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Rutland County covers a range of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request criminal records through the Vermont Criminal Information Center, which offers background checks for employment, licensing, and personal purposes.
Vital Records
For residents of Wells and the surrounding region, the town clerk's office also is the primary point of contact for obtaining vital records. This includes birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses. Individuals seeking these documents can visit the office, Wells, VT 05774, during regular business hours. The office can be reached by phone at (802) 645-9315 and is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. To 5 p.m. Residents are encouraged to contact the town clerk's office directly for the most up-to-date information and procedures regarding vital record requests.
Business & Licensing Records
Entrepreneurs looking to start or expand operations in Wells, Vermont work with the Wells Zoning Administrator, whose office is. The Zoning Administrator oversees business licenses, permits, and zoning approvals for the community. Business owners can call (802) 645-9315 to navigate the application process and understand local requirements. The town provides guidance and resources supports the local economy, helping both new ventures and established businesses thrive in this small Rutland County community.
Economy & Demographics
The economy of Wells, Vermont, has traditionally been rooted in agriculture and tourism, reflecting the town's natural beauty and outdoor recreational offerings. Local farms and orchards continue to play a significant role in the community, contributing to the region's agricultural heritage. The town's proximity to Lake St. Catherine State Park and other natural attractions draws visitors year-round, supporting a thriving tourism industry.
Major employers in the area include the Rutland Regional Medical Center, Green Mountain Power, and several local businesses catering to both residents and tourists. The town's diverse economy provides a range of employment opportunities for its 397 residents.
Elections & Voter Records
While the Rutland County Clerk's Office at 83 Center Street, Rutland, VT 05701, phone (802) 775-4394, administers elections countywide, Wells voters handle registration and voting locally through the Wells Town Clerk's Office at 2737 VT Route 30, Wells, VT 05774, phone (802) 645-0486. Vermont residents can register online through the Secretary of State's website at https://olvr.vermont.gov/ using a Vermont driver's license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number.
Registration is available up to the day before an election, though the state also permits same-day registration at polling locations. No voter ID is required at the polls. The town observes the traditional New England practice of holding its annual town meeting on the first Tuesday in March, where residents gather at Wells Town Hall to vote on the budget, elect local officials including selectboard members, town clerk, treasurer, listers, and auditors, and decide policy questions. These non-partisan races typically involve one to three-year terms. For federal and state elections, residents cast ballots on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November during even-numbered years. Polling place information is available through the Vermont Secretary of State's lookup tool at https://sos.vermont.gov/elections/voters/where-do-i-vote/. Rutland County saw strong participation in the November 2024 presidential election, with approximately 38,000 voters out of roughly 44,000 registered, representing about 86% turnout. Vermont does not have a U.S. Representative, state senators and representatives for the Rutland district in the Vermont General Assembly, Rutland County Sheriff, Rutland County State's Attorney, and various county offices. Vermont offers no-excuse absentee voting to all registered voters through the early voting portal at https://mvp.vermont.gov/ or by contacting the Wells Town Clerk directly. Applications must arrive by 5:00 PM the day before the election. The state automatically mails ballot applications to all registered voters before general elections. Detailed election results by town and precinct are published by the Secretary of State at https://sos.vermont.gov/elections/election-results/. Campaign finance records for state and local candidates can be searched through the Vermont Campaign Finance System at https://campaignfinance.vermont.gov/. Voter checklists are public records available for inspection at the town clerk's office, though state law prohibits their use for commercial purposes.
Public Records Resources for Wells, Vermont
Official government websites for Wells, Vermont and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov, .us, or .mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or .com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- Vermont Birth RecordsRequest birth and death certificates from the Vermont Dept. of Health.
- Vermont Business & Corporation SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name from the Vermont Secretary of State.
- Vermont Death RecordsOnline resource for finding free death records.
- Vermont Federal CasesSearch the US District of Vermont Court system to find information and public records on federal case filings.
- Vermont Missing Public Infomrmation from the State PoliceCurrent posting of open cases from the Vermont Dept. of Public Safety
Nearby Cities in Rutland County, Vermont
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Wells, Vermont?
To register to vote in Wells, Vermont, residents can register online through the Vermont Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Wells City Clerk's Office. Vermont requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Vermont Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local county and state elections (Wells is an unincorporated community in Rutland County and does not hold municipal elections), contact the Wells City Clerk's Office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Wells, Vermont?
Property records for Wells, Vermont are maintained by the Wells City Assessor's Office and the Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within the City of Wells (in Rutland County), including parcels in Wells. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Many Vermont counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Wells City Clerk's Office at City Hall. The Wells City Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Wells, Vermont?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Wells, Vermont residents are available through both county and state offices. The Vermont Department of Health, Vital Records Office, located in Burlington, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Vermont. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Wells City Clerk's Office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Rutland County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.