The first element possibly comes from the old name for the local river skírr which means "pure" or "clear".

The official blazon is "Vert, a millstone argent" (Norwegian: I grønt en sølv kvernstein).

This means the arms have a green field (background) and the charge is a millstone or grinding stone.

The millstone has a tincture of argent which means it is commonly colored white, but if it is made out of metal, then silver is used.

The millstone was chosen to symbolize all the large and small mills that existed in Skjerstad in the past.

Here is a list of people who held this position:[14][15] The municipal council (Kommunestyre) of Skjerstad was made up of 13 representatives that were elected to four year terms.