Township Board Members

The township board, consisting of a supervisor, a clerk, a treasurer, and two trustees, serves as the backbone of local governance, carrying out a broad range of critical responsibilities in Michigan. These individuals collectively form a robust team dedicated to the administration and well-being of the township’s residents, ensuring that local government functions smoothly and efficiently.

The primary role of the township board is to develop and oversee the township budget, a task that requires careful planning and foresight. This process involves not only allocating funds to various township departments and services but also anticipating future financial needs and challenges. By meticulously planning the budget, the board ensures that resources are used effectively and that the township can continue to provide essential services to its residents.

Another significant responsibility of the township board is the collection of real and personal property taxes. This task is critical for generating the revenue needed to fund the township’s operations and services. The board must ensure that taxes are assessed fairly and collected efficiently, maintaining transparency and accountability in the process. The funds collected through property taxes are vital for supporting public services such as schools, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance.

In addition to financial management, the township board is responsible for maintaining custody of all township records. This includes a wide array of documents such as meeting minutes, ordinances, resolutions, and financial statements. The proper maintenance and organization of these records are essential for ensuring transparency and providing a clear historical record of the township’s decisions and actions. These records are also critical for legal compliance and can serve as valuable resources for future boards and township officials.

The preparation of financial statements is another key duty of the township board. These statements provide a comprehensive overview of the township’s financial health, including revenues, expenditures, assets, and liabilities. Accurate and timely financial reporting is essential for maintaining the confidence of residents and other stakeholders in the township’s financial management. It also ensures that the board can make informed decisions about future financial planning and budgeting.

The township board also plays a crucial role in adopting ordinances to regulate the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community. These ordinances can cover a wide range of issues, from zoning and land use to public health and safety regulations. By enacting and enforcing ordinances, the board helps to create a safe and orderly environment for residents and businesses. This regulatory function is essential for maintaining the quality of life in the township and protecting the interests of all residents.

Moderating board and annual meetings is another important responsibility of the township board. These meetings provide a forum for discussing and making decisions on various township matters, from budget approvals to ordinance adoptions. By facilitating open and transparent discussions, the board ensures that residents have the opportunity to participate in local government and stay informed about important issues. These meetings also allow the board to receive input and feedback from residents, which can be invaluable for making informed and responsive decisions.

In addition to these core responsibilities, the township board in Michigan may also be involved in other tasks such as managing township-owned properties, overseeing public works projects, and collaborating with other local, state, and federal agencies. The board’s diverse range of duties reflects the complexity and importance of local governance in ensuring the well-being and prosperity of the community.

In summary, the township board’s responsibilities are extensive and multifaceted. From financial management and record-keeping to regulatory functions and community engagement, the board plays a vital role in the effective governance of the township. By fulfilling these duties with diligence and integrity, the township board ensures that the community remains a vibrant and thriving place to live and work.

The Green Township board handles many other items.  Please see the Michigan Association of Townships for more information at https://michigantownships.org. 

References
2024 Minutes of the Board
2024 Newsletter