Ask the Expert - There Aren’t Any Towns in Michigan! The Hidden Reality of Townships

Updated 3 days ago

A Government & Community Vitality Educator with Michigan State University Extension explains how towns do not exist in Michigan, only cities, villages, and in this case, townships.

Chapters

Introduction to Michigan Local Government (00:00:04)
The speaker introduces themselves as a community vitality educator from Michigan State University Extension and mentions discussing Kalamazoo's government and types of government in Michigan.

The video begins with the speaker introducing themselves. They are a community vitality educator with Michigan State University Extension. The speaker is at the Public Media Network to discuss local government structures in Michigan, focusing on Kalamazoo's government.
Understanding Townships in Michigan (00:00:21)
Townships are described as the basic building blocks of local government in Michigan, originating from New England, designed to be accessible within a day's travel, and divided into square blocks.

The speaker explains that townships in Michigan serve as fundamental units of local government. They were initially established based on surveys from the Northwest Ordinance. Townships were designed to ensure that local government was accessible to residents, allowing travel within a day. They are laid out in square blocks across the state, with two main types: general law and charter townships.
Legal Authority of Townships (00:00:55)
Townships derive legal authority from Michigan state statutes, with general law and charter townships having different sources of authority.

The speaker discusses the legal framework governing townships in Michigan. General law townships and charter townships derive their authority from different state statutes. These statutes outline the responsibilities and powers of each type of township, guiding their operations and governance.
Key Responsibilities of Townships (00:01:11)
Townships are required to assess property, collect taxes, and administer elections. They may also engage in planning, zoning, and public safety, governed by an elected Township board.

Townships in Michigan have several key responsibilities mandated by state law. They must conduct property assessments, collect taxes, and manage local elections. Beyond these duties, townships may undertake additional activities like planning, zoning, ensuring public safety, and maintaining cemeteries. These activities are overseen by an elected Township board, which includes roles like the supervisor, treasurer, and clerk.
Roles of Township Officials (00:01:50)
The Township supervisor, treasurer, and clerk each have distinct roles, from leading meetings and managing finances to keeping records and conducting elections.

The Township supervisor acts as the face of the Township, leading meetings and serving as the legal agent. The treasurer is responsible for financial management, including tax collection and investment of funds. The clerk handles records, meeting minutes, and oversees local elections, ensuring all processes run smoothly.
Trustees and Their Duties (00:03:15)
Trustees serve as local legislators, voting on issues and ensuring the financial health of the Township, with duties varying by local policies.

Township trustees, who can number two or four in general law townships, act as local legislators. They engage in policy deliberations, vote on issues, and share responsibility for the Township's financial health with other board members. Trustees are expected to attend meetings, study issues, and may have additional duties assigned by local policies, such as cemetery maintenance or serving on commissions.
Township Staff and Management (00:04:00)
Townships can hire staff such as managers or superintendents to handle day-to-day operations, with roles delegated by elected officials.

In addition to elected officials, townships may hire staff to assist with government operations. This includes roles like assessors, police chiefs, and deputies. Townships may also employ a manager or superintendent to oversee daily operations and execute duties assigned by the elected board. This approach allows for professional management of township affairs, particularly as townships grow.
Charter Townships Explained (00:05:05)
Charter townships offer more authority and protection against annexation, with roles similar to general law townships but with additional powers.

Charter townships in Michigan were established to offer more authority to growing townships, streamline administration, and protect against annexation by neighboring cities. They possess the same powers as general law townships, with additional authorities outlined in the Charter Township Act. Differences include the mandatory appointment of a Township manager or superintendent and enhanced taxing authority.
Differences Between General Law and Charter Townships (00:06:01)
Charter townships have mandatory roles for trustees and can appoint a superintendent, with more authority for supervisors in day-to-day operations.

While both general law and charter townships share similar roles, charter townships must have four trustees and can appoint a superintendent to manage daily operations. The supervisor in a charter township has more authority compared to their general law counterpart. This structure is designed to accommodate the needs of growing townships, ensuring professional management and efficient governance.
Summary and Resources (00:07:01)
The video concludes with a summary of township roles in Michigan and encourages contacting local townships or the Michigan Township Association for more information.

The speaker summarizes the roles and differences between general law and charter townships in Michigan. They emphasize the importance of understanding local nuances and encourage viewers to reach out to their local Township for specific questions. The Michigan Township Association is recommended as a valuable resource for further information on township governance in Michigan.