A township manager discussed with Independence Township trustees benefits of hiring a professional to handle finances.
Supervisor Dave Wagner wasn’t convinced.
‘I don’t see a benefit,? Wagner said. ‘I was listening to him and it was mentioned that we’d be able to eliminate the supervisor, clerk, treasurer, and deputy clerk, but he also mentioned that he has an assistant and 11 department directors when we only have six. So I don’t think there is as much savings as expected.?
Richard Watkins, 14-year township manager of Delta Township, spoke with the board April 17 about his job duties, hiring process, and the day-to-day workings of his township with the role of a manager.
With a background in finance, Watkins said he has taken over many of the responsibilities of the full-time elected officials of the township, which is about 36-square-miles with 30,000 residents ? similar to Independence.
‘I divide politics and policy for every day managing of the township,? Watkins said. ‘I take direction from the board using my experience and training to do that.?
Townships switching to a manager form of government usually do it by board action, not a grass-roots effort, which has been a concern of many board members and residents, he said.
Watkins cited growing populations, a growing number of township employees and a large amount of township complexities as reasons for a manager.
He also said a manager must be accountable to the people and the board, because he or she is always hired at will and may be replaced depending on the contract.
‘A manager always makes sure the board has everything they need to make decisions,? he said.
Managers are also responsible for looking at long-term goals and future of the township.
The speaker was interesting and informative, but the manager form of government would still be a mistake for the township, Wagner said.
Michigan has 1,262 townships, of which 44 have a manager. Of those, four are the same size as Independence, he said.
‘If it’s that’s good, why wouldn’t there be a lot more?? he said. ‘This has been looked at, and it looks like it’s not feasible, but I’m keeping an open mind to it.?
Clerk Shelagh Vanderveen, who asked Watkins to address the board, said the next logical step would be to hold a public hearing.
Independence Township resident Rudy Lozano attended the meeting and expressed his disdain with the situation.
‘This whole things revolved around the integrity of the supervisor,? he said. ‘The people have voted you in the first time, based on what your job is, and the people have the right to vote for you again and this new form.?