COMSTOCK TOWNSHIP (WKZO-AM) — Kalamazoo and Comstock townships have decided to change how they structure their local municipal governments.
Currently, elected supervisors manage the day-to-day activities in most townships, but officials in both local jurisdictions feel their rapid growth is making that duty tougher for elected officials to handle.
About 50 townships statewide have decided to hire full-time executives.
Comstock Supervisor Anne Nieuwenhuis said they need consistent reliable management. They are opting for a superintendent, which has a little more authority than a township manager. They are also hiring professionals to fill other key roles at the township hall to handle assessing and their funding.
Kalamazoo Township Supervisor Ron Reid said experienced board members are looking at retirement. He said it’s not always easy getting boards and township officials to surrender their power this way.
Reid said, if he runs for supervisor again, his salary will drop from $65,000 a year to just $15,000. The same for their treasurer and clerk.
On Monday, the Kalamazoo Township Board hired an executive headhunting firm to find their first manager. If all goes as planned, the transitions will take place as current terms end this year.
The city and county of Kalamazoo have had professional managers overseen by elected boards for decades.
Texas Township hired its first professional administrator just over three years ago.
