A township engineer can be invaluable to a township board in matters involving public utility improvements, plat approvals, site plan review, and other technical engineering or surveying problems.

Townships with higher-end services such as public utilities and water and sewer systems often employ a township engineer.

A township engineer should be a registered professional.

Selecting a design or engineering professional to undertake a public works project can be a challenging task. "Qualifications-based selection" is a proven process in which a design professional is selected based on experience and and ability, not price--although price is an important factor in the process. The QBS Coalition was formed in response to Michigan House Concurrent Resolution No. 206 of June 1987, which urged state and local governments to select services of design professionals based on qualifications. The federal government has selected consultants this way since the 1972 enactment of Public Law 92-582, better known as the Brooks Selection Bill.

The QBS Coalition has developed a well-defined procedure, complete with sample materials for use by any governmental body. The procedure identifies all required steps, from the first instructions needed to develop a general scope of work and establish a selection schedule to selecting a firm and notifying the unsuccessful candidates.

The QBS Coalition has a facilitator available to explain the process and assist townships in all phases. There is no cost for this service. For more information, call (517) 332-2066 or visit: www.qbs-mi.org.