Michigan Townships Association

Two township leaders honored for their contributions

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:51:19 GMT

Two township officials have been recognized for their contributions to the Michigan Townships Association: Linda Towsley, clerk of Windsor Charter Township (Eaton Co.), who received the MTA immediate past president award, and Larry Rutledge, supervisor of LaSalle Township (Monroe Co.), who was named a Life Member of the Association.

These awards were presented at the Networking Banquet on Jan. 26, during the 59th Annual MTA Educational Conference & Expo conducted in Detroit.

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:35:13 GMT

2012 MTA Conference photos available online

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:08:36 GMT

Look back at the memories made during MTA's 2012 Annual Conference & Expo! Photos are available for review, and purchase, at http://www.trumpiephotography.com/ (click on "Purchase Recent Event Photos," then "MTA Education Conf ‘12" to get started).

Road commission bills headed to governor

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:50:18 GMT

The House has passed the Senate versions of two bills that allow county boards of commission to take over the powers, duties and functions of county road commissions. House Bills 5125 and 5126 include a requirement for two public hearings prior to taking over a road commission, and a vote of the people before an elected road commission could be dissolved. The bills also include a three-year sunset, which would give county boards until Dec. 31, 2014, to take action. In December, MTA testified in favor of adding the public hearing concept to the bills.

Said MTA Legislative Liaison Tom Frazier, "MTA is pleased that the Legislature included the requirement to conduct public hearings prior to a county board of commission taking action."

Reminder for tax collection office hours

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:46:50 GMT

Pursuant to Public Act 641 of 2002, the township treasurer must be in his or her office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to receive tax payments on the last day taxes are due and payable before being returned as delinquent under MCL 211.55. (MCL 211.44(2)(b))

MCL 211.55 refers to the last day of February as the last day that taxes are due and payable before being returned as delinquent to the county treasurer, and provides for the unpaid taxes to be returned as delinquent to the county treasurer the next day. In 2012, a leap year, the last day of February is Wednesday, Feb. 29.

Check out MTA's Tax Collecting Web page for more information and resources.

Nominate a township official for an Innovations in American Government Award

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:46:36 GMT

Applications are now being accepted for the $100,000 Innovations in American Government Award.

Offered by the Harvard Kennedy School's Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the Innovations Award is heralded as the nation's premier award for the public sector. It recognizes programs that demonstrate creative and effective government at its best. All units of government - federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial - from all policy areas are eligible to apply for recognition.

The top winner of the Innovations in American Government Award will receive a $100,000 grant to support replication and dissemination activities. Top finalists will also receive monetary grants.

Applications are available here.

New leadership elected at 2012 Annual Meeting

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:46:22 GMT

Bill Renn, supervisor of Chandler Township (Huron Co.), was elected to serve as 2012 president of the Michigan Townships Association (MTA) at the Association's 59th Annual Educational Conference & Expo, held Jan. 25-27, at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center.

Said Renn, "I want to encourage our townships to be involved in leading Michigan back to prosperity. The decisions we make today will guide Michigan into the future. By townships being involved, our views and objectives can be part of the solution."

Read more about the new MTA leadership here.

Three new MTA District Directors were also elected at caucus elections at the MTA Annual Conference. They are: Debbie Aubin, Calumet Charter Township (Houghton Co.) treasurer, representing MTA District 1; Connie Cargill, Golden Township (Oceana Co.) treasurer, representing MTA District 11; and Lawrence Krohn, Oliver Township (Huron Co.) supervisor, representing MTA District 14.

The MTA Executive Committee, along with the entire MTA Board of Directors, meets numerous times throughout the year, and adopts strategic policies that guide the Association's operations.

Gov. Snyder addresses MTA membership at 2012 Networking Banquet

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:46:08 GMT

Gov. Rick Snyder kicked off the MTA Networking Banquet last Thursday night, discussing his vision for the state and answering a string of questions posed by township officials. Few people in the room realized that the governor had to turn down an invitation to greet the president of the United States at Metro Airport during his overnight stop in our state, which conflicted with the MTA event. Learn more about the governor's address to MTA members in the latest Weekly Legislative Report. The Feb. 3 issue also includes details on:

House subcommittee takes first action on commercial forests
Immunity from sidewalk liability moves forward
Rep. Mark Ouimet named MTA Legislator of the Year

Rep. Ouimet honored as MTA Legislator of the Year

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:45:51 GMT

On Jan. 26, State Rep. Mark Ouimet (R-Scio Twp.) was named the 2011 "Legislator of the Year" by the Michigan Townships Association at the 59th Annual MTA Banquet, which was conducted during the MTA Annual Educational Conference & Expo held at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center.

Deadline approaching for Township Governance Academy scholarship applications

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:45:38 GMT

March 1, 2012, is the deadline to apply for a scholarship in MTA's Township Governance Academy (TGA).

Several tuition scholarships are available to assist townships demonstrating financial need and which meet other criteria. Scholarships are made possible by our main sponsor, BS&A Software, along with our supporting sponsors, the Burnham & Flower Insurance Group and Foresight Group.

For consideration, submit an application form today!

Limited space available at remaining sites for Board of Review Training

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:14:13 GMT

To help board of review members, alternates, township supervisors and assessors in preparing for 2012 board of review sessions, MTA is conducting half-day Board of Review Training workshops at many locations throughout the state.

Learn more here or register online now. Online options are also available. Watch a live video stream on Feb. 29 or purchase an on-demand recording, available March 2, to view at your convenience. Visit MTA's Online Learning Portal for more information.

MTA-PAC announces 2012 Michigan special election endorsements

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:13:06 GMT

The MTA-PAC has endorsed Genesee County Commissioner Joseph Graves in the 51st House District and Oakland County Commissioner Timothy Greimel for the 29th House District for the Feb. 28 Michigan special elections. Read more here.