TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENT

Two types of townships

Michigan has two types of townships—general law and charter townships. Charter township status is a special classification created by the Michigan Legislature in 1947 to provide additional powers and streamlined administration for governing a growing community. Royal Oak Township operates as a charter township.

 

Who runs townships?

The Charter Township Board of Trustees is responsible for managing the Township. It consists of seven members: a supervisor, clerk, treasurer, and four trustees. They are each elected for four-year terms.

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Elected Official Roles and Responsibilities

 

Running for Office

Most people are not fully aware of the township official's responsibilities. The real work begins after you are elected. As a township official, you must understand the broad duties of the various offices in township government.

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​Township officials represent the level of government closest and most responsive to the people's wishes. Serving as an official is a rewarding and challenging way to give back to the community.

Each elected official should be able to:

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• Demonstrate knowledge about township law (general law or charter), government responsibilities, functions, and powers

• Identify the primary functions of each branch of government—local, state, and federal—along with their relationship to one another.

• Communicates and listens effectively

• Utilize consensus-building techniques and motivate others to achieve desired outcomes.

• Manages adversity and hostility

• Demonstrates ethical behavior

• Possess vision, especially relative to the Township's needs or potential, and utilize public relations skills to represent the Township positively.

• Understand the roles and responsibilities of other elected and appointed offices.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the various committees, boards, and commissions serving the Township, including their roles and responsibilities.

• Understand how township policies and procedures are set

• Be aware of what constitutes lawful township expenditures

• Utilize strategic planning to attain objectives

• Demonstrate knowledge of how ordinances are lawfully adopted and legally enforced.

 

I am ready to perform the duties of Treasurer and the responsibilities listed above. Please vote for Kimberly Bradley Reaves as Treasurer on August 6, 2024—A leader who gets things done!