Trustee of the Year

As you have undoubtedly read in your local newspapers, townships are often criticized for possessing seemingly high cash balances. However, what the newspapers will not report is that these apparent “surpluses” can actually be explained in one of three ways.

1) Townships historically are known for making cash payments for capital purchases in lieu of bonding. Many townships are currently saving cash over several years in order to purchase or repair a piece of fire apparatus or build a needed fire station. Just like with a typical family, this is the most fiscally prudent approach to take. Whereas many townships save up over time to make their purchase, other units typically bond for the purchase, forcing them to repay the principle plus interest. Saving revenue over a long period of time ultimately benefits the taxpayer.

Townships are once again being criticized for apparently failing to file state-mandated reports on a timely basis. Though undoubtedly there are some trustees (along with other local elected officials) that have indeed failed to file these reports, we have found numerous occasions where these accusations have proven to be false.

Two township trustees were heavily criticized in local newspapers for filing their forms late, yet both could produce state-provided documentation showing that they had filed on time. The “late filing” resulted from technical problems with the state agency in question. This explanation, of course, never made it into the local newspaper.

Township boards serve as the legislative body for townships, provide a check and balance on the actions of the trustee.

Statewide, township board members make on average $522 annually for serving their communities. According to studies conducted by the ITA, this amounts to as little as 7¢ on a homeowner’s property tax bill (not 7¢ per $100 of AV). To further demonstrate our commitment to serving the public in a cost effective manner, the ITA supports capping township board salaries at $5,000 per year.