The Leland Township Clerk’s position nearly received a 30% salary hike at the township’s annual meeting Saturday.
Among the agenda items was nearly $8,000 in salary increases based on salary resolutions adopted by the board in February.
As proposed, compensation for the township clerk’s position will increase most dramatically. Pay for this position would increase 6.9%, going from $46,746 to $50,250. The increase reflects additional election duties now required of the clerk.
However, one of the electors at the meeting proposed an estimated 30% raise which would bring the compensation for the post to $60,000.
“The MTA (Michigan Township Association) is recommending a 13.5% increase,” resident Kathy Dawkins said. “If she has additional duties, she should be compensated accordingly.”
The proposal failed 8-7 in a hand count. Some of the likely “no” voters said they prefer to see more information about just how much time is spent on election duties.
A second motion to increase the clerk’s salary to $50,250 as proposed was adopted 8-6.
More modest increases are proposed for the supervisor and treasurer position, which reflect a 5% adjustment. As adopted, compensation for the supervisor’s post will increase from $31,500 to $33, 075 and the treasurer from $42,000 to $44,100.
Trustee pay was increased to $7,560 per year.
All were included in the proposed budget which was approved during a special meeting following the annual meeting.
Overall, revenue is expected to jump from $803,481 to $837,406. This does not include $233,849 for sidewalk repairs/replacement /Sunset Shores which will be transfered for revenue totaling $1,061,245.
The township’s allocated millage is expected to bring $240,810 into township coffers. State shared revenue is the second largest source of income for the township at $234,650. Revenue of $106,000 is shown from the American Rescue Relief (AARPA).
One-hundred, twenty-four thousand dollars are earmarked for parks and recreation. This includes wages of $28,515 for maintenance; $18,500 for “cleaning”; portable bathroom rental, $7,250; and $5,040 for wages if the township is able to secure a lifeguard for Nedow’s Beach.
The township’s fund balance as of March 31, 2022 was $550,987. The projected fund balance at the end of this fiscal year, March 31, is estimated at $560,000.
