Upon taking the oath of office as a township official, you are assuming multiple responsibilities, requiring a unique combination of leadership, decision-making and administration, as well as an understanding of
statutory requirements. How do you bring fresh perspectives to the board, while valuing the work of veteran board members? What are the crucial functions you need to perform right now for your specific office?
MTA's full-day New Officials Training can help you start out on the right foot! Designed to build on your abilities and understanding of township government, this program enables you to successfully represent and serve your residents while shaping your community’s future. We’ll review the “hows and whys” of township government, and explore the duties and responsibilities of a township board—and your specific role.
Continental breakfast and check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. Topics discussed in the morning (9 a.m. to noon) include:
• The Importance of Advocacy: Why it’s essential, what tools you can use and how you can make a difference.
• What Townships Do—and Don’t Do: Every township’s required government functions, plus the optional “do’s” and the “don’ts.”
• Who’s in Charge (and What Did I Get Myself Into)?: How township boards work.
• Public vs. Private: You’re the government, using public money—what are the rules? What is your “fiduciary” responsibility?
• Township Revenues: How does a township pay for government programs and services?
After lunch (included with your registration), join the breakout session (1 to 4 p.m.) geared for your office:
• Clerks: records, minutes, notices, financial administration and reporting, accounts payable, elections and additional duties
• Supervisors: meeting management, ordinances, lawful expenditures, budgets, township administration, overseeing assessing and risk management
• Treasurers: financial administration, internal controls and reporting, defining the types of financial institutions and investments townships may use, receiving/receipting money and other tax collecting duties
• Trustees: Understanding your role (hint: all board members are “trustees” at the head table), including budgeting, decision-making, and fiduciary responsibility (looking out for the township’s best interests)
Continue the learning with MTA publications: Members save up to 20% off our township-targeted resources when purchased with registration:
- OPTION 1: Township Basics package ($94.50 discounted rate): Includes Officials Guide to Township Government (specific to your office), Authorities & Responsibilities of Michigan Townships and Introduction to Township Board Meetings
- OPTION 2: Township Essentials collection ($230 discounted rate): Includes resources offered in the Township Basics package PLUS Building a Better Budget, Introduction to the Freedom of Information Act, The Township Guide to Planning & Zoning and Policy Matters!