Boards

Township Board

Township government is conducted by a township board consisting five members. The officers of the board are designated supervisor, clerk, treasurer and two trustees.

The term of office for all township officials is four years. The terms commence at 12 p.m. on November 20 following the November general election, provided the newly elected officials have qualified for office by that time. To qualify, a successful candidate must file any necessary bond and take an oath of office.

The supervisor, clerk, treasurer and trustee must take the oath of office before entering into the duties of their offices. (MCL 168.363) The deputy supervisor (MCL 41.61(2)), deputy clerk (MCL 41.69) and deputy treasurer (MCL 41.77) must take the oath after their appointment and before entering into office.

The clerk (MCL 41.69) and the treasurer (MCL 41.77) must each appoint a deputy. The deputy clerk and deputy treasurer must also be bonded. The supervisor may appoint a deputy (MCL 41.61). Deputy township officials are authorized to act as the elected official in the event of the official’s absence, sickness, death or other disability. A deputy may not, however, vote as a member of the township board. With the official’s approval and the consent of the township board, a deputy may assist the elected official at any additional times agreed to by the board and the official. Deputies are not required to be residents of the township, and may be paid compensation as determined by the township board.

Elected Officials:

Tom Balmes, Supervisor
Mary Walther Johnson, Clerk
Kristy Cota, Treasurer
Jacob Miller, Trustee
John Carr, Trustee
All of the above terms expire 11/20/2028
Deputy Clerk – Monica Eriksen (appointed by Clerk)
Deputy Treasurer – Sarah Mannisto (appointed by Treasurer)

Planning Commission

Scott LaCombe, Chair – Term Expires 12/31/2026
Matt Lang, Member/ZBA Liaison –Term Expires 12/31/2025
John Carr, Board Member Representative – Term Expires 11/20/2028
Jesse Cadwell Member – Term Expires 12/31/2025
OPEN BOARD POSITION – Term Expires 12/31/2026
Email: autrainzoning@gmail.com

Zoning Board of Appeals

Katherine Reynolds, Chair
Matt Lang, Planning Commission Representative
Emily Molnar, Member
Email: autrainzoning@gmail.com

Board of Review

Donna Shields, Chair
Kristy Drake, Member
Emily Molnar, Member
Email: autrainassessor@gmail.com

If you are a resident of Au Train Township and have interest in serving on any of these Boards for future vacancies, please send your letter of interest to Au Train Township, P.O. Box 33, Au Train, MI 49806.

Thank you!

News / Notices

**NO NOVEMBER 2025 ELECTION**

I have been getting phone calls and emails!! Please note there is not a November 2025 Election for Au Train Township. Thank you!

Mary Walther Johnson, Clerk

**PLANNING COMMISSION VACANCY**

The Au Train Township Board is looking for one resident who is interested in serving on the Planning Commission. Please send letter of interest to Au Train Township PC Opening, PO Box 33, Au Train MI 49806 or email Clerk Johnson at marywaltherjohnson@charter.net. Any questions, please contact Supervisor Tom Balmes at (906)892-8279. The Board will consider any and all applicants at it’s October 13th Regular Board Meeting.

**NOTICE OF MEETING**

A Special Meeting of the Au Train Township Board is scheduled for October 2, 2025 at 6PM with members of the Planning Commission to continue review of the Zoning Ordinance Amendments as they relate to Short Term Rentals.

Au Train Township Community Building, N7569 Spruce Street, Au Train MI 49806.

**NOTICE OF MEETING**

A Work Session of the Planning Commission is scheduled for Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 6PM. Continued review and work on the necessary amendments to the Zoning Ordinance is the purpose of the meeting.

CUPPAD continues to assist the commission on this process.

Au Train Township Community Building
N7569 Spruce Street
Au Train MI 49806

**PER GFL – THIS MUST STOP OR OUR COLLECTION PICKUP IS AT RISK FOR THE ENTIRE TOWNSHIP!!**

DO NOT DISPOSE OF IN CARTS OR DUMPSTERS…..

Refrigerators

Freezers

Liquids of any kind

Batteries!!! (Several have been left in the Old Plank Road Dumpster and next to Carts)

Large construction items that will get stuck in the dumpster

Steel/metal should be brought to the landfill to be recycled (no cost)

ALSO,

Everything must be in the cart and the lid closed or your entire cart will not be picked up. If you have more than one – they must be placed 3′ apart.

If you have any questions, please contact GFL at the Wood Island Landfill (906)387-2646.

**MORATORIUM ON SHORT TERM RENTAL CUP APPLICATIONS** – EXTENDED UNTIL THE UPDATES ARE APPROVED AND EFFECTIVE.

The Au Train Township Board has continued the moratorium on accepting applications for a Short Term Rental Conditional Use Permit as the Planning Commission continues necessary updates and amendments to the Zoning Ordinance.

**Check out the CALENDAR for upcoming Township meetings and events**