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
John Carr, Board Member Representative – Term Expires 11/20/2028
Jesse Cadwell Vice-Chair – Term Expires 12/31/2028
Alexandra Free – Secretary – Term Expires 12/31/2026
Wyatt Seaberg – Member/ZBA Rep – Term Expires 12/31/2028
Email: autrainzoning@gmail.com

Zoning Board of Appeals

Wyatt Seaberg, Chair – Planning Commission Representative
Matt Lang, Vice Chair
Emily Molnar, Secretary
Wayne Cullens, Alternate Member
Email: autrainzoning@gmail.com

Board of Review

Donna Shields, Chair
Kristy Drake, Member
Emily Molnar, Member
Michelle Doucette, Alternate 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

**Proposed Budget for 2026/2027 Fiscal Year**

The Proposed Budget for the upcoming Fiscal Year has been posted for review. This Budget will be presented at the March 9th Regular Board Meeting “Public Hearing” for consideration.

You can find it here:
https://www.autraintownship.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Combined-Files-PROPOSED-BUDGET-ALL-FUNDS-2026-2027.pdf

**Township Event Calendar**

Make sure you check the Township calendar for a list of events this month!

**TextMyGov**

Updated texting notification service is live. Click below for more information or to subscribe.

https://www.autraintownship.gov/textmygov/

**2026 Township Board Meeting Dates**

The Au Train Township Board will meet on the second Monday of each month for 2026, at 6:00 PM (unless noted otherwise), at the Au Train Township Hall/Community Building, N7569 Spruce St., Au Train MI 49806.

Regular Board Meetings:

January 12th
February 9th
March 9th
April 13th
May 11th
June 8th
July 13th
August 10th
September 14th
October 12th
November 9th
December 14th

Special Meetings

February 16th @5:30 pm – Budget Workshop Meeting

Public Hearings

March 9th – Budget Public Hearing as part of the Regular Township Board Meeting**

Additional Special Meetings may be called, as needed, and will be posted accordingly.

**The Property Tax Millage Rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing.”

The Proposed Budget will be available for review on the Au Train Township website, www.autraintownship.gov at least 8 days prior to the meeting date.

Any person requiring assistance to attend the meetings in person, should contract the Au Train Township Clerk at (906)892-8265, so that necessary arrangements can be made in advance.

**NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING AU TRAIN TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION**

Thursday March 19, 2026 at 6:00PM

The Au Train Planning Commission will hold a special meeting at the Au Train Township Hall, located at N7569 Spruce Street, Au Train MI 49806, Alger County, Michigan on Thursday March 19, 2026 at 6:00pm. The purpose of this meeting will be to work on further edits to the Au Train Township Zoning Ordinance.

In addition, Josh Kirshman, property owner will provide information on a possible PUD Project on Perch Lake Road and necessary steps that would be required to amend the Zoning Ordinance to address PUD Developments.

For any questions, or to arrange special accommodations to attend, please contact D Shields, Au Train Township Zoning Administrator at least 48 hours in advance at (906) 450-1182 or autrainzoning@gmail.com.

**NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING AU TRAIN TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION**

Tuesday March 31, 2026 at 6:00PM

The Au Train Planning Commission will hold a special meeting at the Au Train Township Hall, located at N7569 Spruce Street, Au Train MI 49806, Alger County, Michigan on Tuesday March 31, 2026 at 6:00pm. The purpose of this meeting will be to work on further edits to the Au Train Township Zoning Ordinance.

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