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
- Deputy Clerk – Monica Eriksen (appointed by Clerk)
- Deputy Treasurer – Sarah Mannisto (appointed by Treasurer)
Planning Commission
- Jason Cain, Chair – Term Expires 12/31/2025
- Donna Shields, Secretary – Term Expires 12/31/2025
- Jake Miller, Board Member Representative – Term Expires 11/20/2024
- Bill Weisinger, Member – Term Expires 12/31/2024
- William Gramm, Member – Term Expires 12/31/2024
- Email: autrainzoning@gmail.com
Zoning Board of Appeals
- Katherine Reynolds, Chair
- Donna Shields, Planning Commission Representative/Secretary
- Matt Lang, Member
- Amy Hernandez, Member Alternate
- Email: autrainzoning@gmail.com
Board of Review
- Donna Shields, Chair
- Kristy Drake, Member
- Amy Hernandez, 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!