The resignation of Laurie Perry Thursday has the Dorr Township Board seeking its fourth treasurer in the last five years.
Perry told board colleagues she is moving to Arizona in December, therefore she must step down.
Perry was appointed to the treasurer’s post in 2022, succeeding the resigned Myrna Marr, who succeeded Jim Martin, who retired at the end of 2020. Martin since has remained on the Township Board since as deputy supervisor.
Supervisor Jeff Miling indicated he is sorry to see Perry leave.
“We have an excellent treasurer,” he said of Perry, and he opined that the position requires certain knowledge, and not just anyone can come in off the street to serve.
He said it is his wish that any applicant come into the office and work with Perry on challenging duties and understanding the workings of commonly used BS&A computer software.
However, Trustee John Tuinstra noted that the law requires the public position be advertised.
Clerk Debbie Sewers added, “The duties of the treasurer can be overwhelming.”
Miling said he has been advised by neighboring Leighton Township Treasurer Jackie Bultsema that as he knows and recommends someone who lives nearby to replace Perry.
In other business Thursday night, the board:
•Acknowledged the receipt of an industry planning to come in behind the gas station near Division and 142nd Avenue and has offered $200 to the township ahead of a public hearing next month on a request for tax abatement through an industrial facilities tax exemption. Trustee Chandler Stanton seized the moment to oppose any action, saying, “Some of our citizens would consider this corporate welfare… I think corporations should pay their taxes just like everyone else.”
The board has not moved forward with the request.
- Was told by Allegan County Sheriff’s Deputy Earl that Leighton and Dorr townships have absorbed an increase lately in larcenies from vehicles and buildings.
- Noted that 138th Avenue now has been paved, but the culvert over 130th Avenue on 18th Street won’t be finished until the end of November.
- Learned from Fire Chief Gary Fordham that the department thus far this year has handled 415 calls compared to 359 for the same period a year ago.
- Was told that the Downtown Development Authority’s annual Christmas in the Park will be held on Dec. 6.
- Listened to a presentation by Allegan County Food Alliance Coordinator Mary Colborn that the fifth and final part of the series of programs will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Leighton Township Library Nov. 11. The group is focusing on an effort to make food sources more local because the state and federal governments are not supporting as well as in the past.
- Agreed to spend $1,614 on a new Ricoh copier, though Sewers, Stanton and Tuinstra dissented.
- Approved payment of $1,819.31 a year for six years to Eagle View for the aerial imagery project countywide.
