More discussions about proper governance and transparency resulted in two 3-3 deadlocked votes Thursday evening at the Dorr Township Board meeting.
John Tuinstra moved to have the clerk and the treasurer provide comprehensive and detailed reports in language that can be understood by the common person, explaining errors in pensions and a transfer of about $23,000 to the Dorr-Leighton Sewer Authority.
While Tuinstra and fellow Trustee Patty Senneker maintained both proposals were all about being transparent about conduct of business and about expenditures, Clerk Brian Boot, Supervisor Jeff Miling and Trustee Dan Weber weren’t buying it.
Tuinstra, who insisted the matter be included for discussion and vote Thursday said he had asked to have the matter discussed in public before, but was rebuffed.
Miling said the issues with pension payments were brought to the attention of the township’s auditor and attorney and the problems have been resolved. He added that the money that went to the sewer authority went to the proper place.
Tuinstra insisted such a development might make the Township Board look bad in the public’s eyes.
“I’d like to have this reported on one piece of paper,” Tuinstra said… “We spent a lot of money on our auditor and attorney.”
Treasurer Jim Martin explained that the issues were of the “What’s coming out of my check doesn’t look like what’s going o
n in my pension” and tried to assure everyone the issues have been settled in a proper manner. However, Martin voted with Tuinstra and Senneker to mandate the comprehensive reports by himself and Boot.
Weber seemed to lead the other side of the debate.
“I think the (audio) recording we have of this would be explanation enough,” he said to Tuinstra in reference to questions about transparency. He later added, “This looks just like a lot of busy work to waste more taxpayers money.”
Boot said, “It’s routine business of the day that I don’t think the average citizens is worried about… This is just asking Jim (Martin) to do work that isn’t necessary.”
Tuinstra countered, “Often citizens are quick to claim corruption… it’s all about transparency.”
Tuinstra acknowledged he doesn’t believe there is any impropriety in either case.
Boot then said, “But when you bring up this issue like this, you create the problem.”
After both 3-3 votes, Miling told Martin, “Now Jim you can still do this (provide the detailed report) if you want to.”
PHOTO: Brian Boot and John Tuinstra
