The Leighton Township Board has been wrestling with the issue of paying its annual dues to the Michigan Townships Association, and this year it is opting out of its membership.

The board Thursday night voted unanimously not to pay the $3,612 in annual dues to the MTA, essentially for the same rules that made it hesitant in the past. The board last year sent in the check, accompanied by a letter expressing concern.

Clerk Mary Lou Niewenhuis said, “I’ve fought to have us stay with the MTA for a long time, but the lately I just don’t think we’re getting much bang for the buck.” The question is, just how much are getting out of it (membership).

Supervisor Steve Deer said, “I think we all agree conceptually that the MTA is a good thing, but it’s expensive. I don’t see the value of it.”

Nieuwenhuis said last year, “They (the township association) have grown, but their salaries are astronomical, and then they tell us we have to cut costs… They don’t always practice what they preach”

The Leighton Board has agreed reluctantly recently to pay MTA dues, but only after much discussion about growing dissatisfaction. Watson Township also has reluctantly agreed to pay after some of the same kinds of discussion. Allegan Township two years ago opted out of paying its MTA dues for many of the same reasons.