Dexter Township Eligible for Charter Status

A debate on whether or not to pursue status as a charter township will go before the Dexter Township Board at its regular meeting Aug. 16.

The board announced at its meeting July 19 that the township is eligible to become a charter township since the township’s population exceeds 2,000, according to the 2010 census.

The Michigan Charter Township Act says any township with a population of at least 2,000 is eligible to upgrade its status.

“My recommendation is that we ignore it,” trustee Carl Lesser said.

According to the act, the board is required to either adopt, by a majority vote, a resolution opposing incorporation; adopt, by a majority vote, a resolution to approve incorporation; or adopt a resolution to place the issue before voters at the next regular or special election.

Township Supervisor Pat Kelly said the advantages of becoming a charter township include better protection from annexation by neighboring municipalities and the ability to levy up to 5 mills with voter approval. Common law townships levy only a 1-mill maximum.

"I think the board will turn it down, and I won't fight it, even though I think there are some valid reasons to at least consider becoming a charter township," Kelly said.

If the board adopts a resolution to approve incorporation as a charter township, residents can file a referendum petition within 60 days. The petition must be signed by at least 10 percent of those who voted for supervisor in the last general election, according to the act.