A Note from the Supervisor:

We are delighted to launch our newly redesigned website. We hope you like the fresh new look and that the new design will allow you to find information you need quickly and easily.  Please let us know if you cannot find something or would like to make any suggestions for new information or topics.

We will continue to update our site with useful information and news regarding Sandstone Charter Township.
Key Services and Responsibilities of the Charter Township Supervisor
The duties of a Charter Township Supervisor vary, depending on circumstances, but most charter township supervisors (in those townships without a township superintendent) are responsible for the following:

1.    Board of Trustees: The Charter Township Supervisor is a voting member of the township board of trustees, which is responsible for making decisions on township policies, budgets, and other matters. The Supervisor typically chairs the township board meetings and ensures they are conducted in an orderly manner. Committees and commission appointments are made by the Supervisor with approval by the Board of Trustees. The Supervisor serves as a member, ex officio, of all committees of the township board. From time to time, the Supervisor recommends to the township board for adoption such measures as he may deem necessary or expedient.

2.    Budgeting and Finance: The supervisor prepares the township budget for approval by the Board, oversees financial operations and keeps the Board of Trustees informed, and ensures that funds are used appropriately.

3.    Administration: The Supervisor oversees the day-to-day operations of the township, including supervising township employees and ensuring that township services are provided effectively and efficiently. The Supervisor has charge of the construction, repair and maintenance of all the public buildings or other property belonging to the township and manages and supervises all public improvements, works, and undertakings of the township; The Supervisor is responsible for performing the duties of personnel director of all township employees, unless he delegates such duties to some other officer or employee

4. Legal agent and public liaison: The Supervisor serves as the township’s legal agent - the individual designated to receive service of process, legal notices, and official government correspondence on behalf of the township. The Supervisor and the township Clerk sign official documents on behalf of the township. The Supervisor acts as a representative of the township to the general public, communicating with residents, businesses, other organizations and governmental entities.

5.    Enforcement of laws and ordinances: Ensuring that local laws and ordinances are enforced is part of the Supervisor’s responsibilities. The Supervisor works with the township code enforcement official, the township Building Inspector, the township Zoning Administrator, the township attorney, local law enforcement, and emergency service personnel to ensure the safety and security of township residents.

6.    Property Assessment: The Supervisor serves as the Chief Assessing Officer, overseeing the property assessment process to ensure that property assessments are fair, accurate and comply with state laws. The Supervisor oversees a level three assessor who assesses both business and residential property. The Supervisor acts as the Secretary of the Board of Review, but does not vote on issues before the Board other than poverty exemptions.

7.    Community Development: The Supervisor is typically involved in planning and zoning activities, working with the Township Planning Commission to guide development and land use within the township. The Supervisor frequently serves on several boards or committees at the county level having to do with community infrastructure (roads, water, sewer).

For a comprehensive and specific list of duties, please refer to the Michigan Township Association. Statutory duties of township officials, including the Township Supervisor can be found in various sections of Michigan’s statutes (Michigan Compiled Laws).