Log In

New Officials Training for Clerks

Welcome to Township Government!

Upon taking the oath of office as a township official, you are assuming multiple responsibilities, requiring a unique combination of leadership, decision-making and administration, as well as an understanding of statutory requirements. How do you bring fresh perspectives to the board, while valuing the work of veteran board members? What are the crucial functions you need to perform right now for your specific office?

This multi-segment course can help you start out on the right foot! Designed to build on your abilities and understanding of township government, this program enables you to successfully represent and serve your residents while shaping your community’s future. We’ll review the “hows and whys” of township government, and explore the duties and responsibilities of a township board—and your role.

General topics discussed include:

  • The Importance of Advocacy: Why it’s essential, what tools you can use and how you can make a difference. 
  • What Townships Do—and Don’t Do: Every township’s required government functions, plus the optional “do’s” and the “don’ts.” 
  • Who’s in Charge (and What Did I Get Myself Into)?: How township boards work. 
  • Public vs. Private: You’re the government, using public money—what are the rules? What is your “fiduciary” responsibility? 
  • Township Revenues: How does a township pay for government programs and services?

Plus, the second half of the course covers topics specific to township clerks, such as: 

  • Managing records 
  • Meeting minutes & notices
  • Financial administration and reporting 
  • Accounts payable
  • Elections administration 
  • Other duties of the clerk

BONUS: Those registered by January 22, 2025, are invited to join a live Q&A with MTA staff experts to get your questions answered in real-time on Jan. 27 at 10 a.m. Simply watch the on-demand recordings, then look for an email about one week prior to the Q&A date with a login link/instructions.

Recorded in December 2024.

Judy Allen

Director of Government Relations

MTA

As director, Judy oversees MTA’s legislative efforts to advocate on legislation impacting township government. She represents the interests of MTA members before the Legislature and the administration.  

Judy began working for MTA in 2012 and has previous experience working with state and local governments. Prior to coming to MTA, Judy served as Director of Government and Community Services of Oakland Schools, where she advocated on behalf of 28 districts in Lansing and Washington, D.C. Judy has also served as Chief of Staff to the Senate Majority Leader and was later appointed by then Gov. John Engler to serve as Chairperson of the Michigan State Liquor Control Commission.

Catherine Mullhaupt

Staff Attorney, Member Information Services

MTA

Catherine provides township officials and employees with information and resources regarding the day-to-day functions of township government. She writes for the "Hello, MTA...?" and Legal Briefs columns, and other articles in the Michigan Township Focus, develops MIS Department resource materials and webpages, authors MTA publications, and presents workshop and conference sessions, as well as live and recorded online courses.

She joined MTA in 1991, spending her first nine years in MTA's Education Department writing and editing articles for the Township Focus and MTA publications. She coordinated educational workshops and the annual MTA trade show, and assisted in coordinating the annual MTA educational conference. 

She was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 2006 and is currently the MTA Staff Attorney.

Cindy Dodge

MTA Member Information Liaison

Michigan Townships Association

MTA Member Information Liaison Cindy Dodge joined MTA in 2006 from Williamstown Township in Ingham County where she served as Clerk since 2005. She has been involved with the township since 2003 as assistant to the supervisor, planning commissioner, and assistant to the planning commission. She is currently a Michigan Certified Assessing Officer. Via phone, fax and e-mail, Cindy provides township officials and employees with information and resources regarding the day-to-day functions of township government. She is also the Association liaison for MTA county chapters, develops MIS Department resource materials, and presents workshop and Conference sessions as well as teaching live and recorded webinar courses.

Judy Bigney

MTA Member Information Liaison

Michigan Townships Association

Judy Bigney joined MTA’s Member Information Services in August of 2023, bringing with her more than two decades of experience as a local official to share with township leaders across the state. Bigney, who served as Algoma Township (Kent Co.) clerk for 22+ years, has joined the Association as a new Member Information Services Liaison. Bigney was first elected clerk in November 2000, and earned her master municipal clerk certification from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) in August 2007. In addition to her service on the township board, she was also a member of the Kent County MTA Chapter, Kent County Clerks Association, Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks and IIMC. Bigney and her husband of 31 years own and operate one of the few remaining dairy farms in Algoma Township, with more than 100 cows total. Their youngest son hopes to continue with the family farm in the future.

Components visible upon registration.