ORLEANS TOWNSHIP – IONIA COUNTY, MICHIGAN
NOTICE OF VACANCY – TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE
APPLICATION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 AT 5:00 P.M.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Orleans Township is accepting applications from qualified Township residents for appointment to a vacant position on the Orleans Township Board of Trustees.
The vacancy occurred effective July 30, 2026 at 6:58 p.m. following the resignation of a Township Trustee.
The individual appointed by the Township Board will serve as Township Trustee for the remainder of the unexpired term as provided by Michigan law.
POSITION
The Township Trustee is a voting member of the Orleans Township Board and participates in the legislative, financial, policy, and administrative decisions of the Township.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Attending and participating in regular and special Township Board meetings;
- Reviewing and voting upon Township budgets, expenditures, contracts, ordinances, resolutions, and policies;
- Participating in decisions concerning Township services, infrastructure, public safety, planning, zoning, land use, and development;
- Reviewing financial and operational information and helping ensure responsible stewardship of Township funds;
- Considering concerns and comments from Township residents;
- Working cooperatively with other Township officials while exercising independent judgment;
- Serving on committees or assisting with special Township matters when appropriate; and
- Performing other duties required or authorized by Michigan law.
ELIGIBILITY
An applicant must be legally eligible to hold township office under Michigan law, including being a registered and qualified elector of Orleans Township.
Eligibility will be verified before appointment.
The individual selected must take and file the required oath of office before performing the duties of Township Trustee.
MEETING EXPECTATIONS
Applicants should be prepared to:
- Regularly attend Township Board meetings;
- Attend special meetings when reasonably necessary;
- Review Board packets and supporting documents before meetings;
- Attend occasional workshops, training sessions, or committee meetings;
- Participate professionally in public discussions;
- Consider differing viewpoints and make decisions in the best interests of Orleans Township; and
- Become familiar with laws and procedures applicable to Michigan township government.
Prior governmental experience is not required.
APPLICATION
Interested residents should complete an Orleans Township Trustee Application or submit equivalent written information addressing:
- Contact and residency information;
- Employment and relevant experience;
- Community, volunteer, governmental, business, or leadership experience;
- Reason for seeking appointment;
- Qualifications and skills;
- Views concerning important issues facing Orleans Township;
- Availability to attend meetings; and
- Potential conflicts of interest.
A résumé may be attached but is not required.
DEADLINE
Completed applications must be received by:
5:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2026
Applications received after the deadline may not be considered.
SUBMISSION
Applications may be submitted by mail, email, delivery to Township Hall, or placement in the Township drop box.
Orleans Township
Attn: Township Clerk – Trustee Vacancy
3077 Palmer Road
P.O. Box 49
Orleans, Michigan 48865
Email:
Supe@orleanstwp.com
Clerk@orleanstwp.com
Treasurer@orleanstwp.com
A drop box is located in front of the Township Hall near the main entrance.
APPOINTMENT PROCESS
The Township Board will review qualified applicants and may interview candidates at a properly noticed public meeting.
Following review and interviews, the Township Board may appoint a qualified applicant by action of the Board in accordance with Michigan law.
Submission of an application does not guarantee an interview or appointment.
Orleans Township encourages qualified residents committed to public service, fiscal responsibility, transparency, responsible local government, and the long-term interests of the community to apply.
ORLEANS TOWNSHIP BOARD
Ionia County, Michigan