Annual Meeting (Clerk Report 2024-25)

**Executive Summary of the 2025 Clerk Report**

**State Mandated Changes**
The 2025 Clerk Report highlights significant changes to the duties of Clerks in Leland Township following the successful implementation of Proposal 22-2, which was approved by 75% of the electorate. This proposal has introduced early voting for federal and state elections, a simplified permanent absentee voter list, increased absentee voting participation, expanded rights for overseas and military voters, and enhanced procedures for managing absentee ballots. The report emphasizes that these changes have resulted in a notable shift in workload from Election Day precinct management to the Clerk’s office, alongside increased responsibilities for monitoring drop boxes and tabulating ballots in-person.

**Additional Responsibilities and Achievements**
In addition to the state-mandated duties, the Clerk’s office has undertaken several extra responsibilities over the past year. Key accomplishments include the successful completion of the Facilities Committee’s work leading to the acquisition of a new township office, overseeing the Sunset Shores Special Assessment District bonding, and negotiating with the Library Board to transfer ownership of the Leland Township Library. Moreover, the ongoing collective bargaining for the Fire Department has been a priority, along with improving event safety and organization through revised processes and delegation of authority.

**HR and Payroll Updates**
The report also addresses critical updates in Human Resources and payroll, highlighting state-mandated changes that require revisions to the Township Employee Handbook. The transition to an online system for managing health insurance benefits has been successfully implemented, with all full-time employees onboarded onto the EASE program. Additionally, the report notes staffing increases across various departments and compliance with IRS e-filing requirements for W2 and 1099 forms.

**Compensation and Comparative Salaries**
Finally, the report discusses the Clerk’s compensation adjustments, noting a 2.5% salary increase approved during the March 2024 meeting, which is acknowledged to be below the state average. Comparison with salaries of comparable Clerks within Leelanau County indicates that Leland Township’s Clerk salary is competitive yet suggests the need for further evaluation in March 2025.

Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Brookfield
March 29, 2025