ALPENA — The Alpena Township Board of Trustees approved on Monday to officially become a charter township.

Attorney Tim Gulden presented a second resolution to the board for approval and with approval of the resolution, the board approve becoming a charter township effective immediately. The resolution stated the township satisfies all requirements to become a charter township.

“The process is completed,” Gulden said. “The township is officially a charter township. The next step is for the clerk to send a copy of the resolution to both the state and to the county.”

Gulden said becoming a charter township is a different procedure than adopting ordinances. There also are a few procedural changes that don’t impact day-to-day operations, but for more of the legal standpoint, Gulden will have to cover more.

Township Supervisor Nathan Skibbe said everything that potetntially could impact a millage increase goes to the ballot and the rates are the same.

“That was my point and that was the reason that the committee made this recommendation out of all the resolutions to pass,” Skibbe said. “It was structurally sound and it doesn’t affect the tax base until they are informed. We are going to have some input sessions to see what the public’s level of concerns are and what’s important to them in terms of funding and then look at adding those potential millages to the ballot.”

Gulden said the law states that by using the resolution process, it’s mandatory that tax rates stay the same.

The board tried to dissolve the charter exploration committee, but the vote did not pass. Skibbe said the committee is almost to the point where it can be dissolved.

“I think that’s one of the better parts of the internal structure of a charter depending on what the board approves,” he said. “It will afford us a savings internally because we can cut down the committee meetings, the mileage, and per diems.”

Skibbe said becoming a charter township adds more transparency to the township.

“We’re giving opportunity for the public to speak and utilizing a survey monkey to understand the concerns of the public,” he said. “I look forward to having another public input session to get some more feedback about what is important to the public.”

The resolution was approved 4-2, with Clerk Karie Bleau and Treasurer Laura Ellery-Somers voting against.

Julie Goldberg can be reached via email at jgoldberg@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5688.