Are raises needed in Rutland Township?

Open letter to the taxpayers of Rutland Township:

There are few people who regularly attend monthly township meetings, which may be why some feel that township government should be abolished. That being said, I feel it important to call your attention to what is transpiring in Rutland Township, because it will affect us all.

The sitting board, which has made eerie effort to keep costs down, is in the process of setting salaries for elected officials running for the next term — all are part-time positions.

The last two months the road commissioner and assessor have requested large increases as well as benefits, including pension and insurance for themselves and their employees. They have indicated that they are grossly underpaid, even though they knew the remuneration before they ran for the “part-time” office.

Assessor Siers and Road Commission Schultz are requesting these increases for their “part-time” positions when municipalities, school districts fire and police departments are trying to decrease benefits for full-time employees, because they can no longer afford them.

I would never presume to expect anyone to accept my position, but I do feel obligated to bring these recent events to the attention of Rutland taxpayers. If you are so inclined, please consider attending the next two meetings, listening to the facts and sharing your feelings with the board.

Meetings are the second Tuesday of the month. The next meeting will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 14, at Rutland Township Offices, 16N491 Powers Road, Gilberts.

Donna Tessendorf

Rutland Township