Rose Township resident calls for action

As most residents, I thought I was doing my part by voting every four years, and assumed our elected officials were spending our taxpayer dollars in a prudent manner.

I regularly attend Rose Township board meetings that are held in the old township building on Franklin St.  In 2007, the township purchased an old church on nearby Mason St. and moved their offices there even though they continue using and maintaining the old building for public meetings.

The township paid $225,000 for the old church.  Approximately $200,000 was spent on renovations, and an occupancy permit was issued by the Rose Township building inspector that certified the building met all state and federal building codes.  Total cost for the building and renovations totaled approximately $425,000.

A complaint was filed with the State of Michigan over American Disability Act violations with the newly renovated township building.  The state has investigated the complaint and said the building is in violation of the ADA state and federal building codes. Because of this non-compliance, the township has secured an architectural firm to evaluate the building from floor to ceiling, providing cost estimates to make the building compliant with all state and federal building codes.  

How much more money do the taxpayers of Rose Township have to sink into a building which, in  today’s market, is already questionable?  

Due to public outcry from township residents, a five member fact finding panel (of which I am a member), has been selected.  This panel is investigating how these decisions were made, and how the township was granted an occupancy permit with all the building code violations that have been identified.  

Additionally, there are healthcare benefits being paid with taxpayer dollars to less-than part time officials.  Rose Township is currently developing their 2010-2011 budgets.  In this depressed economy and with the reduction in property values, it is in the best interest of the taxpayers to hold our officials fiscally responsible to spend taxpayer dollars in a prudent manner, eliminating all unnecessary expense.

I encourage all citizens to get involved with your local government and find out what is going on. I especially encourage Rose Township residents to attend our meetings, hear the results of our five member panel, and ask your own questions of our elected officials. Taxpayer accountability begins with local government and works its way to Washington. Become involved and find out where your money is being spent!

The next fact finding panel meeting will be held at 6 p.m on Thursday, April 8 at the old Rose Township offices on Franklin St.  The next regular monthly board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on April 14 in the same location.  Contact the Township Supervisor at (248) 634-7551 and demand regular updates on the building code issues with the current township office, the architectural audit, and cost estimates to make the current township office code compliant.


Robert Hauxwell
3100 Maureen
Davisburg, Michigan
(248) 634-4670