Michigan Townships Association

Clerks

MTA Clerks' Professional Development Retreat - September 29 & 30

Join fellow clerks from around the state for the 2025 Township Clerks’ Professional Development Retreat. Coming to the beautiful Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth, this retreat offers premier educational programming and excellent networking opportunities.

We’ll spend two days immersed in expert-led sessions designed specifically for clerks on concepts, trends and pressing issues for townships. Crafted for clerks at every level, this unique event will help you develop new skills while providing you with knowledge of the statutory duties and responsibilities required of you.

This event is currently sold out. To be added to the wait list, please email rebecca@michigantownships.org.

Download the full brochure here or see below for full session descriptions.

Full program registration includes 11 hours of education, all meals and refreshments, ample time for networking, evening entertainment and a vendor showcase! Can’t stay for both days? Single-day options are also available.

Register early to take advantage of early-bird savings, plus save $60 off full-program rates by registering your deputy or another township official or staff member. Discount applies to second registrant attending the same retreat when registered at the same time.

GUEST TICKETS
A limited number of guest tickets for the dinner and/or Riverboat cruise are now available to full program registrants.
Follow the instructions below to add your guest now:

1) Login to your user profile here. (First time logging in? Click here for help setting up your password.)
2) Under the Purchases tab within your profile, select Events.
3) Click the Details button next to your Retreat registration.
4) In the right-hand column, select the Add Session button.
5) Click the green Select button next to each item you wish to add, then click Next to proceed through online checkout and pay the appropriate fee(s). Note that advance payment is required for all guest purchases; using the “Bill me” option is not allowed for these add-on items. No refunds will be made for guest dinners/tickets cancelled after Sept. 24.

Should you have problems or need registration assistance, please contact MTA at 517-321-6467 x 226.

Agenda

Monday, September 29
8 a.m. | Check In
8:30 a.m. | Welcome
8:35 a.m. | FOIA Me This
10:15 a.m. | Three Manuals Walk into a Township Hall
11:35 a.m. | Lunch
12:35 p.m. | Elections Update
2 p.m. | Reconciling: Behind the Numbers
4 p.m. | Bavarian Belle riverboat cruise
6:45 p.m. | Dinner
Tuesday, September 30
7:30 a.m. | Breakfast
8 a.m. | Legislative Update: What's New, What's Next
9:10 a.m. | From Confused to Compliant
10:45 a.m. | Meeting Adjourned Now What?
Noon | Vendor Introductions
12:15 p.m. | Lunch
1:15 p.m. | Vendor Showcase
1:45 p.m. | Dollars & Sense
3:15 p.m. | Payroll and Paper Trails
4:30 p.m. | Adjourn

Educational Sessions

FOIA Me This: A Guide to Public Records Access

With very few exceptions, all township records should be treated as public records, meaning the public should be able to access them. But that can be a hard concept to get your head around: What about emails, personal communications, privacy or board member communications? What really are the deadlines? How can you communicate with the requester? When can you charge fees & how do you set them? Learn about the board’s responsibilities for ensuring a township can and will respond correctly.  

Three Manuals Walk into a Township Hall

This session is your guide to putting the Uniform Chart of Accounts, Uniform Budget Manual and Accounting Procedures Manual to work for you. We’ll unpack what these manuals actually say and what they mean for your day-to-day, using real-life applications. Join us on this practical dive into how you can use these guides to improve reporting accuracy, tighten internal controls and avoid audit surprises. We’re making manuals make sense!

Elections Update: Straight from the Source

Stay ahead of the curve with this essential update on all things elections. Hear directly from the Bureau of Elections as they break down the latest developments, answer your questions and tackle hot topics shaping the upcoming election cycle. From guidance to preparedness tips, this is your opportunity to get the information you need—straight from the source. Don’t miss this chance to connect, clarify & walk away ready for whatever election season brings. 

Reconciling: Behind the Numbers, Ahead of the Problems

Reconciling isn’t just balancing the books—it’s how you make sure the story your financials are telling is actually true. Done right, it supports transparency and accuracy, strengthens internal controls, and promotes collaboration across departments. Explore how your reconciliation process supports not just your own responsibilities, but your colleagues too. We’ll cover what reconciliation really means, pitfalls to avoid, why your role is essential to the bigger picture, and how to simplify the process. Because when reconciliation is done right, everyone benefits. 

Legislative Update: What's New, What's Next, What You Need to Know

MTA is a successful grassroots organization largely because of the involvement of active members—that’s you! With the Michigan Legislature constantly changing and taking on new issues, how can you keep up with it all? Join us as we share the ins and outs and break down legislative priorities around local authority, funding and infrastructure. Learn the nuances of key legislative issues, what actions can be taken and why those actions matter, and leave with a deeper understanding of how to work together and advocate for successful action. 

From Confused to Compliant: Mastering OMA

The Open Meetings Act (OMA) means that any township public body must do all of its business “out in the open,” in full view of the public—unless one of the few, very limited, exceptions for closed sessions apply. The OMA is a clash of two worlds—public sector vs. private sector. But township board meetings are not supposed to be a “free for all” or “town hall.” Learn about getting township board business done while being open, transparent and efficient. 

Meeting Adjourned...Now What?

Time to prepare the minutes—are you sure you’re getting it right? Review the requirements (and best practices!) for keeping official records of your township meetings. What should and should NOT be included in the minutes? When must minutes be made available to the public? Where should they be published? How long do we need to keep them? We’ll cover that and more! You’ll walk away confident that your minutes are accurate, compliant and clear. 

Dollars & Sense: Financial Stewardship Made Simple

Being a responsible steward of township funds doesn’t have to be complicated. Packed with practical tips and real-world examples, this session digs into the essentials of financial oversight and explores your fiscal role. We’ll walk through sample financial reports together, showing you how to spot what’s missing, flag what could be improved, and understand what must be included. Because when it comes to public dollars, a little sense goes a long way. 

Payroll and Paper Trails

Payroll isn’t just about cutting checks—it’s about keeping clean, compliant records that stand up to scrutiny. Join us as we review the nuts and bolts of payroll documentation and retention. We’ll walk through essential forms, explain who needs to complete them (and when!), cover agency filing deadlines, and clarify who should—and shouldn’t—have access. Learn practical tips on how long to keep what, so you’re always audit-ready and never second-guessing. 

Hotel Reservations & Other Details

Retreat Lodging Reservations

The Bavarian Inn Lodge offers comfortable rooms with mini-fridges, microwaves, and free Wi-Fi, plus access to pools & whirlpools, a fitness center, restaurants, coffee bar, gift shop and nightly live entertainment. Guests can also enjoy the new Bavarian Blast indoor waterpark with slides, a wave pool, ropes course, and more. For more hotel details, visit https://www.bavarianinn.com/stay.

Rates: Starting at $162.28 (plus tax) per night

  • Be sure to indicate any accessibility needs for lodging at the time you make your reservation.
Click here to book your lodging now 

Discounted lodging rates for this retreat end Sept. 13 — book your room early to ensure availability!

Special Dietary Needs

The Bavarian Inn lodge can accommodate most special dietary requests if given advance notice. Please include your request when registering for the event, or email it to education@michigantownships.org at least one (1) week in advance; be sure to indicate whether any food allergies are airborne.

Cancellation & Substitution Policies

Written cancellation requests received at the MTA office four (4) weeks prior to the event will receive a full refund; two weeks prior will receive a half-refund. Substitutions may be made at any time with no charge; please notify MTA in advance whenever possible. For additional details, please see the event brochure found here or reference your confirmation email.

Thank you to our 2025 Retreat Sponsors!