LAKETOWN TWP, MI (WTVB/WHTC, Jan. 5, 2025) – Disagreements among members of the Laketown Township Board of Trustees has led to a postponement on a decision concerning a new township manager until next Wednesday, January 8, which has left the door open for Bronson City Manager Brandon Mersman.
Long-time Manager Al Meshkin announced in July that he was retiring on Friday.
The replacement process began in August and on November 13, the township board approved negotiations with Allegan County Clerk and Register of Deeds Bob Genetski over Mersman.
Laketown Township public information coordinator Jim Hayden says the negotiated contract with Genetski called for a salary of $110,000 with the possibility of a bonus but the job advertisement posted a salary range of $115,000 to $140,000.
But the board failed to approve the contract with Genetski on December 11. Supervisor Steve Ringelberg and Treasurer Jim Johnson supported the contract with Genetski, saying he is well-known, a quick-learner and was responsive to constituent needs when he was serving in the State House of Representatives.
Clerk Jim Delaney and Trustee Mike Koeman want to hire Mersman because of his experience in local government.
Trustee Mark Timmerman was on Zoom for that meeting and by law could not vote. A tie means a motion fails.
A special meeting that was scheduled for December 17 to address the issue was canceled due to the lack of a quorum.
No agreement was reached during a rescheduled meeting this past Monday which led to the tabling of the contract issue with Genetski until this Wednesday’s meeting.
Ringelberg is performing the duties of manager until the situation is resolved.
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