Applications to fill the vacancy of Howell Township Clerk are being accepted through August 21st.
The position became open when Jean Graham, who had served in the role for eight years, tendered a letter of resignation at the July 10th board meeting. Graham’s official last day will be this Friday, August 4th.
While Graham has not commented on the reason for her resignation, WHMI’s Jessica Mathews reported that at a meeting back in February, Graham raised concerns about a hostile work environment. Subsequently, a sub-committee comprised of board members Matthew Counts, Jeff Smith, and Bob Wilson was created to investigate and ended up producing a report that found while there was no evidence of workplace harassment, there was “evidence of low employee morale and personality conflicts which should be resolved.”
Among its recommendations to bring cohesiveness back to the office staff were that
both Graham and Treasurer Jonathan Hohenstein seek professional training and/or coaching to help develop their communication skills and Supervisor Mike Coddington “take a more hands on presence at the Township Hall, acting as an Office Manager.”
Applicants for the clerk’s position must be registered to vote, 18 years or older, a U.S. citizen, have lived in Howell Township at least 30 days, and be able to fulfill the duties of the office. Whomever is appointed will hold the position for the remainder of the current term through November 2024 and will be required to swear the oath of office and appoint a deputy.
Applications must be submitted no later than August 21, 2023 to the Township Treasurer by mail: 3525 Byron Rd. Howell, MI 48855 or by email at: treasurer@howelltownshipmi.org.
The HR Committee will contact applicants for interviews. All applications received will be taken to the Board for consideration at a special board meeting to be held on August 28, 2023.
