New Treasurer Takes Helm After Investigation Labels Former Official 'Patently Incompetent'

KALAMAZOO TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A new person is at the helm of Kalamazoo Township's finances following a controversial fallout between the township and previous treasurer, Sherine Miller.

Clara Robinson was named treasurer Monday morning and will handle finances through the end of the year. Her resume includes 12 years as Comstock Township's deputy treasurer, along with professional financial operations.

She was first elected in Kalamazoo Township as a board trustee in 2020. She has now resigned as trustee to be full-time treasurer and rebuild trust with the public.

"I think the biggest thing is that people understand that I too am a stakeholder," Robinson said. "I'm not only a board member, resident, but the treasurer."

Miller left the position this month after an outside investigation into her work. The report from law firm Clark Hill called her "patently incompetent," claiming Miller was unable to balance financial statements or manage property tax assessments.

Since then, residents expressed concern over how their money was handled over multiple years.

"I expect to be held accountable," Robinson said. "Just like I expect the board members to be held accountable as we have been doing to this point."

Former Deputy Takes Over After Multiple Censures

One of the main criticisms of Miller in the investigation was her alleged inability to follow financial best practices, or accounting rules to keep track of millions in public funds.

Miller was censured twice while serving as treasurer before announcing her resignation. The township paid her $110,000 in severance when she stepped down.

Robinson says those will return under her leadership and encourages residents to follow the money for themselves.

"I think the biggest thing is that people understand that I too am a stakeholder," Robinson said. "I'm not only a board member, resident, but the treasurer."

What Comes Next

Robinson will hold the office until November, at which time township residents will elect a new treasurer. The position was previously held by Sherine Miller, who resigned earlier this month following charges of "official misconduct and willful neglect of duty."

Supervisor David Combs called Miller's attempted deputy appointments "misguided." The resignation throws that rhythm off.

"The resignation throws that rhythm off," Combs said.

This fall, voters will pick a new replacement to fill out the four-year term. Miller's life has been broken into four-year increments for the last nine years.

Background on Clara Robinson

Robinson was previously a deputy treasurer in Comstock Township for 12 years. In Kalamazoo Township, she has been an executive coordinator and trustee — a role from which she has resigned to serve as treasurer.

She will serve until a new treasurer is elected in November and has served 12 years as deputy treasurer in Comstock Township. Robinson was selected by the township board to take over for Sherine Miller, who resigned March 16th after most of her duties were stripped when she was censured.

The township board appointed Robinson to the treasurer's open seat in a special board meeting Monday morning.

"A new person is at the helm of Kalamazoo Township's finances following a controversial fallout between the township and previous treasurer, Sherine Miller," WWMT reported.

What Residents Say

Since the investigation report came out, residents have been questioning how the township handled finances over multiple years. The report from Clark Hill law firm detailed concerns about Miller's management of property tax assessments and financial statements.

"People are concerned over how their money was handled," township officials noted.

Robinson wants transparency to be key from this point forward. She said she expects the board members to be held accountable as well.

"Just like I expect the board members to be held accountable as we have been doing to this point," Robinson said.