A Contentious Parting: Nine-Year Treasurer Steps Down Amid Controversy

*KALAMAZOO TOWNSHIP, MI* — Sherine Miller stepped down as Kalamazoo Township treasurer on Monday, March 16, 2026, ending a nine-year tenure that concluded amid months of contentious debate over her ability to serve the office.

The resignation came after Miller faced two censures by the township board on January 23 and February 9, 2026 — restrictions that limited her access to township offices, accounts, and documentation. Following a December 2025 complaint, the board's actions effectively stripped the treasurer of core duties of the office, leaving her unable to serve in the capacity voters intended, according to a statement from Miller.

"When the board removed the core duties of the office, it left me unable to serve in the capacity the voters intended," Miller wrote in her resignation.

The Separation Agreement: $110K and Health Benefits

Despite the removal of her duties and the board's petition to the Governor for her removal from office — which would later be retracted — Miller signed a separation agreement with township staff at approximately 9:30 a.m. on the day of her resignation.

"She made the decision to resolve this matter solely out of her respect for the citizens she elected to serve," said Attorney Brad Sysol in a statement on Miller's behalf.

Per the separation agreement, Miller will receive $110,000 and 24 months of retiree health benefits. The payout was initially demanded by Miller, Township Supervisor David Combs confirmed.

"She initially demanded to have her term paid out," Combs said. "She'd already cost more than $120,000 in job coaching and attorney fees. She wanted the township to cover her legal expenses."

Miller's term was originally scheduled through 2028, with an annual salary of $50,000. Combs noted that if the situation had continued without resolution, it could have become a multimillion-dollar expenditure in addition to her salary and continued benefits.

"The board's goal was to safeguard township finances and taxpayer dollars," Combs said.

Power Struggle: Superintendent vs. Elected Official

The situation has drawn sharp criticism from residents who view it as a power grab by Township Superintendent Tracie Moored — a position that is appointed, not elected.

"You're just adding to the well of discontent in this community about taxes, lack of citizen input and railroading elected officials out of office," said resident Jim Ferner.

Ferner was later escorted out of the meeting chambers by an officer as he scoffed and shouted, "This is a sham," during the board's deliberations.

Most Duties Reassigned to Superintendent

Following Miller's resignation, most of her responsibilities were reassigned to Superintendent Tracie Moored. However, Combs noted that under state law, certain statutory duties cannot be delegated — including the requirement to appoint a deputy treasurer.

"The statute doesn't say the treasurer will try. The statute is the treasurer shall appoint a deputy," Combs explained.

Combs described Miller's efforts to appoint deputies as "misguided." She needed approval to appoint either an active board member or staff member, but a resident could be appointed with no other input. Three of Miller's previous deputies left the township because they were not willing to work with her, according to Combs. She was also unable to find someone on staff willing to serve as deputy treasurer.

"Three of her previous deputies left the township because they were not willing to work with her. She was not able to find someone on staff that was willing to be the deputy," Combs said.

New Treasurer Appointed: Clara Robinson

The board has since moved to fill the vacancy, appointing Clara Robinson to the treasurer role. Robinson, who was first elected as a board trustee in 2020 and won reelection in 2024, has resigned her position as trustee to take on the role full-time until November, when the position will go up for election.

Robinson brings extensive financial management experience, including 12 years as deputy treasurer in Comstock Township. She also worked alongside the former treasurer Sherine Miller during both of her terms on the Kalamazoo Township board.

"Clara Robinson's extensive experience allows her to step into this role with immediate impact," Combs said. "This position demands precision, accountability and technical expertise from Day 1, and she possesses all of those qualities."

Robinson has served Kalamazoo Township as a trustee and as a full-time township employee. She initially stepped down after winning the election in 2024 but was reappointed following a 2025 vacancy. She has maintained a full-time position as executive coordinator, where she works directly with Superintendent Tracie Moored.

Becoming treasurer would "shift" that dynamic, Robinson explained, noting that it may not be appropriate for her to continue working closely with the superintendent on financial matters.

"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."

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

Audit Coming Up

According to Robinson, an audit is coming up, and those audits will be made available on the township's website so residents can review them.

"We have an audit that will be coming up. Those audits are made available on our website so people can go on there and they can see it," Robinson said.

Board Reaction and Next Steps

The board will discuss steps toward filling the deputy treasurer role during its March 23 work session. Depending on when the position is filled, the appointed treasurer may have to run for reelection in 2026 to maintain the role.

"The hope there was not resignation, but that the treasurer would course correct and begin to fulfill her responsibilities appropriately," Combs said.

Miller's resignation should not be mistaken for an admission of guilt regarding the board's allegations, Attorney Brad Sysol wrote in a statement on her behalf.

"Miller resigned Monday after months of contention over her ability to do the job," reported Township Attorney Roxanne Seeber.

The situation has left a bitter taste for many residents, who see it as yet another example of the township's struggle with transparency and accountability. With Miller's departure and Robinson's appointment, the township now faces the challenge of rebuilding trust with its community while navigating the complex statutory requirements of the treasurer's office.

Sources

  • Controversy-plagued township official resigns, secures $110K payout — mlive.com
  • Kalamazoo Township selects new treasurer — WOODTV.com
  • Trustee appointed to treasurer's role in Kalamazoo Township shake-up — mlive.com
  • Kalamazoo Township selects former trustee to be new treasurer — WWMT.com