Former Treasurer Miller Calls Board Actions 'Illegal Government Overreach'
*KALAMAZOO TOWNSHIP — After months of censures and an investigation into her conduct, Kalamazoo Township Treasurer Sherine Miller has resigned, taking a $110,000 payout* and two years of retiree health benefits. The resignation comes amid mounting accusations of financial mismanagement and allegations that she exposed township funds to unnecessary risk.
Miller was first elected treasurer in 2016, but stepped down last week following numerous accusations of financial mismanagement. The resignation letter was read aloud during the township board meeting, where she also spoke directly to the board during the public comment section.
"They are false allegations," Miller told the board, responding point-by-point to the accusations against her. "I wasn't made aware of the board's unhappiness with my work."
Miller also characterized the board's actions against her as illegal government overreach, stating she has lost all faith and trust in the current board, administration, and legal guidance they have been provided.
Township Officials Seek to Limit Treasurer Powers
The tension between Miller and the board had escalated significantly. Township officials had twice censured her for her conduct and restricted her access to township systems. They also asked the governor to remove Miller from office.
Township Supervisor David Combs explained the financial rationale behind the resignation agreement to NowKalamazoo:
"That situation had already cost the township more than $120,000 to date, and exposed multiple millions of dollars of township funds to unnecessary risk."
Combs stated that the $110,000 payout was negotiated as part of a separation agreement, reflecting a significantly lower cost to taxpayers than the dispute would have cost if it continued while Miller remained in office.
Miller Responds to Accusations During Board Meeting
During the board meeting on Monday night, Miller took the opportunity to address the allegations directly. She spoke during the public comment section and responded to specific claims made against her.
"Funny thing is, superintendent and I had email conversations that afternoon, and nothing was ever mentioned about putting the township in financial crisis," Miller said regarding a February bank account transfer of $4 million.
Following her remarks, another commenter read her official resignation letter to the board, formally ending her tenure as treasurer.
Clara Robinson Named As Potential Replacement
The township board is now looking for a new person to fill the treasurer role. Monday night, they named a possible replacement: current trustee Clara Robinson.
Robinson is the former deputy treasurer for Comstock Township and worked in their financial department for several years. The board has called her a rational and kind township employee who would bring stability to the role.
Right now, Robinson serves a dual role as trustee and in office administration, and would have to resign as trustee to become treasurer. If Robinson is not appointed within 45 days, a special election would be required, which the township wants to avoid.
"During the end of our previous treasurer's tenure, this board took several actions to curb those non-statutory duties and really whittle things down just to the statutory piece, to protect the township," Township Supervisor David Combs said.
The board meeting began with Miller speaking during public comment, where she responded to allegations against her. The conversation then turned to discussion of the treasurer vacancy, with members calling Robinson a rational and kind township employee who would have the full scope of treasurer duties.
Miller's previous censures meant she was only allowed to perform as treasurer what was mandated by the state. Robinson, if appointed, would regain the full scope of treasurer duties.
Election Timeline
If Robinson is not appointed within 45 days, a special election would be required to fill the position. The township wants to avoid this scenario and is hoping to appoint Robinson as the new treasurer.
The township board is currently considering whether to appoint Robinson as an interim treasurer until the next election in November, at which point a special election would be held to permanently fill the position.