Our Feed

We are involved in our communities, our profession, and our clients' associations and activities.

When a resident gifts a monetary donation to a township fire department, who is responsible for approving the expenditures resulting from the donation?

Although the language of the bequest may impact the exact answer to this question, assuming that the fire department is part of the township, the township board is responsible for determining how the money should be spent. Statutes governing both charter townships and general law townships specify that expenditures need to be authorized by a township board. From a practical perspective, it may be beneficial for the township board to collaborate with the volunteer fire department to come up with a way to spend the money that is mutually agreeable to both parties. But, technically speaking, a township board must determine how township money is spent.

Recent Articles & Announcements

  1. Are elected or appointed officia...

    No. Elected officials are not employees under the Earned Sick Time Act and will not be entitled to paid sick time. Appointed officials in a ...

    Read More
  2. Preparing Your Township to Compl...

    A new mandatory paid sick time law will go into effect for all Michigan employers next year. After a lengthy legal battle, the Michigan Supr...

    Read More
  3. Some Tips Before Entering Into a...

    Negotiating and drafting municipal construction contracts can be a stressful process for Board or Council members, even when ignoring the le...

    Read More
Talk to an Attorney
Request a Consultation

At Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC, we’ve been helping municipalities, franchised businesses, employers, and more with their legal needs since 2008. We’d love to learn how we can help you, too.