Clark Township Clerk Cathy Nordquist and Trustee Tammy Cruickshank will identify citizens to serve on a seven-member compensation advisory committee to review how elected officials are compensated, and make recommendations to the township board. The two elected officials were appointed to the task Thursday, October 20, at the board’s regular meeting.

Four months ago, trustees made room in the 2005-2006 general fund budget to increase the salaries of the supervisor, clerk, and treasurer by 20 percent. They are now paid $19,500 and the budget allows an increase of $3,900, to $23,400. The increases have not been paid, but they remain in the budget that was adopted in July.

Salaries for the supervisor, clerk, and treasurer must be set by board resolution, according to Michigan Townships Association, and fringe benefits must be determined in a township ordinance, also adopted by the board.

In August, trustees agreed to provide health insurance to all township employees and to pay 80 percent of the premium for employees who participate.

The township’s new assessor, Sherry Burd, an independent contractor, pays all of her own premium.

The three elected officials, Supervisor Linda Hudson, Clerk Cathy Nordquist, and Treasurer Katie VanEenenaam-Carpenter, are considered township employees as they work in Clark Township Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., although there is no township statute that requires them to do so.

The compensation advisory committee will be asked to interview officials to determine their job and time requirements, level of skill and management responsibilities, and fiscal responsibilities. They will also be asked to compare Clark Township salaries to salaries in communities similar in size and taxable value to Clark Township. They will also consider communities that offer comparable services to Clark Township, and those with similar budget considerations.