Boards

Township Board

Township government is conducted by a township board consisting five members. The officers of the board are designated supervisor, clerk, treasurer and two trustees.

The term of office for all township officials is four years. The terms commence at 12 p.m. on November 20 following the November general election, provided the newly elected officials have qualified for office by that time. To qualify, a successful candidate must file any necessary bond and take an oath of office.

The supervisor, clerk, treasurer and trustee must take the oath of office before entering into the duties of their offices. (MCL 168.363) The deputy supervisor (MCL 41.61(2)), deputy clerk (MCL 41.69) and deputy treasurer (MCL 41.77) must take the oath after their appointment and before entering into office.

The clerk (MCL 41.69) and the treasurer (MCL 41.77) must each appoint a deputy. The deputy clerk and deputy treasurer must also be bonded. The supervisor may appoint a deputy (MCL 41.61). Deputy township officials are authorized to act as the elected official in the event of the official’s absence, sickness, death or other disability. A deputy may not, however, vote as a member of the township board. With the official’s approval and the consent of the township board, a deputy may assist the elected official at any additional times agreed to by the board and the official. Deputies are not required to be residents of the township, and may be paid compensation as determined by the township board.

Elected Officials:

Tom Balmes, Supervisor
Mary Walther Johnson, Clerk
Kristy Cota, Treasurer
Jacob Miller, Trustee
John Carr, Trustee
All of the above terms expire 11/20/2028
Deputy Clerk – Monica Eriksen (appointed by Clerk)
Deputy Treasurer – Sarah Mannisto (appointed by Treasurer)

Planning Commission

Scott LaCombe, Chair – Term Expires 12/31/2026
John Carr, Board Member Representative – Term Expires 11/20/2028
Jesse Cadwell Vice-Chair – Term Expires 12/31/2028
Alexandra Free – Secretary – Term Expires 12/31/2026
Wyatt Seaberg – Member/ZBA Rep – Term Expires 12/31/2028
Email: autrainzoning@gmail.com

Zoning Board of Appeals

Wyatt Seaberg, Chair – Planning Commission Representative
Matt Lang, Vice Chair
Emily Molnar, Secretary
Wayne Cullens, Alternate Member
Email: autrainzoning@gmail.com

Board of Review

Donna Shields, Chair
Kristy Drake, Member
Emily Molnar, Member
Michelle Doucette, Alternate Member
Email: autrainassessor@gmail.com

If you are a resident of Au Train Township and have interest in serving on any of these Boards for future vacancies, please send your letter of interest to Au Train Township, P.O. Box 33, Au Train, MI 49806.

Thank you!

News / Notices

**November 3, 2026 General Election**

Absent Voter ballots will be going in the mail starting Monday, September 28th. If you are on the Permanent Ballot List it will be mailed to your registered address automatically. You don’t need to file again. If you will be leaving the area in the next couple of weeks you need to provide the Clerk with your alternate address. The USPS cannot forward Election Mail!!

You can call (906)892-8265 and leave a message or email: marywaltherjohnson@charter.net to provide address updates, request an application or check on the status of your mailing. You can also find additional information by visiting: http://www.michigan.gov/vote

*Garbage Pickup Reminders*

We have extended our contract with GFL with the renewal of the Garbage Fund Millage. Our local contact is the Wood Island Landfill Facility. E10081 State Highway M28 Wetmore, MI 49895 (906)387-2646 Monday through Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Residents/Taxpayers are allowed 2 garbage carts weekly. NO ADDITONAL GARBAGE WILL BE PICKED UP BY ADDING ANOTHER CART OR PLACING THINGS OUTSIDE THE CART. There will be no exceptions!! To replace or purchase a cart you are responsible for the cost and need to reach out to GFL Direct. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Supervisor Balmes at (906)892-8279.

**Au Train Forest Lake Dam – Emergency Order Correspondence – State of MI – EGLE**

https://www.autraintownship.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Au-Train-Dam-Emergency-Order-SOM.pdf

**The Au Train Township Board will meet on the second Monday of each month for 2026, at 6:00 PM (unless noted otherwise), at the Au Train Township Hall/Community Building, N7569 Spruce St., Au Train MI 49806.

Regular Board Meetings:

January 12th
February 9th
March 9th
April 13th
May 11th
June 8th
July 13th
August 10th
September 14th
October 12th
November 9th
December 14th

Special Meetings

February 16th @5:30 pm – Budget Workshop Meeting

Public Hearings

March 9th – Budget Public Hearing as part of the Regular Township Board Meeting**

Additional Special Meetings may be called, as needed, and will be posted accordingly.

**The Property Tax Millage Rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing.”

The Proposed Budget will be available for review on the Au Train Township website, www.autraintownship.gov at least 8 days prior to the meeting date.

Any person requiring assistance to attend the meetings in person, should contract the Au Train Township Clerk at (906)892-8265, so that necessary arrangements can be made in advance.

**Check out the CALENDAR for upcoming Township meetings and events**