Canton Township creates facility specialist role to support 30th District Court

In the heart of Canton Township, a pivotal meeting unfolded on July 8, 2025, where the Board of Trustees addressed pressing issues impacting the community and its judicial system. Under the bright lights of the township hall, discussions centered on enhancing the infrastructure of the 30th District Court, which serves not only Canton but also the neighboring cities of Plymouth and Northville.

The township has taken a proactive stance in supporting the court, which has been grappling with aging facilities and insufficient staffing. To address these challenges, the board proposed the creation of a new position: a facility specialist. This role, classified as exempt and graded at 208, aims to assist in managing the court's capital improvement program over the next three years. The funding for this position will be shared between Canton Township and the other communities served by the court, with Canton covering approximately 60% of the costs due to its larger caseload.

Director Howell highlighted the collaborative effort that led to this initiative, expressing satisfaction with the township's ability to support the court's needs. The board unanimously approved the motion to move forward with the hiring process, signaling a commitment to improving judicial services in the region.

In addition to the court-related discussions, the board also tackled a FOIA fee appeal concerning a request for building permit records spanning 24 years. The request, submitted by a PhD student from Michigan State University, sought detailed reports to aid in research on household generators and energy storage systems. However, the township's building department estimated that fulfilling this request would require significant time and resources, resulting in a fee of approximately $484.82.

The board deliberated on the appeal, acknowledging the student's concerns about the cost but ultimately decided to uphold the fee. They emphasized the complexity of retrieving such extensive records and the necessity of adhering to established procedures. The decision reflects the township's commitment to transparency while balancing the demands placed on its resources.

As the meeting concluded, the board's actions underscored a dual focus on enhancing local judicial infrastructure and maintaining accountability in public records management. Canton Township continues to navigate the challenges of growth and service delivery, ensuring that both its residents and the judicial system receive the support they need.