Township residents to vote on potential merger in November

RENOVO -- A merger of two western Clinton County townships could be on the horizon if its residents agree to it.

Residents from both townships and other members of the public gathered on Tuesday night to learn more about the possible merger of East Keating and Noyes townships.

According to information presented, the merger would take place if Noyes Township voters were to vote in favor of it, along with a majority of votes from East Keating residents. This is because just seven registered voters live in East Keating, and it would take the majority to join Noyes on Jan. 1, 2025.

East Keating carries a little over 51 square miles and, along with the seven voters, boasts approximately 200 camps.

The township has two of its supervisors George and Craig Simpson -- with the other seat vacant -- who also serve as maintenance workers. The township has sought out neighboring townships to merge with and Noyes approached them about the possibility of joining forces.

"It's really about being friendly neighbors," Noyes secretary/treasurer Tracy Shady explained at the opening of the meeting. "With George ready to retire and Craig working a lot, they just don't have the time to take care of the township."

Noyes solicitor, Rocco Rosamilia, and Terri Cunkle, Local Government Policy Specialist Governors' Center for Local Community Services at the Department of Community and Economic Development, were on hand offering information. Both described the process as a seamless transition that would occur if the voters decided to move on with the merger.

Both emphasized that no real gains, losses or differences would be felt by residents from either township.

"The state has 2,560 municipalities and lately more and more have been talking about mergers," Cunkle explained. She noted she has helped provide information to five similar mergers over the last two voting cycles.

"From East Keating's standpoint, they are getting manpower. From Noyes Township, you're getting liquid fuels money, road maintenance and capital funds," Rosamilia told the crowd of about 20, including at least five of the seven registered voters from East Keating.

Worth noting, none of those East Keating residents in attendance offered any objections or concerns, leading to the impression the amendment could pass on East Keating's part.

If East Keating voters do in fact approve the merger, it would then also take the majority of votes from Noyes Township ballots in November to pass.

Should the voters turn down the merger, it would not be allowed to be put on ballots again for a minimum of five years.

The question on the ballot will simply read "Should East Keating merge into Noyes Township?"

James Tarantella, a Noyes Township supervisor and maintenance employee, spoke positively about the merger.

Tarantella explained that despite the 51 miles East Keating would add to Noyes in the merger, only 7.5 miles of roads would be added for employees to maintain on a regular basis.

East Keating is valued at $7,350,000 and currently has a savings of approximately $200,000. The estimated 200 camps and their owners are not eligible to vote, only the seven registered residents can do so.

Still, Shady said that they will be sure to invite all camp owners to the next informational meeting in October.

Noyes Township has an estimated $300,000 in savings.

Should the merger pass, the three Noyes Township supervisors would assume East Keating's supervisor duties, with any East Keating residents being able to run as a supervisor during the typical voting cycles in the future.

Tarantella's term ends in 2026; Kim Kelley's in 2028 and Jim Risley -- who was not present for the meeting -- will see his term expire in 2030.

Noyes Township Tax Collector Vicky Morocko would assume the same duties for the 200-plus properties in East Keating with a successful vote.