It seems that Armada Township has somehow become a bastion of prosperity amidst all the economic troubles facing Michigan and Macomb County.
While government leaders across the state are seeking employee concessions, and conservative critics are demanding wholesale reductions in pay and benefits for public employees, the Armada Township board has quietly approved pay raises for “almost everyone at the township hall,” according to The Armada Times.
The board recently approved a 2011-12 budget that includes hourly wage increases for two secretaries and a deputy clerk. Township Supervisor John Paterek decided that the $1,500 lump sum raise for Clerk Mary Swiacki was not sufficient. He unsuccessfully tried to convince the board to boost the clerk’s annual salary from $25,499 to $27,499, an 8 percent increase.
Obviously, the township employees earn modest wages and the tiny township hall only employs a few full-time workers. The Times did not report the percentage increases for the other workers. Then again, the newspaper reported that the budget was approved with little discussion.
I called around noon today to get more information, but the township hall was closed. It turns out that they work 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and have Fridays off.
