One more meeting set to inform citizens about city election

The election on November 7, 2023, will determine whether Manchester remains a village or becomes a city. An informational meeting for interested residents is set for 10am on Saturday, October 21, in the Village Room, 912 City Rd (lower level).

by Marsha Chartrand

A meeting was held on September 26 to inform and update Manchester Village residents on the facts about the upcoming vote on the City Charter and a new City Council.

With about 20 people in attendance, many questions were answered, some rumors dispelled, and attendees seemed to leave the informal forum with a new and hopefully better understanding of what a change to cityhood might mean.

“As our needs change, we need to listen to you, our voters,” said Village President Pat Vailliencourt, who is running for the Mayor’s position should a new City Council be formed. “We wanted to take a long look at how we all want to be governed and taxed in the future; and becoming a city, separate from the township, was determined by our Citizens Advisory Committee to be the best form of government going into that future.”

The township’s needs and focus have changed, too, she added, and this will allow them to continue to grow in a new direction as they explore what is important to their residents.

Jeff Wallace, who chaired the Charter Commission elected last November, noted that there has not been a new village incorporated in the state of Michigan since 1980, and that about three-quarters of communities our size (and many that are smaller) are now cities. The City Charter is modeled on our current model of operation and will not change anything significantly, other than the manner of government that Manchester is classified as by the State.

He explained that a City is a primary form of government, like a Township, while a Village is secondary to the Township. This is why Village residents pay additional taxes to the Township; some of which covers services they receive (such as elections and assessing) and some of which goes to the township’s general fund, road expenses, and other such fees.

Regardless of what happens on November 7, “We’re still Manchester,” said Wallace, and we will remain so. The essence that makes Manchester the community that it is will not change, and residents will continue to work together to make that community the best it can be.

A second informal question-and-answer session is set for Saturday, October 21, at 10am in the Village Room on the lower level of the Village Hall, 912 City Rd. All are welcome to attend.   

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.