Top 21 Local Government Terms (Cannon Township Edition)
I feel like half the battle in getting comforatbale with coming to Board meetings is understanding the process. It’s like if you’re not catholic and go to Mass for the first time. You’re like what is up? And you’re focusing more on what am I supposed to do next verse understanding the content of the meeting. Here’s 21 terms I found the most helpful when attending a Cannon Township meeting.
Board of Trustees
The group of elected officials (like me!) who make decisions on behalf of the township. We meet regularly to vote on budgets, zoning, ordinances, and more.Master Plan
A long-term guide (usually 10–20 years) for how the township wants to grow. It includes plans for land use, roads, parks, housing, and more. Not law, but a strong suggestion.Zoning
Rules that determine what can be built where. For example, some areas are zoned for homes, others for businesses or farms. Zoning helps keep things organized and safe.Public Hearing
A meeting where residents are invited to share their thoughts before the board votes on a major issue—like a rezoning request or ordinance change.Millage
A property tax rate used to raise money for things like public safety, parks, or roads. Voters often approve (or deny) these during elections. In Cannon, that;s what funds our Parks & Rec and Fire Department Budget.Ordinance
A local law created by the Township. This can include things like fireworks rules, noise limits, or blight enforcement.Resolution
A formal decision or expression of intent made by the board. Unlike ordinances, resolutions don’t create laws but show direction or approval.Assessor
The person responsible for valuing property in the township for tax purposes. (They don’t set your taxes—they assess your property’s value.)Treasurer
The elected official who handles the township’s finances—collecting taxes, managing accounts, and making sure the bills get paid.Supervisor
The chief executive of the township. They help set the agenda, oversee daily operations, and work with department heads and staff.Clerk
Keeps official records, runs local elections, and handles meeting minutes, legal notices, and FOIA requests.FOIA (Freedom of Information Act)
A law that lets citizens request access to public records or information from their local government.General Fund
The township’s main pool of money—used for general operations like administration, planning, and maintenance.Special Assessment
A fee charged to property owners for a specific improvement that benefits them—like a new road or sewer line in their neighborhood.Right of Way
Land set aside for public use—like roads, sidewalks, or utilities. Even if it crosses private property, it's still legally public.Platting/Plat Map
A detailed map that shows how land is divided into lots, roads, and public spaces. It’s used when developing new neighborhoods.Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
A list of big-ticket projects the township wants to do over the next few years—like road work, new buildings, or upgrades to parks.Public Comment
Time set aside during board meetings for residents to speak (usually 3–5 minutes). You don’t need an appointment—just show up and share.Township Meeting Agenda
A list of what will be discussed or voted on during a board or commission meeting. Agendas are posted online so you can follow along.Commission
A group (usually volunteer or appointed) that focuses on a specific topic—like Planning Commission, they research and make recommendations to the board.
21. Quorum is the minimum number of members that must be present at a meeting for the group to legally conduct official business (like voting or making decisions).
If a quorum isn’t met, the group typically can’t move forward with any official actions, and the meeting might be postponed or limited to discussions only.
Example:
If a board has 7 members and the rules say a quorum is 4, at least 4 members must be present to hold an official vote.
No quorum = no official decisions!
