ALLOUEZ TOWNSHIP — Ken Rowe has been appointed to the position of clerk of Allouez Township. Rowe replaces former clerk, Becky Butala, who resigned during a special meeting of the township board on Jan. 8, in response to criticism stemming from delays in completing the 2023 township audit as a result of the township’s inaccurate financial record-keeping.

At the board’s regular January meeting, held on Jan. 10, the board found itself limited in its ability to carry out routine functions, including paying the bills.

In addition to preparing financial statements and other financially related obligations, the clerk is also responsible for keeping voter registration and conducting elections. And with Tuesday, Feb. 27, being Election Day in Michigan, the board’s top priority at the regular monthly meeting became finding a new clerk. The members held a special meeting Tuesday to address the issue.

The meeting agenda’s items included meeting with candidates for the clerk position and appoint a new clerk. At the meeting, Rowe was appointed.

Bob Tarvis was also rehired to assist Rowe in getting acclimated to the role.

Rowe, who has served as the Keweenaw County Road Commission Director of Finance, started in his new position the day after his appointment.