ALLOUEZ TOWNSHIP — Allouez Township is facing several challenges after the Board accepted without comment the resignation of Becky Butala as Township Clerk at its regular January meeting Wednesday evening.

Butala stepped down from the position during a special meeting of the Board on Monday in response to criticism stemming from delays in completing the 2023 Township audit as a result of the township’s inaccurate financial record-keeping.

During the Wednesday meeting, the Board found itself hampered in its ability to conduct routine matters, such as paying bills, without a clerk. The Board is also keenly aware that it must have a clerk in place before the February 2024 elections.

Township Supervisor Mark Aho addressed the problem to the Board, asking how they want to go about finding a new clerk.

“I think we need to do this soon,” Treasurer Julie Newman replied, “because I do know that it was strongly suggested that someone with an accounting background should be considered when we make that decision.”

In addition to accounting duties, the clerk is also responsible for voter registration and elections, which Allouez Township resident and County Clerk Julie Carlson mentioned at the meeting.

“Honestly, it’s imminent — right now,” Carlson said in addressing the Board. “You have stuff coming in. We need to get ballots out, so you can’t wait for a month.”

Newman asked if additional people could be temporarily hired for the election. Carlson said not without a clerk, the Township has to have a clerk first.

Keweenaw County Treasurer Eric Hermanson, who also in the audience, said that he believes that if the township has a need, someone will step forward.

“They’re not running for election, they’re not running against someone,” Hermanson said. “I think there may be interest. I think you might be surprised. A handful of people, if they’re needed, will step up.”

With the election looming and financial business needing to be taken care of, the Board is hoping to have someone ready to appoint by next Tuesday.

The Board then scheduled a special meeting for Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 6 p.m. Because they expect a large turnout at the meeting, they scheduled it to take place at the Allouez Township Community Building.