Board approves ballot language to place zoning amendments before voters; county deadline noted

Cascade Charter Township’s board voted to approve ballot language for a referendum on zoning amendments that the board adopted Feb. 11 and which were challenged by petition.

Manager Smith and Attorney Homer summarized the petition verification process: petitions were filed, county staff verified signature counts and the required threshold was met to place the question on the August ballot. "The deadline is May 12 at 4PM" to submit language to the county for the August ballot, counsel said, noting that if the board postponed or changed the language it would need a special meeting before that date to meet the deadline.

Board members asked about signature counts; staff cited both the number of signatures received and the number verified during processing. Trustee Shipley moved to approve Resolution 0212026 to authorize submission of the ballot language to the county for placement on the August 4 primary ballot; the motion passed on roll call.

The board emphasized that while board members can speak as individuals, the township cannot spend public resources to advocate for a position; staff may publish neutral, factual clarifications about the ballot question.