SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CHIPPEWA TOWNSHIP BOARD
ASSESSOR POSITION
February 19, 2026

CALL TO ORDER

Supervisor Lowery called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Present: Don Lowery, Fran Ash, Kathy VanderKolk, Bob Wetherbee, Kurt Fisher

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

No comments

ASSESSOR HIRING

The board received four resumes for the position of property assessor. Two were in attendance, Doug Kruger and Peter Casler. Mr. Kruger is currently the Supervisor and Assessor for Lee Township, Midland, MI and Mr. Casler is with MI Assessing Services and Deputy Director of Equalization in Livingston County, Ann Arbor, MI. Both spoke and answered questions from the board.

Motion by Lowery, supported by Ash, to appoint Doug Kruger to Property Assessor for Chippewa Township, Isabella County, pending an agreement between Mr. Kruger and Chippewa Township for a two-year contract. 

Roll call vote—Yes: Wetherbee, Fisher, VanderKolk, Lowery, Ash; No: None. 

Motion unanimously approved.

Motion by VanderKolk, supported by Ash, to pay Doug Kruger $36,000 per year as an employee of Chippewa Township.  He will hold office hours for four hours per month and fulfill the statutory duties as prescribed by the State of Michigan. 

Roll call vote—Yes: Fisher, Wetherbee, Ash, VanderKolk, Lowery; No: None. 

Motion unanimously approved.

Motion by Ash, supported by VanderKolk, for Doug Kruger to begin employment March 1, 2026. 

Roll call vote—Yes: Ash, VanderKolk, Lowery, Wetherbee, Fisher; No: None. 

Motion unanimously approved.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Lowery, supported by VanderKolk, to adjourn.

Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 8:09 pm.

Fran Ash

Chippewa Township Clerk