Saline Township Board Changes Leadership After Supervisor Resigns

Saline Township has a new supervisor and treasurer after a June 10 meeting brought major changes to the township board.

Supervisor James Marion resigned effective immediately during the regular meeting. After accepting the resignation, the board appointed Trustee Tom Hammond as supervisor. Hammond then stepped down from his trustee position, leaving one vacant seat on the board.

James Marion, who said he believed he was the township’s longest-serving supervisor, offered brief remarks before leaving the role.

“It’s been a very interesting job, and it’s been good and bad,” James Marion said. “But it’s still been very good, and I appreciate everybody’s vote every four years.”

The vacant trustee seat must be filled within 45 days. Clerk Kelly Marion and Trustee Dean Marion remain on the board.

The changes come as Saline Township continues to navigate months of public pressure over The Barn, the large data center project under construction in the township.

The board also appointed Beth Boulter as treasurer, filling the seat vacated by Jennifer Zink. Zink resigned effective May 29 after saying she had received threats amid escalating tensions tied to the data center debate.

At the meeting, the board approved a $30 hourly rate for the deputy treasurer position. Zink is expected to assist with the transition if appointed by Boulter.

James Marion’s resignation also comes amid an active recall effort. The Sun Times News previously reported that the Washtenaw County Election Commission approved six recall petition submissions May 21 involving James Marion, Kelly Marion and Hammond.

That approval did not schedule a recall election or decide whether any official should be removed from office. It only allowed the approved petition language to move to the next step unless successfully appealed.

Residents raised concerns early in the meeting about board appointments and whether township residents should have more input before vacancies are filled. Officials said they were following township procedure, and the board continued with the appointment process.

The board is expected to fill the vacant trustee seat at a future meeting.