OTHER DEPARTMENTS

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

The township operates under two budgets: civil and poor relief.  Civil consists of public safety, recreation, community service and civil finance.  Poor relief is for general assistance, personnel, administration and job search works.

All townships are funded by property and excise tax revenues.  The budget is first approved by the township board and is then approved and certified by the department of local government finance.   The amount of funds certified depends on the assessed property values and the political subdivisions tax levy or tax rate.

Townships receive funds twice a year: June and December.  Traditionally, when the township is short on funds before the tax monies come in, tax anticipation warrants are requested as well as emergency loans.  The loans are paid back with the tax monies - usually within one year. 

We submitted a total budget that was approved by the board for 2006, in the amount of $18.4 million.  The estimated tax levy is $15 million.  Traditionally, the Township takes out a Poor Relief Emergency Loan to cover the budget shortfall ($3.4 million).  But, because of sound financial planning and good cash management no loans may be necessary in 2006.

IS&T DEPARTMENT

The Calumet Township Trustee's Office has re-established the Data department to what is now known as the Information System & Technology (IS&T) department. Under the leadership of Steven Hunter, IS&T deputy, this departments primary goals are to provide centralized information technology services to preserve and protect the integrity of all township data, information and systems; promote and develop current automation systems in line with state regulations and standards; and increase productivity of the township data systems and information archives. With the creation of the "Help Desk", the IS&T department will provide on-site support service to all township computers, software and peripheral equipment. They can be reached at (219) 880-4000.