Kalamazoo Township Names Clara Robinson As Possible Treasurer After Former Official Resigns Over Financial Misconduct Allegations

Township Trustee Clara Robinson Named As Interim Treasurer

*KALAMAZOO TOWNSHIP* — After months of censures and an investigation into the township treasurer, the Kalamazoo Township Board has named current trustee Clara Robinson as a potential candidate to fill the vacant treasurer position.

The board meeting on Monday night saw Robinson formally identified as a possible replacement for Sherine Miller, who resigned last week following numerous accusations of financial mismanagement.

"After months of censures and an investigation of Kalamazoo Township's treasurer, the board is now looking for a new person to fill that role," said Township Supervisor David Combs. "Monday night, they named a possible replacement: current trustee Clara Robinson."

Robinson currently serves a dual role as trustee and in office administration. To become treasurer, she would have to resign from her trustee position, as the role would require full-time focus on township finances.

Former Treasurer Speaks Out During Public Comment

The conversation began with former treasurer Sherine Miller, who spoke during the public comment section. Miller was first elected in 2016 but resigned last week after facing multiple accusations of financial mismanagement.

"Funny thing is, superintendent and I had email conversations that afternoon, and nothing was ever mentioned about putting the township in financial crisis," Miller said, referring to a February bank account transfer of $4 million.

Following her remarks, another commenter read Miller's resignation letter to the board. The conversation later shifted to discuss the treasurer vacancy, with board members praising Robinson as a rational and kind township employee.

Full Scope Of Treasurer Duties Would Return

Currently, Miller's censures meant she was only allowed to perform statutory duties as treasurer, with limited non-statutory powers. Robinson would regain the full scope of treasurer duties if appointed.

"During the end of our previous treasurer's tenure, this board took several actions to curb those non-statutory duties and really whittle things down just to the statutory piece, to protect the township," Combs explained.

Election Alternative If Appointment Fails

If Robinson is not officially appointed within 45 days, a special election would be required. Township officials want to avoid this outcome.

"It takes, you know, between $25,000 and $30,000 to run an election," Combs added. "Not to mention the work involved in the space that an election takes up across the township."

Robinson's Financial Background

Robinson is not new to financial management. She previously served as deputy treasurer for Comstock Township and worked in their financial department for several years. She won election to the Kalamazoo Township board in 2024 but stepped down over a potential conflict of interest with a full-time position on township staff. She was reappointed to the board in October 2025.

"She is the former deputy treasurer for Comstock Township and worked in their financial department for several years," said a board member at the meeting.

Miller's Claims of Illegal Government Overreach

Miller has stated that her resignation comes after what she described as illegal government overreach by the township board. She told the board that she has lost all faith and trust in the current board, administration, and legal guidance provided to her.

Next Steps

The board will need to formally appoint Robinson to the treasurer position. If they choose not to do so within 45 days, voters would need to elect a new treasurer in a special election scheduled for November.