Clinton Township Merges Recreation and Senior Services by 2026
UPDATE: In a bold move, Clinton Township has just announced plans to merge its Parks and Recreation Department with the Senior Adult Life Center by 2026 as a vital cost-saving strategy. This decision, reached during a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees on December 22, 2023, aims to bolster services while addressing an impending financial shortfall of $800,000 for the senior center and $1.2 million for recreation.
While users of both departments may not notice immediate changes, officials indicate that this merger could lead to an expansion of programs. According to Brian Kay, Recreation Director, “We are talking about expanding services through a merger. We are not going to be retracting, I can promise you that.”
The decision follows a comprehensive feasibility analysis by the consulting firm Plante Moran, which identified potential savings of nearly $203,000 through administrative consolidation. This includes eliminating the position of the senior center director, a role left vacant after the retirement of Matt Makowski earlier in 2025.
With a focus on enhancing offerings, Kay emphasized that residents can expect the same or even more activities post-merger. The consolidation will also streamline communication efforts and combine registration processes, ultimately providing a more cohesive experience for users.
However, not all residents are in favor. Jerry Robichaud, an active participant in senior sports programs, expressed concerns, stating, “I think a merger is a mistake. It’s going to take away the special place the senior center holds for us and its independence.”
The merger discussions emerged from a sustainability study highlighting that Clinton Township faces a significant budget deficit, prompting urgent action. The study revealed that expenses are projected to exceed revenues by approximately $4 million annually over the next four years, which could deplete the township’s fund balance to dangerously low levels.
Longtime resident Carole Bannister supports the plan, viewing it as a strategic way to reduce costs while enhancing services for taxpaying residents. She suggested developing a satellite recreation center at the Clinton-Macomb Public Library’s South Branch to improve accessibility for residents in the southern part of the township.
The analysis also raised concerns over compliance with federal regulations tied to the senior center, which was built using Community Development Block Grants. The report indicated that the township’s past use of the facility for non-senior center events could violate these restrictions. Plante Moran recommends negotiating new terms with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to ensure compliance and potentially avoid financial penalties.
As Clinton Township embarks on this significant restructuring, officials urge the community to remain engaged and informed about upcoming changes. The next steps will involve further discussions on how best to implement the merger while ensuring the continued quality of service for all residents.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
