Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com


Genoa Township is moving ahead with launching a new smartphone app to increase communication, transparency, and community involvement.

Trustee Todd Walker earlier put forth the idea to explore a “My Genoa” App, like those utilized in other municipalities such as Howell and Brighton. It would feature things like upcoming events, election information, board meeting agendas and minutes, and people could also sign-up for alerts.

The Board of Trustees met Monday night and narrowly approved the item, at a cost not to exceed $4,800 commencing on April 1st.

It was stated the company provides support for the set-up and launch, and there shouldn’t be any additional workload on those who will be serving as the administrators who already handle the website, social media, and newsletter content.

Walker commented the product is proven as other local municipalities have shopped it, test-driven it, chosen it, and they like it. He felt it could be of use with master plan meetings coming up, traffic, trash/recycling pick-ups, and other areas. Walker stated ironically out of all the grassroots polling he’s done, the only negative feedback he’s heard has been from the board table - even after relaying the cost.

Walker added he felt the app is of value - noting he recently received notifications from the Brighton and Howell apps about snow emergencies, a water main break and detours, and offices being closed for Presidents’ Day. He stated it’s a convenient way for the township to stay engaged with constituents - which is something they committed to in their campaign.

Treasurer Robin Hunt raised some reservations about the financial impact as part of her concerns, noting they’ve had people pushing for the township to save money and crunch the budget and now they’re considering a $4,800 expense. She added that some of the other communities really weren’t putting out that much information so she questioned how much they would have – adding some of which was weather advisories that people already receive via other means.

The vote to approve the request for a one-year trial period was 4-3; with Supervisor Kevin Spicher, Clerk Janene Deaton, and Trustee Rick Soucy opposed. The latter two cited that they felt the timing wasn’t right.

More information is included in the board meeting packet.