Welcome to the Supervisor's Office
Chief Executive Officer of Thornapple Township
The Supervisor's statutory duties and responsibilities include serving as Chairman of the Township Board of Trustees, Secretary to the Board of Review, and as Township's Legal Agent. This person also moderates Board Meetings, maintains all records of the Supervisor's office, adoption of the Township Budget (working closely with our Clerk & Treasurer), appointing of various commission members (for those who’d like to serve), and overall management, direction & coordination of the Township operations and activities.
In addition to these responsibilities, our Supervisor Eric Schaefer, has many other ongoing duties to stay ahead of the many issues and concerns that affect our Township. These include serving on the following: Middleville Downtown Development Authority, Local Development Finance Authority, Elections Commission, Administrative Committee, Thornapple Area Parks & Recreation Commission, Personnel Committee, and the Duncan Lake Sewer Authority Committee. Supervisor Schaefer is also a member of the Middleville Rotary Club.
We welcome your comments, suggestions, and even complaints. If you wish to speak with our Supervisor, Eric Schaefer, please call the office at 269-795-7202 during normal business hours or his cell at 269-953-2296.
Highways and Roads
Thornapple Township contains 50.25 miles of paved roads and 22.5 miles of gravel roads. There are also many private roads throughout the Township. Highway (M-37) is managed by the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Township roads are maintained by the Barry County Road Commission (269-945-3449), with the Township paying for dust control and upkeep on gravel roads and repairs on paved roads, including line painting on paved roadways. Road upkeep and repairs are currently paid for through the general fund at Thornapple Township.
A new bridge and road was opened in July of 2011 that serves the community with an all-weather connection to 131 expressway to the west of the township. This second bridge over the Thornapple River is located on Finkbeiner Road on the northern edge of Middleville.
Please contact the Township Supervisor during regular business hours with any questions or concerns.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
Thornapple Township public records are available either online or by request. It is the public policy of this state that citizens are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and public employees. The people shall be informed so that they may fully participate in the democratic process.
The following documents explain the process of requesting records from the Township, and any fees that may apply for assembly and delivery of physical records. All forms must be submitted to the Township Supervisor.
FOIA: Procedures & Guidelines FOIA: To Request Township Records