The Comstock Township Board voted to issue a written notice of voluntary withdrawal from the Kalamazoo Area Building Authority (KABA).
The notice goes to the KABA board and to the other local governments that belong to the authority. Under the authority’s agreement, withdrawal takes effect after one year.
What the board discussed
Supervisor Ben Martin made the motion, and Clerk Amber Lawrence supported it. Before the vote, the board’s attorney explained that the agreement allows a member to withdraw with one year’s written notice. The attorney said the agreement has no provision for taking the notice back once it is given. A member could ask to rejoin, but KABA would decide whether to allow it.
The attorney described two ways to proceed: gather more information first, or give notice now and use the year to set up an alternative, including how the township would handle building permits and inspections. The agreement also covers how revenue and surplus funds are handled when a member leaves. Those details would have to be worked out with KABA during the notice period.
Board members also discussed how a transition might work, including setting a cutoff date for new permits and what happens to permits already open. Speakers said residents and contractors would likely need clear communication about where to apply and whom to call.
Trustees John Paver III and Kirk Hart asked for more time to research before acting. Treasurer Sandra Bloomfield and Trustee Joseph VanBruggen said they were comfortable moving forward. VanBruggen said other townships handle their own permitting efficiently. Others said a year is enough time to plan and that waiting could delay action. The board then took a roll call vote, and the motion passed 6-1, with Trustee Hart voting no.
What’s next
The one-year notice period begins once the written notice is issued. The township has not yet announced how it will handle building permits and inspections after the withdrawal takes effect.
