Goodland Supervisor explains changes

Dear (Editor)
Mr. Fredrick,

First, I’d like to thank you for the wonderful article on the Flansburgh Schoolhouse located in Goodland Township.

Your coverage brings much-needed attention to our local history and plays an important role in preserving its legacy for future generations.

I also want to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to Ron Cischke for his dedicated service to our township in his roles as both Supervisor and Assessor.

Over the past five months, I’ve greatly appreciated the opportunity to work alongside him.

His experience, knowledge, and deep-rooted commitment to Goodland Township have been invaluable.

As you may know, Ron chose not to run for re-election as Supervisor in 2024.

However, he graciously agreed to remain in his role as Assessor to complete the 2024 assessment roll.

During that time, he made it known to several individuals and board members – including myself – that he intended to retire upon completion of that task.

I am pleased to share that the 2024 assessment roll was officially completed as of April 17, 2025.

Throughout this period, Ron had unrestricted, 24/7 access to township facilities to assist him in completing his work.

In conversations with assessors from surrounding communities, I learned that most assessors typically work limited hours, often one day a week, and generally do not have round-the-clock access to township buildings.

In the interest of safety and security, we are currently implementing a formal key and access policy.

As with all board members whose terms concluded on November 20, 2024, Ron was expected to return his keys at that time.

At our board meeting on April 8, 2025, a majority of the board voted to formally request the return of Ron’s complete set of keys, which grants access to all township facilities.

Ron requested an additional 30 days to complete the 2024 roll, which we were happy to grant.

My wife and I volunteered to assist him in finalizing the filing of assessment cards, and on Saturday, April 12, we joined seven other volunteers in completing that effort.

I again requested that Ron return the keys, but he declined.

As of today (April 16), the assessment roll has been completed, and I assisted him with the final steps.

However, Ron has not yet voluntarily returned his keys.

Lastly, Ron has expressed his desire to retire, and in accordance with state requirements to maintain an active assessor at all times, the board has initiated a search for a new assessor.

We hope to have that process finalized by next week.

Thank you again for your continued support and for helping keep our community informed.

Sincerely,
— Michael Eckardt
Goodland Township Supervisor