MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Shortly after Meridian Township held a farewell ceremony for former Treasurer Julie Brixie, Meridian Township Trustee, Phil Deschaine was sworn in by Ingham County Circuit Judge, Laura Baird.

Brixie who was just recently elected on Nov. 6 to represent Michigan’s 69th House District, served on the Meridian Township Zoning Board of Appeals, Land Preservation Advisory Board, Township Board, and since 2008 served as the Township Treasurer.

On Nov. 17 the township held a five-hour public meeting, to interview finalists for the open position. After receiving six applications, three were considered for the vacancy, and Phil Deschaine was elected to the seat.

“It was a great outpouring of friends and community members that were here to say goodbye to Julie and welcome me on board as treasurer. We have such a rich, deep community here and I’m really fortunate to have such great friends and have my family here. It all meant a lot to me,” said Deschaine.

Trustee Deschaine will take office as Township Treasurer on December 10th.

“I’m looking forward to actually working there at the counter cause were coming into tax season between now and February 14th all the taxes are due. So people when they come in and pay their taxes they often like to have a face to tie it to the township. I’m looking forward to meeting people, introducing myself, probably ask them to be patient because I’m learning the software system other than that just having the chance to connect with more people,” he said.