Employer Name:

Charter Township of Northville

Profile:

Northville Township is a growing suburban community in northwest Wayne County, committed to providing exceptional services to approximately 30,000 residents and workers. The Township was the first public employer to win the Detroit Free Press Top Workplaces Award in 2023.

MERS Programs:

• Defined Benefit Plan
• Defined Contribution Plan
• 457 Program

MERS Resources:

Download this case study (PDF)

Results

Enhanced Employee Satisfaction: 82% of Township employees rated their benefits package favorably in an annual survey, compared to the industry benchmark of 62%.

Third-Party Recognition: Northville Township received the 2024 Top Workplaces Award for Culture Excellence in the compensation and benefits category.

Effective Recruitment and Retention: The Township has fully staffed Police and Fire Departments and ample candidates for vacancies. The benefits package and workplace culture play a crucial role in attracting and retaining employees, supported by employee word-of-mouth networking.

Situation

Northville Township’s Public Safety Department, accounts for half of all employees. Like other such departments, it faces significant recruitment and retention challenges.

Process

In January 2024, Northville implemented a project to enhance its retirement benefits. Most employees have a defined benefit, and the Township explored creative ways to enhance retirement savings without increasing unfunded liabilities.

Strategy

Collaboration: Working with public safety labor organizations, the Township implemented 457 contributions of a fixed percentage to supplement the defined benefit. This initiative was well received and
may be extended beyond public safety.

Affordable Benefits: The defined benefit divisions require only a 3% employee contribution, making the benefits affordable.