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A recall effort against five Oshtemo Township Board members has been postponed until later this year to avoid the costs of a special election and to allow the board time to address resident concerns. This follows controversy over a proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) project in the township.

The officials involved are Supervisor Cheri Bell, Clerk Dusty Farmer, and trustees Zak Ford, Neil Ciccora, and Kristin Cole. Organizer Katie Schneider stated that while they gathered enough signatures, they opted to wait after observing changes in board member discussions about the BESS project.

Currently, a one-year moratorium on commercial battery energy storage projects is in place, initiated in December. The planning commission is gathering expert input and public feedback before making recommendations. The recall group plans to reopen petitions later this year for the November election, aiming to enhance accountability and public trust.