It appears as if James Ringler will remain the Niles Township treasurer even after losing to John Engel in the Aug. 7 Republican primary and the general election Nov. 6.

During a special meeting Monday, the Niles Charter Township Board voted unanimously to appoint Ringler to the treasurer position upon the resignation of treasurer-elect Engel or on Dec. 31.

Engel, who upset Ringler in the Aug. 7 primary, decided prior to the general election he did not want the job. However, Engel’s name remained on the ballot due to state law and voters elected him treasurer.

Jim Stover, township supervisor, said the board had two choices to solve the problem of Engel not wanting to be treasurer. The board could appoint Ringler as treasurer, or the board could take applications for the open position.

The board decided it did not have time to properly go through the application process before the deadline of Dec. 31. At that point, the township would not have a treasurer and could not perform the duties of the treasurer, such as pay bills or sign checks.

Ringler, who has been the township treasurer for 16 years, was excused from the board’s discussion Monday. Prior to asking to be excused, Ringler told the board he would love to be treasurer.

Stover said Engel could still become treasurer if he changes his mind. He has until Dec. 31 to do so.