A Michiana Life in the Spotlight: MacKenzie Taylor

Calm, collected, and patient are just a few of the words that come to mind when describing the cadence of conversation with MacKenzie Taylor — Millersburg’s very own town clerk, treasurer, and manager.

Taylor’s story is unique, and her path toward public service began when the demands of working in childhood developmental therapy became strenuous and mentally taxing.

“I loved the job and I loved children, but it was taking a toll on me,” Taylor said. “I needed something a little bit more consistent.”

Seemingly sought out from the crowd, Taylor was approached by a town official who encouraged her to take the position of town clerk and treasurer. She stepped into the role rather naturally just six years ago, and describes it as life-changing.

“Being town clerk and manager ignited something in me that I didn’t really know I was lacking,” Taylor said. “It really was a self-discovery moment, and it has since given me a new identity. There’s no better feeling than knowing the work that I’m doing for this town is to make it better and to help fulfill the lives of the people in this community and those who will visit it.”

The very rural Millersburg is the smallest municipality in Elkhart County, with a humble population of a little over 950 people and, by all accounts, it is highly trafficked. Whether by buggy, car, or, soon, on foot. Goshen is its nearest city, and the town is currently working to improve connectivity and pedestrian access from downtown up to the park.

“It is rewarding work, and I’ve met so many amazing people,” Taylor said.

Public service in a small community puts town officials in direct contact with residents and their needs, wants, and concerns. In her role as town manager and clerk/treasurer, Taylor has learned the importance of patience and understanding, and she continues to aim to accommodate and address the needs of the community.

Millersburg is surrounded by rich farmland and an expansive Amish community and, as the town’s website implies, offers something for everyone. The town’s claim to fame is its sole restaurant, Pizza Depot, and what Taylor calls the gemstone of the town — Cook Station Park, a vibrant haven offering disc golf, walking paths, basketball courts, and recreational areas for community members to gather.

“Cook Station Park has really been something that we are trying to grow and to better,” Taylor said.

This push for growth is made possible through a new grant awarded by the Indiana Department of Health. With money and incentive to grow, the park has become the small town’s number one priority.

“We keep trying to add new infrastructure and bring in new ideas to make it more appealing, and so we have been working to improve our connectivity in Millersburg,” Taylor said. “In practice, we’re trying to find a better way to get the downtown connected to the park.”

A close-knit community like Millersburg gives town officials purpose, as residents and officials work closely together, fostering a more honest and communal connection. In a small town where everyone knows everyone, the work feels more meaningful. A resident isn’t just a neighbor on the north side of town, they’re likely a family member, friend, or distant relative. Taylor and her dedicated team of town officials work closely and efficiently to handle concerns as they arise.

“We just do a really good job here in Millersburg. Being such a small municipality and not having many employees, we all know our roles and we do it well,” Taylor said.

With the support of her community year after year, Taylor’s elected position has given her a richer sense of identity, a closer connection to the community, and the prospect of a forever home in Millersburg.

“My dad grew up here, I grew up here, that kind of thing. His parents were from here, all that, and I’m sure there’s a lot of that in Millersburg,” Taylor said. “There’s generations of farmers and families that have been here forever. You can just go way back. It’s really neat.”

In her free time, Taylor is a mother to two daughters who keep the family busy. Travel softball, long walks, and golfing when weather allows are a few of the ways Taylor and her family stay occupied through the summer. 

Looking ahead, Taylor and her daughters are gearing up for the rabbit club in 4-H and planning and organizing the entertainment for the county fair grandstand, a near-legacy role in the Taylor family.

“Four years ago, I took a role that actually was passed down from my grandmother and then my uncle, and I work with the incoming vice president,” Taylor said, as they look forward to a hopefully successful and fun fair season.

The stresses of work, life, and family are no match for Taylor, as her many hats and roles have taught her to be more patient, more understanding, and better equipped to navigate any situation life throws her way. And though she may not feel she has mastered the art of patience, she strives every day to lead a more patient life through the power of the gospel, prayer, devotion, and sheer will.

“It’s a blessing, and to be honest, this is because of the community,” Taylor said. “I never thought I’d be doing this in a million years, but I thank God for placing me here.”