Bagley

General Township Information

Townships are a product of Michigan's early history, and Michigan is one of 20 states that has some form of township government. Michigan currently has 1,242 townships, which vary considerably in geographical size and population.

Townships are statutory units of government, having power provided by state statutes. Township government is conducted by the Township Board consisting of five members - a clerk, supervisor, treasurer and two trustees.

Townships have many responsibilities. However, the three broadest mandated responsibilities are property assessment administration, elections administration and tax collection. Townships can also enact local ordinances.

Townships comply to the Michigan Open Meetings Act and records are available and kept in conformance to the Freedom of Information Act.

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Responsibilities of Township Government

Townships ensure that the community's health and safety needs are adequately addressed. Through cooperative contracts with other townships, the City of Gaylord and County of Otsego, Townships provide these services for it's citizens.

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How are Townships Governed

Townships have a board that consists of a supervisor, clerk, treasurer and two trustees. Each of these elected officials have specific duties that contribute to effective township governance.

The elected officials of the Township Board adopt an annual budget that determines the scope of township services. It also oversees township services.

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Township Supervisor Duties

• Moderates board and annual
• Chief assessing officer
• Secretary of the Board of Review
• Township's legal agent
• Maintains records of the supervisor's office
• Develops township budget
• Appoints special committee members
• May call special meetings

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Township Treasurer Duties

• Collects real and personal property taxes
• Receives receipts for township expenditures
• Issues township checks
• Deposits township revenues in appropriate depositories
• Invests township funds in approved investment vehicles
• Collects delinquent personal property tax
• Responsible for jeopardy assessments in collecting property tax
• Collects mobile home specific tax
• Must appoint a deputy treasurer
• Must post a surety bond

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Township Clerk Duties

• Maintains custody of all township records
• Maintains general ledger
• Prepares warrants for township checks
• Records and maintains township meeting minutes
• Keeps the township book of oaths
• Responsible for special meeting notices
• Keeps voter registration file and conducts elections
• Keeps township ordinance book
• Prepares financial statements
• Delivers tax certificates to supervisor and county clerk by September 30th
• Must appoint a deputy
• Must post a surety bond

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Township Trustee Duties

• Required to vote on all township issues as the township's legislators
• Responsible for township's fiduciary health
• Handles other duties as assigned by the board

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Township Map and Incorporation Dates