MARION TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY PARK

A dedication ceremony was held on Sept. 21.  There were about 30 people in attendance, including township officials and residents.  Refreshments were served, and then people strolled along the walking path to see the large rock engraved “Marion Twp. Park #1.”  Come Spring, we invite all of our residents to stop by and enjoy the park, located on Triangle Lake Road , about ¼ mile south of Coon Lake Road .

From left::  Charles Musson, chairman of the township’s P&R committee; Robert Hanvey, township supervisor; Cynthia Stump, representing company donor ITC ; Fred Brown, president of New Corp., which donated the park land; Sue Lingle-Kerr, who spearheaded the project; and Paula Wyckoff , township treasurer.

TREASURER’S OFFICE NEWS

The Marion Township offices will be open on Friday, December 28 from 9:00 am-5:00 pm to accept year-end tax payments for those who want to take advantage for income tax purposes.  Accepting tax payments will be the only business conducted that day.

CLERK’S NEWS

Election News:  In order to receive and vote a ballot, the elector must show his or her picture identification.  This is a requirement of the State of Michigan , so please be courteous when the election inspectors ask for your photo ID.  Acceptable photo ID may be one of the following:  driver’s license or personal identification card; Federal or State government issued photo identification; U.S. passport; military photo identification card; student identification card; tribal identification card with photo.

If the voter states that he or she has a photo ID but did not bring it to the polls, or if the voter does not have any form of photo ID, the voter may still vote by signing the “Affidavit of Voter Not in Possession of Picture Identification.”  Voters will not have to show photo ID to vote an absentee ballot.

Holiday News

The elected officials and staff of Marion Township are sponsoring and decorating a Christmas tree for “ Holiday in the Park.”  It will be a magical display of lighted Christmas trees lining Howell City Park .  This event is sponsored by Howell Area Parks & Recreation and runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 6:00-9:00 pm , starting December 7 through the end of the month.  Come out and see how creatively decorated our “ Marion Township ” tree is.

Notary Services

Notary services are available at the township hall during regular business hours.  The service is free to Marion Township residents.

History

Our township historian is looking for old pictures of township residents and buildings.  If you have anything, including memorabilia, about the township that you would like to share (photos can be scanned and returned), please contact the Clerk’s office.

Hall Rental

The township hall meeting room and lower level are available to rent for family gatherings or meetings.  Please inquire for dates available, rules and restrictions.

Recycle Items

In the main entrance to the township offices, you will find recycle bins for special items we are collecting from our residents.  There are bins for household batteries, prescription eyewear, and cell phones.  We also collect seasonal items such as used Christmas lights during the holidays.

Flea Market

Our first annual flea market was a huge success.  We had favorable weather, lots of community participation, and collected over $700 for our Marion Township Park #1.  We plan on making this an annual event, so watch for more information in the spring tax newsletter, online and on the cable channel.

Cemetery Preservation Committee

Our committee is alive and doing well.  We have cleaned and bonded many stones.  This is an ongoing endeavor so we are always looking for extra helping hands.  Contact the Clerk’s office for additional information.

WATERSHED UPDATE

Marion Township is looking for volunteers to participate in the watershed program.  We have several projects you may choose from.  If interested, call Cindy during business hours or email mariondpw@ameritech.net for more information.  We look forward to hearing from you!

TOWNSHIP WEBSITE

Our website is www.mariontownship.com.  The entire zoning ordinance is online—click on the link through the zoning page.  We will be adding an elections page as information becomes available.  We hope this helps you in next year’s election process.  If you have any other ideas on content for the website, please email Cindy at mariondpw@ameritech.net.

FROM THE ASSESSOR’S OFFICE

We are considering having an informal meeting to present information on how assessments are determined and your rights and procedures to appeal.  The meeting would be held some time in February 2008.  If you would be interested in attending, please let us know by sending an email to mariontwp@ameritech.net, or calling the office during regular business hours.

Assessing staff is currently out in the field doing inspections.  Field inspections may include taking photographs, measuring structures, etc.  Staff will be carrying identification, including photo name badges.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact the township office during regular business hours.

VIDEO SERVICES

AT&T video services will soon be available in some areas of the township.  Stay tuned for more information!