TREASURER’S OFFICE

Tax Information:  Partial payments may be made on your tax bill.  The township office will be open on December 31, 2009 from 10:00 am-3:00 pm to receive tax payments only.  There will be no 3% penalty charged this year.  The final day to pay winter taxes is February 28; however, as this is a Sunday, payments will be accepted on Monday, March 1.  Payments can be placed in the lockbox outside the front door, and we will send you a receipt.  Postmarks are NOT accepted.

Dog License Information:  To purchase a dog license, the rabies vaccination must be current and NOT expire within 30 days of your purchase.  The state requires us to see this certificate each time we issue a dog license.

Marion Township Park #2:  For many years, the township has set aside money toward developing parks.  We are currently working on Park #2, which is adjacent to the township hall.  A road now connects the township hall parking lot with the park area.  This fall, construction began on a gazebo that will overlook the pond.  Thanks to the volunteers who helped with construction.  We hope to have ice skating and ice hockey on the pond this winter.  Enjoy your parks!

FROM THE ASSESSOR’S OFFICE

Assessment notices will be sent to all property owners near the end of February 2010.  The Board of Review is scheduled to meet the second week of March to hear appeals.  Please review your notices carefully, and if you have any questions, please contact the Assessor’s office prior to the March meeting date(s).  Exact dates and times will be published in the local paper and on the township website.

Property data is available to all residents upon request.  The assessing office is available to review property record cards and answer any questions.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact us 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 have identification, including photo name badges.

TORNADO SIREN

Reminder: the monthly test for the tornado siren is the first Thursday of each month at 9:00 a.m.   The siren is used for tornados only—not all inclement weather.  The township is looking at a possible location for a second siren in the D-19/Triangle Lake Road area.  Any questions should be directed to Township Supervisor Bob Hanvey or Fire Chief Andrew Pless.

DPW DEPARTMENT

If you have any questions regarding water or sewer connections, special assessments or usage rates, call Cindy Hodge during regular business hours.  You can also email questions to mariondpw@ameritech.net.  There is a link on the township website ( DPW page) to the MHOG utility billing agency.  You can set up an account and pay your water or sewer bill online. 

Cable Problems

The Michigan Public Service Commission is now handling complaints about cable service.  If you are unable to resolve a complaint, they will assist you.  Their phone number is 866-552-7725; fax (517) 241-2400.  For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/mpsc and click on the video/cable button. 

Lost and Found:  This is a new page on the township website.  If you’d like to add something to this page, email Cindy at mariondpw@ameritech.net.

Watershed Update

As participants in the Shiawassee watershed management group, we got our feet wet in stream sampling by capturing some of the macro invertebrate residents of the Shiawassee River near Norton Road. Township Supervisor Bob Hanvey , Zoning Administrator Annette McNamara and DPW Coordinator Cindy Hodge participated in collecting samples in October.  In November, they also participated in labeling and identifying samples.  This is a multi-year project to monitor the quality of Marion Township surface water.  If any residents want to join in the next event, please let us know—you may look good in waders!

NOTARY SERVICES

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

CLERK’S NEW S

The third annual Heritage Days event is scheduled for June 12-13, 2010 .  Contact the Clerk’s office if you’re interested in helping out.  We are also compiling a cookbook to be sold at the event.  If you have any recipes you’d like to share, please submit them by the end of February 2010.

Trunk or Treat  brought out 135 ghosts and goblins.  Thanks to all who participated, especially those who braved the cold, windy night to pass out candy. 

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

Cemetery Preservation Committee

New fencing has been put up at Harger Cemetery .  At Lakeside Cemetery , we have refurbished the old sign, and replacement fencing has been purchased.  Please drive by or stop in at our cemeteries and pay tribute to the past residents of Marion Township . 

Recycle Items

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

We are investigating the possibility of getting a “Paper Retriever” for use at the township hall.  It would be available to all residents for recycling newspapers, magazines, office paper, catalogs, mail, etc.