Newsletter, Winter 2004-2005

MISSION STATEMENT: To be responsive to the needs of our township citizens, to be knowledgeable & informed leaders, to make the best decisions to preserve the desired quality of life.

TOWNSHIP BOARD MEMBERS: Your elected officials want to be responsive to our citizens and taxpayers. The officers continue to work from their home offices. There are no phone or mail services at the township hall. The telephone area code is 989.

Mary Sanders Supervisor/Assessor 732-4206 msanders@freeway.net
Richard Ross Clerk 732-9576 rbross@freeway.net
Wayne Tyler Treasurer 732-3313 rmtyler@freeway.net
Judith Estelle Trustee 732-7424 estellefarms@gtlakes.com
Robert Diesing Trustee 732-3661 jackbob@gtlakes.com

Our meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at 7 PM at the township hall.
The public is always welcome. We will listen to your suggestions and comments.

Contact Mary for principal residence affidavit, property transfers, land divisions,
hall rental, assessment issues, and board of review needs.

Contact Richard for any issues for registration to vote and election concerns.
He maintains an absentee ballot request file.

Contact Wayne to update your correct mailing address (VERY IMPORTANT), tax billing questions, for cemetery regulations and plot purchases.


SUMMER TAX COLLECTION: The Gaylord School District is collecting one-half
of their school taxes in the summer. The State of Michigan continues to collect the six mil State Education Tax in the summer. Beginning next year, the county voted
operational millage will be divided between the summer and winter tax bills. That rate will be changing each summer as dictated by State Law. What is collected in the summer reduces the winter amount.

HOUSE NUMBERS: Please have your house numbers visible on your house or in
an appropriate spot near the road, if your home is not near the road. Otsego County has an ordinance that requires house numbers and it is important for your safety for all emergency agencies to locate your property. It is for your safety that the fire department and EMS can find you when you need them!

CLEAN UP DAY: Your township board will again have a clean up day in June.
However, it is possible that the location may be changed to Arrow Sanitation located just East of Gaylord. Postcards will be sent with correct information. This is NOT\ a hazardous waste collection.

PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE EXEMPTION: When you become a full time resident of Hayes Township, you must complete this affidavit and mail to the township assessor. The deadline for any given year is MAY 1. When you move from the township, it is your responsibility to file an rescind affidavit with Mary Sanders.

REGISTRATION TO VOTE: When you become a full time resident, you need to update your voting registration to Hayes Township. You can do this at the Secretary of State’s office or contact Richard Ross, Clerk. At the November election, 66% of the registered votes did express their wishes at the polls with 1315 votes cast that day. Richard and all the election workers did an excellent job!

ROAD PROJECTS: During this past year, improvements were done on Mt. Frederic Road and Kolke Creek Trail. Next year, we are planning to ascertain work being done on Hayes Tower Road. Also, Hayes Township is participating in a grant opportunity for South Townline Road improvements. Road improvements continue to be the largest portion of the township budget with nearly $100,000 expended and
that will continue for 2005.

ZONING ISSUES: Hayes Township is part of Otsego County Zoning. For zoning and building questions, you may contact their offices. Richard Emmons is our land use services director. 989 731-7420 As part of the visioning process, all zoning ordinances are being reviewed and several subcommittees have been formed for study.

TOWNSHIP VALUE: The assessed value in 2004 for Hayes Township is 129,873,350 and the taxable value is 95,107,203. The property tax collected for Hayes Township budget is $85,244. The township treasurer will be collecting over three million dollars in taxes to be distributed to the respective units. The township budget is $285,280. We do receive revenue sharing funds and those funds do decease in formula but with our population growth, we are able to nearly maintain the planned amounts. With our prudent conservative measures and long range planning, the township board is able to continue to do major road projects and maintain the township responsibilities. The township board wishes to express their appreciation to those citizens who serve on the board of review and the election workers. That service is invaluable!

FIRE PROTECTION: The Otsego County Fire Department has an one mil, one year levy for a new aerial/ladder truck. The cost of the new truck is $647,000 and Hayes Twp. taxpayers will contribute $83,055. Hayes Township does pay over $40,000 for fire protection to our taxpayers and properties. These funds are from the general fund. The Otsego Lake Twp. Fire Department services the properties south of Mancelona Road and are paid a flat rate each year for that service. The Otsego County (Gaylord) Fire Department serves the ¾ majority of the township.