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GENERAL INFORMATION

HAGAR TOWNSHIP MISSION


To protect and build on our history of a rural, farming community, while enhancing and promoting the natural beauty of our beaches, woodlands and parks.  We strive to provide excellent housing for our residents, while attracting clean, light industry and commerce.  this makes our Community a welcome and desirable place to live, work, raise a family and enjoy retirement.

Hagar Township is a general law township. The Michigan Constitution and state laws provide for the authorities and responsibilities of Michigan’s general law townships. This municipality is governed by a board of elected trustees consisting of the township supervisor, township clerk, township treasurer, and two trustees. Additionally, The Hagar Township Board appoints and/or employs a deputy treasurer, deputy clerk, township assessor, building inspector, ordinance enforcement officer, and a parks and cemetery supervisor.

WHO'S WHO?

Each Township Official has statutory duties. The term of office for all township officials is four years. The clerk (MCL 41.69) and the treasurer (MCL 41.77) must each appoint a deputy. The supervisor, clerk, treasurer and trustee must take the oath of office before entering into the duties of their offices. (MCL 168.363). The deputy supervisor (MCL 41.61(2)), deputy clerk (MCL 41.69) and deputy treasurer (MCL 41.77) must take the oath after their appointment and before entering into office. In addition, the township clerk (MCL 41.69) and the township treasurer (MCL 41.77) are required to be bonded.   The Deputy Clerk and Deputy Treasurer are also required to be bonded. 


WHAT WE DO

All Townships share certain characteristics based upon statutory guidelines. Here’s the basics of what we do:
 
  • Hold Meetings – Regular monthly board meetings, special meetings, annual meeting, etc.
  • Motions and Resolutions – This is how the day-to-day functions are generally handled.
  • Township BudgetPublic Act 621 of 1978 requires each township to annually adopt a budget and amend that budget if any changes are made during the course of the year.
  • Fiduciary Responsibilities – Board members are responsible for the township’s finances. They are tasked with protecting township assets.
  • Services and Programs – State laws authorize townships to perform a wide variety of functions. Townships are required to perform assessment administration, tax collection and elections administration. Townships may choose to perform numerous governmental functions, including enacting and enforcing ordinances, planning and zoning, fire protection, cemeteries, parks and recreation facilities and programs, and many more.
  • Ordinances – These are local laws. The main purpose of ordinances are to secure the public health, safety and general welfare; to provide for services and programs; and to provide sanctions.
  • Establishing and Appointing Subcommittees and Boards – Hagar Township has a Planning Commission, Downtown Development Authority, Zoning Board of Appeals, Board of Review, and joint Fire Board. The township board appoints these members. In general, state statute authorizes the establishment of these boards and terms for members.


SERVICES

ASSESSMENTS


Hagar Township’s Supervisor is our chief assessment officer. The Supervisor oversees our township assessor who is responsible for establishing assessments of taxable property for the equitable distribution of the property tax burden in accordance with Michigan's General Property Tax Act and other applicable statutes. The Assessor's responsibilities include creating the annual assessment roll, maintaining ownership records and property descriptions for taxing purposes, processing Personal Property Statements, and inspecting existing property and new construction. Taxable values established by the Assessor annually are used by the Township Treasurer to produce property tax bills for property within the Township.

 
TAX COLLECTION

The Hagar Township Treasurer’s office handles the collection of real and personal property tax. Tax bills are sent out in for Summer and Winter taxes.
 

ELECTIONS

The Hagar Township  Clerk’s office handles all elections. The clerk is the chairman of the election committee. The clerk hires and trains all election workers.  Please visit the Clerk Department for more information.
 

FINANCE

Hagar Township's funds are maintained by the Finance Committee comprised of the supervisor, clerk, and treasurer. Trustees oversee the financial health of the Township to ensure expenditures serve a valid public purpose and are authorized by statute.



PERMITS & PROGRAMS


BURNING PERMITS

A permit is required for open burning of brush or other allowable materials. Permits may be obtained from the Clerk's Office during business hours and are valid for 4 consecutive days beginning on the selected start date. Burning after dark is prohibited. 

If you are interested in becoming an on-call firefighter, contact Hagar Township Hall at 849-0455 for more information. Training is provided.



BUILDING AND HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Building permits are required for new construction and renovations costing $500.00 or more. A no-charge permit is also required for all demolition work. Contact the Building Inspector, Bernard Kelley at 849-0455. Additional information about Hagar Township Building and Zoning requirements can be found here.


LANDFILL PASSES

Hagar Township provides a landfill pass to each resident within the township.  The passes can be picked up and used at Orchards Landfill, 3290 Hennessey Road Watervliet Michigan.  The landfill pass program runs April 1st thru October 31st.  Exclusions and limits apply.  Please contact Township Hall Treasurer's office for additional information. 


DOG LICENSES

Dog licenses may be purchased from the Treasurer's Office during regular business hours from December 1 to February 28 (licenses are available from Berrien County Animal Control after February 28). Click here for more information and fees.

RUMMAGE SALES

Rummage sale permits can be obtained at the Township Hall from the Clerk. Two rummage sales per calendar year for up to 3 days each are permitted.