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911 Surcharge

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1. What are the responsibilities of Central Dispatch?

• Answer all emergency 9-1-1 calls and non-emergency calls for police, fire and medical requests for Clinton County.

• The Center currently supports 38 emergency response departments that includes law enforcement, fire departments and ambulance services.

• In addition to the emergency services, Central Dispatch also coordinates with the utility companies, DPW, Road Commission, wrecker services and several special response teams.

2. How is Central Dispatch funded?

Clinton County Central Dispatch is funded by the 9-1-1 Local Operational surcharge and the State E911 Surcharge.

3. Why a telephone surcharge?

• It is a fair and equitable way to share costs of maintaining the 9-1-1 operations by everyone within Clinton County.
• By law, the money collected via the 9-1-1 surcharge can only be used to fund the 9-1-1 Center for operations and equipment.
• The funds are used for the day to day operations, personnel, on-going maintenance and equipment replacement and upgrades.

4. How much more money will this cost me?

The current local surcharge for Clinton County residents is $2.25 per month, per device that is capable of reaching 9-1-1. We are asking for the surcharge to be increased to $2.75 per month, per device. The annual cost will increase from $27.00 per device to $33.00 per device.

5. Why isn’t $2.25 enough to cover the expenses?

Clinton County has experienced a 3.4% decline in revenue since 2012. This is a result of many households disconnecting landline phones and relying exclusively on cellular phones. According to an article from “Influence Central” dated April 15, 2016, 54% of Americans no longer have a landline at home, compared with 35% in 2012. View the Revenue & Expenditure Chart

6. What is some of the technology used to ensure 9-1-1 callers receive the help they need?

•Multiple map layers that includes aerial photography of the County •New Telephone system: oProvides GPS location information on cellular callers oAuto updates GPS location on cellular calls moving in vehicles oCapable of Text to 9-1-1 (coming in 2016) oCapable of future 9-1-1 technology such as video •Direct computerized dispatching with Eaton County Central Dispatch •Software based pre-arrival medical instructions •Multi-channeled Simulcast radio system •Mobile Data Computer system located in law enforcement cars with automatic vehicle locators •A shared system that collaborates with all law enforcement agencies, courts, jail, fire departments, medical first responders and ambulance services

7. What are some of the future Capital needs?

• Radio Communications transition to P25 Standards
• Future tower sites
• Replacement of mobile data computers
• Enhanced 9-1-1 Software
• Radio Console Upgrades

8. What is the call volume?

-2015
• Central Dispatch processed over 122,000 requests for service
• 32,714 Emergency 9-1-1 calls were answered
• 67% of all 9-1-1 calls received were from a cellular device. Calls from a cellular phone takes longer to process due to no physical address
• The in-car law enforcement computers accessed 911 over 250,000 times for law enforcement information queries and over 200,000 times to receive messages on dispatched events
• Clinton County has a population of 75,382

9. If approved by the Clinton County voters, when will the increase take effect?

The 9-1-1 Surcharge proposal will be on the August 2, 2016 ballot. The increase will not take effect until July 1, 2017 and is set to expire on the sunset date of the State 911 Law which is December 31, 2021.

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Building Department

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1. What is a building permit?

A building permit is a license that grants legal permission to start construction of a building project. Permits allow the enforcement of the codes that have been adopted as law by state, county, township or city and they provide the means for Code Officials to inspect construction to ensure that minimum standards are met and appropriate materials are used. You have an investment in the home or business you are about to build or remodel. When that home or business building does not comply with the codes, your investment could be reduced.

2. When do I need a building permit?

A permit is required for any construction that physically changes or adds structure to your property or for work regulated by county codes or ordinances. Please see the When a Building Permit is Required page for a full listing. When a Building Permit is Required Page

3. What do I need in order to obtain a permit?

Your project must be submitted in graphic form along with a complete application(s). These construction drawings or plans must show all proposed work and details of compliance to Building Codes and Zoning Ordinances for most residential projects. Plans of insufficient clarity or detail will be returned without review. Please click the link below to access our checklists under Building Project Requirements:

Building Project Requirements Page

4. When may I start building?

No construction is allowed until the permit is issued. Once the permit application and accompanying plans have been submitted, it will take the Building Department about 3 to 5 days to review and process the plans. Following approval of the plan and payment of fees, a permit will be mailed or can be picked up at the office.

5. When do I need inspections?

The type and number of inspections depend on the project. Please see the When Inspections are Required page for a full listing. When Inspections are Required Page

6. May I change my mind on my building project?

If you want to change your project, submit a revised set of plans to the Building Department that clearly show the revisions in relationship to the approved plans. The revisions must be approved by the Building Official.

7. How much will a permit cost?

Building permit fees are determined by the valuation based on Building Valuation Data compiled by I.C.C. Building Standards. Please feel free to contact the Building Department Secretary, 989-224-5181 at for a rough estimate on your project.

8. How long is a permit active?

Once a permit is issued, construction must commence within 180 days. Construction may not stop completely for more than 180 days. If this time period is exceeded, the permit will automatically expire and a new application for a building permit is necessary.

9. Can I be my own contractor and take out my own permits?

The Michigan Licensing Law gives a homeowner an exemption to act as his or her own general contractor. This means in the case of his or her own single-family residence, that they will occupy, the homeowner may obtain a building permit for construction at his or her own home. Even though a licensed or unlicensed builder may be significantly involved. Please see the Homeowner Acting as the General Contractor page for additional information. Homeowner Acting as the General Contractor Page

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Central Dispatch

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1. F.O.I.A

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2. How long does it take to process my FOIA request?

The county has 5 business days to acknowledge your request.

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Clerk

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1. How do I get my Birth Certificate?

Apply in the Clerks Office, present I.D., complete form and pay appropriate fee

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Delinquent Tax Foreclosures

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1. If I don't pay my taxes, will I really lose my house and property?

Yes, property owners who had delinquent taxes under the old law could lose their property, but they had more time to pay and more "second chances". Under the new law, if your taxes are delinquent for 3 years, that's it. You've lost the property.

2. What does it mean for my property to be in forfeiture? Does that mean I lose my property?

No, forfeiture is not foreclosure. If your property is in forfeiture, you still have 1 year before it will be foreclosed. However, the interest and fees will be higher. When a property is forfeited, the interest rate goes from 1% per month to 1.5% per month back to the date the taxes became delinquent. A $175 fee is also added.

3. What happens after my property is in forfeiture?

After a property has been in forfeiture for 1 year, it will be foreclosed. 2008 property taxes will be foreclosed on March 31, 2011.

4. Will I receive any notification before my property is foreclosed?

Yes, 5 notifications will be made. 2 will be by first class mail, 2 by certified mail and the last notification will be made by personal service. In addition to these notifications, names, and addresses of delinquent property owners may be published in the newspaper.

5. What happens after my property is foreclosed? How do I get it back?

Foreclosure is final. You cannot get your property back after it has been foreclosed. Property that has been foreclosed will be sold at public auction.

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Drain Assessments

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1. What is a drainage district?

A drainage district is a legally established area of land that drains to a common outlet. Drainage district boundaries are determined by the natural topography of the land and rarely correspond to political boundaries such as townships or counties. Other names for drainage district include watershed and drainage basin.

2. What is a drain assessment?

County drainage districts are separate public corporations with their own financial records. Each drainage district is supported by a Drain Special Assessment that covers the cost of maintaining the drainage system. County drains are not maintained by Clinton County general fund taxes. It becomes necessary to assess the properties and public corporations within the drainage district when the fund balance becomes insufficient to cover the costs of maintenance and improvements on the drain.

3. Where is the County drain for which I am being assessed?

The Clinton County Drain Commissioner's Office has maps and aerial photos that can show the location of your property and the county drains within the drainage district. These documents will be available on the Day of Review. Even if your property does not touch the County drain, storm water flows toward this county drain as an outlet regardless of the land's elevation. For more information, please visit the Township Maps page.

4. Why did I receive more than one special assessment notice?

Each notice informs you of a Drain Special Assessment for a different drainage district. Your property can be in multiple drainage districts because storm water moves from smaller watersheds through larger watersheds, ultimately discharging to the Great Lakes. For example, if your property were located in a small watershed that is “nested” inside a larger watershed, you would receive an assessment for each district, should they both be assessed in the same year. For more information. visit the Assessments page.

5. Is this the only way I would receive multiple drain assessments in 1 year?

No, water may flow off your property in more than 1 direction to different drains and drainage districts and all of those drains may be assessed in 1 year.

6. How are assessments determined?

The law requires that assessments be based on benefit derived as determined by the Drain Commissioner. All properties within the drainage district are assessed considering factors such as size of the parcel, land use, proximity to the drain, location of the property within the district, and other factors. Drainage is considered as an interdependent system with the entire system benefiting from maintenance of the common outlet.

7. Do all property owners pay drain assessments?

All property owners within a drainage district receive an assessment, unless specifically exempted by law. In addition, the municipality, Clinton County, the Clinton County Road Commission, and the Michigan Department of Transportation (as appropriate) also receive an assessment for a portion of the maintenance costs. The Drain Code does not exempt most nonprofit or religious properties from assessment.

8. I recently purchased my property. Why am I being billed for work done prior to my ownership?

Although the work for which you are being assessed may have been completed prior to your purchase of the land, the Drain Code requires that assessments be levied to the property, and assessed to the current owner of record. In most cases, the work performed will benefit the property for years to come.

9. What if I cannot attend the Day of Review?

If you are unable to attend the Day of Review and you have questions regarding your assessment or the assessment process, please call the Clinton County Drain Office. It is possible to make an appointment at times other than the Day of Review, although the appeal period begins after the date of the Day of Review.

10. What happens if I disagree with the proposed assessment for my property?

Appeal of Drain Special Assessments may be made to the Clinton County Probate Court within 10 days after the Day of Review.

11. What is a Day of Review of Apportionments?

This is a time when you are invited to review the records of maintenance and improvement efforts and costs and to discuss your proposed share (apportionment) of these costs. This is also a time to inform the Drain Commissioner's Office of additional maintenance issues.

12. What is the difference between an apportionment and an assessment?

Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, the apportionment is a parcel's percentage of the total project cost. The assessment is the dollar amount to be paid by the landowner.

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FMLA

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1. When can an employee take FMLA?

It is the policy of the Employer to provide eligible employees with an unpaid family and medical leave of absence from work in the following circumstances:

- The birth of a child and in order to care for such a child
- An adoption of a child or to care for a foster child
- To care for a child, spouse, or parent who has a serious health condition
- Because of the employee's own serious health condition that renders the employee unable to perform the essential functions of his or her position
- Qualifying exigencies for eligible family of the National Guard or Reserves
- Special Military family leave for qualified service members

2. What is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?

FMLA is a federal law that entitles employees to 12 weeks of unpaid leave. This time can be used, over the course of 12 months (the County defines the 12 months as the calendar year), to care for a newborn, a newly adopted child, a seriously ill family member, an employee's own health conditions, in situations of qualifying exigency to be with an employee's spouse, parent or child if they are an active service member or have an impending call to active duty in support of contingency operation, or for the care of an injured service member if the service member is the employee's spouse, child, parent or "next to kin".

3. How do I know if I'm eligible for FMLA?

The employer must have at least 50 employees (for 20 work weeks per year) that work within 75 miles of the employee's work site and the employee must have worked for their employer for at least 12 months and the employee must have worked at least 1,250 hours during the last 12 months.

4. How much leave is an employee entitled to under FMLA?

An employee who is eligible for FMLA is entitled to a minimum of 12 weeks of leave per calendar year. If taking leave to care for an injured service member an employee is eligible for a one time allotment of 26 weeks in a single 12 month period.

5. The employee's doctor is requesting that she take time off before the birth of her child. Can the employee do this?

Yes. FMLA covers any pregnancy-related leave that is medically necessary.

6. Will an employee be paid for hours protected under FMLA?

The FMLA does not require you to be paid during your leave, but it is the County's (employer)option that we require you to user ALL accrued leave before unpaid leave is allowed.

7. Can an employee take a few hours every week to take a family member to a medical appointment?

Yes. Family leave may be taken intermittently when medically necessary. An employee may take leave in blocks of time such as an hour, a half-day, a day, a week, four weeks or 12 weeks - to care for a family member.

8. How is "family" defined under FMLA?

"Family members" are:

- the employee's parent the employee's child, including adult children who are incapable of caring for themselves
- the employee's spouse when he or she has a serious medical condition
- the employee's "next of kin" but only in situations of caring for an injured service member

9. An employee's mother-in-law or sibling has serious medical conditions. Can the employee request protection under FMLA?

No. Employees have the right to take leave only to care for someone who is a biological or adoptive parent. An employee can also take leave to care for an individual who acted as his or her parent during the employee's childhood.

10. Does an employee need to prove that he or she or a family member has a serious health condition?

The County may require that the need for leave for a serious health condition of the employee or the employee's immediate family member be supported by a certification issued by a health care provider. The employer must allow the employee at least 15 calendar days to obtain the medical certification.

11. Will an employee who takes 12 weeks for his or her own personal medical condition be entitled to another 12 weeks to take care of a family member?

No. Under FMLA employees are entitled to a total of 12 weeks of FMLA leave in a calendar year.

12. What if an employee is required to take more than 12 weeks off?

Under FMLA after 12 weeks has been taken in calendar year, the employer is not required to reinstate the employee.

13. What will the health care provider be asked to include on the medical-certification form?

The certification form must include the reason for leave, a specific date for leave to begin, a specific date for leave to end and doctor's signature.

14. What will happen if an employee's doctor does not submit a completed medical-certification form?

The employee will not be protected by FMLA, and leave will not be approved. Disciplinary action may be taken for unapproved leave or job abandonment.

15. Does an employee need to prove that they are eligible for a qualifying exengincy leave?

Yes. The employee will be required to provide orders showing that the family member is working in support of Department of Defense designated Qualifying Exengincy.

16. Will an employee have insurance while on leave?

The employers must continue to pay for the employee's health-insurance coverage as it normally would. If an employee contributes to the health-insurance plan he or she is required to continue making payments while on leave.

17. Can my employer stop making insurance payments?

Yes. If an employee does not return to work after 12 weeks or if an employee tells the employer that he or she does not intend to return to work, the employer can stop making insurance payments. If an employee does not return from leave, the employer may require the employee to pay back the money paid to maintain the employee's health insurance during leave.

18. Will an employee have the same job when he or she returns from FMLA leave?

The employer must reinstate an employee to the position held before leave began or must provide a position that has the same benefits, pay, working conditions and seniority.

19. Will an employee's seniority be affected if he or she takes FMLA leave?

No. When the employee returns from leave he or she is entitled to the same seniority he or she had before the leave. Employee's are not entitled to earn seniority during their leave.

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FOIA

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1. Can a FOIA request be verbal?

No. Although the FOIA permits a public body to provide requested public records without receipt of a written request, the County requires that it be reduced to writing before processing it. ANY request in writing is considered FOIA. If there is a verbal request for information that is readily available on the website, you can direct them to the website at no charge and without the need for the request to be in writing. 

2. Does our office need to send all FOIA requests to the County Administrator/FOIA Coordinator?

No. As the FOIA Coordinator, the County Administrator can/will designate individuals from each department to act on his/her behalf. Any questions regarding a FOIA request received by a department should be directed to the County Administrator/FOIA Coordinator. 

3. What if our office receives a request that appears to need information from more than just our office?

Please forward this request to the County Administrator/FOIA Coordinator for dissemination to the appropriate departments. 

4. I've received a request for the information to be provided on a thumb drive/CD/Emailed instead of paper copies. Do I have to provide it on the media they have requested?

Yes. You must provide in the format requested such as on a thumb drive or DC, or scanned and emailed. DO NOT use media (thumb drive, DC etc.) provided by the requester as this could introduce a virus to the network. You may charge the requester for the ACTUAL cost for the media purchased by the County. 

5. Can I request a down-payment before I grant the request?

Yes. if the good-faith estimated fee to complete the request exceeds $50, you may request a deposit of not more than 1/2 of the estimated fee. The work involved in producing the request will not start until payment has been received. If there is to be ANY charge for a FOIA request, the information will not be provided to the requester until payment is received. 

6. It only took me 5 minutes to find and copy the requested information. Can I charge for those 5 minutes?

No. You must reach 15 minutes of time in EACH category before you can charge. Caategories include Searching and Separating/Redacting. This time is not cumulative which means you cannot add 10 minutes of searching and 5 minutes of separating to reach 15 minutes. Howeve, you can charge labor time for copying as that is charged in 1 minute increments. 

7. The County has fees for copying that were established by the Board of Commissioners. Can I charge those rates instead of the rates under FOIA?

No. You must charge the fees as published under the FOIA Policy UNLESS there is statutory fee that states you can charge otherwise. 

8. If I double-sided copies, can I charge a copy fee for each side?

No. It is a single page, even though double-sided so you can only charge for 1 page. 

9. What do I do with the payment I receive for the FOIA request?

Process the payment as you would for any other receipting of money that you do in your office.

10. What does it mean "failure to charge the fee would result in unreasonably high costs to the county"?

For example, if completing a request would require the skills of the MIS Director to complete and it takes several hours of time to get the information, it would be considered unreasonably high costs so we must charge. Remember that we can't charge if it takes less than 15 minutes in each category as outlines in the policy.

11. I spent an hour looking for the requested records, but there is nothing matching the request. Can I charge the requesting party for my time searching?

No. Since you do not have the records, you did not grant the request, so cannot charge for your time. 

12. How long do I need to keep copies of the request and response?

The designated FOIA Coordinator must keep a copy of all written requests and documents sent in response to the request for public records on file for no less than one year, unless a longer retention time has been specified in a record retention policy applicable to the County.

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Friend of the Court

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1. How do I start a new divorce case?

You must file a complaint with the County Clerk to start a new divorce. The County Clerk's Office has a packet of do-it-yourself forms available for purchase. Contact an attorney for further information. You may also call Legal Services at 800-968-0044 or visit https://michiganlegalhelp.org/.

2. How do I start a new child support case?

All new cases are started by filing the proper petition with the County Clerk. The Friend of the Court does not provide forms to start a new case. We suggest that you contact an attorney for assistance. You may also call DHHS at 866-540-0008.

3. What are the 29th Circuit Court Parenting Time Guidelines and how do they apply to my case?

The Friend of the Court office can provide a schedule for parents to follow when their order states that the noncustodial parent has "reasonable and liberal parenting time" without a set schedule. Parents who do not have an order in place are also encouraged to utilize the guidelines.

4. How do I change an existing order?

You may request a change by filing a motion. When you file a motion, you must explain why you believe there is proper cause for your request, or that there has been a change of circumstances since the last order was entered. You must also show that the requested change is in the best interests of your child(ren). For child support only, you may submit a written request for a statutory review if it has been at least 3 years since your last review or the entry of your last order. 

The parties may also agree to modify their Order by signing a written agreement that is then submitted to the Court for approval (called a "Stipulation and Order"). Once the signed agreement is received by the Friend of the Court, an appointment will be scheduled to assist in drafting the agreement into a Stipulation and Order.

5. What happens if a parent does not pay child support as ordered?

When a payer of support gets behind by an amount equivalent to 2 months' support, the Friend of the Court will schedule a show cause hearing. If a payer fails or refuses to pay, enforcement actions include, but are not limited to, tax refund interception; liens on property; suspension of driver's, occupational, and sporting licenses, credit reporting; and jail.

6. Can I deny parenting time if the other parent is not paying child support as ordered?

No, parenting time and child support are separate issues with separate enforcement procedures.

7. What if I am ordered to pay support based on my income from work, but I get laid off from my job?

You may submit a written request for a temporary reduction of support if you were laid off due to lack of work. Contact Support Specialist Jacey Miller at 989-224-5138 for more information.

8. What can I do if the other parent violates the custody or parenting time order?

You may file a written complaint with the FOC. A complaint form is available on the Custody and Parenting Time page. Upon receipt of your complaint, your caseworker will determine the appropriate enforcement action. Please note that complaints submitted more than 56 days after an alleged violation will not be addressed. You may also choose to file a Motion for an Order to Show Cause on your own or with the assistance of an attorney.

9. Is there a specific age when my child can decide where he/she wants to live?

No, the preference of a child is only 1 of 12 "best interests factors" that the Court considers when making custody decisions. The age and maturity of a child may influence the level of consideration given to the child's preference.

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Jury Questionnaire

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1. I am unable to complete the questionnaire because of ill health or other physical/mental limitations. What should I do?

The questionnaire must be completed and returned within 10 days. Please authorize an individual to act on your behalf, complete and mail the questionnaire back. If you have a permanent physical or mental disability that would interfere with or prevent you from serving, please indicate that on question #4. Any further explanation can be made on a separate piece of paper or through a doctor's note.

2. I am over 70 years of age. Do I have to serve?

This is up to you. Question #5 asks this specifically. If you want to serve, mark YES. If you do not want to serve mark NO. If you are not 70 years of age or older, please ignore the question.

3. The person who the questionnaire is addressed to is on an extended vacation or temporarily out of town. What should I do?

If this person will be returning within 30 days, you may hold the questionnaire until they return. Have them complete both sides and return it.

4. The questionnaire is addressed to my son/daughter who is away at college. What should I do?

You may forward the questionnaire to them at school. Have them complete both sides and return it within 10 days.

5. I am no longer a Clinton County resident. What should I do?

By law the questionnaire still needs to be returned. Please indicate your new address and return.

6. The questionnaire was sent to a person who is deceased. What should I do?

The questionnaire still needs to be returned. Please write "DECEASED" on the questionnaire and return within 10 days. We take steps to try and avoid this situation. Please accept our apology for any distress this document may cause you and your family.

7. The addressee does not live at this address. What should I do?

Mark the envelope "Not at this address - Return to sender" and put in the U.S. mail.

8. Who has the ability to examine my qualification questionnaire?

The only persons allowed to examine Jury Questionnaires are the Jury Board, Judges, Court Clerks and Persons authorized by Court Order.

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Jury Service

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1. What qualifies me to serve as a juror?

You must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be able to communicate the English language
- Be a resident of Clinton County
- Be physically and mentally able to carry out the functions of a juror (Temporary inability is not considered a disqualification)
- Not have served on a Jury in the past 12 months
- Have never been convicted of a Felony

In the State of Michigan, everyone who meets the above qualifications is eligible for Jury Duty.

2. How did you get my name?

We obtain a list of names from the Secretary of State's Drivers License and State ID list. From that list, the computer randomly selects the appropriate number of jurors to send questionnaires out to. As intended by the United State Constitution, the impartial and random selection of jurors is performed without regard to race, sex, occupation, education, or economic level, and is done so as to assemble a representative cross-section of the County's population.

3. What is the difference between a Questionnaire and Summons?

A Jury Questionnaire begins the screening process for prospective jurors. After reviewing your questionnaire, you may be selected for jury service during a specific time during the court year. A questionnaire does not mean you have to report for jury service. It is only the first step in determining who is eligible to serve as a juror.

A Summons letter is informing you of the dates that you are expected to be available for jury duty. If you are unable to serve once you receive a summons, you should write a letter to the Judge explaining your specific situation.

4. What will be my term of service?

- Circuit Court: 2 to 3 week panels
- District Court - 1 month
- Probate Court - A period of time within a 6-month time frame

5. What will I be compensated for Jury Duty?

- $12.50 for 1st half day - $25 for 1st full day
- $20 for subsequent half day - $40 for subsequent full day
- $0.54 cents per mile (roundtrip from home to court)

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Soil Erosion

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1. Why is it so important to get my lawn in and landscaping done?

Soil Erosion is a major contributor to pollution in our waterways. Uncontrolled runoff during weather events, i.e., wind and rain, can move the soil off-site and into our lakes and streams. The dirt may move off-site through ditches, pipes or across the property and be deposited into a creek, stream, or wetland.

Sediment can clog pipes and leave streets a muddy mess. It can destroy natural areas, wetlands, creeks, and harm the plants and creatures living there. Residual sediment can damage habitat for insects and fish.

The State of Michigan (Part 91 of Public Act 451 of 1994) enacted legislation to address this problem. The Clinton County Building Department has the authority to enforce the Soil Erosion program for many Clinton County communities. The State of Michigan oversees all local programs and referrals, special concerns, and relation pollution incidents.

2. My builder took care of all the permits. What are my responsibilities?

When construction of your home began, the builder was required to obtain a permit or a waiver from Clinton County to protect the environment from soil erosion.

As a new homeowner, you now have that responsibility until your lot has permanent vegetation and landscaping in place.

If your home had a permit as part of your property purchase, you should have received a permit transfer making it your responsibility to maintain the control measures and ensure they function properly, according to the plan your builder submitted for the permit. If your home had a waiver, you still must maintain or install controls to stop soil from eroding off your site. Checklists, Forms, Permits, and Worksheets Page

3. How does the permit transfer happen?

To transfer a permit, the landowner or builder (initial permit holder) and new homeowner must complete a Permit Transfer Information Form.

The Soil Permit Transfer form with original signatures, then needs to be submitted to the Clinton County Building Department. The transfer will be complete upon an approved site inspection. A permit cannot be transferred if there are any outstanding balances or violations against the permit. Permit Transfer Information Form (PDF)

4. What are my responsibilities after the transfer?

Your responsibilities may vary depending on the slope and nature of your site. See the Responsibilities After Transfer page for more information. Responsibilities After Transfer Page

5. What if I do not maintain my controls?

You will get a letter from a Soil Erosion Enforcement Officer saying that you are not in compliance and you have 5 days to fix the items listed. If they are not corrected, you could be subject to one or all of the following: a notice of violation with a $100.00 fee, a fine of $2,500 to $25,000 a day, the cost of the Clinton County Building Department installing the necessary controls, or a stop work order and/or other legal action to get the site into compliance.

6. How do I close the permit?

When you believe that all permanent vegetation is in place (90% growth, 1 inch tall on every square foot), you can request a final completion inspection by calling the inspection line at 989-224-5183.

7. Are there any additional fees (renewals)?

If the site remains permitted for more than the duration set when the permit was applied for, you will need to pay renewal fees in 2-month increments until it has final vegetation.

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Summons

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1. I have already served on a jury. Can I be called to serve again?

Yes, you are eligible to serve every 12 months. If you have served within the past 12 months, please write a letter to the Chief Judge indicating when and where you served.

2. I received a Summons letter and I do not feel that I can serve Jury Duty. What should I do?

Address a letter to the appropriate Court explaining your situation and ask to be excused or have your service postponed.

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Witness Assistance

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1. Why am I a witness? I didn't see the crime occur.

Witnesses are not limited to "eye witnesses." You may have seen or heard the crime happen or may know something about it. You may also know something about a piece of evidence, or may know something that contradicts another witness' testimony.

You may not think that what you know about the case is very significant; however, small pieces of information are often required to determine what really happened. If you wonder "why" you are testifying in a particular case, ask the Assistant Prosecutor handling it (or our Witness Coordinator); there is probably a common-sense reason.

Your presence and willingness to testify may be the deciding factor in determining what will be done in the case. Many defendants hope that you or other witnesses will not show up. Your mere presence at the courthouse before the trial may cause the defendant to plead guilty.

2. What if someone threatens me?

Concerns about your well-being and safety after being victimized or witnessing a crime are normal. If you have any fears or receive any threats concerning your involvement in a case, you should immediately contact the law enforcement agency that investigated the case, or the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. In an emergency situation, call 911. Do so as soon as possible so that the threats can be documented and appropriate action taken. There are laws to protect you against people who attempt to bribe, intimidate, threaten, or harass you.

3. What if the defense attorney contacts me?

In representing a client, a defense attorney may contact you and want to talk to you about the case. Keep in mind that you do not have to talk to anyone about the crime, including the defense attorney or their investigator prior to testifying in court. If you choose to do so, always request proper identification and an explanation of the purpose of the interview. If you have any concerns about talking with a defense attorney or their investigator, you are encouraged to contact the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in charge of your case and to have him/her with you at the time of the interview.

4. Do I have to testify in front of the defendant?

The defendant must be present in court to hear what all the witnesses say about him. The lawyer for the defendant is called the defense attorney and will ask you questions after the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney does.

5. Who will be with me in court?

You may bring friends or relatives with you to court, and they can probably sit in the courtroom while you testify, unless they are also witnesses. (Witnesses testify one at a time and generally wait outside the courtroom for their turn. This is called "sequestration".) Our Victim/Witness Advocate may also be with you, if you request.

6. How long will I be at court?

Your court room time, while actually testifying, may not take long; it depends upon many factors. Most of the time you will just be waiting for your turn to testify. You and your family and friends are encouraged to bring a book or magazine to read while you wait.

7. How many times will I have to appear in court?

No one can tell in advance how many times or how long you will have to be in court. The process of justice takes time. The number of times you may be called to appear in court and the delays you may encounter are the result of many factors, including pre-trial motions or other scheduled events with your case, or congestion on the judge's court calendar.

The stages involved in processing a criminal case are summarized on our Anatomy of a Prosecution page. In general, your first and only appearance for misdemeanor offenses will be for the actual trial. In a felony case, the first time you appear as a witness may be for the preliminary examination. On rare occasions, pre-trial motions by the defense attorney or by the prosecuting attorney may require additional hearings before the trial begins, which may require witness testimony.

8. What if my employer won't let me come to court?

If you are lawfully subpoenaed to court, an employer cannot prevent court attendance. When appropriate, the Prosecuting Attorney's Office will contact your employer to discuss the importance of your role as a witness. We can also provide you with a note, on our letterhead, confirming the days/hours when you were in court.

9. I was subpoenaed by the defendant, not the prosecutor. Does this change anything?

Our Witness Assistance program helps the witnesses that the Prosecutor's office subpoenas to court, not witnesses whom the defendant subpoenas.

10. What if I need an interpreter?

Foreign language interpreters and interpreters for the hearing and/or speech impaired are available. If you are in need of interpreting services while in attendance at court, contact the Prosecuting Attorney Victim/Witness Coordinator as soon as possible.

11. Can I get witness fees whether or not I attend on the date stated in the subpoena? What if I can't attend on the date stated in the subpoena?

Whether a witness receives any witness fee is within the discretion of the court. A court can order that you receive witness fees ($6 per morning or afternoon court session that you are ordered to attend), plus mileage ($0.10 per mile, round trip). If you have a date conflict, you should contact our Witness Coordinator, Anita Rositas immediately to discuss your conflict, at 989-227-6424. In some cases, the Prosecuting Attorney handling the case can put you "on call" (so that you can go to work or school on the day you are subpoenaed, and you will be called at a pre-arranged phone number an hour or so before you are needed in court). Witnesses receive witness fees and mileage only when they appear in court at the scheduled time. You will not receive a witness fee or mileage if your case (or your individual appearance) was "called off" or if you do not appear.

12. Does the Prosecuting Attorney's Office pay my witness fee? Am I paid in cash?

All witness fee payments are made by check, through the court handling your case.

13. How do I know if my case has been "called off"?

Call our Witness Hotline, 989-224-5279.

14. Is there a seperate Victim/Witness room ?

yes