The Township Treasurer is a part-time position. She will be available, at the Township Hall, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. & noon, and 1 & 4 p.m. to collect your tax payments on the following dates, ONLY: Dec. 7th, 14th, 28th; Jan. 4th, 11th; and Feb. 1st, 8th, 15th  and 28th.  If these dates are not convenient, call her at home 989-345-3815, or her office 989-345-5450, extension 3, for an appointment. You may also mail your payment to: "West Branch Township Treasurer", c/o Diane Philbrick, 1705 S. Fairview Rd. West Branch, MI. 48661. The bottom part of your bill will be your receipt. If you would like a signed receipt, please request one along with your payment. Send a (SASE) Self Addressed, Stamped Envelope with your payment and a receipt will be returned to you. REMINDER, your winter 2010 tax statement does not reflect your summer 2010 taxes. If you have not paid your summer 2010 taxes, please contact the Township Treasurer. A penalty will be added to any late payments. A "DROP BOX" has been made available, at the South door of the Township Hall, for your convenience during non-business hours. THE TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR AND THE CLERK CANNOT TAKE YOUR TAX PAYMENTS.

PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX REMINDER:  Personal Property Taxes are due at the Township Hall whether for current taxes or past due taxes. (Note: Personal Property taxes are for businesses not Real Estate. Only current Real Estate taxes, summer and winter 2010 taxes can be paid at the Township Hall. If you have Real Estate taxes due for years prior to 2010 you must pay them at the County Court House.)

TOWNSHIP TRANSFER STATION

The Township Transfer Station, on Fairview Road, North of Engel road, is open May 1 st. through October  31 st., Wednesdays and Saturdays, 1-5 p.m.; and, November 1 st. through April 30 th., Saturdays only, 1-5 p.m. Please remember, only bagged household garbage may be placed into the containers. Bags are $2.00 small bag (30gal), large (55gal) bag, $2.50, $15.00 small pickup, and $25.00 large pickup. (Prices subject to change). Cardboard and metal objects are free. We are not equipped to handle construction debris.

GYPSY MOTHS

Residents are reminded: Report Gypsy Moth activities every FALL to the township Clerk. 989-345-5450, extension #2.

Township Cemetery

The West Branch Twp. Cemetery, Campbell Corners, new northern section, has sites available for purchase. Below are the prices: Contact Twp. Clerk for additional info. 989-345-5450, ext #2.

Peters Road between Campbell and Mud Lake, has been upgraded. Paving will be in 2011 or 2012 depending on how well it settles. The Township Board is reviewing the Road Improvement Plan. State Revenue Sharing is being used to upgrade Township Roads. When a road is upgraded the cost is paid for 75% from the Township and 25% from the County Road Commission. Our Township and our County do not have any road millage.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

The Wastewater Treatment plant and collection system upgrade, a joint project with the City of West Branch and Ogemaw Township is coming along well. As you read this, some or all of the new system will be operational. The upgrade of the collection system is complete. Completion of the Treatment plant expansion and upgrade is expected early 201. The rehabilitation and improvement will allow the plant to run at safe capacity levels with about 20% reserve for growth. Our old plant was operating over capacity and had been getting more and more expensive to repair and maintain. The 14 million dollar project is being paid for with a 1.5 million grant and 12.5 million dollar USDA Rural Development loan. The loan will be paid back out of user fees.

GENERAL INFORMATION

ü There is a group of residents and elected officials who comprise a committee called the "Growth Assessment Planners" (GAP). They consist of two (2) sub-groups "Planning" and "Infrastructure". Their purpose is to evaluate, plan and coordinate with local governmental entities, the growth along the I-75 Business Loop corridor.

 

ü The Ogemaw County Planning Commission has, for the past several years, been coordinating with a local ad-hoc group called the "Growth Management Committee" to do the leg work for the planning commission regarding the County Comprehensive "Master" Plan, and, it should be completed by the end of 2006.

 

ü The Ogemaw County Grant Writing Team is available to assist local businesses in getting started on writing grants. Interested? Call 989-345-0692.

 

ü The Ogemaw County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority has been organized. Their purpose is to identify contaminated areas within the county and act as advisors to the State in locating grant funds to help the Clean Michigan Imitative Program (CMI) make Ogemaw County a better and safer place to live.

 

ü During the fall season, residents are encouraged to report Gypsy Moths activities to your township officials.