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Elections

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1. How do I apply for an absentee ballot?

https://www.michigan.gov/sos/-/media/Project/Websites/sos/Elections/Election-Forms/Absent-Voter-Ballot-Application-Fillable.pdf?rev=1d0388a8c71a488ea108318d67d6074d&hash=F21FB6F3F3112DD20AD63A15A3DA6E4D

2. How do I find my voting locating?

Find Voting Location Michigan Secretary of State

3. What hours the polls are open?

On Election Day, polls are open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

4. How do I register to vote?

Michigan Online Registration Info

5. Can I return my ballot in the Township Drop Box

Absentee ballots may be returned until 8 PM on election day in the drop box located at 1515 Baldwin St at the South end of the library near Baldwin St.

6. How do I find election results?

Ottawa County Clerk Election Results

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Fire Department

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1. What is smart 911?

Smart911 allows citizens to create a Safety Profile at www.safety.smart911.com for their household that includes any information they want 9-1-1 and response teams to have in the event of an emergency. When a citizen makes an emergency call, their Safety Profile is automatically displayed to the 9-1-1 call taker, allowing them to send the right response teams to the right location with the right information. Responders can be aware of many details they would not have known previously, and now fire crews can arrive at a house fire knowing how many people live in the home and the location of bedrooms, EMS can be advised of allergies or specific medical conditions and police can have the photo of a missing child in seconds rather than minutes or hours.

2. Do I need a permit for a campfire?

You do not need a permit for a small campfire in the backyard. It needs to be clean burning wood no brush,trash or yard waste permitted.

3. I Iive in the country can I burn brush on my property?

We allow home owners to burn brush or yard waste in agricultural zones. If you are unsure with your zoning please contact the township.(616-457-2340) You must get a permit which is issued on a yearly basis. Permits are available at the township offices located at 1515 Baldwin and are free. You must call the Township offices the day you decided to burn. If the fire department is called due to excessive smoke or interference with neighbors you may be asked to put the fire out.

4. I was told any fire station will check car seats?

We do not check car seats at any Georgetown fire station.
Safe Kids Western Michigan - events in our area - http://www.safekids.org/coalition/safe-kids-west-michigan

Eastern Ottawa county residents can contact Safe Kids Greater Grand Rapids 616-391-7233 - http://www.helendevoschildrens.org/injuryprevention

Northern Ottawa county residents can contact Safe Kids West Michigan 231-672-4910 - http://www.mercyhealthmuskegon.com/safe-kids-west-michigan

South Holland and Allegan county residents can also contact Allegan County Sheriff's Dept 269-673-0500 ext 4437

5. How do I become a firefighter for Georgetown fire department?

We are always willing to look at qualified individuals that would like to join our team. Applications here.This will give you idea of what is required to become a firefighter. If you have further questions please contact the fire chief.

Application

6. I have a newer home with smoke detectors powered all the time. Do they have batteries?

Yes all smoke detectors have batteries. Most smoke detectors have a standard 9 volt battery including detectors that are wired to power all the time. These wired detectors need a battery in case of a power outage. You should change the batteries every 6 months.

7. How often should I change my smoke detectors?

10 years is the recommend life span of a smoke detector.

8. How do I check my smoke detector?

Every smoke detector has a test button, usually in the center of the detector. Press the test button and hold for a few seconds. If it is working correctly, the alarm will sound and will automatically stop after a few more seconds. Remember to check your batteries monthly and change the batteries in your smoke detector at least once a year.

9. Can I call 911 for non emergencies?

When should you use the toll free non-emergency number? 1-800-249-0911 The non-emergency number is to assist the public when the use of 9-1-1 is not an urgent request or life and property are not in danger. The non-emergency number is toll free, and answered twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1-800-249-0911 when there is no immediate danger to life or property. (Non-Emergency). Examples: Animal Control calls (no threat to public safety) Miscellaneous Crimes or any type of incident that has occurred at an earlier time/date that needs a police investigation and/or a report. Miscellaneous calls for service where police or fire assistance would be helpful. Informational requests related to police or fire activity.

10. Do you get cats out of trees?

No. Try opening a can of tuna or cat food and waiting for the cat to get down on its own.

11. Emergency Access - Can we find you?

When the fire department responds to a given location, it may be delayed in arriving if the address is not clearly seen from the street. Although it's fairly easy to spot a column of smoke from a house fire, it's difficult to see someone's heart attack from the street. In a medical emergency, firefighters may waste critical time having to knock on several doors to try and find a correct address. Make sure your address is clearly visible from the street. The numbers should be four inches in height and be reflective.

This problem is compounded in large condominium and apartment complexes. Arriving at a correct address, the engine company finds a huge residential facility with many buildings in the complex. Make sure large identification lettering or numbering is mounted on the side of the building. This is as important as the street address. It would be even better if someone could be standing near the street to direct the fire units to the appropriate apartment.

12. Who do I call about a fire extinguisher that doesn't work? Can you get rid of an old expired one?

Check the Yellow Pages under Fire Extinguishers. The Georgetown Fire Department does not service or dispose of extinguishers.

13. How can I schedule a fire truck or a firefighter at my function?

Call the Georgetown Township Fire Chief, at least three weeks in advance, at (616)457-2340 ext 247.

14. What is my ISO rating?

ISO (sometimes called an insurance rating) is a rating that gauges the fire protection capability of the local fire department to respond to structure fires based on housing densities and distance of structures from (usually 3 to 5 miles) from a fire station. The ISO rating for the Georgetown Township is a 4.

15. Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?

Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 9-1-1 operator. The Georgetown Fire Department are prepared to deal with the worst that could happen at any given incident.
A computer selects the closest unit to respond to an incident. The fire department's philosophy is to get our firefighters there as soon as possible. In preparation for the worst case scenario, an ambulance often is dispatched as well.
There may be three or more fire department vehicles on the scene for what appears to be a "simple" incident. However, in emergency services we have learned that if we assume something is "simple," we can be horribly mistaken. Plus, we respond as fast as we can prepared to encounter the worst. The winner in these situations will always be the citizen who needs help.

16. Why does the fire department respond to medical emergencies and not just paramedics?

Our firefighters are trained as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT's) or Medical First Responders (MFR's). With our stations in close proximity, we can often arrive prior to the ambulance and begin life saving techniques.

17. How much will I be charged if Georgetown Fire, responds when I call 911?

Our services are paid through taxes collected by the Georgetown Township. Therefore,Georgetown township residents are not charged for fire protection or Medical services. If you require emergency transportation via ambulance or helicopter those entities will charge for the services they render.

18. Who do I call to report a broken hydrant?

Call the main office 8am-5pm Monday - Friday. (616)457-2340. After hours call the nonemergency number for Ottawa county dispatch at 1-800-249-0911.

19. Can I burn yard waste?

Burning yard waste such as leaves, grass and twigs is not permitted for many reasons, as the smoke poses a threat to human health in high density suburban neighborhoods. Persons burning yard waste will be asked to put the fire out and will be cited. We only allow burning in certain conditions, and zoned agricultural. Composting is a better option, as it returns helpful nutrients to the soil. If you don't know your zoning, contact the Township (616)457-2340.

20. When can I shoot off fireworks?

State law protects your right to shoot off fireworks on the following 10 holidays, plus the day before and after each of these holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

21. Where can I get a green reflective address sign for my house?

You can purchase them from the township office located at 1515 Baldwin. The signs are 10.00 dollars per sign.

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General

Show All Answers

1. Can I call 911 for non-emergencies?

When should you use the toll free non-emergency number?
1-800-249-0911

The non-emergency number is to assist the public when the use of 9-1-1 is not an urgent request or life and property are not in danger. The non-emergency number is toll free, and answered twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Call 1-800-249-0911 when there is no immediate danger to life or property. (Non-Emergency).Examples:

Animal Control calls (no threat to public safety)
Miscellaneous Crimes or any type of incident that has occurred at an earlier time/date that needs a police investigation and/or a report.
Miscellaneous calls for service where police or fire assistance would be helpful.
Informational requests related to police or fire activity.

2. How do I get an Absentee Ballot?

An Absentee Voter Application must be completed and returned to the Georgetown Township Offices. The form can be acquired at the Township Office or on the website in the forms section.

Absentee Voter Application

3. What is a cross connection sump pump?

A cross connection happens when a sump pump is connected to a sanitary sewer line. Often, this can be a hose leading into a laundry tub or a floor drain. Sump pumps are supposed to drain into storm sewers, either through a direct connection (a pipe from the home connecting with the main storm sewer line), or by draining directly onto the ground through a pipe or hose outside the home.

4. What size Accessory Structure can I build?

The size you can build depends on the Zoning District you are in. Information about accessory buildings can be found in Chapter 3, Section 3.4 of the Zoning Ordinance.

5. Which Georgetown Township Parks can be reserved?

At this time, Georgetown Township only takes reservations for 8th Avenue and Maplewood Parks. Reservations can only be made on weekends and holidays that fall between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Georgetown Township Parks

6. Are there fees on certain types of payments?

Yes. If you choose to make a payment with a credit or debit card, there is a 3% processing fee added to the total amount being paid. However, there are NO processing fees for payments made using checks (including electronic checks) or cash.

7. What is the policy on sidewalk snowplowing?

STATEMENT OF POLICY 2009-02:

It is the policy of Georgetown Charter Township to snowplow sidewalks adjacent to certain streets as designated by the Georgetown Township Board as listed in this policy adopted by the Township Board on August 24, 2009.

IMPLEMENTATION:

The list of sidewalks to be snowplowed may be amended from time to time by Township Board resolution.

CRITERIA:

The sidewalks adjacent to the following streets are to be plowed by Georgetown Charter Township as stated in this policy:

• Baldwin St. (from 48^th Ave to Cottonwood Dr)
• Bauer Rd (from 24^th Ave to 20^th Ave and Meadowbrook Dr to Cottonwood Dr)
• Cottonwood Dr (from Bauer Rd to Baldwin St)
• Port Sheldon St (from 40^th Ave to Center Industrial Dr and 14^th Ave to 8^th Ave)
• Rosewood St (from Rolling Hills Dr to Chicago Dr)
• 12^th Ave (from Baldwin St to Port Sheldon St)
• 14^th Ave (from Port Sheldon St to Carol Dr)
• 20^th Ave (from Bauer Rd to Rosewood St)
• 28^th Ave (from Baldwin St to Port Sheldon St)
• 40^th Ave (from Baldwin St to Blair St)

RESERVATION:

Although the Township may snowplow certain sidewalks, this policy IN NO WAY relieves the occupant or owner of any lot or premises adjoining any street within Georgetown Township of the responsibility to clear all ice and snow from sidewalks adjoining any street as stipulated in Sec. 10-220 of the Georgetown Township Code of Ordinances.

Georgetown Township Code of Ordinances:

Sec. 10-220. Sidewalks to be cleared.

The occupant of every lot or premises adjoining any street, or the owner of such lot or premises, if the same are not occupied, shall clear all ice and snow from sidewalks adjoining any street, or the owner of such lot or premises, if the same are not occupied, shall clear all ice and snow from sidewalks adjoining such lot or premises within the time herein required. When any snow or ice shall cease to fall during the daylight hours, such snow or ice shall be cleared from the sidewalks within 24 hours after such cessation. When a fall or snow or ice shall have ceased during the nighttime, it shall be cleared from sidewalks by 6:00 p.m. of the day following.

8. What is smart 911?

Smart911 allows citizens to create a Safety Profile at www.safety.smart911.com for their household that includes any information they want 9-1-1 and response teams to have in the event of an emergency. When a citizen makes an emergency call, their Safety Profile is automatically displayed to the 9-1-1 call taker, allowing them to send the right response teams to the right location with the right information. Responders can be aware of many details they would not have known previously, and now fire crews can arrive at a house fire knowing how many people live in the home and the location of bedrooms, EMS can be advised of allergies or specific medical conditions and police can have the photo of a missing child in seconds rather than minutes or hours.

9. Does Georgetown have an automatic withdraw program for utility bills?

Yes. You can sign up for ACH automatic withdraw by filling out the application here. ACH can only be withdrawn from a checking or savings account.

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Parks

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1. Which Georgetown Township Parks can be reserved?

At this time, Georgetown Township only takes reservations for 8th Avenue and Maplewood Parks. Reservations can only be made between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

2. Where can I find the reservation form?

The Georgetown Parks Pavilion Rental Request & Agreement form can be found on the Parks page under related documents, or on the 8th Avenue and Maplewood parks pages.

3. Which Georgetown Township Parks have pavilions?

8th Avenue, Maplewood, Pioneer, and Rush Creek Parks have pavilions available. Only 8th Avenue and Maplewood parks have pavilions that can be reserved.

4. Are there restrooms available at the Georgetown Township Parks?

All Georgetown Township Parks have portable restrooms available. 8th Avenue and Maplewood parks have facility restrooms that are available for use between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

5. Do the Georgetown Township Parks have grills available?

8th Avenue, Maplewood, Pioneer, Rush Creek parks have grills available for use.

6. How can I find 8th Ave Lake Water Sample results

To find results check the link

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Property Taxes

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1. What is a Principal Residence Exemption (PRE)?

A principal residence is exempt from taxes levied by the school district for operating purposes of up to 18 mills. A homeowner's principal residence is defined as "the one place where an owner of the property has his or her true, fixed and permanent home to which, whenever absent, he or she intends to return and that shall continue as a principal residence until another principal residence is established." Property owners may claim only one exemption. A husband and wife, filing income tax returns jointly, are generally entitled to no more than one principal residence exemption, although the law allows a temporary, additional exemption for up to 3 years on an unsold homestead, and allows members of the armed forces to retain their exemption if they rent their home while away on active duty. To be eligible for the homeowner’s principal residence property exemption in 2015, a taxpayer must have claimed an exemption by filing an affidavit with the local tax collecting unit on or before June 1, for the immediately succeeding summer tax levy. Exemptions filed in prior years are valid until rescinded.

2. When do you mail the summer property tax bills?

The summer property tax bills are mailed on July 5th of each year and are due on September 14th.

3. What is Taxable Value and where do I find it?

The taxable value is the value on which property taxes are calculated. Current taxable value can be found on the property tax statement or by visiting our property information system.

4. What is a millage rate and where do I find it?

A millage rate is the rate at which property taxes are levied on property. A mill is 1/1000 of a dollar. Property taxes are computed by multiplying the taxable value of the property by the number of mills levied.

The millage rate can be found on the property tax statement or by visiting the property information system.

5. Can I place my payment in the drop box?

You may place your payment in the Township payment drop box located at the south end of the library near Baldwin St.  Payments place in the drop box any time on the due date will be considered on time.  

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Public Works

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1. Why do I need to test my backflow prevention assembly?

Just like any other mechanical device, backflow prevention assemblies are prone to wear and tear, and do break down from time to time. Regular testing is required in order to ensure that your device remains in proper working order.
http://www.hydrocorpinc.com/resources/faq/

2. How often should I test my backflow prevention assembly?

Manufacturers’ requirements, state plumbing codes, and local cross connection control programs usually require annual backflow prevention assembly testing.

3. Why is HydroCorp inspecting my facility?

HydroCorp has been contracted by Georgetown Township to assist with their Cross Connection Control (CCC) Program. Every CCC program includes two parts: Testing of backflow prevention assemblies and on-site inspections. The visiting technician will be conducting a visual inspection of your facility’s internal water system to identify cross connections that could possibly contaminate your drinking water or the public water supply. These may include boilers, water softeners, hose connections, utility sinks, lawn sprinklers, fire systems and restrooms. Your water service will not be interrupted during the inspection process.

4. How long does the inspection take?

An average inspection normally takes from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of your facility and how your plumbing system is configured.

5. Do I have to be present for the inspection?

An adult 18 years of age or older must be present during the inspection.

6. Who is responsible for completing the repairs if necessary?

If you are the owner of the building being inspected, you are responsible for any needed repairs. Renters may have to refer to their lease agreements in order to determine whether they are responsible for repairs

7. Does HydroCorp inspector carry identification?

All HydroCorp inspectors wear photo ID badges during inspections and are prepared to provide appropriate documentation verifying their identities. Do not admit any individuals who do not have these badges or documentation.

8. Is this inspection mandatory?

Yes. These inspections are conducted in order to ensure compliance with state regulations and/or local ordinances to maintain the safety of your drinking water.

9. How do I find information on Septic Systems?

Private Sewage Disposal Systems are under the jurisdiction of Ottawa County Health.  Click to learn more.

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Public Works - Sump Pump Cross Connections

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1. What is a cross connection sump pump?

A cross connection happens when a sump pump is connected to a sanitary sewer line. Often, this can be a hose leading into a laundry tub or a floor drain. Sump pumps are supposed to drain into storm sewers, either through a direct connection (a pipe from the home connecting with the main storm sewer line), or by draining directly onto the ground through a pipe or hose outside the home.

2. Why are cross connections a problem?

Sump pump water is what engineers refer to as clear water, most often rainwater, ground water, or snow melt. This water is clean enough to drain directly into area streams, ponds, and lakes without treatment. Wastewater, water from your sinks, showers, tubs, toilets, and washing machines, must be treated at your area wastewater treatment plant before it can be safely discharged into the environment.

3. How do I know if I have a cross-connected sump pump?

The key to look for is where the water goes when the sump pump is pumping. If you have a pipe that goes outdoors, and drains into your yard (well away from your foundation), your sump pump is not cross-connected. If you have a hose that drains into your laundry tub or floor drain, your sump pump is cross-connected. If you can see right away that your sump pump is cross-connected, it would be to your advantage to get it re-routed prior to inspection.

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Utility Billing

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1. How often are utilities billed?

Utilities are billed quarterly. Your first utility bill will be prorated from the time you create an account with us.

2. Does Georgetown have an automatic withdraw program for utility bills?

Yes. You can sign up for ACH automatic withdraw by filling out the application here. ACH can only be withdrawn from a checking or savings account.

3. Can I pay my bill online?

Yes, you can pay your bill online here by using an electronic check or debit/credit card (additional 3% fee with debit/credit card).

4. My utility bill seems rather high. Why would this be?

There are a few factors that could contribute to a high bill.

• Utility bills tend to jump during the summer months due to landscaping/sprinkling.
• During the winter months you are not being billed for seasonal sewer, and your sewer charge is directly related to your water charge. This can make your bill seem abnormal if you were maintaining your lawn later into the year.
• If you’re concerned your usage is dramatically different from usual, you may have a leak. Click here to see tips on pinpointing a leak.
  
  

5. May I sign up for paperless billing?

Yes. You can contact us either by email or phone (616) 457-2340 to request paperless billing.

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Zoning

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1. What size Accessory Structure can I build?

The size you can build depends on the Zoning District you are in. Information about accessory buildings can be found in Chapter 3, Section 3.4 of the Zoning Ordinance.

Chapter 3: General Provisions

2. What are the setback requirements for a home?

It depends on the zoning district. Click on the link below to view the district regulations where you can view lot sizes, lot width requirements and setback requirements.

Chapter 24: Schedule of District Regulations

3. Can I build a privacy fence in my yard?

A fence up to 6 feet tall can be built at a residence as long as it does not extend beyond the front face of the house. Georgetown Township does not have any requirements regulating which side of the fence faces out, nor are there any setback requirements. We encourage you to be as close to the property line as possible as you are responsible for maintaining any of your property outside of the fence. Special considerations exist for corner and double frontage lots. In the case of a corner lot, for zoning purposes any yard which abuts a street is considered to be a front yard and therefore may not have a privacy fence which extends beyond that face of the house. For double frontage lots, the fence must be set back at least 5 feet front the rear lot line.