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Assessing

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1. What is the role of the Assessor?

The Assessor is responsible for estimating the value of your property, which determines your assessed valuation. The Assessor does not determine your property taxes. Instead, the assessed valuation determines the overall share of taxes you pay. Because your assessment affects your property taxes, it is important that your assessed value be accurate and fair. It is also important that you understand how the value of your property is estimated and what can cause property values to change.

2. How is your property value estimated?

The Assessor estimates the value of your property typically by first examining and collecting information on the physical characteristics of the property. Physical characteristics can include, among others, the square footage of land and improvements, whether or not the improvements include a garage, the number of bathrooms, and the nature of amenities such as swimming pools and fireplaces.

3. What causes property values to change?

A property's value can change for many reasons. The most obvious is that the property changes: a garage, or swimming pool is added, or part of the property is destroyed by flood or fire. The most frequent cause of a change in value is a change in the market value.

4. What is the 20% parcel review?

To comply with the State Tax Commission guidelines, Texas Township is required to conduct field review of 20% of its properties every year (State Tax Commission (STC) Bulletin 2 of 2014 (PDF)).

The property review is to ensure all buildings and structures are accounted for and accurately measured. Property Record Card photos should also be updated at this time.

If you received a postcard, your property will be reviewed this year. Assessing staff will be going house to house measuring the outside of buildings and structures on the property. Staff will not need to, nor will ask, to come inside your home. They will also take digital photographs, front and back. If you are not home at the inspection day, staff will leave a door hanger at your door to let you know they have been there.

The Township Office will be aware of the schedule and who will be working in your property. Call the office if you have any questions about who might be knocking at your door.

Please call the Assessor if you have any questions or concerns.

5. What is a State Equalized Value?

State Equalized Value (SEV): 50% of Market Value or True Cash Value, commonly referred to as your property assessment.

6. What is Capped Value?

Capped Value (CV): The formula is: Previous year's Taxable Value minus Losses (physical changes to the property) times the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 5%; whichever is less, plus Additions (physical changes to the property), (TV-Losses multiplied by CPI (5%) plus Additions equals CV)

7. What is Taxable Value?

Taxable Value (TV) is the value upon which property taxes are based. TV is the Lesser of State Equalized Value (SEV) or Capped Value (CV). TV in the year following a transfer of ownership (sale, gift inheritance, etc.) is equal to the SEV.

8. Why isn't my new assessment 50% of my purchase price?

State tax law MCL 211.27 states that the purchase price is no longer the presumptive True Case Value of a property. The assessment may be close to 50% of the purchase price but the property SEV is determined by investigating the other sales in the vicinity of the property. All of the SEVs in the vicinity of the property are set using that sales study.

9. Sales prices are going down in my neighborhood, why hasn't my assessment gone down?

Sale prices going down in the neighborhood will not be reflected immediately in your assessment. The State allows for a two year sales study. That study includes sales a much as 24 months old; those older sales produce a value that is at least 9 months behind the market.

10. When can I appeal my assessment?

By law, the only time you may appeal you assessment is at the March Board of Review. However, you may meet with the Assessor at any time during the year to discuss your assessment.

11. What happens if I'm not happy with the decision of the March Board of Review?

State law provides the next level of appeal at the Michigan Tax Tribunal. You are required to file a petition with the Michigan Tax Tribunal by July 31st following an appeal to/at the March Board of Review. Access petition forms.

12. How do I qualify for the Principal Residence Exemption?

The Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) (formerly known as the homestead exemption) exempts a residence from the tax levied by a local school district for school operating purposes. The qualifications in Texas Township are simple: you must own and occupy the home as your principal residence on or before November 1st (other municipalities may utilize a June 1st deadline) and file the Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) Affidavit (Form 2368) with the Township's Assessor. The exemption continues until the use of the home as your principal residence changes. When the change occurs, you must file a Request to Rescind Principal Residence Exemption (Form 2602) with the Assessor's Department. Proposal A and state law does not allow for partial credit. As an example, even if you move into a non-homestead property on November 5th, the exemption does not begin until the following year. Recent legislation has allowed the granting of a second homestead in certain conditions. A "Conditional Rescission" (Form 4640) is available when the previous principal residence is not occupied or rented and is listed for sale. Please contact the Assessing Department if you think you qualify for the additional exemption.

The PRE is different from the Homestead Property Tax Credit, which is related with your Michigan Individual Income Tax Return.

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Clerk - FAQs

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1. When may I register to vote?

At any time, up to and including election day. However, in the 14 days before an election, you must register in-person at the Clerk's Office and bring proof of residency.

Learn more at the Michigan Government Page.

2. Where can I register to vote?

You can register here at the Clerk's Office, as well as at any of the Secretary of State Offices. You may also register to vote by mail or online at the Michigan Voter Information Center.

Please note that in the 14 days before an election, you must register in-person at the Clerk's Office with proof of residency to be eligible to vote in that election.

3. Can I vote by absentee ballot?

Yes, anyone can vote by absentee ballot. If you'd like to be on the permanent list, please visit the Michigan Voter Information Center of the contact the Clerk's Office to receive an absentee voter ballot application for every election.

4. May I pick up an absentee ballot for my spouse?

No. Election law allows for only the registered voter to obtain a ballot. However, you may pick up an application for an absentee ballot for your spouse and you can deliver a voted ballot of any member of your immediate family or any a member of your household.

5. I have power of attorney for my spouse, can I pick up an absentee ballot for him/her?

No. Election law specifically states that power of attorney does not apply for voting purposes.

6. I'm on the permanent absentee voter list, why didn't I receive a ballot?

Being on the permanent list does not guarantee a ballot for every election. Rather, it means that you will automatically receive an application for an absentee ballot. The application must be completed and returned to the Clerk's Office in order to receive a ballot.

7. Do you have any cemetery plots available?

Yes, we have plots available in both Hope and Virgo Cemetery. Please visit the Township Hall to learn more about which plots are available.

8. How do I purchase a cemetery plot?

We recommend you make an appointment with our Clerk, who will provide you with a detailed map of available plots. You can then go to the cemetery to look at available spaces. Once you've made a selection, the Clerk will help finalize the process, complete the paperwork and process your payment.

9. What does the cost cover?

The cost covers the rights to the burial plot and the perpetual care and maintenance of our cemeteries. Please note that additional fees apply for grave openings.

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Curbside Bulk Item Pickup

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1. How do I know what zone I am located in?

We can help you identify your zone with our online parcel lookup map. 

2. Can the "pickers" remove items from the curb?

Because items are being placed in the right-of-way for collection, the Township has little recourse available to prevent individual refuse collectors (i.e. "pickers) from removing any items left at the curb. 

3. What do I do if my items were not picked up?

College Hunks will collect items that were left at the curb in the corresponding zone by 11pm on the Sunday prior to collection starting. Items placed at the curb after 11pm cannot be guaranteed for pickup. 

Please note that this service is only available for single-family residential homes and condominiums. If you live in an apartment complex or manufactured home community, your property is either commercial or industrial, or your parcel is vacant, pickup service will not be available.  

If you believe your items were missed, please contact the Township Office at 269-375-1591.

4. Why is the collection period for each zone one full week?

The Township has never offered a curbside bulk item collection service, so we don't have a baseline for estimating the collection amount. We have done our best to estimate collection and identify zones of ~1,500 homes - ensuring that our collection agency, College Hunks, will have ample time to provide thorough service in a guaranteed window of time. While the collection zone is six days, collection within a zone may be completed in a shorter period of time - this depends on participation and volume of items collected. If the pilot program is successful and there is support for continued iterations of this service, the collection window may be able to be reduced based on the data collected during this pilot program. 

5. Will the Township also offer Dumpster Day events?

The Township will not be offering any Dumpster Day events in 2022 while it pilots the curbside pickup service. 

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Fire Department

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1. When I call 911 for a medical emergency, why does the Fire Department show up?

Because the Texas Township Fire Department is a Medical First Response (MFR) provider, all firefighters are required to undergo medical emergency response training. Most of our firefighters are Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or Medical First Responders (MFRs), and some are even Paramedics. When a 911 call is received for a medical emergency, there are many times when the fire department can arrive before the ambulance and begin patient care. Other times, we help the ambulance crew by assisting with patient care, removing the patient from a dangerous area, or even riding the ambulance to the hospital assisting the paramedics.

2. Can I burn leaves, brush, or other yard waste on my property?

Yes, if the weather permits, and provided you first obtain a burn permit. Burn permits are free and can be obtained at the Township Offices. Burn permits allow you to burn small piles of brush, so long as it is done safely, away from buildings, when the wind speed is low, and there are adequate people and water available to control the fire. You may not burn building materials, garbage, etc. Please call the Fire Station with questions regarding burning or see the Burning Permits page.

Note: The Colony Woods area of the Township has enacted a ban on burning permits for their neighborhood.

3. Why do I sometimes see an emergency vehicle go through an intersection with lights and sirens on, and then, after they go through, turn them off and slow down?

Many times, several units are dispatched to the same emergency incident. The first unit may have arrived on scene, surveyed the situation, and informed the dispatcher that it was under control, or that more units were not necessary. All other responding units were cancelled and placed back into service, ready to take another call. Most likely, when you see an emergency vehicle go through an intersection "Priority One" (lights and sirens) and then slow down and turn the emergency lights off, they have been cancelled from the call they were going on, or requested to continue "Priority Three" (non-emergent, normal traffic).

4. Sometimes I see a car, pickup truck, or other every-day vehicle with flashing red lights and a siren coming down the street. Is this a fire department vehicle? What do I do?

Many of our on-call personnel equip their personal vehicles with lights and sirens. They are activated when responding to a priority (life threatening) call. If you see one of these vehicles coming down the street, treat them as you would any other emergency vehicle, by stopping and yielding to the right. These dedicated members utilize their own vehicles for Fire Department responses, and many carry emergency medical equipment and Automatic Defibrillators as well.

5. Why do some fire trucks park down the street from an incident?

In situations when a scene is deemed unsafe due to a potentially violent patient or family member, or if there are dangerous drugs or weapons involved, Fire and EMS units may "stage" until the police department has secured (made safe) the scene. On fire calls, vehicles may stage until they have been provided an assignment by an "Incident Commander." Because of the number of things that must be done near simultaneously during a fire attack, it is important to only have those units/personnel that have an active assignment on scene, with the rest staged and ready to deploy.

6. Why do firefighters cut holes in the roof of a building during a fire? Doesn't this do even more damage to the house?

The practice of cutting holes in the roof of a burning structure is known as ventilation. Ventilation helps firefighters inside the building by allowing smoke and superheated gases to escape, which eliminates some of the smoke in a building and makes the environment a little easier to work in, in addition to keeping the superheated gases from igniting an attic fire. Unlike the movies, it is normally pitch-black inside a burning building because of all the smoke. Ultimately, ventilation helps firefighters who may be searching for someone trapped in the building by eliminating some smoke and heat, or those who are trying to put the fire out by allowing hot steam to escape rather than come back at them and burn them. This helps us save people who may be trapped, and to put the fire out quickly, saving more of the building.

7. What is the Texas Township Fire Department radio frequency?

We use the Kalamazoo County Fire Dispatch frequency of 154.430 megahertz (MHz).

8. What is the Township's Fire Insurance Protection Class?

If your house is within 5 road miles from the fire station at 7110 W Q Avenue, and you have a fire hydrant within 1000 feet of your house, your protection class is 5. If you do not have a fire hydrant within 1,000 feet, your protection class is an 8-b. If you are over 5 road miles from the fire station, your protection class is 10. View a report on the 2012 Township evaluation.

9. Where should I install smoke detectors in my home?

Install a minimum of two smoke detectors, even in single-story homes. Install a smoke detector in each bedroom, in addition to the corridors outside sleeping areas. Also install a smoke detector in the basement, and at the top of stairwells. Don’t forget to change batteries regularly! A smoke detector with dead batteries is the same as no smoke detector at all! Watch a great video presentation from the International Association of Fire Chiefs about smoke detector placement.

10. My smoke detector emits a small beep every few minutes. Does this mean it needs to be replaced?

Usually not. The "chirping" noise you hear usually means your batteries are starting to run low. Replace them as soon as possible.

11. I'm replacing my old smoke detectors with new ones. What can I do with the old ones?

You may drop them off for recycling at the Fire Station.

12. My carbon monoxide detector's alarm is sounding. What should I do?

Get everyone outside and call 911. This is an emergency! Advise the dispatcher whether or not you, or anyone else in the building is exhibiting signs of carbon monoxide poisoning (headache, lightheadedness, nausea, fatigue). This will help the dispatcher send the proper units to your location. If no one is exhibiting symptoms, the Fire Department will respond non-emergent, to check carbon monoxide levels. If symptoms are being exhibited by one or more people, you can expect the Fire Department and EMS to be sent to your location "Priority One" (lights and sirens) to begin helping those who have been affected.

13. I've stopped by the fire station several times, and nobody seems to be there. Where is everyone?

Although there is always at least one person on duty at the station 24 hours a day, they are sometimes called away from the station for emergency calls, errands, inspections, or maintenance functions.

If you have an emergency, always dial 911. There is an emergency telephone located in the red box outside of the fire station. This is a direct dial 911 line to the emergency dispatcher.

If you would like to speak with someone in person, please call ahead and request a meeting time.

14. How many firefighters work for the Texas Township Fire Department?

We have seven full-time personnel, including the Chief, who are supplemented by 23 Paid/On-Call personnel. There are typically two full-time staff on duty 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

15. What kind of schedule do firefighters work?

Our 3 full-time firefighters work 24 hour shifts with alternating days off. There is always at least one person on duty at the station 24 hours per day. The Fire Chief works 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. Monday through Thursday. Paid/On-Call firefighters are also dispatched for incidents via tone-alert pagers and respond to supplement the duty person leaving from the fire station. Many times, Paid/On-Call personnel are at the station to supplement the on-duty firefighter. In addition, all personnel are required to attend regular training sessions on various topics, and to complete required courses to keep their licenses current. These trainings are sometimes held in-house on dedicated evenings, and sometimes take place with other departments and/or on the weekend.

16. Why are Texas Township Fire/Rescue vehicles lime-green/yellow instead of red?

If other factors are the same, the probability of a visibility-related accident for a red or red/white pumper is greater than the probability for a lime-green/yellow pumper. Lime-green/yellow fire pumpers are significantly statistically safer than all red and red/white fire pumpers. These were the findings of researchers Stephen S. Solomon and James G. King during research in the 1970s and 1980s. Solomon is a practicing optometrist and consultant on color and safety. King is an electrical engineer who holds patents for electronic circuits that carry out numeric algorithms. Both have long-term experience as volunteer firefighters. 

For this study, Solomon and King analyzed data from the Dallas Fire Department, the Dallas Department of Transportation, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Because of this study, Texas Township began painting their vehicles the lime-green/yellow color in the late 1970s.

Many other departments around the country, including Detroit and Kalamazoo, also painted their trucks this color. Many departments moved back to red colored vehicles when the science of reflective stripes improved so that a small amount of stripes on the vehicle provided enough visibility to meet national standards. Texas Township has elected to retain the lime-green/yellow vehicles because of the amount of incidents we respond to on higher speed roadways such as West Q Avenue and Interstate 94. We feel this provides our emergency responders and area drivers a safer environment. 

See this article for more information on the study.

17. How do I request a copy of an incident report?

Call the Fire Station or Township office. We will need the date, approximate time, and location of the incident to efficiently process your request.

18. Do you offer CPR classes?

We do not offer CPR classes at this time. Please check with the Kalamazoo County Chapter of the American Red Cross, or the American Heart Association. They regularly offer classes.

19. Do you inspect child car safety seats?

Not at this time, our safety seat inspection program was unable to be supported by the current budget.

20. Can I use an outdoor grill (gas, propane, charcoal) on my apartment deck or patio?

There are many variables involved in outdoor grill use on apartment decks and patios. There is no one simple answer to this question. Please call Station Number 2 for more information. Also, be advised that many landlords have their own policies for grill usage on their property.

21. Do you fill swimming pools or pump out basements?

Because this makes units unavailable for emergency calls, and may potentially damage pumps and lawns, we do not fill swimming pools or pump basements. Try looking under “Swimming Pools” and “Water Delivery” respectively, in the Yellow Pages.

22. Do you repair fire extinguishers, or recharge fire extinguishers that have been used?

No. Try looking in the Yellow Pages under “Fire Extinguishers” or “Fire Protection.”

23. Who do I call to schedule Texas Township Fire Truck, Firefighter, or Fire Safety Class at my function, or to schedule a tour of a Fire Station?

Call the Fire Station at 269-375-4610. You can also email us.

24. How can I get a fire inspection for my business?

If your business is in Texas Township; please call the Fire Station 269-375-4610 to schedule an inspection. The Fire Department has a cadre of certified State inspectors to help you with your fire safety questions.

25. Does Texas Township have Tornado Warning Sirens?

No, there are no Tornado Warning Sirens in Texas Township. Funding limitations prohibit the Township from providing this service. Each siren unit costs approximately $25,000, and only have coverage for about 1.5 square miles. It would take about 13 of these units to cover just the residential areas of the Township. We recommend each home and business have a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio monitor. These monitors stay silent until severe weather watches or warnings are issued for our area, then they alert with a tone and then voice messages. Most units are able to be purchased for under $50, and are available at most electronics stores. Many monitors can be programmed for emergencies other than weather, such as community emergencies involving hazardous materials releases, flooding, etc. These are called "All Hazard Monitors." For more information, go to the NOAA website.

26. Does Texas Township provide fire services to the City of Portage, Oshtemo Township or Village of Mattawan?

Not usually. Portage City, Oshtemo and Mattawan/Antwerp Township have their own fire departments, and cover those areas. However, on occasion, there are times when all departments work together, or temporarily cover areas for one another during a large incident. Examples of these times may include large incidents, borderline incidents, or incidents where both departments are dispatched. The Texas Township Fire Department, along with many other county fire departments, participate in mutual aid agreements as well, in which we assist departments requesting help on an incident, and also may receive help from those same departments should we need additional resources at an incident.

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Home - FAQs

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

Answer goes here...

2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

Answer goes here...

3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

Answer goes here...

4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

Answer goes here...

5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

Answer goes here...

6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

Answer goes here...

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Main - FAQs

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1. What are the Texas Township office hours?

The Township Office is open to the public: 

• Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm

Please note that passports are processed by appointment only.

2. How do I request an absentee ballot?

You can fill out the below form and return it to the Clerk's Office either via postal mail or by Email Elections. Once we receive your application, we will mail you a ballot.

Want to vote absentee in future elections? Visit the Michigan Voter Information Center to join the Permanent Absentee Voter Application List to automatically receive your ballot applications by mail in the future.

View Absentee Ballot Application Form

3. When are my taxes due?

View the current tax calendar and tax payment options here.

4. How do I apply for a burn permit?

You may obtain a burning permit online or by calling the Fire Department at 269-375-4610. View the online burn permit form

Please note that there are limits on burning and weather-related instances when burning will not be permitted.

View more information about burning permits.

5. Where can I view my property assessment and tax information?

View property assessment and tax information.

6. Who is responsible for the road maintenance and snow plowing for my street?

The Road Commission of Kalamazoo County (RCKC) is responsible for all road maintenance and snow removal on public streets in Texas Township.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact RCKC at 269-381-3171.

7. How do I apply for a passport?

Texas Township accepts passport applications by appointment only. To learn more about the passport process and the necessary documentation, View passport information.

8. When do I appeal my property assessment?

Assessment notices are sent out in February each year. If you would like to question and/or appeal your assessment, you have 2 weeks to contact the Assessors' Office at Texas Township at 269-375-1591.

9. Where do I take oil, paint, batteries, computers, and other hazardous materials?

Kalamazoo County Household Hazardous Waste: 269-373-5211

10. Who should I report a burned out streetlight to?

The streetlights in Texas Township are maintained by Consumers Energy and AEP. If you have an outage in your neighborhood, please contact them directly. Below you will find the links to report an outage to your respective provider:

• AEP (Indiana Michigan Power) Outage Report
• Consumers Energy Outage Center
• Consumers Energy Streetlight Outage

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Purchasing a Burial Space FAQ

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1. How many burials is each burial site designed for?

Each burial site is designated for one traditional burial, one traditional burial and two cremation burials, or four cremation burials.

2. Can I sell my burial space to someone else?

No. Burial spaces cannot be sold or given away. They must be sold back to the Township for reassignment at the purchase rate.

3. What does the cost of a burial site cover?

The purchase of a burial site grants a right of burial only and does not convey any other title to the lot or burial space sold. Additional fees for grave openings will apply.

4. Where can I place a marker?

Markers must be of stone or other equally durable composition and must be placed at the head of the burial site with no more than one marker per burial site.

5. Am I allowed to plant any trees, shrubs, etc. at a grave site?

The Township will be responsible for the placement of all trees and shrubs and no individual planting of trees, shrubs, rosebushes, etc. shall be permitted. Please note that shepherds hooks or structures of any type are not permitted. You may place planted perennial flowers in urns or vases on either side of the memorial. No glass containers are permitted.

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Roads

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1. What is the width of the road right-of-way?

The width of the county road right-of-way can vary a great deal. However, the general rule of thumb is that the road right-of-way is 66 feet wide, approximately 33 feet on both sides of the center of the road. There are instances where the road centerline does not match the center of the road right-of-way. It is advisable to utilize Kalamazoo County's Geographic Information System (GIS) site to determine the actual width and location of the road right-of-way.

2. What happens if my mailbox is damaged by a snowplow?

RCKC's policy for mailbox damage is as follows:

More often than not, damage to mailboxes is caused by snow pushing against weakened posts or hardware. Proper maintenance may help to prevent damage during winter maintenance operations. RCKC policy notes that an owner must clearly demonstrate the damage to a mailbox was caused by direct contact by road commission equipment.  However, if a snow shield is installed, the Board will not reimburse for any direct contact damage to mailboxes and/or snow shield.  The Board will not assume responsibility for mailbox damage that may be caused by snow/ice that is being plowed from the roadway. (See Mailboxes and Mailbox Supports)

3. Who is responsible for the removal of dead/dying trees in the right-of-way?

Dead/dying trees located in the right-of-way are the responsibility of the property owner for removal. The RCKC may remove trees from the public right-of-way that is not designed for vehicular travel, but has the discretion not to do so. If a property owner wishes to remove, trim or prune a tree that is located in the right-of-way they must complete a permit application to work within the public right-of-way with the RCKC. 

RCKC Roadside Vegetation Management Policy

4. Am I allowed to plant trees along the road?

Trees do add beauty, color and character to our roadsides, but if they're too close to the road edge, they can be both hazardous and a potential liability for property owners, utilities and the Road Commission. RCKC has prepared a brochure that provides guidelines on the roadside planting of trees and shrubs, explaining what will not only meet requirements but also improve the likelihood of tree survival and reduced maintenance as the tree matures. 

RCKC Guidelines for Planting Trees and Shrubs Near Roads Maintained by the Road Commission of Kalamazoo County.

5. Does RCKC remove dead animals from the road or side of the road?

If a dead animal is causing a road hazard, or blocking the traveled portion of the road; RCKC crews will move the dead animal off the road and let nature take its course.  Their crews will make an effort, if they find a tag or telephone number, to contact the owner of a domestic dead animal. They will not dispose of any dead animals. 

6. Why am I assessed for the Road Maintenance Assessment if I live on a private road?

While you may reside on a private road that is not maintained by the Road Commission, as a Township resident, you frequently travel on the public roadways. As such, all residents with a buildable parcel are assessed for the Road Maintenance Assessment. 

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Township Hall Relocation Project FAQ

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1. Why is a new Township Hall needed?

The current facility is not adequate for the township’s expanded staffing needs. We also want a facility that better meets the needs of our community while improving accessibility through having a Board Room/Precinct space on the ground floor.

2. Where will the new Township Hall be located?

The Township Board has selected the vacant site directly west of Texas Square Mall (where Louie's, Hunan Gardens, Ace Hardware and other businesses are located). A large factor in this decision was the ability for the Township to help facilitate the development of the Ring Road, providing greater connectivity in Texas Corners. As part of the Master Plan, the Ring Road is set to connect across this parcel. And ironically enough, this location was strongly considered for the Township Hall 20 years ago! 

3. What will happen to the existing structure?

The current proposed plan is to demolish a portion of the existing structure (where the current township offices are located) to increase available parking for downtown businesses and the thriving Farmers' Market while also increasing green space in the DDA.

The Fire Department and a portion of the existing structure (where the board room is located) will remain and provide additional space primarily for Fire Department operations.

4. How will the project be funded?

The Township has been setting aside funds for this project since 2017. In addition to utilizing Capital Improvement funding, the Township has bonded to finance the remaining portion of the project.

5. Will there be any impact on the Farmers' Market?

The Farmers’ Market will remain on the existing site. By demolishing a portion of the current Township Hall structure, we will be able to increase available parking for the Farmers’ Market. Additionally, this increased space would allow us to consider new programming options in the future.

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Voting & Elections FAQ

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1. Where can I register to vote?

You can register at any of the Secretary of State Offices, the Township Clerk’s Office, the County Clerk’s Office, and other state offices.

You may also register to vote by mail up to 15 days before an election. Within the 14 days before an election, you must register at the Township Clerk’s office with proof of residency.

2. When may I register to vote?

At any time; however, you must a resident of Texas Township for at least 30 days before an election in order to vote in that election. Voter registration must be in-person with the local clerk in the last 14 days before an election.

Learn more about voter registration at the Michigan Voter Information Center website.

3. May I pick up an absentee ballot for my spouse?

No. Election law allows for only the registered voter to obtain a ballot. However, you may pick up an application for an absentee ballot for your spouse and you can deliver a voted ballot of any member of your immediate family or any a member of your household.

4. Can I vote by absentee ballot?

Yes, if you are a registered voter, you may obtain an absent voter ballot. With the passing of Proposal 3 in 2018, a reason is no longer required to obtain a ballot.

5. I have power of attorney for my spouse. Can I pick up an absentee ballot for him/her?

No. Election law specifically states that power of attorney does not apply for voting purposes.

6. How can I vote by absentee ballot in every election?

Any registered voter may ask to be on the permanent absent voter list. Being on the permanent absentee voter list means that you will receive an absentee ballot application form for each election. This form needs to be completed and returned to the Clerk’s Office so we can mail you a ballot. Being on the permanent absentee list guarantees you will receive an absentee ballot application form, not a physical ballot.

7. I'm on the permanent absentee voter list, why didn't I receive a ballot?

Being on the permanent list does not guarantee a ballot for every election. Rather, it means that you will automatically receive an application for an absentee ballot. The application must be completed and returned to the Clerk’s Office prior to receiving a ballot.

8. Why do I need my photo I.D. at the polls?

The Michigan Supreme Court ruled on July 18, 2007, that a provision of Michigan election law that requires voters to either present picture identification or sign an affidavit if they do not have picture identification with them is constitutional and enforceable. (See MCL 168.523 for picture identification requirement.) While this requirement was originally enacted by the State Legislature in 1996, the requirement was never implemented due to a prior ruling issued through the Attorney General's office.

Due to this ruling, the County of Kalamazoo Clerk's Office Election Division and all other jurisdictions across the State will implement this new requirement beginning with the election on November 6, 2007. To implement this requirement, precinct election workers will ask voters for photo identification at the polls. The following are acceptable forms of photo identification, assuming they are current and a picture is provided:

Michigan Driver's License or Personal ID

Non-Michigan Driver's License or Personal ID

Federal or state government-issued ID

U.S. passport

Military ID

Student ID - high school or accredited institution of higher education

Tribal ID card

If the voter does not have an acceptable photo ID in his or her possession when offering to vote, that voter may sign an affidavit attesting that he or she is not in possession of a photo ID. A voter who completes an affidavit will be allowed to vote a regular ballot.