In response to the extension of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's executive order, Van Buren township offices will remain closed through Friday, May 15.
The temporary closure includes all township administration offices, the parks and recreation department and the senior center.
Emergency services including police, fire department and emergency dispatch will remain open and provide service to township resident.
Van Buren Township officials and staff members will continue to work remotely, according to a prepared statement from the administration. For emergencies, such as a water main break, residents can contact Van Buren Township dispatch at (734) 699-8930.
For non-emergencies, government services and/or general questions about topics such as building permits, Focus Hope, or others, residents can call (734) 699-8910 and leave a message. A staff member will return residents' calls as soon as possible.
Township staff members are encouraging residents to pay taxes and water bills online or use the drop box located in front of township hall. The box is checked daily, officials said, but residents should use it for checks only, no cash.
Tax and utility payments can also be made via debit, credit card or echeck at https://bsaonline.com/Home/WelcomePage
Residents can sign up for automated debit for utility bill payments using a form found at https://vanburen-mi.org/Forms/Automatic_Water_Bill_Payment.pdf
Residents paying online will be charged a processing fee.
There is also a drop box located in the lobby of the public safety department which is also checked daily.
Personal checks or money orders should be mailed to: 46425 Tyler Road, Van Buren Township, MI.
Yard waste pick up resumed the week of April 20, although bulk pick-up is still suspended until further notice. Trash and recycling are services operating as scheduled. Waste Management crews are working as quickly as possible based on crew availability. Anyone who needs a yard waste sticker or landfill pass to drop off bulk items should call (734) 699-8926, leave a detailed message including their name, address and phone number
Police and fire reports can be obtained by submitting a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request available on the township website: https://vanburen-mi.org/officials/clerk/.
The FOIA request form can also be emailed and/or faxed by contacting the records office at (734) 699-8939 or by emailing Tina Harman at tharman@vanburen-mi.org.
When sending email requests, residents should write FOIA Request in the subject line.
Copies of traffic crash reports can be obtained on the CLEMIS website: www.clemis.org. To obtain the copy, requesters will need to know the report number when making the request. These reports can also be obtained by submitting a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request form.
Those who do not know the report number can contact the records office at (734) 699-8939.
Due to records window closure at this time, local background checks will not be done at the window. Residents can visit the State of Michigan website: www.michigan.gov to obtain an ICHAT background check through the State of Michigan.
“Van Buren Township is committed to supporting our at-risk populations. Our website has a list of local resources available to assist our residents seeking food, shelter, utility assistance, mental health resources, unemployment information, small business loans, grants, and more. For more information visit http://vanburen-mi.org/,” the release noted.
“We've partnered with the Van Buren DDA and Belleville Area Chamber of Commerce to create a COVID-19 Business Directory. Visit https://vanburendda.com/ to see which businesses are open as essential services. If you're a business that has remained open please visit the website and fill out the form that only takes 3 minutes,” the statement continued.
All township events have been canceled until July 5. This includes fireworks and the first session Summer Camp. Refunds will be issued for those who have registered for camp and classes. The Senior Center will continue with the emergency foods program such as Meals on Wheels, but will remain closed for senior activities.
“We're closely following the COVID-19 situations and will update our staff and residents as new information is reported. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Please Stay Home and Stay Safe,” the statement concluded.
