City Manager
What is the relationship/connection between the City Manager and the City Council?
Our City Charter established Fremont as a Council-Manager form of government. The Council is a five-member board, including the Mayor. The Mayor and Council appoint a City Manager who serves at the Council’s pleasure. The Manager is present during meetings to give advice and make recommendations on policy and other issues; the Council may or may not adopt them and may modify the recommendations. The City Manager is bound by whatever action the Council takes and is responsible for ensuring the implementation of the Council’s adopted policies and direction. The Council in turn supervises and evaluates the Manager’s performance. In general, the functions of the Council and Manager are as follows:
General Functions of the City Council:
- Respond to citizen concerns
- Represent various segments of the community
- Appoint and direct the City Manager and City Attorney
- Establish City policies by enacting ordinances and resolutions
- Approve the annual City budget
- Determine City tax rates and fees
General Functions of the City Manager:
- Serve the City Council and community
- Administer City government projects and programs
- Recruit, hire and supervise City staff
- Serve as the Council's chief advisor
- Carry out Council policies
- Prepare the City budget for Council consideration
What is the Council-Manager Plan or form of government?
The Council-Manager Plan (C-M Plan) is a form of local government developed in the United States to help cities cope more effectively, efficiently and economically with increasingly complex local problems. It provides for a professional executive appointed by and continuously responsible to a popularly elected council.
In 1908, Staunton, Virginia instituted the first position legally defining, by ordinance, the broad authority and responsibility associated with today’s professional local government manager. Sumter, South Carolina was the first city to adopt a charter incorporating the basic principles of council-manager government in 1912. Since its inception, it has become the predominant form of local government in the United States and is widely regarded as a major American contribution to the improvement of municipal government, particularly in overcoming local structural weaknesses.
The C-M Plan provides a direct political link between the voters and their elected Mayor and City Council. On the other hand, there is an intentional political disconnect between the elected officials and the professional operation of the city. This form of government was developed because of historic problems in cities where elected Mayors sometimes placed political appointees in charge of various municipal operations, rather than those who were skilled and trained in the various city disciplines and services. This is the most popular form of government in the State of Michigan and establishes a governmental operation similar to the organization of a typical business in the private sector:
Private Sector Business Organization |
Public Sector C-M Plan Organization |
Shareholders & Stockholders |
Citizens, Taxpayers & Voters |
Board of Directors |
City Council |
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/President |
Mayor (CEO) |
Chief Operating Officer (COO) |
City Manager (Chief Admin. Officer- CAO) |
Senior Vice-Presidents |
Department Heads |
Vice Presidents/Division Heads |
Division Heads |
Employees |
Professional Staff |
Fremont voters adopted the Council-Manager form of government by approving the current City Charter in 1972. Since then, the political leadership of elected officials has been effectively combined with the managerial experience of a City Manager. The C-M Plan establishes a representative system where all power is concentrated in the elected City Council, which hires a professionally trained manager to carry out its directives and oversee the delivery of public services. The manager is hired by the Council to serve as the City's chief administrator. Because our City Council is a legislative body, its members are the community's policy-makers elected to represent various segments of the community. The Plan permits the Council to concentrate on policy issues that are responsive to citizens' needs and wishes. These issues address the broader aspects of the community's goals and deal with subjects such as major projects and such long-term considerations as community growth, land use development, capital improvement plans, capital financing and strategic planning.
Further information on the Council-Manager plan is available through the web site of the International City/County Management Association ( ICMA). Members of ICMA, including Fremont’s City Manager, subscribe to and are bound by a formal Code of Ethics and a Declaration of Ideals for the profession.
How is the City Manager appointed?
The City Manager is appointed by the City Council for an indefinite period. The Manager is selected by the City Council on the basis of training and ability alone without regard to his/her political preferences. Except for the purpose of inquiries, the City Council addresses administrative services through the City Manager. The appointed Manager carries out policy and ensures that the entire community is being served. If the Manager is not responsive to the Council's wishes, the Council has the authority to terminate the Manager at any time. In that sense, the Manager's responsiveness is tested daily.
What positions are appointed by the City Manager?
With the exception of the City Clerk, Attorney, Treasurer, Assessor, Police Chief and Fire Chief, the City Manager appoints all other administrative officers and employees of the City. The above six positions are considered Officers under the City Charter, with the City Council appointing them based on a recommendation from the City Manager. See the City’s Organizational Chart to view the relationships in a graphic format.
What does the City Manager do?
The City Manager serves as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the City and oversees the day-to-day functions and operations of the City. Under the City Charter and based on the direction of the Council, the City Manager has the following responsibilities:
- Appoints and removes all employees and makes recommendations to the Council relative to the appointment and removal of the six Administrative Officer positions
- Sets employees’ compensation within the pay plan adopted by the Council
- Directs, supervises and coordinates the work of the Administrative Officers and all departments, offices and agencies of the City
- Provides sound and consistent administrative direction to City departments pursuant to Council policy and direction
- Coordinates the Personnel Policies and Procedures of the City
- Prepares Agendas for and attends all Council meetings and has the right to be heard in all Council proceedings, but without the right to vote
- Sees that all laws, provisions of the Charter and ordinances of the City are enforced
- Meets with community and professional groups to seek citizen input, recommendations and support for City projects
- Fosters intergovernmental cooperation by acting as the City's participant representative with county, state, federal and local municipal agencies
- Provides administrative support for various boards and commissions created by City Charter or ordinance, but which are not under the Manager's direction
- Prepares, submits and implements the Annual City Operating & Capital Budgets
- Advises the Council as to the financial condition and needs of the City
- Furnishes the Council with information concerning City affairs and prepares and submits such reports as may be required or which the Council may request
- Researches, drafts and makes recommendations to the Council on affairs of the City, including such items as ordinances, resolutions, policies, fees, plans, etc.
- Develops, establishes, implements, evaluates, and modifies overall City rules and procedures
- Purchases or supervises all purchasing for the City
- Attends and participates in professional meetings to keep abreast of current developments in municipal government and innovative and cost-effective methods of delivering City services
- Delivers speeches and programs to lay and professional groups and school classes on topics such as local government administration, growth management, municipal service delivery, environmental stewardship and many more. Check out some of the Fremont Local Government Resource Materials available to teachers, students and other groups regarding the above and other topics.
- Performs other duties as the Charter specifies or as requested by the Council
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Clerk
What is Fremont’s total population?
The total population for the City of Fremont based on the 2000 Census is 4,224. Fremont’s 1990 Census count was 3,885.
I am interested in serving on a City Board. How can I find out what positions are open and how do I apply?
An application for appointment can be submitted by mail, fax or in person. To obtain an application, you can pick one up at the City offices or download the form (link to form in Boards & Commissions section), complete it and submit it to the City Clerk’s Office.
I am opening a business in the City of Fremont; do I need a business license?
The City of Fremont does not require a municipal business license.
Who are my state and federal representatives and how can I contact them?
You can find all County, State and Federal officials and their contact information in the Government section of this web site.
What is the City’s budget cycle?
The City of Fremont follows a fiscal schedule for cities set by the State of Michigan, whereas, Budget/Fiscal years begin on July 1 and end June 30 the following year.
Who is eligible to vote in Fremont?
All Fremont residents 18 or older who have registered to vote at least 30 days prior to the election may vote.
How do I register to vote?
You can register to vote at the City Clerk’s Office, Michigan Secretary of State office or by using the Federal Mail-In Voter Registration Form. Voter registration must be completed at least 30 days prior to an election. Important! If you register to vote by mail and are under 60 years of age, you must vote in person for your first election in the City of Fremont.
Can I register to vote on-line?
No. An original signature is required to register to vote.
Do I have to register to vote for every election?
No, once you are registered to vote in the City of Fremont, you do not have to reregister.
When should you re-register to vote?
When you move or when you change your name as a result of marriage or a legal action.
How can I find out where I vote?
Your voting precinct is listed on your voter registration card as “polling location.” Currently, all precincts are located within the Fremont Municipal Building, 101 E. Main Street, Fremont, Michigan.
How can I apply for an absentee ballot?
An original signature is required to obtain an Absentee Ballot, so you must request an application be mailed to you by calling the City Clerk’s Office (231) 924-2101, complete and sign the form and submit it back to the Clerk’s Office before 2:00 PM, on the Saturday before an election. Voted ballots must be received by at the City Clerk’s office by 8:00 PM on Election Day.
What are the criteria for voting by absentee ballot?
Anyone meeting the following criteria is eligible to vote by absentee ballot:
- 60 years of age or older.
- Physically unable to attend the polls without assistance of another.
- Appointed as a precinct inspector in a precinct other than the precinct where I reside.
- Expect to be absent from the community in which I am registered for the entire time the polls are open on Election Day.
- Cannot attend the polls because of the tenets of my religion.
- Cannot attend the polls because I am confined to jail awaiting arraignment or trial.
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Planning & Zoning
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Police
What is the address and contact information for the Fremont Police Department?
| Emergency Phone: 911 |
Address: |
Business Phone: |
101 E. Main St.
Fremont, MI 49412
|
Phone: (231) 924-2100
Fax: (231) 924-2400
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What are your normal business hours?
Our normal business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
If you need to speak with a police officer after these hours, call Central Dispatch at (231) 689-6625 and they will arrange for one of our officers to contact you. IF YOUR SITUATION IS AN EMERGENCY, DIAL 911.
If you wish to leave a general message for the police department after hours, call our office number (231) 924-2100.
I have a question about a traffic ticket I received. Who can I contact?
All questions regarding traffic citations should be directed to:
78th District Court
1092 Newell St.
P.O. Box 129
White Cloud, MI 49349
Court staff can be contacted by telephone at (231) 689-7255 during normal business hours.
I received a parking ticket. What happens if I don’t take care of it?
After 10 days the fine doubles. After an additional 10 days, a uniform traffic citation is mailed to the registered owner and the fine increases to $50. If the owner still fails to respond, the fine increases to $75 and an order to show cause is sent. If the owner fails to respond to the show cause order, an arrest warrant is issued.
I need to have my fingerprints taken for employment purposes. Will the police department do this for me?
As of October, 2006, all fingerprints must be submitted electronically. We have partnered with the PRIDE Youth Programs to make an electronic fingerprint system (Identix) available to the Fremont area residents. All requests for fingerprinting must go through the PRIDE office, which is located at 4 W. Oak St, Fremont. Their telephone number is (231) 924-1662, call ahead to make an appointment.
Will the police department help me if I lock my keys in my car?
Yes, we still perform that service for those who lock their keys within the City limits. You must sign a waiver of liability prior to the officer attempting to open the car. If you do not wish to sign the waiver, or the officer is unable to open the vehicle’s door, a wrecker service or locksmith will be contacted for you.
I had a traffic accident on the roadway; do I have to make a police report?
Michigan law requires a police report for damage in excess of $1,000.
I had an accident with my vehicle on private property. Do I need to report this?
No, private property accidents do not require a report from the police department if there is no injury. The police department provides a courtesy form, which you can fill out and submit to your insurance company if you intend to make a claim. If someone was injured in a private property crash, a report is required.
I am considering hiring a new employee but would like to know if he/she has a criminal history. How can I find out this information?
You have a variety of options:
- Call (517) 322-1956 and provide the necessary information.
There is a $10 fee for each person you wish to run, and this service will provide information on Michigan arrests and convictions only.
Occasionally I see City officers outside the City limits. Can they write me a ticket when they are outside the City?
Each City officer is deputized by the Sheriff, so they have the authority and ability to make traffic stops and issue citations outside the City limits. The City owns and maintains several interests outside the City limits and officers will routinely conduct property checks on these interests, so it is not unusual to see a City officer on patrol outside the City.
Do I have to register my bicycle?
Yes, Fremont ordinance requires City residents to register their bicycles. Registering your bikes helps identify lost or stolen bicycles and adds an element of deterrence.
We are leaving for vacation. Will the police department watch our home?
If you let us know when you’re leaving, the police department will conduct periodic property checks. You can go to submit a property check card online or stop by the police department and fill one out.
We have a stray dog hanging around our house. Will the police pick it up?
We encourage all residents to call Animal Control at 689-7020. If there is no answer, leave a message. If it is after normal business hours and you can secure the dog, Animal Control officers will pick it up as soon as possible.
Will the police pick up a stray cat we have at our home?
No, the police do not handle stray cat complaints. We have no housing or boarding facility in which to place them.
Top | Top of Police FAQs | Police Page
Public Works
How do I request new water and sewer service?
Come to the City Offices to fill out a form for new service. Cost for tapping fee is $700. If service is larger than 1” check with Water Supervisor regarding fee. The City charges a $5 sewer inspection fee.
I have a sewer backup, who do I call?
During regular business hours (M-F, 8-5 PM), call the City Offices @ 924-2101 to report your problem to the Public Works Superintendent. A public works employee will come to your residence to check for backups in the sanitary sewer main by the road. If the City' sanitary sewer main has a blockage the City will clear the path. After business hours call Newaygo County Central Dispatch @ 689-7022 and they'll contact a city employee to follow up.
If the City employee confirms the City's main line is not blocked, you'll need to call a plumber. Residents are responsible for the sanitary sewer lateral from their home to the City' main line, of which is usually located at that center of the street.
The City has a sewer backup policy in printable pdf format.
At what physical location is a homeowner responsible for the City’s water and sewer lines?
The homeowner’s responsibility for the water line begins at the water shut off, which is normally at the sidewalk. The homeowner’s responsibility for the sewer line is all the way to the sewer main, which is usually in the center of the street.
How many employees does the Department of Public Works have?
Under the direction the Department of Public Works Supervisor there are three supervisors, Water Dept. Supervisor, Wastewater Supervisor and Parks and Cemetery Supervisor. There are eight full time union labors and during the summer the city hires four to six people to help during the season.
How many miles of streets are in the City of Fremont?
There is a total of 28.5 miles in the City of Fremont, 10.2 miles of major streets and 18.3 mile of local streets.
Does the City of Fremont have an airport?
Yes, it is located on 7756 W. 60 th Street The airport has a contracted manager for all daily operations.
How much equipment is used during the wintertime?
The City has four plow trucks with salt spreaders and front plow hook ups, two pickup trucks with front plows for the maintenance in the parking lots and other small areas, two loaders and a large snow blower for cleaning the downtown area. For sidewalks downtown we have one broom tractor and for all other sidewalks we have one bombidar.
How much salt does the city use each winter?
The City uses between 400 and 600 tons of salt each year depending on the weather.
How many water towers does the city have?
The City has three water towers. They are located on Decker Street, East Main Street and Weaver Avenue.
How many water wells does the City have?
There are eight wells in the City of Fremont that supply water to the City.
Who is your largest water user in the City?
The largest water customer is Gerber Products company.
Does the City require an employee to have a license to run the water and wastewater department?
Yes, the City has employees who carry certificates for water and wastewater operations.
They have continuous courses they attend to keep their licenses up to date.
Where does the city’s wastewater go?
The City’s wastewater goes to the waste water pump station, on Oak Street and then it is pumped out to the wastewater plant on 72 nd Street and put into lagoon for treatment.
When is leaf pick-up?
From mid-October to mid-November, the City at no charge allows residents to rake the fall leaf drop into the street for bulk pickup. Per State Law, NO yard waste may be placed in the 65-galow refuse rollout carts.
How does the city pick up Brush?
The City will remove brush without charge, the first Monday of each month, April through October of each year. Brush must be stacked with the cut end at curbside and limbs nor more than three (3”) in diameter. Residents throughout the City must have their brush placed curbside by 7:00 a.m. of each first Monday morning beginning each month from April through October.
Brush is not to be placed at curbside any earlier than the Friday before the first Monday. The City will also continue to provide curbside chipping of Christmas trees the first two weeks of January, at no additional cost. The City also contracts Sunset Waste Services to pick up brush with a proper brush tag on your regular refuse pick up day, April through October. Brush must be bundled with twine or thin rope in lengths no more than four feet (4’), with limbs no more than three inches (3”) in diameter and bundles weighing no more than forty (40) pounds in order to be picked up by Sunset Waste Services. Each bundle must have a brush tag. Brush Tags can be purchased for $1.00/ea. At D&W Food Store, Bills Shop-N-Save and Country Squire Discount Pharmacy within the City of Fremont.
Is smoking allowed in City Facilities & Parks?
Generally, no. Smoking is prohibited in all city-owned buildings and playground areas within its parks.
How do I get rid of my household trash?
The City contracts with Sunset Waste Services. When a resident purchases a residence they are to call City Offices @ (231)924-2101 for trash pick. The city offices will mail out rules and regulations to the resident and also have the trash receptacle and recycling bin delivered at their address.
How do I report a street lighting outage or traffic signal malfunction?
- For street light outage call Consumers at 928-4140 Fremont office.
- For traffic signal malfunction contact Fremont Police Department at (231)924-2100.
What is the City's Parking Ban?
No parking between 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. from December 1 st - April 1 st for all streets.
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Treasurer / Assessor
If I disagree with my Property Assessment what can I do?
Appeals are filed with the local Board of Review during the first week of March each year. Your annual Notice of Assessment lists the dates, times and procedures for scheduling an appointment with the Board. If you disagree with the decision of the local Board of Review you may appeal their decision with the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
What are the current property tax rates?
2004
|
| |
Homestead |
42.2849 |
|
| |
Non-Homestead
|
60.2849 |
When are property taxes due?
Summer taxes (City, State Education Tax (SET) and local School taxes) are mailed the first week of July and are due by August 10th.
Winter taxes (Newaygo County, Newaygo County Regional Education Service Agency (NCRESA) and District Library taxes) are mailed the first week of December and are due by February 14th.
The City turns all unpaid taxes over to the County Treasurer on March 1st each year.
How are my property taxes determined?
Your taxes are calculated by multiplying the tax rate by each thousand of taxable value (TV.) Following is an example of taxes due for a home with a taxable value of 50,000 based on the 2003 total tax rate in the Fremont School District.
|
Homestead |
Non Homestead |
Taxable Value 50,000 |
50 |
50 |
Total Tax Rate |
42.2849 |
60.2849 |
Tax Due |
$ 2,114.25 |
$ 3,014.25 |
How are tax rates determined?
The various taxing authorities determine their tax rates. Those authorities for Fremont include the City of Fremont, Fremont Public Schools, Newaygo County, Newaygo County Regional Education Service Agency (NCRESA), Fremont District Library and the State Education Tax (SET).
What is taxable value?
Taxable value is the value used to calculate your tax bill. Although your assessed value will increase with the market, your taxable value is capped – meaning it can only increase 5% or consumers price index, whichever is lower. Once a home is sold, the cap is removed and the new taxable value is usually about half of the purchase price or the current State Equalized Value (SEV) on your parcel.
What are real and personal property taxes?
Real property is all land, buildings and attachments. Personal property is any property that isn't real property. Personal property taxes are levied only on property that is used in business.
What if I can't pay my tax bill by the due date?
There is no formal payment plan for taxes. If you cannot pay the entire bill by the due date, pay as much of the bills sections as you can by the due date. After the due date a penalty will be added to the unpaid balance. Then you have until the end of February to pay the balance before additional penalties are added. Beginning March 1 of each year, unpaid taxes are returned delinquent to Newaygo County and payable only at the Newaygo County Treasurer’s office in White Cloud with additional penalties.
What are the penalties for late taxes?
A 4% penalty is applied to your summer tax balance on August 11 th and to your winter tax balance on February 15 th.
Beginning March 1 of each year, all unpaid taxes (both summer and winter) are returned delinquent to Newaygo County and payable only at Newaygo County with additional penalties.
Where do I send tax payments?
Fremont City Treasurer
101 E. Main Street
Fremont, MI 49412
Do you accept credit card payments?
Currently, we do not. The City routinely considers the cost/benefit ration of the overall tax collection program, and we may in the near future.
I never received a tax bill, what should I do?
If you pay taxes yourself – not through a mortgage company – and do not receive your summer bill by the end of the first week in July or the winter bill by the end of the first week in December, contact the Treasurer’s office at (231) 924-2101 or gkrouse@cityoffremont.net.
How do I change the mailing address for my tax bill?
Contact the Treasurer’s office at (231) 924-2101 or gkrouse@cityoffremont.net.
What is a Poverty/Hardship Exemption? How do I qualify? When do I file?
Poverty/Hardship Exemption Forms are for one-year exemptions from a portion of property taxes and must be requested every year. The Board of Review considers all requests for Poverty/Hardship Exemptions.
To be considered for this exemption, you must:
- Have an income less than or equal to the Federal Guidelines for the Poverty Income Level
- Complete a form requesting this exemption and supply the necessary documents to support your request
Supporting documentation for your request includes: State and Federal Income Tax Returns, Income and Expense statements and their supporting verification documents. Some people may only qualify one year and not the next, but in order to be considered they must reapply annually in the month of March.
What is a homestead exemption?
A homestead exemption was created through the adoption of Proposal A in 1994. The owner of real property is exempted from the 18 mills of school operating tax for the percentage of taxable value used as a primary residence.
How do I know if I have an exemption?
The exemption is shown as a percentage. The percentage will be displayed on both your assessment notice and tax bill. An exemption of 100% means your property is exempted from 100% of the 18 mills of school operating taxes.
How do I apply for a homestead exemption?
Download a copy online (Need File) or stop by the City Offices.
What services are included in my City utility bill?
The bill you receive from the City includes water, sewer, garbage and recycling pickup charges as applicable to your address.
What do these services cost?
- Water
- Minimum charge is $11.25
- From 7,000 to 20,000 gallons usage is $1.25 per thousand
- Any water used over 21,000 is $1.10 per thousand
- Sewer
- Minimum charge is $14.85
- Any usage over 4,000 gallons is $1.82 per thousand.
- Recycling - $1.47 a month, which equals $4.41 per quarter
- Cart service - $7.78 a month, which equals $23.34 per quarter
When is my utility bill due?
The City sends bills every three months. Each bill covers the previous three months’ usage. Bills are generally mailed out the 15th of January, April, July and October and are due by the 15th of the following month. For example, a City utility bill mailed April 15th covers January, February and March usage and is due by May 15th. If the bill is not paid by the due date, a 10% penalty will be added.
Why is my utility bill higher than my neighbors?
Each bill is based on actual water usage, and every family uses water differently. You cannot base your bill on your neighbor’s. If you have questions about your usage, call or stop in at City Hall and we will try to answer your questions.
What happens when I sell my property?
The City must be notified when you sell your property. If we know in a timely manner, we can get an actual water reading and at the next billing period you will receive a bill for the actual amount you owe. Plus when we are notified, the bill can be put into the new owner’s name. If we are not notified, the bill continues in your name and there is no way to go back and tell which portion of the bill belongs to you and which portion should go to the new homeowner.
The new owner also needs to contact us to verify the information we have and select their choice of garbage service.
I have moved, but my property has not sold. Will I be billed for garbage pickup?
If your home is empty and you have a garbage cart, set it by your curb and notify us to pick it up. You will not be billed for service after that date. You will be billed for the portion of the quarter in which you used it. The recycling charge will continue at a rate of $1.47 per month.
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