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Assessor's Office

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1. If I disagree with my Property Assessment what can I do?

Appeals are filed with the local Board of Review during the 1st 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.

2. When are property taxes due?

Summer taxes (City, State Education Tax (SET) and local School taxes) are mailed by the 1st week of July and are due by August 10.

Winter taxes (Newaygo County, Newaygo County Regional Education Service Agency (NCRESA) and District Library taxes) are mailed by the 1st week of December and are due by February 14.

The City turns all unpaid taxes over to the County Treasurer on March 1 each year.

3. How are my property taxes determined?

Your taxes are calculated by multiplying the tax rate by each thousand of taxable value (TV.) Fore more information, please view the Tax Example page.

4. 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).

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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 bill 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. Beginning March one 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.

8. 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.

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.

9. Where do I send tax payments?

Please send tax payments to the Fremont City Treasurer at 101 East Main Street.

10. Do you accept credit card payments?

The City accepts credit cards in our office and online.

11. 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 1st week in July or the winter bill by the end of the 1st week in December, contact the Treasurer’s office at 231-924-2101.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. How do I apply for a homestead exemption?

You can visit the City Hall at 101 East Main Street or download Form 2368 (PDF).

15. 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.

16. How much do my utility services cost?

For more information, please view the Utility Services Cost page.

17. When is my utility bill due?

The City sends bills every 3 months. Each bill covers the previous three months’ usage. Bills are generally mailed out the 15 of January, April, July and October and are due by the 15 of the following month.

For example, a City utility bill mailed April 15 covers January, February and March usage and is due by May 15. If the bill is not paid by the due date, a 10% penalty will be added.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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 to be charged to the homeowner.

21. What is a Poverty/Hardship Exemption? How do I qualify? When do I file?

For more information, please view the Poverty / Hardship Exemption page.

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City Manager

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1. What is the relationship/connection between the City Manager and the City Council?

For more information, please visit the City Manager Relations page.

2. What is the Council-Manager Plan or form of government?

For more information, please view the Council-Manager Plan page.

3. 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.

4. 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 6 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.

5. What does the City Manager do?

For more information, please view the Duties of the City Manager page.

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Clerk's Office

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1. What is Fremont’s total population?

The total population for the City of Fremont based on the 2010 Census is 4,081. Fremont’s 2000 Census count was 4,224.

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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 page.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Can I register to vote on-line?

No. An original signature is required to register to vote.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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 at 101 East Main Street.

12. 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 at 231-924-2101, complete and sign the form and submit it back to the Clerk’s Office before 2 p.m., on the Saturday before an election. Voted ballots must be received by at the City Clerk’s office by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

13. What are the criteria for voting by absentee ballot?

For more information, please visit the Absentee Ballot page.

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General FAQs

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1. How do I pay my taxes and utilities online?

From the home page, click on the link "Online Bill Pay". It will take you to the Accessmygov payment and lookup website. On the left of the screen you have the option to pay taxes or utilities.

2. Frequently Asked Question about the Community?

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Police Department

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1. What is the address and contact information for the Fremont Police Department?

Emergency phone: 911
Business phone: 231-924-2100
Fax: 231-924-2400

Address:
101 E Main Street
Fremont, MI 49412

2. What are your normal business hours?

Our normal business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

If you need to speak with a police officer after these hours, call Central Dispatch at 231-689-5288 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.

3. 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 Street
P.O. Box 129
White Cloud, Mi 49349

Court staff can be contacted by telephone at 231-689-7255 during normal business hours.

4. 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.

5. I need to have my fingerprints taken for employment purposes. Will the police department do this for me?

The Fremont Police Department offers Livescan fingerprinting to those in need of criminal history background checks that may be required as a condition for employment, certification, licensing, foreign adoptions, etc.

Appointments are required. Hours for fingerprints are from 9:30 - 3:45 pm on Monday, and 8:00 - 4:45 pm Tuesday through Friday.  Hours are subject to change due to the operational needs of the police department.  Being fingerprinted takes approximately 10-15 minutes in an applicant setting.  Call Becky at 231.924.2100 to schedule your appointment.

Cost for a Livescan is $58.25 as established by the State of Michigan and the FBI. Also, printing of fingerprints on fingerprint cards is available with the cost of $15 for one card.  Additional cards are $5 each.  You must have your Michigan Driver's License or a Michigan State ID card with your current address on it.  Also, bring the Request for Fingerprint form provided to you by the organization requesting your prints.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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?

For additional information, please visit the Criminal History page.

10. Occasionally I see City officers outside the City limits. Can they write me a ticket when they are outside the City?

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.  A Fremont Police Officer can write a ticket if they are with a County Deputy or State Trooper if working together.

11. 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.

12. 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. Click on the following link to submit a property check card online or stop by the police department to fill one out.

13. We have a stray dog hanging around our house. Will the police pick it up?

We encourage all residents to call Animal Control at 231-689-7020. 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.

14. 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.

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Public Works

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1. 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 and sewer fee is $1500.00 for each service. If service is larger than 1 inch check with Water Supervisor regarding fee.

2. I have a sewer backup, who do I call?

During regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 to 5 p.m.), call the City Offices at 231-924-2101 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 at 231-689-7022 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.

For more information, please view the
Sewer Backup Policy.

3. 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.

4. How many employees does the Department of Public Works have?

Under the direction the Department of Public Works Supervisor there are 3 supervisors, Water Department Supervisor, Wastewater Supervisor and Parks and Cemetery Supervisor. There are 8 full time union labors and during the summer the city hires 4 to 6 people to help during the season.

5. 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.

6. Does the City of Fremont have an airport?

Yes, it is located on 7756 West 60th Street The airport has a contracted manager for all daily operations.

For more information, please visit the Fremont Municipal Airport page.

7. How much equipment is used during the wintertime?

The City has 4 plow trucks with salt spreaders and front plow hook ups, 2 pickup trucks with front plows for the maintenance in the parking lots and other small areas, 2 loaders and a large snow blower for cleaning the downtown area. For sidewalks downtown we have 1 broom tractor and for all other sidewalks we have 1 Bombardier.

8. 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.

9. How many water towers does the city have?

The City has 3 water towers. They are located on Decker Street, East Main Street and Weaver Avenue.

10. How many water wells does the City have?

There are 8 wells in the City of Fremont that supply water to the City.

11. Who is your largest water user in the City?

The largest water customer is Gerber Products company.

12. 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.

13. 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 72nd Street and put into lagoon for treatment.

14. When is leaf pick-up?

Leaf pick-up is 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.

15. How does the city pick up Brush?

The City will remove brush without charge, the 1st 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 3 (3 inches) in diameter. Residents throughout the City must have their brush placed curbside by 7 a.m. of each 1st Monday morning beginning each month from April through October.

Brush is not to be placed at curbside any earlier than the Friday before the 1st Monday. The City will also continue to provide curbside chipping of Christmas trees the 1st 2 weeks of January, at no additional cost.

16. Is smoking allowed in City facilities and parks?

Generally, no. Smoking is prohibited in all city-owned buildings and playground areas within its parks.

17. How do I get rid of my household trash?

The City contracts with Allied Waste Services. When a resident purchases a residence they are to call City Offices at 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.

18. How do I report a street lighting outage or traffic signal malfunction?

For street light outage call Consumers at 231-928-4140 Fremont office.

For traffic signal malfunction contact Fremont Police Department at 231-924-2100.

19. What is the City's Parking Ban?

No parking between 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. from December 1 to April 1 for all streets.

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Treasurer's Office

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1. When are property taxes due?

Summer taxes (City, State Education Tax (SET) and local School taxes) are mailed by the 1st week of July and are due by August 10.

Winter taxes (Newaygo County, Newaygo County Regional Education Service Agency (NCRESA) and District Library taxes) are mailed by the 1st week of December and are due by February 14.

The City turns all unpaid taxes over to the County Treasurer on March 1 each year.

2. 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).

3. 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 bill 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. Beginning March one 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.

4. Where do I send tax payments?

Please send tax payments to the Fremont City Treasurer at 101 East Main Street.

5. Do you accept credit card payments?

The City accepts credit cards in our office and online.

6. 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 1st week in July or the winter bill by the end of the 1st week in December, contact the Treasurer’s office at 231-924-2101.

7. 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.

8. How much do my utility services cost?

For more information, please view the Utility Services Cost page.

9. When is my utility bill due?

The City sends bills every 3 months. Each bill covers the previous three months’ usage. Bills are generally mailed out the 15 of January, April, July and October and are due by the 15 of the following month.

For example, a City utility bill mailed April 15 covers January, February and March usage and is due by May 15. If the bill is not paid by the due date, a 10% penalty will be added.

10. 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.

11. 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 to be charged to the homeowner.