Elected Officials, Boards & Commissions

Board of Commissioners

The Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners is the governing legislative body. The Board is responsible for establishing policy, passing laws, and overseeing all County government operations in accordance with State laws and has shared authority with other County elected officials in specific areas. Commissioners are elected to the Board on a partisan basis for concurrent 2-year terms.

1. Board of Commissioners Assignments

2. Boards, Commissions and Committees

3. New Appointees

   Guidance for appointees to Grand Traverse County Boards and Committees.

4. Board Rules (PDF)

   Review a printable document about board rules.

5. Policies

   Policies approved by the Board of Commissioners.

6. Meeting Compensation Report

   Summary of monthly compensation paid to the Board of Commissioners and other boards or committees that claim meeting compensation.

7. 2 Percent Applications - Grand Traverse Band

   Twice each year, the Grand Traverse Band sets aside 2% of its video gaming revenue, to allocate to local units of government for services provided to the tribes and for impacts associated with the existence and location of the tribal casino in its vicinity (and shall receive no less than an amount equivalent to its share of ad valorem property taxes).

8. Marihuana Funds Applications

Boards

The Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners is responsible for appointing members to a number of special boards and committees throughout the community.

1. Bay Area Transportation Authority

   BATA operates a bus service that provides more than half a million rides to residents and visitors in the region.

2. Board of Canvassers

   The Board of Canvassers is responsible to canvass and certify elections and conduct election recounts.

3. Board of Public Works

   The Board of Public Works oversees the Department of Public Works that provides sewer and water services for Acme, East Bay, Garfield, Peninsula, and Elmwood Townships.

4. Brownfield Redevelopment Authority

   The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority facilities the redevelopment of contaminated, blighted, or obsolete sites in Grand Traverse County.

5. Building Authority

   The Building Authority is tasked with acquiring, maintaining, and operating buildings, parking lots, and necessary sites for use by local units of government.

6. Building Code Board of Appeals

   The Board of Appeals hears appeals of decisions made by plan reviewers or inspectors in regards to the application or interpretation of Michigan building codes.

7. Central Dispatch Policy Board

   The Central Dispatch Policy Board has overall responsibility for the preparation of rules and regulations for the administration and operation of Grand Traverse County 911.

8. Commission on Aging Advisory Board

   The Advisory Board assists in designing the services and programs that support older adults in Grand Traverse County.

9. Community Corrections Advisory Board

   The Community Corrections Advisory Board is responsible for studying and making recommendations regarding alternatives to jail.

10. Economic Development Corporation

    The Grand Traverse County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is dedicated to helping Northern Michigan residents economically thrive. It does this through the issuance of revenue bonds to support projects and initiatives that positively impact the regional economy.

11. Farmland & Open Space Preservation Board

    The Grand Traverse County Farmland and Open Space Preservation Board administers the County’s farmland preservation program.

12. Grand Traverse Pavilions Ad Hoc Committee - Dissolved 12/31/24

    At the September 6, 2023, regular meeting the Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to create an Pavilions ad hoc committee in an effort to explore possible options regarding the Pavilions.

13. Hospital Finance Authority

    The Hospital Finance Authority is tasked with financing capital improvements of hospitals located in Grand Traverse County.

14. Health and Human Services Board

    The Health and Human Services Board oversees the operation of the County Department of Health and Human Services and the County Medical Care Facility.

15. Land Bank Authority

    The Grand Traverse County Land Bank Authority utilizes tax-reverted properties and acquires properties and other resources for economic development opportunities.

16. Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Board

    The Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Board has the responsibility for the delivery of a comprehensive range of mental health services for mentally ill adults and children.

17. Northern Michigan Regional Entity

    Northern Michigan Regional Entity manages the behavorial health services for people enrolled in Medicaid.

18. Northwest Regional Airport Authority

    The Northwest Region Airport Commission is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Cherry Capital Airport.

19. Parks and Recreation Commission

    The Parks and Recreation Commission has oversight of the County's parks and recreation programs.

20. Road Commission

    The Road Commission is responsible for maintaining the County's road system.

21. Traverse Area District Library Board

    The Library Board is responsible to oversee the operations of the district library system.

22. Veterans Affairs Administrative Committee

    The Veterans Affairs Administrative Committee oversees the operation of the County Department of Veterans Affairs Office.

Board Vacancies

Chairman

Chairman, Vice

County Clerk

The County Clerk is responsible for keeping records of births, deaths, assumed names, co-partnerships, military discharge papers, and issuing and filing marriage licenses.

1. Vital Records & Elections Office

   The Vital Records and Elections Division is responsible for administering all elections and maintaining vital records and marriage licenses.

2. Clerk's Office Circuit & Family Court Records

   Due to the successful implementation of e-filing by the 13th Circuit Court, the County Clerk's Circuit Court Records and the Family Court Records staff have been combined into one office located on the 2nd Floor in the Hall of Justice.

3. Board of Commissioners

   The Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners works to preserve the beautiful and healthy environment that makes Grand Traverse County a desirable community in which to live.

4. Apportionment Commission

   The 2020 Apportionment Committee consists of the County Clerk, Treasurer, Prosecutor and the chairs of the Democratic and Republican parties of Grand Traverse County. They are tasked with determining the size of the County Commission and the division of the county into those representative districts.

Drain Commissioner

Drain commissioners are responsible for many aspects of surface water management.

1. Cass Road Drain Notice of Letting & Day of Review

   Cass Road Drain, Day of Review, Notice of Letting

2. Duck Lake Dam Documents

3. Old Mission Documents

4. Silver Lake Documents

5. Duck Lake Level Updates

Prosecuting Attorney

Welcome to the Grand Traverse County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. It is our job to represent the People of the State of Michigan in criminal prosecutions in both the Circuit and District Courts. The Prosecuting Attorney is also the chief civil counsel for the county representing the people of Grand Traverse County.

1. Anatomy of a Criminal Case

   A Misdemeanor is a lesser crime punishable by a fine and/or county jail time for up to one year. Misdemeanors are distinguished from felonies which can be punished by a state prison term.

2. Court Cases

   Look up your court case as well as find the different kinds of court cases that are handled by the prosecuting attorney.

3. Freedom of Information Request

   This act mandates that a public body may only charge fees if it has established, and makes publicly available, procedures and guidelines for implementing the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

4. Meet the Prosecuting Attorney

5. Press Releases (News)

   View news releases from 2014 to present for the Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

6. Victim Rights

   In complying with the Crime Victim's Rights Act, Grand Traverse County has established the Crime Victims Assistance Program.

Register of Deeds

The mission of the Grand Traverse County Register of Deeds Office is to provide timely, secure, and accurate recording services that are delivered in a prompt and courteous manner.

1. Recording Requirements

   View a list of requirements before you file any documents with the Register of Deeds Office.

2. Most Common Recording Errors

   Read about the most common recording errors to find out how to avoid making the same mistakes.

3. Recording Fees

   Learn about recording fees for state, county, and federal levels and applicable warranty deed fees.

4. E-Recording Documents

   View information on e-Recording for documents such as warranty deeds.

5. Records Search

   Search online records and images through the Register of Deeds Office.

6. Property Fraud

   Property fraud is when someone uses your property for financial gain.

7. Specific Document Recording Requirements

Road Commission

Visit the Grand Traverse County Road Commission website to learn about road information, access agendas and minutes, or request service.

Sheriff's Office

The Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office provides the highest quality of public service and safety in order to preserve, protect, and defend the rights of the citizens and visitors of Grand Traverse County.

1. About Us

2. Divisions

   Learn more about the divisions that comprise the Sheriff's Office and the services they provide.

3. Services

4. Programs

5. How Do I...?

Treasurer

The mission of the Grand Traverse County Treasurer's Office is to serve taxpayers with respect, professionalism, and commitment to customer service above and beyond what is expected.

1. Delinquent Taxes Payment

   The County Treasurer's Office contracts with Official Payments to take credit card payments both online and in the office for delinquent property taxes.

2. Delinquent Tax Information

   Learn how to calculate your current taxes, locate your local treasurer, and find answers to frequently asked questions.

3. Dog Licenses

   View licensing requirements, fees, and license renewal instructions.

4. Exemptions

   Find out what the Principal Residence Exemption is and learn about property tax exemptions for veterans.

5. Frequently Asked Questions- Property Tax

6. How to Prevent Tax Foreclosure

   Apply for the Financial assistance, a hardship extension, and more.

7. Plat Books

   Plat Books

8. Properties Available For Sale

9. Property Tax Foreclosure Timeline

   Property Tax Foreclosure Timeline

10. Reports & Data

    Access annual reports, view tax rolls, and more.

11. Tax/Deed Certification

12. Treasurer's Forms

    Access dog licenses and various forms from the County Treasurer's Office.