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1. Can I text 911 for help in Roscommon County?

Call if you can, text if you can't!  

Effective July, 2017, Roscommon County 911 is able to receive text messages from all major carriers including Verizon, AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile, and Sprint.  Smaller carries under these companies may also get a text message through.  Your phone must have service that will allow a text message to be sent.  This may be a prepaid phone or a phone that is under contract.  You must also have a signal from the phone to the the nearest cell phone tower that is strong enough to allow a text message through.  

The most frequently asked question is "How does it work?"  The first rule is, always place a voice call to 911 unless there is some urgent reason you cannot.  Real life examples of when a voice call is not the best choice include situations were being heard will make the situation more dangerous and medical situations were the person is unable to speak clearly.  In those cases, text messaging 911 is the best option.  

We hope you never find yourself in a situation requiring our assistance, especially if you must text for help.  However, if you do end up needing to text 911, we will need to know where you need help and what the problem is.  The Roscommon 911 team will then begin the process of gathering additional details to allow help to be sent.  It really is as simple as sending any other text message.  If you ever find yourself in a situation you determine you must send a text for help, be sure to mute your phone as Roscommon 911 will send a text message back to you. 

There are many small carriers out there and most operate using one of the four major carriers networks.  Under most circumstances those carriers will also be able to deliver a text message to 911.  If you happened to be on that rare network that will not, you will receive a text message informing you to place a voice call.  This message is not sent by Roscommon 911 and we would not know you need help; you will need to dial 911 under that circumstance.

Once again, Call if you can, text if you can't!  We truly hope you never find yourself needing our assistance but we are happy to help if you ever do.  Roscommon County 911 is proud to serve our citizens and visitors.  

2. What is 911?

911 is the number most people in the U.S. and some in international countries call to get help in a police, fire or medical emergency. A 911 call goes over dedicated phone lines to the 911 answering point closest to the caller, and trained personnel then send the emergency help needed.

3. How does 911 find me?

The number one most important piece of information you can have to help yourself during an emergency is your location. This may be as simple as the address of your home or more complex such the nearest access point to the trail you followed into the woods or even the nearest launch when on a lake.

Roscommon County is beautiful with large lakes, deep woods, and scenic views. We also have two major freeways, I-75 and US-127 that pass through the county with over a million yearly travelers. Whether you're a long time resident or just passing through, you will want to be found in the event of an emergency. Knowing where you're at and being able to relay that to 911 may save a life.

What if you don't know? Modern technologies are vastly improved but still often provide generalities. All 911 calls are routed to the nearest 911 center. The information of your location is then forwarded to that center. When calling from a landline phone the name and address registered to the phone is displayed. For most homes this will be the actual address of the home but for some businesses, it may be the name and address of a parent company located at a completely different address. Cellular phones do not provide 911 with an address for the caller. Under most circumstances it will provide 911 a latitude and longitude which, during perfect conditions, may be very accurate. However, factor in things such as being surrounded by a metal car, inside a building, weather, and age or condition of the phone, the information provided by the latitude and longitude could be off significantly. It all boils down to, you, the caller. Being aware of where you're at, staying calm during an emergency, and being able to verbalize your location to the 911 dispatcher will make the difference.

4. What if a 911 caller is deaf, or hearing/speech impaired?

Roscommon Central Dispatch has multiple technologies available to communicate with the deaf and hearing/ speech impaired. Historically such communications have taken place via a relay center or direct via TTY/TDD equipment. TTY/TDD equipment will remain in place as long as required but this technology is slowly fading into history.

Roscommon Central Dispatch also has Smart911 which allows us to communicate via text message with cellular phones. It does not allow us to receive 911 calls via text message. Instead, 911 can start a text conversation with any active cell phone. The process would work like this: An individual places a 911 call via an active cell phone. That call is received at 911. The 911 dispatcher will attempt verbal communication with the caller. If there is no verbal response, it sounds as if speaking is impractical or unsafe, or the caller says they must text to communicate, the dispatcher will then start a text conversation. Callers should take whatever measures they must to ensure their safety during this process such as exit a burning building or hide in a safe place during a break-in.

Communications centers that answer 9-1-1 calls have special text telephones for responding to 9-1-1 calls from Deaf or hearing/speech impaired callers. If a caller uses a TTY/TDD, the caller should: stay calm, place the phone receiver in the TTY, dial 911. After the call is answered, press the TTY keys several times. This may help shorten the time necessary to respond to the call.

Give the call taker time to connect their TTY. If necessary, press the TTY keys again. The 911 call taker should answer and type GA for Go Ahead. Tell what is needed-police, Fire Department, or ambulance. Give your name, phone number and the address where help is needed.

Stay on the telephone if it is safe. Answer the call taker’s questions. If a deaf or hearing/speech impaired caller doesn’t have a TTY/TDD, the caller should call using a cellular phone or the relay center for assistance at 7-1-1.

5. Does it cost money to call 911?

Roscommon County 911 operates on a voter approved millage. There is no per-call charge for calling 911. However, EMS/ambulances dispatched through 911 may charge for taking someone to the hospital; this is a separate ambulance charge, not a 911 charge. You also do not need money to call 911 from a pay-phone.

6. What's the rule regarding prank or repeated accidental 911 calls?

A prank call is when someone calls 911 for a joke, or calls 911 and hangs up. Prank calls not only waste time and money, but can also be dangerous. If 911 lines or call takers are busy with prank calls, someone with a real emergency may not be able to get the help they need. Remember, in most places, it’s against the law to make prank 911 calls.

Most accidental calls are considered just that, accidental. In most cases, 911 dispatchers will make an attempt to recontact the caller to ensure there is no real emergency. There have been times when a phone repeatedly dials 911 tying up valuable resources just like prank calls. Even when accidental it is treated very seriously. Callers will be provided an opportunity to correct the situation but there are laws in place similar to those against making prank calls.

If you know your phone is malfunctioning and calling 911 repeatedly some simple steps may clear up the problem. For cell phones simply turning it off and waiting for approximately 1 minute before powering it back on will clear it up. Land lines may be disconnected at the phone, waiting for a few moments, the reconnected. If the problem persists callers must contact their phone provider for a repair.

7. How do I make a 911 call?

In an emergency, dial 911 on your phone. It’s a free call.

You can use any kind of phone: push button, rotary, cellular/wireless, cordless, or pay phone. Stay calm and state your emergency. Speak loudly and clearly when possible. Give the 911 call taker your name, phone number and the address where help is needed. Answer the call taker’s questions. Stay on the telephone if it’s safe to do so, and don’t hang up until the call taker tells you to.

8. What if the 911 caller doesn't speak English?

When necessary, a 911 call taker can add an interpreter from an outside service to the line. A non-English speaking caller may hear a short conversation in English and some clicking sounds as the interpreter is added to the line.

9. When should you use 911?

911 is only to be used in emergency situations. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police/sheriff, the Fire Department or an ambulance. If you are ever in doubt of whether a situation is an emergency you should call 911. It’s better to be safe and let the 911 call taker determine if you need emergency assistance.

Don't call 911 for information, directory assistance, paying tickets, for pet-related issues, as a prank, or just for a chat. If you call 911 by mistake, do not hang up. Tell the call taker what happened so they know there really isn’t an emergency.

If you know it is not an emergency but still require assistance, you may reach Roscommon Central Dispatch at 275-0911; the area code is 989 if from outside the area.

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1. Clerk's Office

Roscommon County Clerk's Office can assist you with notarization.  You must bring your Photo ID or Driver's License along with the document you want notarized.  DO NOT sign the document.  The document must be signed in front of a Notary Public.  The fee is $5.00 per notarization.

2. How to become a Notary

Go to: Notary Services

• Complete the online "Notary Application" on the Online Services page under "Notary Services."
• Print your complete application
• Obtain a $10,000 surety bond from an insurance agency or bonding company and take it, along with your application, to your county clerk.  
  • Pay the county filing fee of $10.00.  
  • Sign your notary application and bond in front of the clerk at the county.  
  • Take the oath administered by the County Clerk's office.
• Use Online Services to upload your final application and pay the $10 nonrefundable processing fee by credit/debit card (additional fees will apply) or e-check/bank account number.  Or you can mail the application to the State of Michigan along with your check.  

3. Where do I go to get something notarized?

If you need something notarized the Roscommon County Clerk’s Office can assist you. You must bring your Photo ID or Driver’s License along with the document you want notarized. DO NOT sign the document. The document must be signed in front of a Notary Public.  

4. What is the process for moving with a CPL?

• If you have a Roscommon County CPL & move out of the county you need to notify Roscommon County of your move. When it is time for you to renew you need to do so with your new County.
• If you have a current CPL with another County and you move to Roscommon County you must notify the county you are leaving. When your current CPL expires you need to renew with Roscommon County.
• If you hold an out of state CPL, after establishing residency you must take a Michigan NRA certified course and follow our new application process.

5. How do I obtain a certified copy?

You can get a certified copy of your DBA, Birth Certificate, or a Death Certificate IF these events had taken place in this county. Otherwise, it will only be obtainable in the county of the event. 

 You can get a certified copy of your Marriage License from the County Clerk's office if one of the parties lived in this county at the time of the marriage and you had applied here.   Otherwise, it will be obtainable at your county of residence at the time of the marriage.  

 We will need a written request and monies up front before issuing the certified copy.  A request form may be obtained from https://www.roscommoncounty.net/150/Clerk or the county clerk’s office. If you would like a certified copy of a Birth Certificate, a copy of your driver’s license is required. Certified copies cost $10.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for any additional copies of that same record. DBA certified copies are $2.00 per copy.

 

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1. What is Community Corrections?

Community Corrections is a program that was established with the passage of Michigan Public Act 51one of 1988. P.A. 511 establishes a statewide policy for locally developed and operated corrections programs for non-violent offenders. Pursuant to P.A. 511, the Michigan Legislature annually considers appropriations legislation for Community Corrections Programs which are administered by the Michigan Department of Corrections, Office of Community Corrections to eligible local units of government.

The 34th Circuit Community Corrections Programs has been a recipient of P.A. 511 grant funding since 1991. Programs are administered to the 3 counties of the 34th Circuit Court jurisdiction, which included the Counties of Arenac, Ogemaw and Roscommon.

Roscommon County serves as the fiscal agent for the program and the Community Corrections Office is located in
Room 42
Roscommon County Building
500 Lake Street
Village of Roscommon
Roscommon, MI 48653-7690

2. Who normally qualifies for P.A. 511?

P.A. 511 Community Corrections Programs were created for adult (18-years and older), non-violent offenders, including both misdemeanants and felons. Eligible participants must have no pattern or criminal record or violent or assaultive offenses. On an individual case basis, offenders with 2 assaultive convictions in the previous 5 years may be allowed to participate, especially if the assaultive offense was committed while the offender was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Typically, participants in Community Corrections are offenders sentenced for misdemeanors or felony crimes related to: substance abuse (alcohol or drugs), retail and other fraud-related crimes, property crimes (breaking and entering, burglary, malicious destruction of property), probation violation, traffic crimes and public order offense violations. Offenders are motivated to participate in P.A. 511 programs because they can earn early release time, in addition to Sheriff’s good time, through community service work performed and for the successful completion of 511 programs. This enables the Sheriff’s Departments to make better utilization of county jails.

A Criminal Sexual Conduct in-jail and outpatient mental health treatment program for offenders sentenced for CSC2 and CSC4 offenses is offered. CSC offenders are not eligible to earn early release time through P.A. 511 participation due tot he nature of the crime(s). The CSC Mental Health Treatment Program is considered a prison diversion program - which is why it is funded under P.A. 511.

3. Why Community Corrections?

Crime rates and the cost of prison and jail construction and prisoner incarceration have increased dramatically over the years, thus placing a great burden on taxpayers. State and local officials continuously grapple with these matters. Further compounding problems and frustrating criminal justice professionals is the tendency for most offenders to re-offend upon release from prison or jail. This tendency to re-offend is called “recidivism.”

In order to stave off recidivism, criminal justice professionals continuously work to perfect or create corrective rehabilitation programs to administer to offenders during and following incarceration, or in some cases, in lieu of incarceration. It has long been held in criminal justice field that prisons and jails should be reserved primarily for housing and rehabilitating more violent security risk offenders and incorrigible habitual offenders.

Community Corrections programs evolved from the growing need to create and administer alternative sentencing programs to non-violent misdemeanants and felons. The objectives of Community Corrections are to lower State prison commitment rates by diverting non-violent offenders from State prison system and to improve utilization of our county jails. Alternative sentencing sanctions are imposed on non-violent offenders to achieve these objectives.

4. What does alternative sentencing do?

Alternative sentencing reduces crowding in state prisons and county jails by placing non-violent offenders in structured programs which do not jeopardize public safety. In this way, low-risk offenders are able to pay back victims and society through restitution and community service work. Community Corrections is working to develop additional middle-range sentencing options for the courts in every jurisdiction throughout the State.

With the goal of reducing recidivism, Community Corrections offers an array of treatment and educational services to non-violent offenses. The 34th Circuit Community Corrections Program enables local government officials and citizens to become involved in the development and operation of its alternative correctional programs through participation and/or inputs to its planning and decision making process through the 34th Circuit Community Corrections Advisory Board.

5. What is the 34th Circuit Community Corrections Advisory Board?

The board was formally established on Sept. 2, 1992. The board is comprised of a broad base of community interests including representatives from government, the judiciary, criminal justice practitioners, educators, business persons, clergy, citizens, news media and service providers. Appointments to the CCAB are made by the respective member county board of commissioners. The current county members are: Arenac, Ogemaw and Roscommon Counties.

All CCAB programs are primarily funded with P.A. 511 grant monies from the Michigan Department of Corrections, Office of Community Corrections, Each member county provides in-kind match to the grant via office and meeting space, utility overhead expenses, and shared use of office equipment and vehicles (when available).

The 34th Circuit CCAB meets bi-monthly, usually on the first Wednesday of the month at 4:30 p.m. Meetings formerly were rotated among the three member counties. On June 2, 1999, the CCAB approved a By-Law change to conduct all regular bi-monthly meetings are the centrally located Ogemaw County Building in West Branch. Meeting schedules are posted in each member county building. Meetings are open to the public and opportunities for public comment are provided at each meeting.

6. What is the purpose of the Community Corrections Advisory Board?

The purposes of the CCAB is to (a) Serve as a regional board in evaluating, identifying and developing community corrections programs, address criminal justice issues and take other action deemed appropriate and necessary in this arena, (b) develop a regional comprehensive community corrections plan and apply for funding tot he Office of Community Corrections to finance and implement the plan, (c) serve as an advocacy group for community-based corrections efforts, and (d) provide community feedback on proposed corrections rehabilitation programs.

7. What violent offenses are ineligible for this program?

Persons convicted of or awaiting sentencing, and pre-trial for commission of violent offenses are not eligible to participate in the P.A. 511 Community Corrections Program. A full list of ineligible violent offenses is available

online.

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1. How do I start a child support case?

The options for starting a child support case are as follows:

A) You can apply for child support services at www.michigan.gov/dhs and choose to apply online at MiChildSupport (see "Quick Links" on FOC main page), or complete and mail the "IV-D Child Support Services Application/Referral" form DHS-1201

B) If paternity has been established, a Custody Packet is available at no cost at our Central Filing Office. The packet contains all the forms needed to start a case.

C) You may contact an attorney for case-establishment assistance.

2. Can I access information about my child support case on line?

Yes. Go to https://micase.state.mi.us/ssoapp/login and create a user account to follow your case on line.

3. What is the purpose of a Show Cause hearing?

A Show Cause hearing is a meeting to discuss why a person is non-compliant with a court order. The purpose of the meeting is to resolve the issue(s) of non-compliance.

4. How do I have my Parenting Time court order enforced?

If you have been denied a segment of parenting time listed in a parenting time schedule within your court order, you will need to submit the "Parenting Time Complaint Form" to our office within 56 days of the violation. The caseworker will start the remedy process for the complaint and schedule a hearing, if needed.

5. How can I get my child support order changed or reviewed?

You have the right to have the FOC conduct a review of your order every 36 months. Either party can submit a written request for this service. Or, if a party needs an immediate change in the support amount, they should file a court motion requesting the change.

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1. How do I submit a Freedom of Information Act request?

FOIA requests may be submitted in writing or via email to the County Controller, who serves as the FOIA Coordinator for Roscommon County.

2. How do I contact my local building and zoning inspector?

Building and zoning are done through each individual township. Please contact your township directly.

3. What is the Drain Commissioner position responsible for?

The Drain Commissioner is an elected official in county government who is responsible for planning, developing and maintaining surface water drainage systems under Public Act 40 of 1956. A drain may be a natural or artificial creek or ditch, or a massive pipe for carrying storm water. The drain commissioner the only elected office in Michigan that can directly levy taxes and borrow money without a vote of the people.

4. Can I attend Commissioner board meetings?

Yes. As a public board, all meetings by the Roscommon County Board of Commissioners are open to the public and subject to all Open Meetings Act requirements. If you require special physical or hearing accommodations, please contact the Commissioner's office at least one day prior to any posted meeting so we may accommodate your needs.

5. What is the difference between the general fund and special fund revenue?

The General Fund houses those departments and accounts that do not have a specific revenue source. These include Circuit, District and Probate Courts as well as the Clerk's Office and Register of Deeds. Special revenue fund is a fund created by a local government that is used for a specific purpose. These are normally, though not always, voted millages or taxes.

6. Are there any job openings at the County?

Roscommon County has a general policy of posting all external, open positions on the county Internet web site. Not all departments utilize the general County web site, though. Some departments, such as the Sheriff's Department, do not post their openings on the general web site and must be contact directly for inquiries. To check for any open positions, please follow the link. Roscommon County Job Opportunities

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1. Why does Roscommon County spray?

Gypsy Moth caterpillars feed on the leaves of many trees and shrubs, especially oaks. Their populations can grow so quickly that they can, in one summer, strip all the leaves off entire stands of trees, damaging them severely. When surveys indicate the population of the pest in an area is large enough to cause defoliation of trees in June, reduction action is taken. Spray treatments reduce such outbreak populations below the level at which they can cause heavy defoliation.

2. What biological insecticide is used?

A single aerial application of the microbial insecticide "Foray48B®", a brand name for Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (commonly called Btk) certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), a national nonprofit organization that approves products used on operations that are certified organic under the USDA National Organic Program. . The active ingredient is a naturally occurring soil bacterium that when eaten kills gypsy moth caterpillars. Btk is specific to Lepidoptera species of caterpillars that ingest it and will not harm humans, bees, birds, fish, pets, and other wildlife.

Btk is highly unlikely to cause any adverse health reactions. It is possible, but very unlikely, that very few people with severe food allergies or asthma may react to the spray. If you suffer from such conditions,common sense suggests that you leave the area or take the simple precaution of staying indoors with the windows closed while the planes are spraying to avoid direct exposure and minimize your risk of reactions. More information is available

online (PDF).

3. Was my property chosen for spraying this year?

The Roscommon County Gypsy Moth Program makes spray block maps available on the website as soon as treatment areas are finalized around the middle of February. Each year in April the parcels chosen for spraying are mailed a post card spray notice. Also, local townships have maps in their offices and a notice of spraying appears in the local newspapers.To find out if your property is in a spray block, visit the Gypsy Moth main page for the most current map.

Spray Map page.

4. When are spray blocks treated?

Spray block treatment is timed when the caterpillars are in the first 3-4 weeks of development (1st & 2nd instar) and leaves have expanded enough to intercept the spray. The timing is based on daily observations of caterpillars and leaf development. Spraying could begin in mid-May or as late as early June. Weather permitting, spraying may start at 6 a.m.in the morning and continue as long as weather conditions remain favorable. Please call the office at 989-275-7135 by mid-May for updates or visit the Gypsy Moth page.

5. Will the trees in my yard or woodlot die once the leaves are completely chewed off by the gypsy moth?

Most trees survive, but survival depends on tree vigor before defoliation and the species of tree being attacked. Healthy, vigorous trees are generally able to withstand two or three years of heavy feeding by the gypsy moth. However, yard trees that are weakened by old age, drought, competition from other trees, or insects and diseases may die after one defoliation. In addition, coniferous trees, such as pine or spruce, cannot produce new needles after defoliation. Thus complete defoliation by gypsy moth may kill these trees.

6. Why is there a Suppression Spray Program?

The goal of the Suppression Program is to protect valuable trees from mortality by controlling gypsy moth population outbreaks in areas where the gypsy moth is established.

The Suppression Program assists communities and landowners in the management of gypsy moth by providing the expertise and equipment for aerial sprays. Treatments under this program are paid for by the Roscommon County millage.

The program uses Organic Certified Foray48B® a naturally occurring soil bacteria, Bacillus thruingiensis var. kurstaki or B.t.k., applied by aerial spray.

7. How do I request spraying or apply to a Suppression Program to be sprayed if I live outside the county?

The Roscommon County Suppression Program is funded by a county-wide millage assessment on all Roscommon County property taxes. Each fall a team of gypsy moth survey personnel check private land for infestation.

If you live out-side Roscommon County’s border, contact your local county, township or municipality. Give a detailed description of where you are located and let them know about the gypsy moth infestation you are experiencing. Contact your county clerk to register your concern. Clerks are not gypsy moth specialists; however, residents typically bring their concerns to their county government through their county clerk.You may also wish to contact your local government to express interest in participating in a suppression program. Local interest is essential because a suppression program is paid for by the people it serves, so many counties will not participate without interest and involvement.

Note: Suppression Program sprays occur in May or as late as early June of each year. The areas to be sprayed are determined in September, October, and November of the previous year. Therefore, county, township and municipality suppression programs need to receive requests as early as possible.

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1. Do you have grants?

Grant opportunities are presented when available.

2. Do you provide rental assistance?

No. We provide funding to homeowners for repairs to their home.

3. Do you have funds available to purchase or help purchase a home?

Not at this time.

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1. Do I have to come to your office to record a document?

No, you do not need to be present. Deeds can be sent through the mail or brought to our office. The requirements to record a document are as follows: 

•Must be the original document. Photo copies are not accepted. 

•Must meet recording requirements. (You can find these requirements here - Recording Requirements | Roscommon County, MI )

•Must include the correct recording fees. (See fee info here - Register of Deeds | Roscommon County, MI )

2. How can I get a copy of my deed?

If you have access to the internet, you can print off a copy of your deed for a small fee by visiting the following website: https://countyfusion3.propertyinfo.com/countyweb/login.do?countyname=RoscommonMI 

You may also come into our office for a copy.  We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30am – 4:30pm.  It will cost $1.00 per page to print a copy of the deed.

3. How do I add someone to my deed?

To add/remove or alter a recorded deed we will require a new deed be recorded. Our office does not provide legal advice on how to prepare a deed. We also do not have any forms available at the office to make changes to deeds.   If you are not familiar with the recording requirements, we suggest contacting an attorney or a title company to assist you.

4. How can I search the records?

If you have access to the internet, you may search all of the records from 1969 to current by visiting this website. 

Our vault is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 4:20 pm, where we offer public computers, microfilm and tract index books for searching.

5. How long does it take to record a document?

If a document is delivered to our window and meets the recording requirements it will be recorded at that time. You will receive a receipt at that time showing the recording information. The original will be mailed back to you within 4-5 business days.

If a deed is sent in through the mail and meets the recording requirements the process takes approximately 24 hours to record. The original will then be mailed back to you within 4-5 business days.