Necessary Government Activities Available
In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Calhoun County Government and the City of Battle Creek are taking steps to meet Governor Whitmer’s "Stay Home, Stay Safe" Executive Order.
The City of Battle Creek has the following updates:
- All city facilities will remain closed until Tuesday, April 14. This now includes the Binder Park Golf Course, and the Battle Creek Police Department lobby. The Recreation Department’s spring break camp is canceled.
- The city’s Fire and Police Departments continue regular operations, and will respond to emergencies.
- The city’s Water and Waste Water teams continue to provide drinking water and waste water treatment services. For water needs or concerns, please contact staff at 269-966-3343.
- Brice Pit, the city’s compost site on West River Road, is closed at this time. However, inside city limits, curbside yard waste pickup begins the week of March 30.
- Inside the city, Waste Management continues regular trash and recycling pickup operations. The customer service phone number has changed temporarily – 269-969-7530.
- Battle Creek Transit will continue to operate regular bus routes and Tele-Transit service. Staff has canceled the weekend BCGo service during the Executive Order period.
- Please note that Transit services are now free to riders, to limit person-to-person interactions. Please board at the back of the bus, and note that seats directly behind the driver will be blocked, again, to ensure safe distances between people. Riders who need the ramp to board the bus can still do so at the front door.
- The city will continue to take utility bill, income tax, and other payments. Customers can pay online, or use the drop box in the parking lot of City Hall, 10 N. Division St. Envelopes are provided at the drop box, and staff are checking it daily. To pay a utility bill by phone, please call 269-966-3366.
- The enhanced fees for online payments will be waived from March 25 to April 30.
- While city facilities are closed, the Inspections team will operate in a modified way. Customers can submit permit applications, plans, and payment online and by mail. Inspections will take place virtually. On-site inspections will only take place in an emergency. Request an inspection at www.bsaonline.com, by leaving a message at 269-966-3382 (include contact name, number, property address, requested inspection day); or at inspection@battlecreekmi.gov (include contact name, number, property address, requested inspection day).
- Please allow 48 hours for application processing and up to 14 days for plan review, or call 269-966-3382 for a more urgent need. Staff will process mailed permits and payment within one week of receipt.
- Please contact Chief Building Official Richard Bolek with questions at 269-966-3319 or rebolek@battlecreekmi.gov.
- City income taxes are due on April 30. While the federal deadline is extended, Battle Creek must follow state law, which has not changed at this point. However, state law allows you to request an extension of up to six months, in writing. Anyone who does this automatically will receive that extension from the city. Complete Form 4868 at the city’s website, battlecreekmi.gov; scroll to City Spotlight for the income tax link. Follow the mailing instructions, or drop into the City Hall bill drop box. Please call 269-966-3388 to receive the form by mail. Should the state extend the income tax deadline, this form will not be necessary.
- Freedom of Information Act processing and requests are suspended until the Governor’s order is lifted, as they are not necessary to sustain or protect life, or support those operations that do so. The business day time period to respond to requests will resume on April 14.
Calhoun County moved to limited operations last week, after a decision to close buildings to the public. Please reference the Calhoun County press release regarding building closures to see a list of all departments and operations. After Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s "Stay Home, Stay Safe" Executive Order today, the following changes will be made to County services:
- The suspension of in-person access to most county offices and buildings is extended through April 13.
- All Public Health Department services are temporarily modified. Residents can use the CCPHD call-line to be appropriately routed: 269-969- 6990
- Clinic: All services temporarily suspended; Clients who may be symptomatic for a sexually transmitted infection, have tested positive, or have had contact to a positive STI case should call the main line listed above.
- WIC: Providing re-certification and new client services via phone
- Environmental Health: Emergency response only (e.g., no water, sewage on ground, restaurant fire)
- Children’s Special Health Care Services: via phone only
- Nurse-Family Partnership: via phone only
- The Office of the Sheriff will continue to provide law enforcement services and jail management.
- Court operations are greatly reduced and remain as outlined in the Supreme Court’s March 18 Administrative Order. The Prosecuting Attorney and Public Defender will maintain operations necessary to support court operations and maintain public safety, mostly through remote services.
- Road Department public works operations will continue on a reduced basis to protect critical infrastructure.
- Most other county offices, including the Clerk/Register of Deeds, Treasurer, Water Resources Commissioner, Senior Services, Veterans Affairs and Community Development, will respond to email and phone requests for necessary services as defined by the Governor’s Executive Order.
- The County’s Administration will ensure critical business operations, including financial obligations and protecting our assets, are met, along with supporting all county staff involved in the COVID-19 response effort.
- The Board of Commissioners is scheduled to meet next on April 14 for its State-mandated annual Equalization Session and is planning a remote participation format.
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