Public Records & Legal Documents

Access Colfax Township's ordinances, resolutions, and learn how to request public records under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act.

📋 Township Legal Documents

Ordinances

Local laws enacted by the Township Board that regulate activities within Colfax Township.

View Earlier Ordinances (1979-1991)

Resolutions

Formal statements of policy, intent, or administrative decisions by the Township Board.

View Earlier Resolutions (1947-2024)

Note: Ordinances have the force of law. Resolutions are formal statements of policy. For questions about how these documents apply to your situation, contact the Township office.

🔍 Freedom of Information Request (FOIA)

Request additional public records and information from Colfax Township under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act.

What Michigan's Freedom of Information Act Covers

✅ What the law covers:

  • Public bodies created or primarily funded by a state or local unit of government
  • State officials and employees
  • State executive branch entities
  • Local units of government
  • Agencies, boards, commissions, and councils in the state legislative branch

❌ What the law doesn't cover:

  • The governor, lieutenant governor and their employees
  • The Legislature, legislators, and their staff

How to Submit a FOIA Request

Colfax Township FOIA requests should be forwarded to:

David Leonard, Supervisor

Email: djleonard48@gmail.com

Phone: 616-824-8867

Tips for FOIA Requests

  • Be as specific as possible about the records you're seeking
  • Include date ranges if applicable
  • Provide your contact information
  • State if you prefer electronic or paper copies
  • Allow reasonable time for response

FOIA Fees

Government bodies are allowed to charge fees for copying records and other labor associated with fulfilling the request. Here's what the law says broadly about fees:

"A public body may charge a fee for a public record search, for the necessary copying of a public record for inspection, or for providing a copy of a public record… the fee must be limited to actual mailing costs, and to the actual incremental cost of duplication or publication including labor, the cost of search, examination, review, and the deletion and separation of exempt from nonexempt information…"

Types of Fees That May Apply

  • Search costs: Time spent locating requested records
  • Review costs: Time spent examining records for exempt information
  • Copying costs: Cost of duplication (paper, electronic media, etc.)
  • Mailing costs: Actual postage or delivery costs
  • Labor costs: Time spent on processing the request

Meeting Minutes & Public Records

For easy access to recent meeting minutes and agendas, visit our meetings page. This page contains an archive of township board meetings organized by quarter for easy browsing.

Quick Access to Public Information

FOIA Request Process

Step 1: Submit Your Request

Contact David Leonard with your specific request. Include details about the records you're seeking and your preferred format.

Step 2: Request Review

The township will review your request to determine what records are available and any applicable fees.

Step 3: Fee Estimate

If fees apply, you'll receive an estimate before any work begins. You can approve or modify your request based on the estimated costs.

Step 4: Record Preparation

Once approved, the township will prepare your requested records, redacting any exempt information as required by law.

Step 5: Record Delivery

Records will be provided in your requested format, either electronically or by mail, upon payment of any applicable fees.

Additional Resources

Michigan FOIA Resources

Need Help?

If you're unsure about what records might be available or how to frame your request, feel free to contact the Supervisor for guidance. We're here to help ensure you can access the public information you need.