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1. What is the non-emergency phone number?

231-723-6241

2. Who do I call if I have a lost/missing or found animal?

You can call our non-emergent number, 231-723-6241, or you can call Homeward Bound Animal Shelter 231-723-7387.

3. What is smart911?

Smart911 is a free service that allows citizens across the U.S. to create a safety profile for their household that includes any information they want 911 to have in the event of an emergency. Then, when anyone in that household dials 911 from a phone associated with their safety profile, their profile is immediately displayed to the 911 call taker providing additional information that can be used to facilitate the proper response to the proper location. At a time when seconds count, Smart911 is able to provide 911 with all the details that could impact response and be the difference between life and death.

4. What is Code Red?

CodeRED is an emergency notification service that allows emergency officials to notify residents and businesses by telephone, cell phone, text message, email and social media regarding time-sensitive general and emergency notifications. Only authorized officials have access to the CodeRED system.

5. What if I call 911 by accident?

If you call 911 by accident, please stay on the phone and let the dispatcher know that the call was made by accident. If you disconnect prior to speaking with a dispatcher, the dispatcher may call you back to verify that you do not have an emergency. If they are unable to reach you upon call back, they may send an officer to your business or residence to confirm there is no emergency.

6. How do I prevent accidental 911 calls?

The most common accidental calls are from cellular phones and they are due to being in a pocket, bag, purse, or similar. Most phones have a safety feature built in to call 911 if buttons are held long enough.

The other major issue with cellular phones are when they are given to children. Even though the phone might not have service, it’s a safety feature to have the phone always able to call 911. We call these “911 only phones” because the only number it will allow to be called is 911.

We ask for people to keep phones either protected with a cover or not left loose in bags and also batteries are removed when given to kids. Both of these things will help eliminate accidental 911 calls.

7. What do I do if I see a dog left inside a vehicle?

If you observe a dog left in a vehicle, you can call the non-emergency number 231-723-6241 or 911.

8. How to report a narcotics issue?

To report a narcotic’s issue, you can call the non-emergency number 231-723-6241 or 911. The information will be gathered and dispatched to the appropriate agency.

9. Why do dispatchers ask so many questions?

Emergency dispatchers need to get accurate information to allow emergency responders to make the best decision on how to approach the situation. Callers will typically be asked:

• Where
• What
• Your phone number
• Who
• When
• Why (sometimes)

One common misconception of Public Safety Communications is that Emergency Communications Officers wait until finishing the call before sending help. During a true emergency, the Emergency Communications Officers work as a team. One remains on the line with the caller and passes on information to another Emergency Communications Officer, who dispatches Police Officers, Firefighters or other emergency personnel.

It is very important that you stay on the line during a call to 911. The Emergency Communications Officer will continue to ask you questions while responders are en route.

10. Do I call 911 even if it is not an emergency?

If it is not an emergency but you still would like to speak with an officer or file a complaint you are asked to call the non-emergency line 231-723-6241.

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1. How do I apply for a court appointed attorney?

If your case is currently pending in the 85th District Court, you will be required to fill out a financial statement to determine if you are eligible for court appointed counsel. This form can be found here.  Once this form has been completed, please submit it to the court for consideration.  If the court determines that you are financially eligible for court appointed counsel, the judge will sign an order of appointment and an attorney from the Public Defender’s Office will be assigned to the case. 

If your case is pending in the 19th Circuit Court, you can also fill out the financial statement form and submit it to the 19th Circuit Court judge for consideration. The 19th Circuit Court judge will also assign court appointed counsel on the record, if requested. 

You can request a court appointed attorney at anytime during your case. A lawyer from the Public Defender’s Office will always be available in the courtroom to assist with bond at arraignment. 

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1. How is recycling beneficial?

• Recycling turns materials that would otherwise become garbage into valuable resources. Collecting used bottles, cans and newspapers and taking them to a recycling facility is the first in a series of steps that generates a host of financial, environmental and social benefits.
• Recycling reduces the need for landfilling and the need for new landfills.
• Recycling creates manufacturing jobs.
• Recycling saves energy: recycling requires less energy than extraction and processing of raw natural resources.
• Recycling creates less greenhouse gas than landfilling.
• Recycling conserves natural resources including timber, water and minerals.
• Recycling helps to sustain our environment for future generations.
• Recycling takes materials that would otherwise end up in landfills and gives them a second chance at becoming a new product.

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1. What are the current recording fees?

Effective October 1, 2016, recording feeds for all documents recorded in the Register of Deeds Office will be $30 regardless of the number of pages.

The only exception will be if the document assigns or discharges more than one instrument, the $3 fee for each instrument after the first reference remains.

2. Do you provide forms for use?

It is recommended that you consult an attorney or title company. However, if you wish to do it yourself, forms may be obtained from most office supply stores, and online. The Register of Deeds office has a limited amount of documents available for purchase in the amount of $5 each.

3. If we get the form, can you fill it out for us?

No, we can not provide any legal advice or assistance. Please consult an attorney or title company.

4. I found a photo copy of a document. Can it be recorded?

Under most circumstances no, however if the document has never been recorded in the past it may be recorded using an affidavit of lost recording, and the document would become Exhibit A of that affidavit.

5. How much does it cost to record a document?

For a list of costs for recording documents, please visit our Fees and Requirements page.

6. Where can I find an attorney or title company to assist me?

Refer to the yellow pages of the phone directory under "Title Companies" or "Attorneys."

7. What is the cost of transfer tax in the state of Michigan?

If the value of the real estate transferred is $100 or more, payment of state and county transfer tax is required.

• Rate of County tax - $0.55 for each $500 or fraction thereof.
• Rate of State tax - $3.75 for each $500 or fraction thereof.

However, you may be exempt. Please check with your attorney or title company or review the Michigan Legislature State Exemptions or County Exemptions pages.

8. Do I have to personally drop off documents to be recorded?

No, you can mail documents or hire a courier.

9. Can I use a credit or debit card?

Yes, we accept all forms of payment.

10. What is your address?

All correspondence may be sent to:
Manistee County Register of Deeds
415 3rd Street
Manistee, MI 49660