Departments

Our County offices and facilities will be closed on the following holidays through 2024. This includes the East and West Courthouses, Administration and Land Services Building, Animal Control, Friend of the Court, Veteran Services, and the MSU Extension...

Open Bids Learn about current bid and contract opportunities available to consultants, service providers, contractors, vendors, or suppliers. The following is a listing of various bid postings. Click on any of the titles for the details on that particular...

Certified birth records for births in Van Buren County are available from the County Clerk's office starting from 1867. These records are confidential and can only be accessed by the person named on the record, their parents, heirs, legal guardians,...

If you own or run a business in Van Buren County, you need to register your business name with the County Clerk's Office. You must file Assumed Name and Co-partnership Certificates in every county where you do business. The following entities do not file...

Court proceedings may be live-streamed at the discretion of the judicial officer. Visit the Virtual Court Information page for more details. Court Dockets by Judicial Officer Judge Kathleen M. Brickley Judge Arthur H. Clarke, III Judge...

Applying for a Marriage License (in-state) $20 Applying for a Marriage License (out of state) $30 Concealed Pistol License (new or renewal) $115 Certified copies of a Birth Certificate (for the 1st one)Certified copies of a Birth Certificate (purchased...

Death records in Van Buren County are available from the County Clerk's Office starting in 1867. Request Online To request a certified copy of a death record online, please use our Online Vital Record Request Form . Request by Mail To request a certified...

May 5, 2026, Election Candidates (PDF) Proposal (PDF) For information regarding the upcoming election and past election results, refer to these websites: For information leading up to the election (registration, am I registered,...

The Van Buren County Clerk's Office follows the State Department of Public Health's procedures for inspecting vital records. We welcome you to explore our indexes of marriages, deaths, and divorces on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that...

Marriage records in Van Buren County are available starting from 1836. These records are for licenses applied for and filed with the County Clerk. Request Online You can request a certified copy of a Marriage Record online by using our Online Vital...

To get a marriage license in Van Buren County, visit the County Clerk's Office at the Courthouse, 212 Paw Paw Street. We accept applications from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Requirements Start your application online at our website . Anyone 18 or...

Before After Meetings and Contact If you have questions or want to learn more about funding opportunities, please contact the Van Buren County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. Meetings are held in the County Commission Chambers,...

Members of the EDC Board (Left to Right): Stephanie Timmer, Rodney Dragicevich, Tom Stanek, Zach Morris, Commissioner Paul Schincariol, Commissioner Kurt Doroh, Commissioner Randy Peat, and Mike Toth. About the EDC The Economic Development Corporation...

Our Mission and Vision The Van Buren County Land Bank works to revitalize communities. We aim to return tax-foreclosed properties to productive use, remove blight, and create affordable housing. We envision Van Buren County as a place of economic...

Farmland and Open Space Preservation Ordinance (Amended 2024) View Ordinance Van Buren County is dedicated to preserving farmland and natural spaces. Our Farmland and Open Space Preservation Ordinance allows property owners to sell development...

Agenda and Minutes May 2025 Agenda

Agendas, Minutes, and Related Documents

Welcome to the Van Buren County Planning Commission. We are here to guide and support our community in planning decisions. Our commission was reestablished under the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, PA 33 of 2008. Members are appointed by the County Board...

Leveraging technology to improve local governance Our focus is on empowering Van Buren County through innovative digital solutions that optimize workflows, enhance data-driven decision-making, and expand capabilities. Our Story In September...

Addressing News! Mailing Address Change Form

We develop AI tools to assist staff, automate tasks, and facilitate smarter decisions. Our training programs help staff use AI effectively. We also create AI-powered tools for public use.

The Van Buren County AI Task Force is dedicated to using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve government services, streamline operations, and enhance the quality of life for our residents. We focus on developing digital assistants and AI-driven chatbots...

Our GIS team provides mapping and analysis services to Van Buren County. We offer geographic data to help local officials with decision-making and daily operations. The Geographic Information System (GIS) hosts digital map layers of the county. These...

We manage and analyze maps and geographic data to support all county departments. We maintain online mapping systems for public access and create maps and reports for staff and public use. Access historical mapping information here.

Jump to... View Historic Plat Books View Surveyor Field Books Historic Plat Books Van Buren County’s historic plat books are more than just maps; they are windows into the county's rich past. Thanks to...

Michigan Local Government AI User Group Interest Survey See what others are saying—and add your voice. The dashboard below summarizes responses from our ongoing survey on digital innovation and AI in local government. If you’re a government staff mem...

We implement technologies to streamline operations, reducing repetitive tasks. We offer workshops to help employees transition to automated processes.

CURRENT PLAT BOOKS The current Van Buren County Plat Book is produced by the Digital Information Department. For ordering or advertising information, please call 269-657-8243 or email gis@vanburencountymi.gov 2023 Plat Book Features: ...

Understanding Assessments How are assessments determined? Assessments are based on the benefits each property receives, as determined by the Drain Commissioner. Factors include parcel size, land use, proximity to the drain, and location...

Cedar Lake Level 2026 – Legal Lake Level 893.4’ March 12, 2026: 892.8' Cedar Lake Level 2025: November 26, 2025: 892.3' September 24, 2025: 892.55' August 12, 2025: 892.85',  No water is flowing over the...

Van Buren County has over 540 county drains. As our community grows, we need more stormwater drainage for new homes, schools, streets, and businesses. The County Drain Commissioner, guided by Act 40 of the Public Acts of 1956, oversees these drains. What...

Frequently Asked Questions Additional Resources Questions - Drain Assessments FAQ - Van Buren County 197-DOR What is a drainage district Smart Assessments: BMP Certification Program Smart Assessments: Reduced Maintenance,...

Welcome to your guide on the Drain Code. This information will help you understand the process, funding, and impact of a drain project in your neighborhood. What is a Drain Project? A drain project involves creating, maintaining, or improving...

Drain Maintenance Processes Maintenance on county drains can be done in three ways: Submit a petition by five property owners or a municipality. Spend up to $10,000 per mile each year on routine maintenance. An additional $5,000 per...

Drain Map Updates Our drain maps have been updated from old hand-drawn versions to modern digital maps. We partnered with the County Land Services Department and GIS to achieve this. We use legal descriptions and aerial photography to create accurate...

The Drain Commissioner manages fifteen lake levels in Van Buren County. These levels are set by the Inland Lake Levels Act, Part 307 of Public Act 451 of 1994. The Dam Safety Act, Part 315 of the same act, requires the Commissioner to maintain all lake...

Van Buren County has joined other Lake Michigan shore counties, including Allegan, Muskegon, and Ottawa, in adopting an ordinance that requires phosphorus-free fertilizers for all lawns. This includes residential, commercial, and golf courses. Exceptions...

During our inspections in fall/winter 2023, we found several holes in the metal sheet piling of the Saddle Lake Level Control Structure. In March 2024, Land & Resource Engineering (LRE) conducted a formal inspection and determined that the 50+ year-old...

The Drain Office reviews site plans for county plats to ensure proper stormwater management, as required by The Land Division Act No. 288 of 1967. While plat developments are less common, most new projects fall under the Condominium Act, Public Act 59...

The Van Buren County Drain Commissioner's Office is the designated agency for the "Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Act" (SESC), Part 91, Public Act 451, 1994. Our program is supervised by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. The main...

Van Buren County's soils are shaped by glaciers, leaving behind both fine clays and coarse sands. Many of these soils are great for farming and building, but they often need drainage systems for excess water. You can find detailed information about specific...

What Are Wetlands? Wetlands are areas where water is present often enough to support wetland plants and aquatic life. They include bogs, swamps, and marshes. Wetlands can be found on both public and private lands. Types of Wetlands Wetlands are not...

Available Reports 2023-06-30 EE04 Report 2024-06-30 EEO4 Report 2025-06-30 EE04 Report

Why Work Here?

Explore exciting career opportunities with us.

Van Buren County provides access to important tax documents related to your health coverage. If you were enrolled in a Van Buren County health plan , you may request a copy of the following tax forms: Form 1095-B  – For individuals with a...

This page helps you understand upcoming changes in health care regulations. It is for educational purposes only and does not provide predictions, comprehensive implications, or legal advice. The information is current as of the creation date and may...

Everyone has the right to an attorney in a criminal case. This right is crucial when someone's freedom is at risk. To begin the process of appointing a lawyer, two main things are needed: Criminal charges that threaten a person's liberty. A determination...

Alex Runowski 1595 W Centre Ave, STE 200 Portage, MI 49024 Phone: 269-775-1374 Email: kyra.calebgrimeslaw@gmail.com Gary Stewart 303 E Paw Paw Street, STE 3 Paw Paw, MI 49079 Phone: 269-657-5591...

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that no one is treated unfairly because of a disability, especially when it comes to transportation services. The law requires that vehicles and facilities are accessible to everyone. This includes access...

Service Overview Van Buren Public Transit proudly serves all of Van Buren County. To check service availability in your area, please call our Scheduling Office at (269) 427-7921 or explore the service area maps below. Dial-A-Ride: Available in...

Welcome to Van Buren Public Transit's business opportunities page. Here, you can find Requests for Proposals, Invitations for Bids, and Requests for Qualifications. If you're interested in any opportunities, please download the relevant documents below....

Join our team as a part-time bus driver! We offer safe and reliable transportation services throughout Van Buren County. Benefits We Offer Starting wage: $18.84 per hour Paid training CDL training and testing License reimbursement...

Fares are currently free for the General Public. County Wide Service Reservations: General Public: $4.00 in zone, $6.00 zone to zone Half Fare Riders*: $2.00 in zone, $3.00 zone to zone View Zone Map Dial a Ride: Paw...

It is the mission of Van Buren Public Transit to meet the dynamic transit needs of Van Buren County with innovative, economical and flexible service. GOAL #1: Develop a coordinated, centralized, countywide transportation system with regional connections....

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ensures no discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs receiving federal funds. It states that "no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be...

No tobacco use, eating, or drinking on the bus to keep it comfortable for everyone. Our service is shared, so please allow extra travel time for multiple stops. Plan your trips during non-peak hours: after 9:00 a.m. and before 2:00 p.m. Stay...

Attention Van Buren County Veterans Van Buren Public Transit provides FREE rides for Veterans Designated Travel Days To Battle Creek VA: Tuesdays & Thursdays Drop Off Times: 9:00 AM and 12:30 PM Return times: 12:30 PM and 4:30...

History and Role The Register of Deeds office was established by Michigan's first Constitution in 1836. This office records all legal documents related to land and property transfers in Van Buren County. Van Buren County was organized in 1829 and officially...

County Transfer Tax Exemptions Welcome to our guide on county transfer tax exemptions. Below, you'll find important information about exemptions as enacted by the State of Michigan. Exemptions Overview Here are the types of transfers and written instruments...

If you need help with the Liber/Page and number of pages for your documents, please call us at 269-657-8242 . We’re here to assist you. Once we confirm your payment, we will email you the document copy to print. Please allow up to 2 business days for p...

We welcome you to submit most documents electronically. However, documents needing tax certification or involving payments over $100, such as Warranty Deeds, Covenant Deeds, and Land Contracts, cannot be submitted this way. Trusted Submitters CSC...

The Register of Deeds office manages all documents related to real property in Van Buren County. Make checks payable to Register of Deeds and send to: 219 E Paw Paw St, Suite 102, Paw Paw, MI 49079. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for any returns....

Financing Statements As of July 1, 2001, all new Personal Property Filings, Amendments, Continuations, and Releases must be filed at the state's central filing office. Please use the following address: Michigan Department of StateUniform Commercial...

Michigan Uniform Commercial Code State of Michigan Michigan Association of Register of Deeds Office of Land Remonumentation & Survey Michigan Registered Plat Search Van Buren County Genealogical...

If you transfer real estate valued at $100 or more, you must pay both state and county transfer taxes. County Tax Rate The county tax rate is $0.55 for every $500 or part of it. State Tax Rate The state tax rate is $3.75 for every $500 or part of...

Standard Recording Requirements Names must be printed or typed below all signatures. MCLA 565.201 (a) (e) No name discrepancies allowed between printed names and signatures. MCLA 565.201 (b) For documents before April 6, 2017, state the marital...

Overview This section outlines the types of property transfers exempt from state real estate transfer tax under Act 330 of 1993. To review full law Section 207.526 STATE REAL ESTATE TRANSFER TAX ACT (EXCERPT) Act 330 of 1993 207.526...

Access Tax Details View Current and Delinquent Taxes Summer Taxes The State Education Tax (SET) became a summer tax in July 2003, and the County Allocated millage followed in July 2007. Summer taxes are mailed by July 1 and are due by September 14...

According to Michigan law (MCL 211), tax bills from 2023 must be paid by March 31, 2026, or the property may be foreclosed and sold at a public auction. The Van Buren County Treasurer is committed to helping taxpayers stay in their homes and manage...

According to Michigan law, all dogs over 4 months old must have a current rabies vaccination and a dog license. You need to get a license by March 1, 2026, or as soon as your puppy gets its first rabies shot. The fee for puppies 6 months or less is $10....

Notice of Intention to Claim Interest If your property has been foreclosed, you have until July 1 to file a notice to claim any remaining proceeds. Please send your notarized notice to the Van Buren County Treasurer by certified mail or deliver...

Michigan Department of Treasury Property Tax Estimator Statewide Subdivision Plats Search

Trisha Nesbitt has dedicated her career to serving the families of Van Buren County. She has been the County Treasurer since 2019. In this role, Trisha works hard to prevent tax foreclosures and manage taxpayer dollars wisely. Trisha graduated from Michigan...

Your local assessor determines your property tax values. If you have questions about property values, the board of review, or tax exemptions, please contact your local assessor. Find Your Local Assessor Contact information for local assessors is available...

Every year, the Van Buren County Treasurer hosts an auction for foreclosed properties. You can find auction rules and available properties at Tax-Sale.info or by calling (800) 259-7470 .

Welcome to the Van Buren County Passport Services. Our office is a registered Passport Acceptance Agent. Contact Information Van Buren County Treasurer's Office 219 E. Paw Paw St. Suite 101Paw Paw, MI 49079 Phone: 269-657-8228 Office Hours Mondays:...

Agent Orange Behavioral Health Camp Lejeune Center for Women Veterans Gulf War Justice for Vets National Suicide Prevention Lifeline U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs VA Education Benefits VA Health Benefits...