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Treasurer Paul Cutting would like to remind all residents that summer tax bills are due by September 14, 2016.
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The Township Office will be open from 7:30am - 5:30pm Monday through Thursday for tax bill collection. Additionally, you may mail in your tax payment, or drop it in the secure drop box located at the west end of our parking lot. Please note that we will no longer accept postmarks. Beginning September 15, 2016, a 1% late fee will be added to all unpaid tax bills.
If your Mortgage Company is responsible for paying your tax bills, or your taxes are in escrow, please make sure your banking institution is requesting your tax bill. If you are responsible for paying your property taxes and have not yet received your summer bill, please contact Treasurer Paul Cutting at (269) 375-1591.
Summer Tax Deferment
You may be eligible for a summer tax deferment if you meet any of the following criteria:
- Your gross household income for the preceding calendar year was $40,000 or less; plus one of the following:
- 62 Years of Age
- Paraplegic, Hemiplegic, or Quadriplegic
- Eligible Serviceperson
- Blind
- Totally Disabled
- Or if your real property is Agricultural
If you filed for a summer tax deferment, your summer taxes will be due with your winter taxes. If you have any questions about your tax bill or tax deferment, please contact Treasurer Paul Cutting at 269.375.1591.
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State Primary Election
Tue Aug 2 | Polls Open at 7am & Close at 8pm
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The Clerk’s Office is preparing for the upcoming August 2, 2016 state primary election. The August primary is held to select Democratic and Republican candidates who will appear on the November General Election ballot as candidates for state and county seats, and precinct delegates to the Democratic and Republican county conventions.
What is unique about the State Primary Election is that both Republican and Democratic candidates appear on the same ballot, but voters can select candidates from only one party section. Voters who attempt to vote in more than one party section will have their ballot rejected by the optical scan machine; the ballot will be spoiled and replaced with a new ballot.
To vote “absentee” in the August primary, contact Clerk Linda Kerr by phone at 375-1591, or by visiting the Township Office during normal business hours and on Saturday, July 30 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., or by visiting the Secretary of State website at www.michigan.gov/vote. A completed application or written request accompanied by a signature is necessary before a ballot can be issued. All absentee ballots must be returned to the Township Clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted.
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Precinct Locations:
For more information about the upcoming election, please visit our website.
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Avoid the Voting Lines this November
Vote Absentee or Register to Become a Permanent Absentee Voter
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Presidential Elections often have extremely high voter turnout and, with that, longer lines. The upcoming November 2016 Presidential Election will be no different. Avoid the lines by voting absentee or becoming a permanent absentee voter! Texas Township maintains a permanent list of absentee voters for those interested voters who are over the age of 60, have a permanent disability or meet other specific criteria. Members of the permanent list automatically receive an absentee ballot application that must be completed and returned prior to receiving a ballot. An absentee voter, permanent or not, must always apply for a ballot before receiving a ballot. To join the permanent list or vote absentee, please contact Clerk Linda Kerr at lkerr@texastownship.org or Deputy Clerk Brooke Hovenkamp at brookeh@texastownship.org, or by phone at 269.375.1591.
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Phase II Trailway
The construction of the Phase II Trailway is nearing completion
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The Phase II Trailway is nearing completion and we anticipate to open the trail to the public by October! We are very excited for this addition to our growing trailway system and this benefit to our community. While the majority of the construction has been completed, there is still work being done on the trail. As such, we ask that everyone please use caution. Please stay posted for more information on an upcoming Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting Ceremony this fall.
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Splash Pad Grant
Grant application has been submitted
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As part of our conceptual designs for the new 6th Street Park and redesign of the Texas Drive Park, the Texas Township Parks and Trails Committee and the Township Board are proposing the construction of a splash pad. This spring, the Texas Township Board approved the conceptual designs for the parks and have been working with a local engineering firm on submitting a grant application to receive grant funds for constructing the proposed splash pad at the Texas Drive Park. We are hopeful for our chances to receive the grant funding and are eager to hear back from the grant committee later this year.
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LOL 5K
Sat Aug 13 | 9am | Texas Corners
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The second annual LAUGH Out Loud 5k will be hitting Texas Corners on Saturday, August 13 at 9 am with the "Little LOL" ( a free kids fun run ) on Friday, the 12th. This community wide walk/run 5k will have you entertained and smiling, if not laughing while you take in the beautiful sights and energetic entertainment that will line the course to cheer you on. Walk, run, skip, scoot, jump, jog, or "wog" - this race is for you! For more information and to register (or volunteer) visit LOL5k.net.
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Teddy Bear Posse
The Texas Township Fire Department is now collecting donated teddy bears for kids
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The Texas Township Fire Department is teaming up with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department and local businesses to collect stuffed animals for children during times of trauma. The Teddy Bear Posse is a 10 week campaign and residents are encouraged to make a donation at the Texas Township Fire Department. The donated teddy bears will be put in police cars, fire trucks and ambulances to be given to kids during traumatic situations. If you have any questions about the Teddy Bear Posse, please contact the Fire Department at 269.375.4610.
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Savor Summer at the Texas Township Farmers' Market
Open Sat from 8am-12noon & Tue from 4-7pm
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There’s no better way to enjoy the sights, sounds and scents of summer than at the Texas Township Farmers’ Market, located right in the heart of Texas Corners next to the Township Hall. The “Fresh on Q!” Farmers’ Market features roughly 35 vendors each week selling fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, cheeses, breads, pastries and baked goods, potted plants and cut flowers, as well as foods prepared onsite, ready to eat at the market, and much more.
The market is now on Tuesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. through August 30, as well as on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., to give you two opportunities each week to shop for local food, grab a meal to eat right there at the market and enjoy some family and community fun.
The summer season brings with it the harvests of some of Michigan’s tastiest fruits, like cherries, blueberries, raspberries and peaches. At the same time, summer favorite vegetables, like tomatoes, green beans, zucchini, summer squash, sweet corn and more are pouring in from the fields and overflowing from vendor tables. Add in the fresh cut flowers, jams and jellies, baked goods and other fresh market goodies, and the market is a vibrant and colorful picture-perfect glimpse of a summer afternoon here in southwest Michigan.
To make your shopping experience more convenient, the farmers’ market now accepts credit and debit, as well as food assistance benefits, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Double Up Food Bucks, WIC Project FRESH and Senior Market FRESH. Visit the Farmers’ Market Information Table on the east end of the pavilion to learn more about using these programs to make your market purchases. You can also find information on vendors and their products, great seasonal recipes, reusable market totes, and much more.
When you’re shopping at the market on a Tuesday or Saturday, don’t forget that Texas Corners also has several great restaurants and shops to enjoy while you’re in the area, all an easy walk from the market.
Learn more about the market at www.texastownship.org/farmers-market or find it on Facebook to see who’s selling and what’s in season this summer. Enjoy!
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Bicycle Safety
Do your part to keep our roads safe for both drivers and cyclists
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The arrival of summer weather brings bicyclists to Texas Township roads throughout each day. We want to make sure Texas Township residents and guests remain safe and aware of their surroundings as they enjoy driving and biking through our scenic community. Please consider the following as you plan your summer cycling:
For Drivers:
- Set a good example by demonstrating safe and respectful driving around bicyclists;
- Remember that bikes belong, and may legally use, as much of the lane as they need for safety;
- When passing bicyclists, give them at least 3 feet of passing space;
- After passing a cyclist on your right, look back over your shoulder before you merge back into your lane;
- It is easy to underestimate a bicycle’s speed so you be extra careful when passing or turning;
- When turning left at an intersection, yield to an oncoming cyclist just as you would any other vehicle;
- When turning right across a bike lane, always scan over your right shoulder and yield to bicyclists before turning;
- If you do not have daytime running lights, please turn your headlights on at dawn, dusk, and any other times of low light;
- If you are driving on a section of road that switches between sunlight and shadows from trees, please drive an appropriate speed for the effect this has on your vision.
- Before opening a car door on the traffic side, look for passing bicyclists, and open the door slowly;
- At intersections, stop behind the crosswalk area, then look for approaching pedestrians and cyclists before crossing or turning across the intersection;
- At trail crossings, slow and look both ways before proceeding;
- Remember that bicyclists and pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right-of-way;
- Never drive distracted or impaired;
- Children on bicycles often act unpredictably: expect the unexpected and drive attentively in residential areas; and
- Consider the impacts of your speed, especially in residential areas or routes commonly shared with bicyclists. A 20 mph crash with a bicycle or pedestrian has a 5% fatality rate. At 30 mph, the fatality rate jumps to 45%. At 40 mph, the fatality rate is 80%.
For Cyclists:
- Pick a route to ride your bike that is consistent with your skill and comfort level. Children and inexperienced cyclists should not ride on roads with high speed limits and conversely experienced, fast road bicyclists should ride appropriately on bike paths because many unskilled riders prefer leisure paces on them;
- Take plenty of fluids to stay hydrated on your ride;
- Wear brightly colored and reflective clothes to improve your visibility, even in daylight;
- Never ride distracted or impaired;
- Always check the batteries in your bicycle lights before you leave and always run them regardless of what time of day it is;
- When riding your bicycle, use hand signals to let motorist know your intentions; and
- ALWAYS wear your properly fitting helmet regardless of experience, skill, age, or environment. Helmets can reduce the probability of serious injury by up to 85%!
Enjoy our beautiful surroundings and ride or drive safely all summer long!
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Ice Cream Social & Children's Carnival
Sun Aug 7 | Noon-3pm | Texas Township Farmers' Market
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Please joins us for the fourth annual Texas Township Fire Department Firefighters Association Ice Cream Social and Children’s Carnival to be held Sunday, August 7, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Texas Charter Township Farmers’ Market / Joyce I Neubauer Pavilion.
The net proceeds from this event benefit Great Lakes Burn Camp and the Texas Township Firefighters Association. Great Lakes Burn Camp (GLBC) provides a unique experience that promotes healing, self-esteem, confidence, and general well-being for burn injured children.
Texas Township Firefighters Association provides community education programs on fire safety and supports firefighting career education through the Boy Scouts of America Explorers Program.
The annual parade escorting Great Lakes Burn Camp campers and volunteers, riding in a vast array of fire rigs in a convoy of motorcycles will pass through Texas Corners Sunday, August 7th at about 1:15 p.m.
The Social’s offerings include Ice Cream and toppings, Root Beer Floats, Hot Dogs, Brats and Slushies. The children may select from face painting or glitter tattoos applied by two fantastic artists. The carnival features a bounce house, fire brigade bucket toss, house of fire balloon board, firefighter duck pond, disk drop, fire hose experience and treasure hunt. All participants will have a variety of prizes from which to choose.
The event is completely organized and staffed by volunteers from the Texas Township Firefighters Association, Township officials and staff as well as community volunteers. It is underwritten by monetary and in-kind contributions from area business owners and caring township residents.
Whether you join as an attendee, contributor or volunteer for the day of the event, we appreciate your participation. It truly will be a feel good day!
Contact Trish Roberts at 269.217.2924 or troberts.tt@gmail.com.
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New KCSD Vehicle
Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department unveils new vehicle in Texas Township
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The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department recently purchased a new vehicle for dedicated patrol in Texas Township - the new Explorer is specially marked for Texas Township. Additionally, the KCSD will be using quads to patrol our ever-growing trail systems.
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Please remember to keep homes and vehicles locked, with valuables stored out of sight,
to prevent crime.
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Online Burning Permits
Apply for a Burn Permit From the Comfort of Your Own Home
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The Texas Township Fire Department now has an online burning permit form. Residents can apply for a burning permit from the comfort of their own home. The same rules and regulations regarding burning will still apply to this new process.
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If you own a smart phone, the Public Safety Committee would like to encourage you to download a free severe weather alert app. Given the size of the township, we're unable to install a siren system that would notify all residents of severe weather. Instead, we encourage all residents to download severe weather alert apps, which will notify them of any severe weather in real time no matter where they are located. Please note that in the winter, Channel 3 and Channel 8 publish school closings every few minutes to their website.
App Recommendations (From the Apple App Store):
- NOAA Weather Alert
- Storm: Radar, Storm Tracking
- Weather Underground
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Subscribe to The Star
Subscribe to receive our quarterly newsletter
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The Star, our quarterly newsletter, is an excellent way for residents to stay informed about township updates and events. That's why we encourage all residents to subscribe to The Star. Please forward this email along to your friends and neighbors and encourage them to subscribe. Our next newsletter will be sent out in September 2016.
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