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Boards & Commissions

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1. I am interested in serving on a City Board or Commission?

The City Clerk is responsible for accepting applications from residents interested in serving on a City Board or Commission. The Mayor reviews applications and makes recommendations to the City Council individuals to be considered for appointment. To find out where there are openings contact the City Clerk at 517-647-3211. Board & Commission Application

2. Where can I find a schedule of when the different Boards and Commissions meet?

Check the City's calendar of events for meeting dates.

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Broadband Internet

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1. Why would the City get involved in the broadband internet industry?

By having our own electric utility, underground infrastructure and available conduit though the Board of Light and Power, the City of Portland is uniquely positioned to potentially provide superior broadband services with the same reliability that our electric customers have come to expect. Further, the City of Portland believes strongly in the free market, private enterprise and the benefit of competition to the consumer. Therefore, the City does not limit the number of service providers to our residents and should the City ultimately provide broadband services, it will be nonexclusive. While offering broadband internet service is desired among our residents, this prospect primarily lays the foundation for “smart city” concepts and infrastructure improvements related to our existing utility services for the future. The benefits go well beyond residential and commercial internet service.

2. How soon will broadband internet service be available to me?

Currently, there is no firm date or timeline, but the City will be diligent as we move forward. As stated above, the EPP was just completed which established a conservative estimate of approximately $4 million required for total project capital costs. While the City recognizes the demand, we must be steady and surefooted as stewards of taxpayer dollars and in no way comprise the critical essential services that we currently provide. It is further important to understand the anomaly of a municipality exploring this potential new service, the complexities and related challenges. The City will continue to work through the process and provide additional information as we move forward.

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Cemetery

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1. Can grave blankets be placed on graves at the cemetery?

Yes. Grave blankets can be placed after November 1st and must be removed by April 1st or the City will remove and dispose of them.

2. Do cemetery employees empty cemetery urns?

Yes. Cemetery employees dump earns that are not in good shape both in April and October. Artificial flowers securely fastened in the urns and still in good shape are left over the winter.

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City Clerk

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1. I will be absent on election day, can I still vote?

Yes, you can vote by absentee ballot. Call 517-647-3211 or come to City Hall to obtain an application form to receive an absentee ballot.

2. When is the last day that I can vote an absentee ballot in your office?

The last day you can cast an absentee ballot in our office is the day before an election by 4:00 P.M.

3. When are the polls open and where do I vote on election day?

Voting for both precincts in the City of Portland take place on the 2nd Floor of City Hall, 259, Kent St.

4. Will voters need to bring identification on election day?

Every Michigan voter who offers to vote in the polls must comply with the requirement of showing picture identification or signing an affidavit attesting that he or she is not in possession of picture identification.

5. Are the voting precincts handicap accessible?

Yes, City Hall is handicap accessible.

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Code, Planning and Zoning

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1. I would like to construct a fence on my property, what do I need to know?

Fences that are essentially open (wrought iron, chain link, split rail, etc.) may up to 4' in height in the front yard and solid fences may not exceed 3' in height. Fences may be up to 6' in height in the back and side yard. Fences do not require a setback, however, it is always advised that homeowners obtain a survey to verify your property lines. Please consult City Ordinance section 42-303 for complete details.

2. I would like to construct a shed on my property?

Sheds must remain 3' from any property line and 10' from other structures. It may not consume more than 30% of your back yard. Accessory structures greater than 120 square feet must be permanently constructed on a concrete foundation. Additionally, there are limits on height and size based on lot size. For complete information please reference City Ordinance section 42-298.

3. Can I have a pool in my yard?

Pools must be located 10' from any lot line and may not be located in the front yard. Pools with side walls less than 48" must be fenced in. Pools 48" or taller may have the fence requirement waived based on the stability of the side wall. This is a discretionary decision of the Zoning Administrator. If a fence is deemed unnecessary, the ladder must be removed at all times when the pool is not in use. For complete information please reference Section 42-305 of the Code of Ordinances.

4. Why do I receive a notice to mow my yard?

Lawns must be mowed and kept maintained. If your lawn exceeds a length of 8", you will receive a notice to mow. If your lawn remains unmowed within 7 days of the notice, the City will mow the property and assess the property for the cost of mowing. For further information, please reference Sections 12-54 through 12-59 of the Code of Ordinances.

5. I'm having a garage sale. Can I place signs?

Yes, signs may be placed per the following guidelines. Signs may be placed behind the sidewalks, off from the City right-of-way. You must have permission to place signs on another persons property. Signs may not be placed on utility poles. Signs may be put out the morning of the sale and removed at the end of the day. If your sale is on multiple days, your signs must be placed and removed each day. Signs must be of "normal" size; a typical sign from the hardware store is generally acceptable. Any large sign deemed a traffic hazard will be removed.

6. Are vehicles allowed to be parked in the front yard?

City Ordinance permits a vehicle or trailer to be parked in the front yard of a property only for loading and unloading purposes or pursuant to a handicap parking permit. The front yard of a property is defined as that part of a lot, other than the driveway, between the curb or street and the front of the main structure on the lot.

7. Can I have an inoperable vehicle parked on my property.

No. City Ordinance prohibits outside storage on private property for more than 10 days any vehicle that does not meet the following conditions:
-An engine that runs
-Four wheels with four tires that are inflates
-A battery capable of starting and operating the vehicle
-Current license plates
-Otherwise road-worthy

An inoperative vehicle, may, however be stored in a completely enclosed building, such as the owner's garage. Covering the vehicle with a tarp or other cover is not an acceptable means of storage.

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Department of Public Works

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1. When does the DPW pick up brush?

The City is divided into 2 areas for brush pickup. Area #1 will be east of the Grand River and south of Grand River Ave (the east side), area #2 will be the rest of the city. Brush will be picked up curb side on the first and third Monday of the month for area #1, and area #2 will be picked up on the second and fourth Monday of each month. 

Brush needs to be neatly stacked with ends facing the same direction that are no longer than 8’ in length (brush piles) and no branches should be larger than 6’’ in diameter. Small branches and twigs shorter than 2’ should be bound together, placed in paper biodegradable bags, or containers that will be returned to your yard. Stumps and root balls will not be picked up. Please do not place brush behind or close to signs, fire hydrants, trees, etc. This service is for maintenance not lot clearing and is available for residents. It is not for contractor use.

Brush may be placed curbside between the Friday before pick up and 7:00 A.M. on pick up day. Brush should be placed in your curb lawn and not placed in the roadway pursuant to City Ordinance. The D.P.W. will accept self-haul brush Monday through Friday 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. These services are for residents of The City of Portland only.

2. What can I do with grass clippings?

Grass clippings may be disposed at the City's compost site located at the Bogue Flats behind the horse arena. Please do not dispose of brush at this location. Brush can be disposed of on the brush pile at the DPW building.

3. When does the Water Department flush hydrants?

The Water Department conducts its semiannual preventative maintenance program on the water system by flushing hydrants in April and October each year.

Rusty or discolored water can occur after the flushing of hydrants.

If your water is discolored make sure to run your cold water until it clears. Make sure to check your tap water before washing clothes and to let the water run clear before using.

4. What are the winter parking rules in the City of Portland?

Per City Ordinance, the winter parking ban is in place from November 1st and April 1st which prohibits parking on any city street between the hours of 2:00 A.M. and 6:00 A.M.

This allows City crews to safely clear the streets during the winter months and allows for the easy passage of emergency vehicles.

Violators will be ticketed. If you have any questions, please call the Police Department at 517-647-2947.

5. What is the fall leaf removal process?

The DPW crews will be out daily during the Fall for leaf removal; but due to weather, emergencies and breakdowns it is sometimes impossible to meet that goal. 

DPW crews can serve you better if leaves are placed in long narrow rows at the curb.   Please keep limbs, branches and rocks out of leaf piles as these items can damage the leaf machine.  Leaves can also be placed in paper yard waste bags for pickup. Leaves can also be self-hauled to the compost pile located behind the horse arena at Bogue Flats. We also ask that you DO NOT place any animal waste in leaf piles; these piles will not be picked up.  Under the Refuse Ordinance the burning of brush and leaves is prohibited.

Loose leaf pickup ends the first Monday in December each year.

 

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Fire Department

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1. When are the tornado sirens tested?

At Noon on the first Saturday of each month from April through October the City's tornado sirens are tested by Ionia County Central Dispatch.

At any other time you hear the tornado siren, it means that a tornado warning has been issued for your area and you should seek shelter immediately.

2. Where can I obtain a burning permit?

Burning permits can be obtained by calling the Fire Department at 647-4111.

For more information on obtaining an annual permit or for information about the Portland Area Fire Authority please visit their website. Portland Area Fire Authority Website

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Income Tax

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1. How does Portland spend funds generated through the Income Tax?

The City of Portland is one of 24 Michigan cities that has an Income Tax. In Portland, these funds are used for paving, curb and gutter, sidewalks, street lights, and related water and sewer infrastructure.

2. What is the tax rate for the City of Portland Income Tax?

The individual tax rate is 1% for residents and 0.5% for non-residents. The corporation tax rate is 1%.

3. Why do I have to make quarterly estimated income tax payments?

You must make estimated income tax payments throughout the year if you expect to owe more than $100 for individuals and partnerships or $250 for corporations. Quarterly payments are due on or before April 30, June 30, September 30, and January 31. With the first three payments made during the tax year for which they are paid, and the last payment made in the following year.

For fiscal year taxpayers, payments are due the last day of the fourth, sixth, and ninth month during the year for which the payments are made and the end of the thirteenth month following the beginning of the fiscal year.

4. How do I file for an extension of time?

Requests for an extension of time to file a return must be made in writing to the Portland Income Tax Office. An extension is not a request for additional time to pay tax due.

The Administrator may extend the filing date of the return for up to six months or for the same period granted by a federal extension. Submit a copy of the Federal extension form with payment adequate to cover the unpaid portion of your annual liability to the Portland City Income Tax Office on or before the due date of the return. If no tax is owed or you will be claiming a refund, do not file an extension. Extensions filed without a tentative tax payment will not be accepted or processed by the Income Tax Office.

5. What are the penalty and interest charges if I pay my income tax late?

If you file and pay late, penalty is due at the rate of one percent per month to a maximum of 25% of the tax due. Interest is also due at the annual rate of one percent about the current prime rate. The interest rate is adjusted on January 1 and July 1 of each year. If the computer penalty and interest amount is less than $2.00, the minimum late charge is $2.00.

6. Can I e-file my Portland income tax return?

Current year resident or nonresident income tax returns may be e-filed through a paid tax preparer. Self-prepared tax returns are not accepted electronically. You must file a paper copy with the City of Portland.

7. Who needs to file a City of Portland Individual Income Tax Return (P-1040)

Every resident or part year resident of Portland who has taxable income in a tax year must file a return. Every nonresident who has taxable income derived from working or from sources inside the city limits must file a return. Married persons may file either a joint return or separate returns. The following examples may be used to assist you in determining if a return is required.

For all tax years:

• If you are a single person or married filing separately and your income is greater than $1,000, you must file a return. 
• If you are married, filing jointly with your spouse and your income is greater than $2,000, you must file a return.
• If you are a single person and are age 65 or older and your income is greater than $2,000, you must file a return.
• If you are married filing jointly with your spouse and both you and your spouse are age 65 or older and your income is greater than $4,000, you must file a return
• If you do not meet the requirements for filing a return, but Portland tax was withheld or estimated tax payments were made, you must file a return to receive a refund.

8. I lived in the City of Portland for part of the year. How do I file?

If you lived in Portland for part of the year and did not work in Portland as a nonresident, you need to file a Portland Individual Income Tax Return (P-1040). Report on this form only your taxable income while a resident, regardless of the sources of the income. Check the part year resident box to the right of the address block on the form and fill in your dates of residency.

9. I lived in the City of Portland for part of the year, and I worked in the City all of the year. How do I file?

If you lived in Portland for part of the year and worked in Portland all of the year, you need to file a Portland Individual Income Tax return (P-1040 with a Schedule TC). Schedule TC is only used with a resident return and it allows the taxpayer to be taxed at two different rates. During the period of residency all income is taxable from any source at the resident rate. As a nonresident only that income from sources within the city is taxed at the nonresident rate.

10. What is taxable income?

A resident is subject to tax on all items included in total federal income. Taxable income includes: 

• Salaries, bonuses, wages, commissions, fees, vacation pay, profit sharing plan income and other compensation regardless of where earned. 
• Deferred compensation distributions.
• Fair market value of merchandise or services received as compensation. 
• Net profit from operation of a business or profession or other activity regardless of where earned. Income from a partnership, estate or trust, interest from bank accounts, credit unions, savings and loan associations and other income regardless of where earned. 
• Rental income, capital gains and dividends. 
• Lottery winnings 

A nonresident is subject to tax on all items included in total federal income, which are derived from or connected with Portland sources. Taxable income includes: 

• Salaries, bonuses, wages, commissions, fees, vacation pay, profit sharing plans and other compensation for services rendered as an employee in Portland. 
• Fair market value of merchandise or services received as compensation. 
• Net profits from the operation of a business or profession or other activity conducted in Portland. 
• Net profits from rental of real and tangible property located in Portland. 
• Net profits from sale or exchange of personal property located in Portland.

11. What is nontaxable income?

The following types of income are nontaxable to both residents and nonresidents.

Nontaxable income includes:

Gifts, inheritances, bequests and distributions of principal from estates and trusts.

Proceeds from insurance, pensions, annuities and retirement benefits (including Social Security) even if taxable under the Internal Revenue Code.

Unemployment compensation, supplemental unemployment benefits, welfare relief payments and workers compensation.

Interest from U. S. obligations such as Savings Bonds and Treasury Notes, obligations of the states, or subordinate units of government of the states.

Compensation for service in the U. S. armed forces, including reserve components.

The following items are nontaxable to nonresidents:

Interest, dividends and royalty income.

Income from trusts and estates.

Qualified deferred compensation properly reported on a Form 1099-R.

12. What deductions are allowable when filing the City of Portland Individual Income Tax Return (P-1040)

The following expenses incurred as an employee are allowable subtractions. A portion of expenses is allowable to nonresidents to the extent they apply to income taxed by Portland. 

• Travel, Meals and lodging while away from home
• Expenses as an outside salesperson that works away from his/her employer's place of business (does not include driver/salesperson whose primary duty is service and delivery)
• Transportation (but not transportation to and from work)
• Expenses reimbursed under an expense account or other arrangement with your employer, if the reimbursement was included in gross income.

Other allowable deductions include: 

• Alimony paid, to the extent deductible under the Internal Revenue Code. Nonresidents must prorate the deduction based upon the ratio of Portland income to total income. 
  • Child support is not deductible. 
• Individual Retirement Account deduction to the extent allowed under the Internal Revenue Code. Nonresidents must prorate the deduction based upon the ratio of each taxpayer's earned income in Portland to each taxpayer's earned income everywhere. 
• Moving expenses into the area only.

13. Who must file a City of Portland Corporate Income Tax Return (P-1040)

Every corporation doing business in the city, whether or not it has an office or place of business in the city and whether or not it has net profits, is required to file a return. Corporations cannot choose to file and be taxed as partnerships. However, nonprofit corporations who have applied for and received approval for exemptions from federal income tax, state and national banks, trust companies, insurance companies, building and loan institutions, savings and loan associations and credit unions are exempt from the city income tax.

Subchapter "S" corporations doing business in the City of Portland must file as a "C" corporation for city income tax purposes.

14. Who must file a City of Portland Partnership Income Tax Return (P-1065)?

Every partnership that conducted business in the City of Portland, whether or not an office or place of business was maintained in the city is required to file an annual return. Syndicates, joint ventures, pools and like organizations must also file an annual return.

15. Can a partnership pay the City Income Tax for the partners?

Yes. If a partnership chooses to pay the taxes for the partners, the partners are not required to file a return as long as they have no other income subject to tax. The partners must file an individual return if they have taxable income other than the distributive share of net profits from the partnership.

16. Who must withhold Portland City Income Tax?

Every employer who does business in the City of Portland is required to withhold Portland income tax. This applies even if you do not maintain a location in Portland.

Non-profit organizations that are exempt from income tax, such as charitable, religious and governmental organizations, mush withhold tax from compensation paid to their employees.

If you are located outside Portland and have employees who work in Portland, you must withhold Portland income tax for all employees working in Portland.

17. How do I file and pay my withholding?

Payments are due monthly if your total monthly withholding exceeds $100; otherwise, your payments are due quarterly. To reconcile income tax withheld each year; you must file the City of Portland Income Tax reconciliation return (PW-3). Payments can also be made on our new Online Employer Withholding Tool.

Payment must be mailed with proper identification to:

Portland City Income Tax
259 Kent Street
Portland, MI 48875

18. When are my withholding payments due?

All withholding tax payments are due on the last day of the month after the reporting period. All Portland income tax withholding payments should be sent to the above address.

19. I do not have withholding for this quarter. What do I do?

You must return the proper form showing a zero for the quarter for which you owe no tax to avoid receiving a delinquent notice for failing to report tax due.

20. Who has to file a City of Portland Fiduciary Income Tax return (P-1041)?

Every trust and estate, that has gross income from the operation of a business, the rental or sale of real and tangible personal property or income from a partnership located in or allocable to the City of Portland. Trusts and estates are not required to pay City of Portland estimated income tax payments.

21. Helpful Hints

Write your social security number or federal identification number on your check and the type of tax that you are paying. Never send a check or money order without some form of documentation. This could cause a delay in applying your payment to the proper account. Always include your social security and telephone number on any correspondence, so we may research your issue properly and contact you if we have questions. When mailing returns, always keep a copy for your records. Please notify us in writing when you or your business has a change (i.e. address, your business incorporates, you sold your business, you discontinued your business, etc.).

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Mayor & Council

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1. When and where are City Council meetings held?

City Council meetings are held the first and third Monday of each month, 7:00 P.M., at City Hall, 259 Kent Street, Portland unless they rescheduled due to a conflict with a holiday.

2. Does the Mayor or members of the City Council have an office at City Hall or have office hours?

No. Since the City operates under the Council/Manager form of government, the City Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the City.

The Mayor and City Council may be contacted via the information provided on this website or through City Hall at 517-647-3211.

Mayor Barnes is available to meet with citizens at City Hall on the Saturday following Council meetings from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Mayor & Council Information

3. How are the Mayor and City Council members elected?

The Mayor and Council members are elected at odd-year non-partisan elections. Once the City Council is seated, they select the councilmember who will act as Mayor.

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Parks & Recreation

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1. How do I register for a program?

Online registration is available at the link below. 

• Program Registration

For a visual step-by-step guide:

• Coming soon!

For additional assistance, please contact the Parks & Recreation office at 517-647-7985.

Paper registration is also available for adult leagues. Visit the specific program's page for details. 

2. I have an idea for a program - who do I contact?

Great! We are always looking for new programs. Please fill out the Program Proposal Form (PDF) and submit it to Portland Parks and Recreation at 259 Kent St., Portland, MI 48875 or by email to efair@portland-michigan.org. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Erin at (517) 647-3207.

3. How do I know if I am considered a resident or nonresident?

For parks and recreation programs, to be considered a resident, you must live within City limits or within Portland or Danby Townships.

4. Can I request that my child be placed on a certain team?

We cannot guarantee placement with a specific team or coach, but you may request it on your registration. 

5. Where can I find schedules, scores, or standings?

Adult:

• Adult Schedules, Scores, & Standings

Youth:

• Youth Schedules

6. How do I know if a game or practice is cancelled?

If the school is closed for any reason (snow day, in-service), games and practices are automatically cancelled. 

To check the status of a game or practice, please call the inclement weather line at 517-647-3207. The timing of the message will vary by sport. Please reference your schedule.

Messages may also be posted on the Portland Parks & Recreation Field Status page.

7. Can the pavilions in the City parks be rented for gatherings?

The pavilions at Community Lake Park, Bogue Flats and Thompson Field can be reserved for family reunions and other gatherings. For more information, please call Neil at 517-647-7985 or stop at the front desk at City Hall to make a reservation and pay the required fee. 

Pavilion Rental Rates

Time Block	Resident Rate (within City limits)	Non-Resident Rate
Full Day: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM	$60	$80
Half Day: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM	$40	$60
Half Day: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM	$40	$60

Pavilion Rental Terms & Conditions (PDF)

Pavilion Rental Application & Permit - Fillable Form (PDF)

Reservations can also be made online at https://portlandmi.recdesk.com/Community/Home. Accounts are required. 

8. Where is your office located?

Parks & Recreation offices are located within City Hall at 259 Kent St., Portland, MI 48875

9. Are you hiring?

Portland Parks & Recreation is always seeking new and experienced officials and scorekeepers. For more information, visit the Officials & Scorekeepers page.

10. How do I report a problem or vandalism in the parks?

Please contact our office immediately by phone or email:

• Email Neil Brown, Director or 517-647-7985
• Email Erin Fair, Recreation Coordinator or 517-647-3207

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Police

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1. How and where do I pay a parking ticket?

How

• Cash:
  • Pay in person at City Hall
  • Dropped in the Drop box at City Hall
• Check, payable to City of Portland: 
  • Mail to City Hall 
  • Pay in person at City Hall 
  • Dropped in the Drop box at City Hall
• Credit Card : A service fee will be applied to all credit card payments 
  • In person at City Hall 
  • Or by calling City Hall at phone: 517-647-3205

Where

Payment for parking tickets are received between 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday at:

City Hall
259 Kent Street 
Portland MI

2. How do I dispute a parking ticket or traffic citation?

Contact the 64A District Court at

• Phone 616-527-5346 
• or by going in person to 100 West Main Street Ionia, MI 48846 between the hours 8 AM to 5 PM Monday thru Friday, excluding federal holidays

3. How do I request a copy of a police report?

Send a written request to:

Portland Police Department
773 East Grand River Ave
Portland, MI 48875

or Email Portland Police Department

Additional Information

• FOIA Itemization (PDF)
• FOIA Procedures and Guidelines (PDF)

4. Do you have a certified car seat technician?

Yes we have a technician located at :

Portland Police Department
773 East Grand River Ave
Portland, MI 48875

How to Make An Appointment

• Phone: 517-647-4111
• Email Portland Police Department

We do not accept walk ins. Everyone must make an appointment.

5. How can I dispose of unused medications?

The goal of this project is to get unused and expired prescriptions and medications out of the medicine cabinet in hopes of reducing the risk of abuse or theft, in addition to keeping medications out of our water and waste treatment systems.

The Police Department has joined resources with Ionia County in participating in the national prescription drug take back.

The drug drop box is available to Portland area residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Location

Portland Police Department
773 East Grand River Ave
Portland, MI 48875

The drop box is located inside the secured police department building. In order to drop off prescription drugs please visit the police department entry way, call us by using the phone located next to the front door and someone will let you inside to take and dispose of your drugs.

The following items are accepted:

• Prescriptions
• Over-the-counter medications
• Vitamins
• Medication samples
• Medication for pets

The following items are NOT accepted:

• Liquid Medications
• Ointments
• Lotions
• Needles (sharps)
• Thermometers
• Bloody or infectious waste
• Medications from businesses/clinics/pharmacies/hospitals
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Aerosol cans
• Inhalers
• Liquid medications

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Trees

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1. What kind of trees can I plant in City right-of-way?

The City ordinance provides for a list of prohibited species because providing an exhaustive list of "approved" species would be too voluminous.

Prohibited species means and includes any tree of popular (populus sp.), willow (salix sp.), box elder (acer negundo), silver maple (acer sac-charinum), thorny locust (robina sp.), tree of heaven (ailanthus altissima), catalpa (catalpa ap.), mulberry (morus sp.), Siberian elm(ulmus pumila),birch (betula sp.), and any other species so determined by the Tree Commission. No ornamental trees or conifers, nor any trees with fruit or nuts.

2. Where is the right-of-way (curb lawn)?

The right-of-way or curb lawn means the property between the portion of the right-of-way used for vehicular traffic and the sidewalk of, when there is no sidewalk, it will be the legal measurement from the center of the street to the property line.

3. Is there anything additional I need to know about planting a tree in the right-of-way (curb lawn)?

Trees planted in the curb lawn should be at least 2" caliper trees. Prior to purchasing/planting a tree in the curb lawn, please contact the Parks Director, Neil Brown at 517-647-7985. **Always contact Miss Dig prior to digging or excavating.**

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Utility Billing

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1. My garbage container is broken, who can I contact?

Please contact the City of Portland at 517-647-3205 and provide your name and address. The old container will be replaced by Granger on Friday's. Your container will need to be placed on the street berm, your new container will be dropped off and the broken container will be removed.

2. I have a water or electric problem and/or a utility bill question. Who do I contact?

If you are experiencing a water leak, meter leak, rusty water, no water/low pressure or a utility billing question, please contact City Hall at 517-647-3205.

3. Can I pay my utility bill or property taxes by Credit Card?

Yes! The City of Portland has contracted with a secured ONLINE Payment Center called "Point and Pay". You can pay your property tax (which includes a 3% credit card fee) and/or your utility bill (which includes a fee based on the amount of your bill). You can also pay be credit card in the office at City Hall. Click on the following link to take you to the Online Bill Payment information page. Online Bill Payment

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Wastewater

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1. Do I need a permit to install or replace a house sewer service?

The answer is Yes. There is not cost for this permit. We keep the permit information on file to help locate the sewer service should it be necessary in the future.

2. How can I reduce the amount of my sewer bill?

Because your sewer bill is directly linked to the amount of water you use, the best way to reduce your sewer bill is to reduce your water usage (which also saves money). Here is a tip that may save you money. Put some food dye in your toilet tank and then look to see if the color is leaking into the toilet bowl. If it does, you are loosing water through your toilet. It could be a very minor loss or you could be losing 100 or more gallons a day.

3. How is my sewer bill determined?

Your sewer bill is determined in the following manner. All residential households in Portland use a 5/8-inch water meter. The sewer service demand charge for a 5/8” meter is $6.67 per month. In addition to the monthly sewer service demand charge, there is an actual usage charge. The City currently charges $3.39 for every thousand gallons of water used.

For example, if you used 6,000 gallons of water in a month (the average amount of water used by a family of 4) the actual usage charge would be $20.34 [6,000 gal / 10000 gal x $3.39]. Next, add in the monthly sewer service demand charge of $6.67 for a 5/8-inch water meter. Your total sewer bill would then be $27.01 [$6.67 + $20.34 = $27.01].

If you have a different size water meter or if you have any questions regarding your sewer charge please contact the Utility Billing Department at 517-647-3205.

4. What is a sanitary sewer house service and who does it belong to?

A sanitary sewer house service is typically a 4 inch diameter pipe made of iron, clay, plastic that runs underground from the City’s sanitary sewer main to your house. It connects the indoor plumbing of a house to the City’s main sewer line. The sanitary sewer house service is a part of the plumbing system of the home, and is owned by the property owner.

5. Who is responsible for maintaining the sanitary sewer house service?

The property owner is responsible for maintaining their sanitary sewer house service.


Approximately 90% of the problems the homeowner has with their house sewer service is roots growing through joints and cracks in the line. Roots, when large enough, will plug the line causing water from the house to drain away slowly or not at all. This will require the roots to be cut out of the pipe. The property owner will probably need to removed the roots once a year in order to prevent the roots from growing back and plugging the line. Because of the constant maintenance and potential for sewage backing up into the home, many property owners prefer to replace their faulty line with new PVC, schedule 35, plastic pipe.

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WWTP Improvement Project

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1. What is wastewater treatment capacity and how is capacity selected?

There are many factors considered during the design of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP).  Design is primarily based on what capacity the wastewater system should be designed to treat.  Capacity can be broken down into two categories – hydraulic capacity and biological capacity.   

Hydraulic capacity is the ability of the treatment systems to maintain or pass a given liquid flow rate through each of the treatment processes. Biological capacity is the ability of the treatment systems to handle and treat the organic loads delivered from the collection system. Most of the organic load comes from domestic wastewater which primarily comes from homes.   Biological treatment relies on bacteria and other microorganisms to break down organic wastes.

Throughout the design process, population trends are reviewed along with projected areas of development to establish a baseline hydraulic flow and projected biological and nutrient loadings to the WWTP.  This projection typically covers a 20-year planning cycle to coincide with the useful life of many pieces of equipment and infrastructure.  

Capacity, both in the form of hydraulic and biological, greatly impacts the capital costs to expand the plant’s treatment capabilities and impacts the long-term operating costs of the facility.  For this reason, it is important to right-size the improvements to offer a cost-effective solution.  Providing excessive capacity that may never be utilized is cost prohibitive to the community and increases operating costs over the useful life of the project.  For this reason, it is important to select design capacities based on reasonable growth projections for the selected planning period.

During planning stages, the City and its engineering consultant reviewed historical flow and loading data to develop the project scope for the current project.  During that review, it was determined that the City’s WWTP was operating at its design biological capacity and improvements were needed to expand the facility’s ability to treat incoming wastewater.   The proposed project aims to address the City’s projected capacity requirements for the next 20 years.

2. Why is the City’s WWTP located near the Grand River?

Collection and treatment systems are typically designed to reduce the need for pumping wastewater and utilize gravity flow to the extent possible.   Treatment facilities are normally located near rivers or streams for two reasons: low-lying areas allow the collection system to utilize gravity to deliver wastewater to the treatment facility, and it locates the facility to discharge the treated effluent to the receiving body of water.

The City’s WWTP was originally located and built in the 1950’s in its current location on the Grand River.  The facility has undergone subsequent improvements projects in 1971 and 2012 to expand the facility and its treatment capabilities.  Building a new WWTP in a different location would be prohibitively expensive for the City and would increase long-term operating costs of the system as wastewater would have to be pumped continuously versus using gravity flow. The more cost-effective solution is to upgrade the existing facility while implementing measures to address discharge during high river stages.

As part of the planning process for the current project, the City and its engineering team reviewed the impacts of sustained high river levels (such as during the 2019 ice jam) on the WWTP’s ability to continuously  treat the wastewater and process the influent flows received throughout the collection system.  

The proposed improvements include repairs in the collection system to reduce inflow and infiltration (I/I) that must ultimately be treated at the City’s WWTP.   I/I can be defined as clean water that enters the collection system through cracks or seepage in the pipes from storm runoff, groundwater infiltration, or inflow from high water events.  Decreasing the amount of  I/I from the collection system to the WWTP frees up available hydraulic capacity for wastewater that needs to be treated.  In addition, the proposed project includes hydraulic improvements and implementing provisions to enable the City’s operations staff to pump treated effluent to the river during high river stages.

3. What will the rate increases be in order to support this critical infrastructure improvement?

In order to perform the necessary improvements to the WWTP, the City will be required to bond out for this Project. The anticipated cost is approximately $10 million with the City qualifying for 1.5 million in principal forgiveness though EGLE’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). In order to support the bond and pay for the Project, rates will increase 29% beginning July 1, 2022 and are anticipated to increase another 25% for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023.