2022 International Code Council Building Safety Month

During the month of May, DeWitt Charter Township’s Building Department is joining the International Code Council in celebrating its 42nd Annual Building Safety Month. This year’s campaign, “Safety for All: Building Codes in Action” raises worldwide awareness about the importance of using building codes to ensure safety in the spaces in which we all live, work and learn.

Homes and buildings that are built in compliance with building safety codes, and the officials who enforce the codes, are essential to helping communities become affordable, resilient, and energy and water efficient. Building Safety Month provides homeowners, government officials and the public with the necessary information and resources to prepare and protect our built environment.

This year’s campaign will weekly highlight different aspects of building safety:

• Week One // May 1-8, 2022: Planning for a Safe and Sustainable Tomorrow

• Week Two // May 9-15, 2022: Exploring Careers in Building Safety

• Week Three // May 16-22, 2022: Understanding Disaster Mitigation

• Week Four // May 23-31, 2022: Creating a Safe and Abundant Water Supply

With an extensive history dating back to 2200 B.C. and the Code of Hammurabi, King of the Babylonian Empire, building codes have protected the public for thousands of years. Today, the International Codes, developed by the Code council and adopted by the State of Michigan and DeWitt Charter Township, are the most widely used and adopted set of building safety codes in the world. Whether its protection from natural disasters or the sudden collapse of a structure, building codes aid in protecting us in all aspects of our daily lives.

We invite you to stop by the Building Department during the month of May to obtain literature for your review, as well as fun giveaways for your children.

Carbon Monoxide Safety and Awareness Month

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that there are at least 430 CO-related deaths each year, as well as 50,000 CO-related visits to the Emergency Departments. The illness and deaths are caused by the improper operation or ventilation of fuel burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, hot water heaters, ovens, fireplaces, portable heaters, generators, and vehicles. The symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning may include headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. High levels of Carbon Monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and death.

Carbon Monoxide is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. You need a detector in your home, cabin, RV, or workplace to detect this hazard. Carbon Monoxide detectors should be installed in basements, near bedrooms, and where there are fuel burning appliances. Socially and economically disadvantaged people and homes are at a greater risk due to older appliances within these older homes.

DeWitt Township Fire Department and MI Prevention, through the Bureau of Fire Services, have joined together to install Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide detectors for seniors and disadvantaged residents. If you need a battery-operated Smoke Detector and/or a battery-operated CO Detector installed in your home, please contact the DeWitt Township Fire Department at (517) 669-0071. Supply is limited.

Assessing Department Field Work

As we welcome the warmer spring weather, the Assessing Department will resume regular field work in the DeWitt community. This can consist of updating photographs; measuring homes, decks, or outbuildings; or checking on specific items. Assessing Department personnel carry identification at all times during inspections, and are typically updating our records during these visits. If we are visiting your property for a specific reason, we will attempt to contact you and coordinate a time that works to address your concerns.

Clean Sweep 2022 Vouchers

Clean Sweep has returned! This popular program runs from April 29 through May 11, allowing DeWitt Township residents, with residentially zoned properties, to get rid of their junk for free. A Voucher is required to participate in the Clean Sweep program and can be obtained, in person, at the Clerk’s Office. Check out the DeWitt Township website for details.

Election Workers Needed

Election Inspectors are needed to work the up-coming elections. We encourage you to complete and submit the application available at:

https://www.dewitttownship.org/176/Election-Information.

The application is also available at the Clerk's Office during regular business hours. Election Inspector training will be held in June. Election Inspectors are compensated for training and their work at the polls.

Overdue Sewer Bill Assistance

The Capital Area Services Agency has recently received funds to assist eligible households with delinquent water and sewer bills. Program funds are available through September 30, 2023. For information about participating in the Low Income Household Water/Waste Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), reach out to your nearest Capital Area Services Agency office.

Clinton County, St. Johns (989) 224-6702
Ingham County, East Lansing/Lansing (517) 393-7077
www.cacs-inc.org

State of Michigan Income Taxpayers & Property Tax Credit

The deadline for filing a State of Michigan individual income tax return without an extension has come and gone. If you learn that the property tax credit you claimed on your return does not agree with the Department of Treasury’s records, it could be that you included special assessments or other items in the property tax credit you reported. DeWitt Charter Township’s winter property tax bills include special assessments (streetlights, drains, delinquent sewer fees, etc.) that are not property taxes. Only the ad valorem property taxes that were levied on your homestead, including the administrative collection fees up to 1 percent of the tax, can be claimed.

For more guidance, the MI 1040 Form instructions and the status of your individual income tax refund can be found on the State of Michigan’s Department of Treasury website at www.michigan.gov/taxes/iit

Important Upcoming Dates

5/03 - Special election day for Lansing School District voters
5/30 - Township offices closed for the Memorial Day holiday

E-News April 2022