Frequently Asked Questions

The summer bills are mailed out during the last week of June. They are due July 1st and you have until September 2nd to pay without penalty. After September 2nd, a 4% penalty is added to the bill and interest at the rate of 1/2% per month is charged after September 30th to a maximum of 6%. The winter bills are mailed out during the last week in November. They are due December 1st and you have until February 17th to pay them without penalty. Starting February 18th, a 3% penalty is added onto the bill. All tax bills that remain unpaid at the end of the day on March 2nd are sent to the Oakland County Treasurer as delinquent. The County adds additional penalty at that time.

Yes, a permit is required to re-roof your house whether it is a complete tear off and re-roof or just adding a second layer of roofing to an existing roof. Please call the Community Development office for more details (248) 583-0831

The Madison Heights Police Department only fingerprints individuals for a specific purpose, i.e. court order, adoption, housing commission, Commercial Solicitation Permits, and Federal Government Contract Employment. There is a $10 fee for all fingerprint requests. Fingerprints are taken between the hours of 1-3:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

To avoid any inconvenience, it is recommended that you call in advance, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., at 248-585-5626. This phone number will connect to those who are responsible for fingerprints and can answer any questions regarding fingerprints. For employment purposes please contact L-1 Identity Solutions at 866-226-2952 or visit the

It is sometimes necessary that the Madison Heights Police Department retain property and evidence that belongs to a person. When this occurs, the Police Department will notify the owner in person or by postcard when the property is available to be released. If the property is being held as evidence in a criminal prosecution it is also necessary to have clearance from the detective who handled the case.

Property is released by appointment. To schedule a time to pick up property call in advance to verify that staff will be available to release the property. Between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., call 248-837-2744. This phone number will connect to those staff members who are responsible for the release of property.

As of July 1, 2011, there is a $10 administration fee to pick up any property that is held after 10 days or more.

Please view our Police Record page.

Madison Heights will post a job advertisement for Police Officer when we are accepting applications.  The advertisement will include a listing all current requirements as certified by the Civil Service Commission. For general information on becoming a Police Officer in Michigan, go to the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards website.

Madison Heights will post a job advertisement for Firefighter/Paramedic when we are accepting applications.  The advertisement will include a listing all current requirements as certified by the Civil Service Commission. For general information on becoming a firefighter/paramedic you can check with the local programs for Fire Academy and Paramedic.

Summer tax bills should arrive the first week of July, and Winter bills should arrive the first week of December. 

Winter taxes are payable December 1 through February 17 without penalty. A penalty of 3% will be assessed on February 18, calculated on the tax due, excluding administrative fee.

The last day to pay taxes at City Hall is March 2. Starting March 3, all taxes must be paid to Oakland County Treasurer with additional penalties.

For your convenience, we have a secure drop box outside of City Hall for your tax and water bill payments, accessible 24 hours a day (4:30 p.m.) on the due date. Drop Box Guidelines: * Please pay by check or money order only, no cash or credit cards may be used for drop box payments. * When using the drop box, be sure to enclose your payment along with the appropriate portion of your bill in a sealed envelope. * Receipts will not be sent for drop box payments. You view your payment on this web site the following business day.

Yes, credit/debit card or e-check are accepted online or by phone, processing fee applies.

• Online: www.invoicecloud.com/madison-heights
• Phone: 855-725-0895, electronic check (e-check), credit/debit card accepted

During the recession, the City lost over 35% of our taxable value and as a result our tax revenue. Although the economy is better the City finances have not improved. 

61.5% of the City's revenue is property taxes paid by residents and businesses throughout the City. During the recession the City lost over 35% in taxable value which equaled a direct reduction in general tax dollars generated. When business and residential property values started dropping in 2008 the City taxable value dropped by the same amount. The City does have an excellent financial forecasting process and we addressed this situation through proactively cutting out expenses (personnel, programs and capital outlay) to keep the City financially stable. 

When the economy started to recover, the City's taxable value was only allowed to grow the amount of inflation regardless of how much property values increased. So, in a year the City's values increase more than inflation, we are forced to "roll-back" or reduce our tax millage. This has caused the City to struggle to recover. Due to the recession and the cap on the millage the City will not return to 2006 levels until at least 2038. That is assuming there aren't any more economic downturns before 2038 which is unrealistic. This also does not provide for actual inflation as we will be expected to do business in 2038 on 2006 revenues.

Madison Heights has a very proactive financial forecasting process that allowed us to reduce costs before the effect of the recession hit our revenue stream. 200+ gap measures were implemented during this period (see list below). The majority of these reductions remain in place, with the exception of the restoration of the Police Special Investigations Unit and the trial period for Sunday hours at the Library (coming this September).

* Eliminated 47 full-time positions, in addition to the 31 full-time positions eliminated since 1997 across all departments in the City. 

* Labor Negotiations included furlough days, wages reductions, elimination and reduction of pension benefits, retiree health care, insurance benefits and leave time.

* Contracted out entire departments and services including: assessing department, information technology department, housing department, operation of the Nature Center, and reduction and contracting of city-wide mowing, building inspections, sidewalk replacement and inspection.  

* Reduced custodial services and most pest control, closed City offices at lunch,  and eliminated all full-time positions in the recreation department. 

* Postponed all vehicle and equipment replacement until significantly past service life. This has decreased reliability of critical pieces of equipment.

* Reduced library material and programing budgets. 

* Deferred park maintenance including trail rehabilitation and park equipment replacement. 

* Eliminated annual city-wide calendar and new resident packet and reduced the frequency of the city-wide newsletter.  

* Eliminated city funding of special events including coffee concerts, memorial day parade, and festival in the park. 

* Closed the Skate Park due to required maintenance. 

* Discontinued annual animal clinic

These are a few examples of the 200+ gap measures implemented City-wide to reduce expenses.

Since 2009, calls for service for public safety and emergency medical services have increased 41.9%. During this same period staff has decreased 16%. We are not seeking to return to pre-recession levels. We are only seeking to staff the departments adequately enough to be able to respond efficiently to emergency calls within the City. 

Proposal MH will immediately improve emergency services by adding three firefighters, two police officers and one emergency dispatcher to staff. The addition of three new firefighters will go to increasing the average daily staffing level, which will decrease the frequency that the fire engine or the ambulance at Fire Station 2 is left unstaffed. The unstaffed vehicles at Fire Station 2 occur when the daily staffing level falls below eight firefighters. In 2018, the average daily staffing level was 6.5 firefighters per day. Also, the staffing of all the frontline vehicles will improve our emergency response times throughout the City. This will also allow us to address deferred capital assets such as equipment, vehicles and buildings which we have not been able to properly maintain due to lack of funding. 

In order to compare millage rates we need to compare all the items included in the millage. Madison Heights' millage includes many services other cities do not. Therefore, in order to compare you need to add these additional services to other cities millages.

1.  Madison Heights includes solid waste services (trash, compost and recycling) in the millage. The majority of other Cities do not, requiring instead that residents pay this bill separately. This costs other cities approximately $45 every two months or $270 annually. Solid Waste is 2.25 mills of the total Madison Heights millage. 

2. Madison Heights includes Chapter 20 Drain debt in the millage. Many other Cities do not, including this instead in the Water and Sewer rate billed to residents. 

3. Madison Heights provides full service emergency medical services through our Firefighters/AMET. Many other communities run volunteer fire departments with private ambulance service. 

After determining that no other expenses could be eliminated without drastically changing services, City Council directed staff to develop a millage proposal that would provide long-term stability to the City and increase public services and quality of life. 

Staff looked at all millages currently levied, and found the Library millage and millage restoration millages were expiring next year. In order to combine these millages into a public safety millage and ask the voters to consider just one millage increase, staff developed Proposal MH. Proposal MH replaces the library millage, millage restoration millage and combines two other millages for vehicles and advanced life support. It also provides funding for increased public safety including personnel and equipment and quality of life services as determined through resident input.

The net increase is only 3.3867 mills. This is confusing because the ballot language actually reads "increase the charter millage from 10 to 16 mills". This is not a 6 mill increase. The net increase is only 3.3687 due to the combination of current millages and the  headlee amendment. The 3.3687 is calculated: 2.5 mills for increased public safety, 2.93 mills stabilizing funding for general operations and library services 2.93 mills (the library and millage restoration millages are expiring and two other millages will be rolled in and no longer separately levied) and 0.57 mills for quality of life amenities to be determined through the resident input of the master planning process. 

If the millage proposal passes, the millage would be effective on the July 2020 summer tax bill. Increased public safety staffing and infrastructure maintenance and equipment purchases for public safety would be included in the FY 2020-21 budget. We would start the recruitment process for six new public safety positions (3 firefighters, 2 patrol officers, 1 dispatch) shortly after the millage passes, in early January 2020. Enhanced recreation and development projects and special events would be included as decided by City Council and can vary by year based on the needs and desires of the community through the budget process.

On average the cost for Proposal MH will be around 35 cents per day. 

We have created an interactive calculator to help you determine and estimate of what Proposal MH will cost you on an annual basis, if fully levied. Click here and enter your TAXABLE VALUE not market value. 

Verify your voter registration and polling location at:

https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/

Now through October 28, 2019:  register to vote by mail, at the Secretary of State Office, or at your City Clerk's office in City Hall.  

October 28 until  8:00 p.m. on November 5, 2019: in order to be registered for the November 5, 2019 Election, you will need to visit the City Clerk's office in City Hall.  Identification and proof of residency is required. If you cannot establish residency during this time frame, you will be ineligible to vote in Madison Heights in the November 5, 2019 election.  The following items are valid for establishing identification and residency:

Identification:

Driver's License (any state)

State Personal ID (any state)

Federal or State Issued ID

U.S. Passport

Military ID

Student ID

Tribal Id

Residency - must include applicant's name and current address:

Any of the above with current address

Current utility bill

bank statement

paycheck

government check

other government document

Any registrations made at the Secretary of State after October 28, 2019 will not be effective until after November 5, 2019.  

You can request an absentee ballot by filling out this Absentee Ballot Application and submitting it to the City Clerk's office:

Find out the status of your absentee ballot here:

https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/

When the ownership of a residential or commercial property is scheduled to change, the City of Madison Heights Water Department generates what is known as a Final Bill for the property. Based on the meter reading obtained, the Final Bill is generated. 

Drop off or email your Final Water Bill Request at least three (3) business days prior to the closing date. The fee for a Final Bill is $20. Use this link for the Final Bill request from or email the completed form to Treasurer@Madison-Heights.org. 

Once completed, the Final Bills are emailed, or mailed, to the applicant. 

Pay online with credit/debit or electronic check at www.madison-heights.org. From the homepage select the Online Payments option, this will link you to BS&A online. Set the search option to "All Records by Address" and enter the property address (numbers only, no street names) in the search bar and select search. Select the address from the search results by double clicking. There will be separate tabs with Property Information, Tax, Utility Billing, Invoices and Building Department. Select the "Pay Now" option under Amount Due to make a payment. 

There are programs available to help! 

Click here or dial 211 for more info! 

One of the most common leaks are silent toilet leaks. An east way to check your toilets is by putting a few drops of food coloring into the tank. DO NOT FLUSH. If the color beings to appear in the bowl within 15-20 minutes, you have a leak. Purchasing a toilet repair kit and replacing the flapper in the tank, can be an east do-it-yourself fix! 

Another good way to check if you have a leak is to do an overnight meter read. Write down the reading on your meter before going to bed (make sure no water gets used overnight). Then read the meter again in the morning before you use any water. If the numbers change, you may have a leak. You can also do this when you are going to be out of the house for the day.

1. Visit www.invoicecloud.com/madison-heights

2. Select Water/Sewer

3. Enter Account Number and select Search Invoices

4. Select View/Pay. Proceed to Payment or select "I want to Register this Account"

5. Once your account is registered you can set up/edit autopay options. 

Yes. There is a $60 fee for the City to turn your water off and to turn your water on. Water is turned on and off at the curb stop/stop box.

• End Broken Windows Policing – This style of policing advances the idea that tolerating minor physical and social disorder in a neighborhood encourages serious violent crime. Campaign Zero encourages police departments to decriminalize or de-prioritize enforcement of low-level offenses implementing community-based responses to these issues that are more effective and that do not risk exposing communities to police violence. This would include decriminalize or de-prioritize enforcement of items such as drug possession, public intoxication, loitering, jaywalking, disorderly conduct and prostitution.

The MHPD has not subscribed to the broken windows policing model for many years.  MHPD is devoted to Community Policing and getting to know our neighbors and citizens by being present in the neighborhoods and attending neighborhood functions when possible. In addition, the MHPD has strong relationships with local women’s shelters and community social service organizations.  The MHPD has continued programs in all the elementary schools that include reading programs, safety programs and walk-throughs to get to know the children and the teachers.  The MHPD is also a partner with the Madison Heights Community Coalition and the Community Round Table.  The MHPD Chief of Police is on the board of the Michigan Commission on Juvenile Justice and also on the board of the Federal Commission on Juvenile Justice.  Both of these boards strive to provide juveniles with structure and alternatives to the Juvenile Justice System.  The goal is to prevent juveniles from entering the Juvenile Justice System in the first place. 

• Community Oversight - Campaign Zero encourages the empowerment of community oversight structures to play a role in holding individual officers accountable and pushing for systemic changes within police departments

MHPD has community oversight partially by our Crime Commission and Civil Service Commission.  Our Crime Commission has been involved in making recommendations for budget items and for involving the community with presentations on Human Trafficking and participating in Child Identification packets.  We have a City Council representative as a member of the Crime Commission as well. In addition, we are required to have a Civil Service Commission comprised of three residents; this commission oversees hiring practices and can hear disciplinary cases instead of arbitration if so requested by the Union and/or employee. 

ACTION ITEM: As part of this evaluation, and at the suggestion of several City Council members we are researching a different formula for the community commission/task force that would include the activities of the current Crime Commission and Multicultural Board. This new committee would focus on the city and department’s current needs and issues related to diversity, racial relations, and community engagement. We expect to have a report to City Council in the coming weeks regarding staff’s recommendations for the ordinance required to establish such a committee and general focus. 

• Limit Use of Force-This campaign research shows that police departments with more restrictive use of force policies - like banning chokeholds and requiring de-escalation - are substantially less likely to kill people. And more restrictive use of force policies are safer for officers, too.

The MHPD limits the use of force following the best practices across the nation. This includes not allowing the use of “chokeholds”.  We have policies that prohibit the use of a TASER on specific body parts (head and neck) and a prohibition on baton strikes to anywhere other than muscle mass.  Our officers are prohibited from shooting at vehicles. Officers use de-escalation whenever possible. Every use of force has to be reported to the Training Sergeant and Administration.  We report all uses of the TASER to our City Attorney’s office and our insurance company.  Further, all use of force reports are also reported to the FBI.

ACTION ITEM: To increase transparency, the use of force reports that are submitted to the FBI will also be submitted to the Crime Commission or new Community Board as described in #2 above.

• Independently Investigate & Prosecute – Campaign Zero research shows Only 1% of all killings by police lead to an officer being charged with a crime. And while the federal government has the power to step in and investigate officers and their departments, they lack the resources to do this at the scale needed to change policing outcomes in America.

All citizen complaints and internal complaints are fully investigated by the command staff.  A full report is prepared and turned over to the Deputy Police Chief for review.  The Deputy Police Chief verifies the thoroughness of the investigation and then reports his findings to the Chief of Police for a full review.  If the complaint is criminal in nature, the investigation is always handled by an outside agency.  (Usually the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department or the Michigan State Police.)  If the incident occurred outside the jurisdiction of the City of Madison Heights, or while the officer was serving on a joint task force, the agency that has jurisdiction would be the investigative agency and they could also choose to bring in an outside agency for investigation. 

• Community Representation- The department should reflect the communities and be responsive to the cultural, racial and gender diversity of the community they serve. Campaign Zero research shows that Black officers are more likely to believe in and push for change within police departments and female officers are less likely to engage in misconduct and excessive force than male officers.

Despite the difficulties in recruitment of Police Officers, we have actively worked to diversify our police department to represent the community we serve. City-data was taken from the 2010 Census and will be updated when the 2020 census is completed. We have a total of 56 sworn officers and police service aides and as of the 2010 census a city population of 29,694.  In addition, we also have 3-female police officers, and 4-female Police Service Aides. Our current city and force make-up are detailed below: 

In recent years, to assist with recruitment and help those that do not have the resources to be trained as a Police Officer we have allocated funds to the police academy. This did prove useful in our recruitment efforts. We have also offered incentives by allowing officers that were coming from other departments to start at higher wage steps than entry-level. 

ACTION ITEM: In anticipation that it will continue to be difficult to hire quality officers we will be looking to expand the police academy reimbursement program. We will also be working to develop recruitment videos and plans that reach a diverse recruitment pool. We are not suggesting relaxing standards for officers including background checks and probationary periods as it is vital to have quality employees to maintain a quality community focused department.

• Body Cams/Film the Police – Campaign research shows that body cameras do not prevent police violence from happening, but they do increase the chances that officers will be disciplined or even prosecuted for these incidents. Body cam programs need clear policies that ensure they aren’t used to surveil marginalized communities.

As part of the fiscal year 2021 adopted budget, the department will be replacing the existing in-car video camera system. Also, each officer on the Department will be issued a body camera which will also be purchased in the 2020-21 Fiscal Year budget.

ACTION ITEM: As part of the implementation of body cameras we will be developing policies governing the use of body cameras that follow best practices nationwide. These practices include ensuring public access to footage, prevents storage of non-essential footage, requires officers to record while on-duty, includes specific disciplinary consequences for violations, and prohibits the cameras from being used with biometric scanning and other surveillance technologies. The implementation of body cameras will require the hiring of a records clerk to help implement these practices and respond to requests for footage. This position has been budgeted but is currently on hold until the cameras are implemented.

• Training-Nationwide the average police recruit spends 58 hours learning how to shoot and only 8 hours learning how to de-escalate. Police training needs to be dramatically restructured to emphasize de-escalation and to identify and hold accountable officers who exhibit evidence of racial bias.

During the last year, the MHPD Police Officers spent over 2,776 hours in in-service training.  The topics included but were not limited to:  implicit bias training, comprehensive weapons training, police response to fires, NARCAN Training, Defensive Tactics Training, de-escalation training, less lethal weapons training, oleoresin capsicum (OC)  Spray Training (aka pepper spray), TASER Training, tourniquet application, mental health response, crisis intervention training, active shooter response training, cultural awareness training, interacting with the mentally ill, and interaction with mentally ill veterans or those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), to list a few.

• End For-Profit Policing-Police departments should not be allowed to profit from aggressively ticketing, issuing fines, and confiscating property from communities. And when police are sued for misconduct, they should have to bear the burden of paying all financial costs associated with their actions.

Madison Heights is not structured in this manner and this does not exist. Our police department is funded by property taxes, state shared revenues, and grants. End broken

• Demilitarization-The federal 1033 program transfers military weapons to police departments, including grenade launchers and tanks. Departments that receive more of these weapons are more likely to kill.

This does not apply to Madison Heights as we have not been militarized.  The only piece of equipment we have from the military is a 1973 Armored Personnel Carrier.  It is only used a handful of times during the year, specifically for barricaded gunman situations.  The vehicle has heavy plate armor that can be used to protect the officers from gunfire.

• Fair Police Union Contracts-Police union contracts and statewide police bill of rights laws make it harder to investigate and hold officers accountable for misconduct. Cities with police union contracts have higher rates of police misconduct complaints and more killings of unarmed people.

Many of the rights given to the Police department unions are covered by State laws making this something that we cannot unilaterally change.  New state legislation is needed to give the City and the Police Department more rights when it is necessary to remove a bad officer from the force. This does not mean it is impossible to remove officers that violate rules, commit criminal acts, or display racial bias. The MHPD practices a zero tolerance management style taking aggressive steps to protect the integrity of our department and the officers who proudly serve our community.

As part of this program, DPS is asking our residents to help us care for these trees by watering them at least three times per week as needed. A "gatorbag" will be provided with the tree, simply fill the bag every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday through the first growing season. Please note that this is not necessary when it is raining heavily.

As defined in the City Code of Ordinances, Section II, Chapter 27, Article III “Trees, Shrubs, and Plants”, The department of public services (DPS) shall have complete charge and control over all trees, shrubs and plants, planted or to be planted, in the public ways of the city including the authority to plant, cut, trim and remove such trees, shrubs or plants.

The majority of new trees do become established and thrive. Sometimes, despite doing everything right, a tree will decline and die. DPS has a warranty on all new trees planted through our nursery. If the tree does die, it will be replaced through this warranty mechanism.

The construction tree replacement program is a relatively new process. We plan for construction replacements by requesting an extra deep stump grinding during removal, which is a considerable expense. Normal tree removals leave the stump roughly three inches below the grass, which is insufficient to plant a new tree. A waiting period of 3-5 years will be necessary to allow the stump to adequately decompose.

The City provides a list of recommended ROW trees. These trees have been proven to do well in an urban environment. We also request that you select your first, second, and third choice, in the rare event that the nursery does not have your first selection available.

The tree will be planted in the late fall, allowing it to go dormant over the winter. Although a tree can be planted any time of year, it is much easier for the tree to become established in the spring.

Tree roots are opportunistic, meaning that they can find and grow into existing cracks in sewer pipe; they do not create these cracks. The majority of the homes in Madison Heights were built in or prior to the mid-1950s, approaching 70 years ago! A cracked sewer line is a function of its age, not the tree above. Additionally, the City has selected varieties of trees that do better in an urban environment than the silver maples and sycamores planted by developers at the time, with less root travel, and a smaller footprint.

It is the established standard of the City of Madison Heights to not remove healthy trees. If you believe the tree is in decline, please click here to fill out a request a tree inspection.

You can bring your container of organic materials to DPS (801 Ajax Dr) and head to the parking lot to the right. Look for the bright green, 64-gallon cart with a red sticker reading “compostables” on the side.

24/7

You can use anything big enough to hold a day or two of food scraps. For example, a large bowl with a lid, a compostable bag, plastic/glass containers, countertop compost bins, etc.

Pro-tip: Keep extra smelly scraps like meat in the fridge or freezer until you’re able to drop the scraps off to DPS. Remember, you can drop the scraps off whenever - even before it starts to smell!

Pro-tip: Line the container you use to collect scraps with newspaper to absorb liquid and keep your container clean. 

Once every two weeks.

Fruits and vegetables, eggshells, raw and cooked meat or bones, dairy, baked goods, pasta, beans, coffee grounds and filters, fats and sugars, flowers, and unbleached paper towels & napkins. Not sure if your item is compostable? Check here: https://products.bpiworld.org/. When in doubt, leave it out!

We do NOT accept yard waste, pet waste, plastic bags, glass, electronics, healthcare products, stone and metal, styrofoam, and traditional plastics at our drop-off site.

NO. This is a different program. You must drive to DPS to drop off your food scraps, where it will get turned into rich, nutrient-dense soil through Spurt industries. Keep your lawn waste at home for curbside pickup.

Animals will not be able to access the bin so long as the lid remains shut. The bin will be monitored by DPS staff.

Check out the How Is It Made Video on My Green Michigan’s site! https://www.mygreenmi.com/program-education/#:~:text=The%20product%20has%20undergone%20mesophilic,may%20also%20contribute%20plant%20nutrients.%22

MyGreenMichigan collects the compost and takes it to Spurt Industries in Wixom. Check out the link to learn more about Spurt Industries;  https://spurtindustries.com/food-waste-recycling-program/

Compost reduces pollution, reduces waste, increases the quality of soil, lowers methane emissions, and contributes to a healthier planet.

The transition from GFL to Priority Waste last summer delayed the cart rollout. The City's current trash contract expires on June 30, 2025. Following City Council approval in May, the City of Madison Heights entered into a five-year contract with Clinton Township-based Priority Waste to provide refuse and recycling services.

"Cart-Only" collection means all household trash must be placed inside a designated trash cart – no loose bags or overflow. This service starts on October 6th.

No, you cannot leave bags at the curb for pickup. You MUST use the 96-gallon trash cart provided OR a comparable cart, such as the 95-gallon cans purchased from Priority Waste or GFL.

Priority Waste: Questions about missed pickup, special pickup, bulk items, or acceptable materials.

The City of Madison Heights: Questions about trash cart rollout, disability assistance program, and purchase of new trash carts. 

The City is moving to cart-only trash collection to keep neighborhoods cleaner, reduce pests and rodents, and improve collection efficiency. The change is also expected to save taxpayers an estimated $1 million over the life of the contract. This decision follows a series of public engagement efforts, a community survey, and unanimous recommendation to City Council from the Trash Talk subcommittee. For more insight, watch the “Trash Talk” meeting video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA5Ge_ivRTQ

Cart assistance is available for eligible residents who are physically unable to move their trash and recycling carts and do not have additional support. Staff will wheel the carts to the truck, empty them, and return them. 

You bet! You’re welcome to use as many carts as you need (even your existing Rizzo, GFL, or Priority Waste carts.) If you'd like to obtain an additional City-issued cart, just give the Department of Public Services a call at 248-589-2294.

Each household may place one bulk item at the curb per week. Have more than one? No problem. Call Priority Waste at 586-228-1200 to schedule a special pickup.

Appliances with Freon: If your appliance contains Freon (like refrigerators, air conditioners, or dehumidifiers), the Freon must be properly removed and certified by an EPA-licensed technician due to federal regulations.

Note: You may not remove Freon yourself. Many local companies can help with certified removal.

You have options:

• Contact DTE for pickup and a possible rebate
• Call a scrap metal merchant who may pick it up and pay you
• Drop it off at a licensed scrap facility
• Hire a vendor to remove Freon for a small fee

Please call the Department of Public Services for assistance. 

After September 1st, feel free to drop off old trash and recycling carts at the Department of Public Services (DPS). These bins will either be recycled into new materials or redistributed to residents in need of more carts. If you cannot drop your old cart off, call DPS to arrange a pickup.

No, your collection schedule will stay the same.

When you recycle in Madison Heights, you're helping give materials a second life. Priority Waste, our current hauler, collects your recyclables and transports them to one of two local Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs). At these facilities, materials are sorted, cleaned, and baled using advanced technology. From there, they’re sold to domestic and international manufacturers who use them to create new products like cardboard boxes, aluminum cans, or even clothing fibers.

Yes, the recycling still needs to be separated from the trash. All accepted recyclable materials can be mixed together in the same recycling cart.

No, please leave recyclables unbagged in the recycling bin.

Excess material will not be picked up. Starting October 6, all material MUST be placed within the carts and the lid must be closed. You can always purchase another cart, or arrange for a special pickup if you have more than one bulk item.

No. The carts are assigned to the property, not the resident. They are owned by the City of Madison Heights and equipped with RFID tracking technology to ensure they stay with the correct address. Please leave all carts at the property when you move so the next resident can use them.

No, the carts are assigned to the property address, not the resident. Each cart has RFID technology via a specially marked barcode that is linked to the individual address.

Weddings are conducted by the Mayor in one of two locations:

City Council Chambers (indoors, max 30 people comfortably)

City Hall Gazebo (outdoors, weather permitting)

Weddings are held on Mondays from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

The wedding ceremony typically takes 10-15 minutes.

Yes. You will need two witnesses over the age of 18 to sign the marriage license.

Marriage licenses must be obtained from the  Oakland County Clerk’s Office.

For more information please visit: 

www.oakgov.com/government/clerk-register-of-deeds/life-events-services/marriage-license

The Monday before your scheduled ceremony, you must:

1. Bring your marriage license to the City Manager’s office.
2. Pay the $125 cash-only fee.

Failure to do so may result in losing your scheduled ceremony time

No, residency is not required. 

To schedule your wedding, please call the City Manager’s Office at 248-583-0829 or send an email request to HarleyMordarski@Madison-Heights.org

City Manager's Office Hours

Monday - Friday 

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

The office is closed Daily Between 11:30 am - 12:30 pm