The Riviera of the Midwest

Live Here - St. Joseph is carefully nestled on the southern tip of what has been termed "The Riviera of the Midwest." This deepwater port town is a growing resort community – The lakeshore is peppered with remarkable sand dune formations and lined further inland with a lush countryside that produces some of the nation's finest orchards and vineyards.

Water Bills
The Water Department Customer Service Office generates approximately 4,500 bills per month. In addition, they are responsible for processing payments, setting up new accounts, maintaining billing and payment records, arranging for final meter reads when service is terminated and arranging for shut-offs of delinquent accounts.
more
2009 Report on Lake Boulevard Bluff Evaluation
A study was conducted by Soil and Materials Engineers, Inc. in mid-July, 2009. This evaluation consisted of the existing coastal bluff along Lake Boulevard between Park Street and Water Street. To read the report in its entirety, please click here.
more
Community Meetings
Community town hall meetings, also known as precinct meetings in years past, are held annually in the fall. Typically, there are three (3) meeting dates available giving residents a better opportunity to attend one of the meetings. These meetings are held for residents to meet city staff and hear about project updates, but most importantly, these meetings are to give a forum to city residents in order to give their opinion and speak of concerns and accolades. As a reminder, staff encourages residents to call or visit City Hall Monday - Friday 8 a.m .- 5 p.m. any time througout the year to chat about issues. It is not necessary to wait until community meetings to share a concern. We are here to serve you.
more
Neighborhood Watch
Crime Prevention Information Line - Call (269) 985-0300 to hear how you can help yourself and your neighborhood avoid becoming a victim of various crimes that have occurred in our City. Seasonal crime prevention and safety tips are also given out on this line which is updated several times a month.
more

Other Links

Government - St. Joseph's prosperity depends on each of its citizens taking an active role in making our town a special place on the lake. Find out more about what's going on with the City Commission, take a look at City Commission agendas, catch up on the latest City notices, announcements or ordinances, and view local election information.

Elections & Voting
Any United States citizen who is at least 18 years of age by the date of the next election and who is a resident of the State of Michigan and the City of St. Joseph may register to vote in the City of St. Joseph by completing a Voter Registration Application.
more
Code of Ordinances
This provides a link to all legislation received by Municipal Code since the last update (printed or electronic) to the Code of Ordinances. This legislation has been enacted, but has not yet been codified. Each piece of legislation, where applicable, is also linked to the portion of the Code that it affects.
more
City Commission
The City Commission typically meets on alternating weeks on the second floor of City Hall.
more

Boards & Commissions

Each year, the St. Joseph City Commission appoints citizens who express an interest in serving on the numerous boards, commissions and committees that are so vital in helping shape the future of the City of St. Joseph.

If you have a willingness to voluntarily serve your Community in this capacity and have a particular interest or knowledge in any of the following areas, you may wish to contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for an application to seek an appointment. Questionnaires are also available for those members seeking re-appointment to a City board, commission or committee.

The following board, commission, and committee appointments will be made in 2014:

Name of Board/Commission/Committee	Month of Appointment	Number of Openings
Board of Review	May	four (4)
Brownfield Redevelopment Authority	May	one (1)
Cemetery Board	May	one (1)
Housing Commission	May	one (1)*
Joint Waste Water Treatment Board	May	one (1)
Library Board	May	two (2)
Planning Commission	May	two (2)
Recreational Harbor Authority	May	three (3)
Water Service Joint Operating Board	May	one (1)
Zoning Board of Appeals	May	four (4)
Retirement Board	October	one (1)
Downtown Development Authority	November	two (2)
Tax Abatement Committee	November	three (3)
Parks Advisory Board	November	three (3)

Notes: Appointment(s) are made at regular (bi-monthly) City Commission meetings. The number of openings does reflect some positions expected to be filled by certain pre-designated officials (i.e. Commission members or city staff). The number of openings does not reflect unexpected, mid-term vacancies which occur from time-to-time.

*Housing Resident Appointment

Terms for board, commission and committee appointments are generally for three years. Applications from citizens seeking an appointment or questionnaires from those members seeking re-appointment should be submitted to the City Clerk by December 31, 2013 or at least thirty (30) days prior to the date the appointment is to be made. Applications are retained for one (1) year. Throughout the coming year, the City Commission will review the applications and questionnaires submitted to make the necessary board, commission and committee appointments.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the City Clerk's office at (269) 983-6325.