Townships in Michigan have no jurisdiction over roads. In Orion Township, this means that all public roads are maintained by the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC). Private roads are maintained by the property owners who own property abutting those private roads. Lapeer Road (M-24) is under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), but is maintained by RCOC.
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
State Highway Pothole Hotline & Online Reporting – Motorists lost in one of many craters that develop along Michigan highways in the spring can complain straight to the Michigan Department of Transportation. You can call 1-888-296-4546 or file your complaint online. File A Complaint Online…
Special Assessment District (SAD) - Subdivision Paving Process
One of the more frequently asked questions by residents is, "How do I get the road in my subdivision paved?" The Township does not collect any taxes/money for roads, they are maintained by the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC).
To help provide the answer to this question, RCOC produced an informational video about its Special Assessment District (SAD) subdivision paving program. Take a look at the video below:
While RCOC does not own any subdivision street in cities or villages, it does own all public subdivision streets in Oakland County Townships. However, the agency only receives $2-3,000 per year, per mile of subdivision street in state road funding, on average. That's only enough to cover routine maintenance, such as pothole patching and snow plowing.
The Road Commission does not receive any property tax revenues and is funded primarily through state fuel taxes, vehicle registration fees, and state income tax.
Residents wanting their subdivision streets repaved must initiate a SAD. This process can be started by contacting the Supervisor's Office.