Coleman Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Coleman, Michigan government websites.

  About Coleman City Government
Annual Budget $1.1 million

The governing body of Coleman, Michigan, is the Coleman City Council, which consists of five elected members. Council members are elected at-large for a term length of four years. The council is responsible for making decisions on local governance, including budget approvals and city ordinances.

As of the fiscal year 2022-2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the City of Coleman is $1.1 million. This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community services, ensuring the effective operation of the city’s functions.

Regular city council meetings are held on the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Coleman City Hall, located at 200 East Main Street, Coleman, MI 48618. Residents are encouraged to attend to stay informed about local issues and participate in the governance of their community.

  About Coleman, Michigan

Nestled in the heart of Midland County, Coleman presents a charming small-town atmosphere that resonates with its approximately 1,100 residents. Founded in the late 19th century, Coleman has grown from its origins as a lumber and agricultural hub into a community that balances its rich history with modern living. The city boasts a variety of neighborhoods, each with its unique character, such as the close-knit residential areas surrounding the city center and the scenic vistas that fringe the outskirts. Local economy thrives on a mixture of small businesses, agriculture, and light manufacturing, supported by larger employers like the Coleman Community School District and various agricultural enterprises. Distinctively, Coleman is known for its annual events, including the popular Coleman Heritage Festival, which celebrates local culture and community spirit, making it a focal point for both residents and visitors alike.

The Coleman Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency serving the city, ensuring the safety and security of its residents through proactive community policing and enforcement. In addition to the Coleman's police force, the Midland County Sheriff's Office provides broader law enforcement coverage, addressing criminal activities that may extend beyond city limits. For those seeking access to arrest records, mugshots, booking records, or criminal history, the process typically begins with the Coleman Police Department's records unit. Individuals can either visit the department in person or contact them via phone to inquire about the availability of records. For more comprehensive searches, the Midland County Sheriff's Office can be contacted, which can provide information on arrests made in the county. For state-level criminal records, individuals can turn to the Michigan State Police's Criminal Justice Information Center, which serves as the state repository for criminal history information. Online lookup portals are available for residents to search for specific information, making the process more accessible and efficient.

Coleman falls under the jurisdiction of the Midland County District Court, where residents can access various court records. Requests for court documents can be initiated either through the court's online portal or by visiting the court clerk's office in person. Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, can be obtained from the Midland County Clerk-Recorder's office or through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Property records are maintained by the county assessor and recorder, and residents can access these records via the county's online portals. For those looking to access general public records, the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides a framework for requesting information from government agencies. Requests can typically be submitted in writing, and responses are usually provided within 5 to 10 business days, allowing residents to stay informed and engaged with their local government's operations.

About Coleman

Coleman is a small city in Midland County, Michigan, located in the central portion of the Lower Peninsula approximately 20 miles northwest of Midland. Incorporated as a village in 1887 and later as a city, Coleman has a population of around 1,200 residents. The city lies along M-30 highway and is situated near the Tobacco River. Historically, Coleman developed as a lumber town in the late 19th century and later became a rural agricultural community. The city is served by Coleman Community Schools, which is a major employer and community anchor.
The area is characterized by farmland, small-town charm, and proximity to outdoor recreation areas. Notable features include Coleman City Park and the city's annual summer celebrations that bring the community together. Public records for Coleman residents are maintained by a combination of city, county, and state agencies. The Coleman City Hall at 116 E. Railway Street handles municipal records including city ordinances, meeting minutes, and local business licenses. The Coleman Police Department maintains local law enforcement records. However, most public records are managed at the county level: the Midland County Clerk's Office handles vital records and marriage licenses, the Midland County Register of Deeds maintains property records, and the Midland County Circuit and District Courts manage court records. Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq., governs access to public records, requiring agencies to respond to requests within five business days and allowing reasonable fees for copying and research time.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Midland County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Midland County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in the cities of Midland, Coleman, and Sanford. The Midland Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits of Midland, while the Sheriff's Office covers the unincorporated areas and collaborates with city departments on major crimes. These agencies work together to ensure public safety, sharing resources and information to effectively address crime and emergencies throughout the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Midland County Jail, located in the city of Midland, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestee. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for individuals currently held in the facility. Visitation rules are specific to the jail, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
The bond and bail process in Michigan allows for the release of inmates pending trial, with specific procedures outlined by the county's judicial system. To find someone recently arrested in Midland County, individuals can contact the jail directly or use the online inmate search tool.

Court Records

Coleman residents are served by multiple court systems depending on case type. The 75th District Court, located at 301 W. Main Street, Midland, MI 48640, phone (989) 832-6735, has jurisdiction over misdemeanors, civil cases up to $25,000, landlord-tenant matters, small claims up to $6,500, and traffic violations for Coleman and all of Midland County. The Midland County Circuit Court, at the same address (301 W.
Main Street, Midland, MI 48640), phone (989) 832-6880, handles felony criminal cases, civil cases over $25,000, family law matters including divorce and custody, and appeals from district court. The Midland County Probate Court, also at 301 W. Main Street, phone (989) 832-6880, manages estates, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health commitments, and adoption cases. Michigan court records can be searched online through the statewide Case Search portal at https://courts.michigan.gov/opinions_orders/case_search/, though not all historical records are digitized. The Midland County Courts website at https://www.co.midland.mi.us/Courts.aspx provides local case information and access instructions. Certified copies of court documents cost $10 for the first page and $1 for each additional page at the Circuit Court, while District Court charges $10 per certified document. Copy fees for non-certified documents are typically $1 per page. Case files may be viewed in person during business hours at the courthouse.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Midland County encompasses records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Midland County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Residents can conduct background checks through the Michigan State Police's Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), which provides comprehensive criminal history information.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Midland County are maintained by the Midland County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and the arresting agency. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, following the guidelines set by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). A Midland County arrest record typically contains the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the date and location of the arrest.

Public Records Access

Property and land records for Coleman are maintained by Midland County. The Midland County Equalization Department (Assessor), located at 220 W. Ellsworth Street, Midland, MI 48640, phone (989) 832-6820, website https://www.co.midland.mi.us/Equalization.aspx, maintains assessment records for all properties in Coleman. The county provides a free online property search at https://bsaonline.com/?uid=1492 where users can search by address, parcel number, or owner name to view assessed values, property characteristics, tax information, sales history, and parcel maps.
The Midland County Register of Deeds, at 220 W. Ellsworth Street, Midland, MI 48640, phone (989) 832-6880, website https://www.co.midland.mi.us/RegisterOfDeeds.aspx, records and maintains all real property documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, land contracts, liens, easements, and other encumbrances. Document images are available for free searching online at https://midland.ustitleonline.com/ covering records from the 1800s to present. Users can search by grantor/grantee name, property address, or legal description. Documents can be viewed and printed at no charge; certified copies cost $1 per page with a $5 minimum. The county also provides a GIS mapping system at https://www.co.midland.mi.us/GIS.aspx allowing users to view parcel boundaries, zoning, aerial photography, and property information layers. All property record searches are free; only certified document copies require fees.

Economy & Demographics

Coleman's economy is characteristic of small rural Michigan communities, centered on agriculture, small businesses, and regional services. Coleman Community Schools is one of the largest employers in the immediate area, providing education services and employment for teachers, administrators, and support staff. The school district serves as a community hub and economic anchor. Agriculture remains significant, with surrounding farmland producing corn, soybeans, sugar beets, and other crops; several area residents are employed in farming or agricultural support services.
Small retail businesses, service providers, and trades workers serve the local population along Railway Street and M-30. Many Coleman residents commute to nearby Midland (about 20 miles southeast) for employment with major employers including Dow Chemical Company, one of the world's largest chemical manufacturers headquartered in Midland, and MyMichigan Medical Center. The median household income in Coleman is estimated at approximately $45,000-$50,000, lower than the Midland County average due to the community's rural character. Recent years have seen modest residential development and efforts to maintain the city's small-town character while supporting local businesses. Coleman benefits economically from its location along M-30, providing convenient access to Midland and Mount Pleasant. The community's economy reflects Michigan's broader rural trends: stable but modest growth, dependence on regional employment centers, and efforts to balance agricultural heritage with modern economic development needs.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

The Coleman Police Department, located at 116 E. Railway Street, Coleman, MI 48618, phone (989) 465-6881, provides law enforcement services within the city limits. Citizens may request police reports and incident records directly from the department during business hours. Written requests should reference specific dates, case numbers, or incident details. The Midland County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 2727 Rodd Street, Midland, MI 48640, phone (989) 832-9700, website https://www.co.midland.mi.us/Sheriff.aspx, provides law enforcement services throughout Midland County including unincorporated areas surrounding Coleman. The Sheriff's Office handles county-wide warrants, civil process, and operates the Midland County Jail. To search for arrests and jail bookings, the Midland County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.co.midland.mi.us/inmatesearch.aspx showing current inmates, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and sometimes booking photos. This roster is updated regularly and allows searches by name or booking number. Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 through 15.246, governs public access to law enforcement records. Under FOIA, police reports, arrest logs, and booking records are generally public unless exempted for active investigations or privacy concerns. Requests must be in writing, and agencies have five business days to respond. Fees may be charged for document searches, redaction, and copies at rates specified in each agency's FOIA procedures.

Vital Records

Vital records for Coleman residents are managed primarily at the state level. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vital Records and Health Statistics, PO Box 30721, Lansing, MI 48909, phone 517-335-8655, website https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-73970_5093---,00.html, issues certified birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Michigan. Birth certificates cost $34 for the first copy and $16 for additional copies ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $34 for the first copy and $16 for additional copies.
Online ordering is available through https://vitalchek.com with additional processing fees. Standard processing takes approximately 4-6 weeks; expedited service is available. Birth records are restricted to the individual (if 18+), parents, legal representatives, and those with tangible interest; government-issued photo ID is required. Death certificates are available to immediate family, legal representatives, or those with documented legal or tangible interest. The Midland County Clerk's Office, 220 W. Ellsworth Street, Midland, MI 48640, phone (989) 832-6880, website https://www.co.midland.mi.us/Clerk.aspx, issues marriage licenses for Coleman residents. The license costs $30 and requires both applicants to appear in person with photo ID and Social Security numbers. There is no waiting period, and the license is valid for 33 days. Marriage ceremonies can be performed immediately after issuance. Marriage records dating back to the county's formation are maintained by the County Clerk. Divorce records are obtained through the Midland County Circuit Court where the divorce was granted. Michigan vital records are generally available from 1867 forward, though completeness varies for earlier decades.

Business & Licensing Records

Business licensing in Coleman operates at multiple governmental levels. The City of Coleman requires business licenses for operations within city limits; contact Coleman City Hall at 116 E. Railway Street, Coleman, MI 48618, phone (989) 465-6889 for current requirements, fees, and application procedures. License requirements and fees vary by business type. At the county level, certain businesses may require permits or licenses from Midland County departments depending on the nature of operations (food service, health-related businesses, etc.). The Midland County Clerk, 220 W.
Ellsworth Street, Midland, MI 48640, phone (989) 832-6880, processes Assumed Name (DBA) registrations for businesses operating under names different from their legal names; the filing fee is $10. Michigan state-level business entity searches are conducted through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Corporations Division. The free online database at https://cofs.lara.state.mi.us/SearchApi/Search/Search allows searches for corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other registered entities by name, ID number, or registered agent. The system displays entity status (active, dissolved), formation date, registered office address, resident agent information, and officers/directors for corporations. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) lien searches are conducted through the State of Michigan UCC system at https://apps.michigan.gov/BSCSearch/ where financing statements and security interests are filed and searchable. Commercial property assessments for business owners in Coleman can be researched through the Midland County Equalization Department's online database at https://bsaonline.com/?uid=1492, showing assessed values and tax obligations for commercial parcels.

Elections & Voter Records

Coleman voters are served by the Midland County Clerk's Office, which administers elections for the city and surrounding areas. The Midland County Clerk, Elections Division, is located at 220 W. Ellsworth Street, Midland, MI 48640, phone (989) 832-6739, website https://www.co.midland.mi.us/Clerk.aspx. Coleman residents can register to vote online through the Michigan Voter Information Center at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/, which also allows users to check registration status, view sample ballots, and find polling locations. Michigan offers Election Day registration, but registering at least 15 days before an election allows processing through regular channels. Voters must provide a Michigan driver's license or state ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Coleman holds city elections for mayor and city council members; the mayor serves a two-year term, and council members serve staggered terms. The next Coleman city elections are scheduled for November 2025 for city offices. To find their assigned polling place, Coleman residents can use the polling place lookup tool at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/ by entering their address. In the November 2024 presidential election, Midland County reported approximately 62% voter turnout, with over 50,000 ballots cast out of roughly 81,000 registered voters. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, Coleman and Midland County voters will decide several important races: Michigan Governor (four-year term), all Michigan State House seats (110 districts, two-year terms), the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Senator Gary Peters (six-year term), one of Michigan's 13 U.S. House seats (District 2 covers Midland County), county offices including Midland County Commissioners, Clerk, Treasurer, Sheriff, Prosecutor, and potentially Register of Deeds, plus any local ballot proposals. Michigan law allows no-reason absentee voting; any registered voter can request an absentee ballot through the Michigan Voter Information Center online, by mail, or in person at the County Clerk's office. Applications must be received by the Friday before Election Day for mail delivery, or voters can request and complete absentee ballots in person through 8 p.m. on Election Day. Election records in Michigan are extensively public: voter registration lists (excluding birthdates, driver's license numbers, and Social Security numbers) are available for purchase for election-related purposes; campaign finance reports for all candidates and committees are searchable at https://miboecfr.nictusa.com/; candidate filing information is available through the County Clerk; and precinct-level election results are published on the County Clerk's website and the Michigan Secretary of State site at https://mivotedata.com/.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 9.2/10 — Midland County and Michigan provide exceptional public records access with comprehensive free online databases for property records, court case searches, business entities, inmate information, and election data, plus convenient online ordering for vital records, making Coleman one of the most transparent communities for public information access in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Coleman, Midland County, Michigan to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Coleman, Michigan, you will be transported to the Midland County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Midland County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Midland County Clerk of Courts for case information.
The Coleman area is served by public school districts in Midland County, Michigan. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Michigan Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
Crime statistics for Coleman, Michigan are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Coleman Police Department on their official website. The Michigan Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
The Coleman Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Michigan government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
The Coleman Public Library main branch is located in Coleman, Michigan. Check the Coleman city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
Fingerprinting services in Coleman, Michigan are available through the Coleman Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Midland County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
To obtain vital records in Coleman, Michigan, contact the Michigan Vital Statistics Unit. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Midland County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
Police reports from Coleman, Michigan can be obtained from the Coleman Police Department or the Midland County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Michigan DMV.
A background check in Coleman, Midland County, Michigan typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Michigan criminal history report through the Michigan Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.
  Nearby Cities in Midland County, Michigan

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Edenville Hope Midland Sanford