Perry, Michigan Public Records

Circuit Court also has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce and family law matters, probate and estate cases, and civil cases exceeding $25,000. The Shiawassee County Probate Court (phone: 989-743-2242) handles wills, estates, guardianships, and mental health proceedings. Michigan courts participate in a statewide case search system; while some records are available through the Michigan Court Portal, many Shiawassee County records require in-person or written requests to the specific court. Certified copies of court documents typically cost $10 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Case searches and document copies can be requested by visiting the clerk's office in the Shiawassee County Courthouse or by submitting a written request. Court records are public unless sealed by court order, and access is governed by court rules and Michigan FOIA.

Shiawassee County offers online property tax and assessment searches through their website, allowing the public to search by owner name, parcel number, or address to view current assessment data, property characteristics, and tax information free of charge. The Shiawassee County Register of Deeds, located at 201 North Shiawassee Street, Corunna, MI 48817 (phone: 989-743-2279), is responsible for recording and maintaining land records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage discharges, liens, easements, and other documents affecting real property title. Michigan law requires these documents to be recorded to provide public notice of property ownership and encumbrances. The Register of Deeds office provides online access to recorded documents through a subscription-based system or by visiting the office in person; there are fees for certified copies of recorded documents, typically $1 per page with a minimum fee. Shiawassee County also maintains a GIS (Geographic Information System) parcel viewer accessible through the county website, allowing users to view parcel boundaries, zoning information, aerial photography, and basic assessment data overlaid on interactive maps. This tool is particularly useful for identifying property lines and researching adjacent parcels in Perry and throughout the county.

Agriculture remains vital to the Perry area economy, with numerous family farms surrounding the city producing corn, soybeans, wheat, and livestock. Agricultural support businesses including equipment dealers, grain elevators, and farm supply operations serve the local farming community. Downtown Perry features locally-owned retail shops, restaurants, professional services, and financial institutions that serve city residents and the broader rural trade area. Manufacturing and light industrial operations maintain a presence in Perry, with several small to mid-sized facilities producing components and finished goods. The city's proximity to Lansing—approximately 25 miles southwest—means many Perry residents commute to the state capital for employment in government, healthcare (Sparrow Hospital, McLaren Greater Lansing), education (Michigan State University in nearby East Lansing), and insurance sectors. The median household income in Perry is estimated at approximately $52,000-58,000, somewhat below the Michigan state median. Recent economic development has focused on maintaining downtown vitality, supporting existing businesses, and incremental residential growth that preserves Perry's small-town character while providing a sustainable tax base.

The Perry Police Department, located at 206 West Maumee Street, Perry, MI 48872 (phone: 517-625-4352), provides primary law enforcement services within Perry city limits. The department handles patrol, investigations, and traffic enforcement for the city's approximately 2,100 residents. To request police reports or incident records from Perry PD, residents can visit the police department in person during business hours or submit a written FOIA request. The department typically charges a per-page copying fee for records as permitted under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act. The Shiawassee County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 201 East Corunna Avenue, Corunna, MI 48817 (phone: 989-743-3411, website: https://www.shiawassee.net/departments/sheriff), provides law enforcement services to unincorporated areas of Shiawassee County and assists Perry PD when needed. The Sheriff's Office also operates the Shiawassee County Jail and maintains countywide records for warrants and civil processes. To search for current arrests and jail bookings in Shiawassee County, the public can access the inmate roster at the Sheriff's Office website, which typically displays booking date, charges, bond amount, and booking photos for individuals currently detained. Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 through 15.246, governs public access to law enforcement records. Under Michigan FOIA, requests must be submitted in writing (letter, fax, or email), and agencies must respond within five business days either providing the records, issuing a notice extending the deadline up to 10 additional days, or denying the request with explanation. Fees for copies and staff time may apply as specified in each agency's FOIA procedures.

Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.michigan.gov/mdhhs for an additional convenience fee, with processing times of approximately 4-6 weeks for mail requests and faster for online orders with expedited shipping. Requests require valid identification and proof of relationship or eligibility, as only certain individuals (parents, spouse, legal representative) can obtain certified copies. The Shiawassee County Clerk, located at 201 North Shiawassee Street, Corunna, MI 48817 (phone: 989-743-2242, website: https://www.shiawassee.net/departments/county_clerk), issues marriage licenses for couples planning to marry in Michigan. The marriage license fee is $20 for residents who complete premarital counseling or $30 without counseling, and there is a three-day waiting period after application before the license is valid. Marriage records are maintained permanently by the County Clerk. Divorce records are court records maintained by the Shiawassee County Circuit Court rather than vital records, and certified copies can be obtained through the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Michigan vital records are confidential for 100 years for births and 50 years for deaths, after which they become public historical records.

For businesses operating under an assumed name (DBA - "Doing Business As"), fictitious name registration may be filed with the Shiawassee County Clerk at 201 North Shiawassee Street, Corunna, MI 48817 (phone: 989-743-2242). The County Clerk maintains records of DBAs and can conduct searches for existing business names. For formal business entity formation, the State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) manages corporation, LLC, limited partnership, and other entity registrations. The Michigan Business Entity Search is available free online at www.michigan.gov/corpentities, allowing anyone to search for business names, entity status, registered agents, formation dates, and officers/members of record. Business entities can be searched by name or identification number. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) financing statements, which create security interests in personal property and business assets, are filed with and searchable through the Michigan Department of State at www.michigan.gov/sos. Perry business owners also need to be aware of property tax obligations; commercial and industrial property assessments can be researched through the Shiawassee County Equalization Department's online property search system, and tax bills are issued by local tax collecting authorities.

Perry voters access election services through the Shiawassee County Clerk - Elections Division, located at 201 North Shiawassee Street, Corunna, MI 48817 (phone: 989-743-2242, website: https://www.shiawassee.net/departments/county_clerk). The County Clerk serves as the chief election official for Shiawassee County, coordinating all federal, state, county, and local elections for Perry residents. Michigan voters can register online at the Michigan Voter Information Center (www.michigan.gov/vote) up to 15 days before an election, or register in person at their city or township clerk's office up through and including Election Day with proof of residency. Voters need a valid Michigan driver's license or state ID to register online; proof of residency is required for in-person registration. Perry holds municipal elections for mayor and city council positions; Perry operates under a city council form of government with the mayor and council members elected to staggered terms. Perry's next regular city election will be in November 2025 for city offices, with candidate filing taking place in the spring. Candidates and ballot measure information for Perry elections can be obtained from Perry City Clerk at City Hall or through the County Clerk's website. Perry residents can find their assigned polling location by visiting the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote and entering their name and birth date, or by contacting the Shiawassee County Clerk. In the November 2024 presidential election, Shiawassee County reported approximately 38,000 registered voters with turnout exceeding 70%, reflecting strong civic engagement in this swing county within Michigan. On November 3, 2026, Perry and Shiawassee County voters will decide several major races: Michigan's gubernatorial election (Governor Gretchen Whitmer's current term expires in 2027, so this is the gubernatorial election year), all Michigan House of Representatives seats (2-year terms), Michigan State Senate districts (4-year terms, with half the seats up for election), county commission seats for Shiawassee County, the Shiawassee County Sheriff, County Clerk, Register of Deeds, Prosecutor, and Treasurer positions, plus various township and city offices including Perry municipal positions if the election cycle aligns. Michigan does not have a U.S. Senate race in 2026 (the state's Senate seats are up in 2024 and 2028). Michigan election records that are public include the Qualified Voter File (voter registration list available to campaigns and political parties), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees (searchable at www.michigan.gov/sos), certified election results by precinct (available from the County Clerk after canvassing), and candidate filing information. Michigan offers no-reason absentee voting; any registered voter can request an absentee ballot online through the Michigan Voter Information Center, by mail, or in person at their city or township clerk's office, and ballots can be returned by mail or deposited in secure drop boxes available at clerk offices and other designated locations.