Union City, Michigan Public Records

The Branch County Trial Court (phone: 517-279-4305) exercises circuit court jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $25,000, family law matters including divorce and child custody, juvenile cases, and probate matters including estates and guardianships. Michigan court records are accessible online through the Michigan Court Access Portal at https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/icedocket/home.xhtml, where users can search by party name or case number for records from both district and circuit courts in Branch County. The search is free, though detailed documents may require in-person requests. Filing fees include certified copies at approximately $10 plus $1 per page for certification, and document copying at $1 per page. Small claims filing fees range from $30-$85 depending on claim amount. The Coldwater courthouse maintains a public access terminal for in-person record searches during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The searchable database covers all properties in Union City and throughout Branch County. The Branch County Register of Deeds, also located at 31 Division Street, Coldwater, MI 49036 (phone: 517-279-4310), records and maintains all land transaction documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage discharges, land contracts, liens, easements, and subdivision plats. Michigan law requires recording within specified timeframes to establish legal priority. The Register of Deeds office provides public access to recorded documents, and many counties in Michigan offer online document search and viewing, though Branch County primarily offers in-person access and written requests for copies. Recording fees are established by state statute and vary by document type. Branch County offers a GIS mapping system accessible through the county website, providing parcel boundaries, aerial imagery, zoning information, and property data overlays for Union City and countywide parcels.

Agricultural operations remain significant in the Union City area, with family farms producing corn, soybeans, wheat, and livestock contributing to the regional economy. Several small manufacturing and light industrial businesses operate in and near Union City. The median household income in Union City is estimated at approximately $48,000-$52,000, somewhat below the Michigan state median. Branch County overall has a diverse economy including agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare (with Coldwater's ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital being a major county employer), and education. Union City benefits from its location along M-60, a major east-west corridor, providing access to larger employment centers including Coldwater (10 miles west) and Marshall (approximately 15 miles east). Recent years have seen modest residential development and downtown revitalization efforts, with the village maintaining its small-town character while adapting to regional economic changes. The village's affordability and school system attract families seeking a rural community lifestyle within commuting distance of larger job markets.

Law enforcement services for Union City, Michigan are primarily provided by the Branch County Sheriff's Office, located at 325 East Chicago Street, Coldwater, MI 49036 (phone: 517-279-4300, website: www.countyofbranch.com). The Sheriff's Office maintains jurisdiction over Union City and surrounding townships, providing patrol, investigations, and emergency response. Residents can request police reports and incident records by contacting the Sheriff's Office Records Division in person or by submitting a written request; fees apply for copies and processing. The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, accident reports, and incident narratives that are public under Michigan law. For arrests and jail bookings, the Branch County Jail operates an online inmate roster accessible through the Sheriff's Office website, showing current detainees with information including name, booking date, charges filed, bond amount, and mugshot photographs. The roster is updated regularly and provides transparency for recent arrests in Union City and throughout Branch County. To request law enforcement records under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at MCL 15.231 through 15.246, residents must submit a written request describing the records sought. The Sheriff's Office has five business days to respond to FOIA requests, and fees may be charged for search time, redaction, and copying at rates established by state law. Certain records may be exempt from disclosure, including ongoing investigation files, confidential informant information, and records that would compromise security.

Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.michigan.gov/mdhhs with additional processing fees; standard processing takes approximately 4-6 weeks, while expedited service is available for higher fees. Only eligible individuals can request certified copies, including the registrant (if 18+), parents listed on the certificate, legal representatives, and those with court orders or documented legal need. Birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 50 years old have restricted access. Marriage licenses for Union City residents are issued by the Branch County Clerk's Office, 31 Division Street, Coldwater, MI 49036 (phone: 517-279-4302). The marriage license fee is $20 for Michigan residents and $30 for non-residents, with an additional $10 if either party has been divorced within the past six months. There is no waiting period in Michigan, and licenses are valid for 33 days. Divorce records are maintained as court records through the Branch County Trial Court, accessible through the court clerk's office at the same address, with copies available for $10 plus $1 per page for certification.

Branch County does not maintain a centralized DBA registry; fictitious business name registration in Michigan occurs at the county level through the County Clerk. For state-level business entity formation and registration, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) maintains the Corporations Division. Business entity searches for corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other registered entities are available free online at www.michigan.gov/corpentitydata, where users can search by entity name or identification number to view status, registered agent, formation date, and principal office address. New business filings are submitted through LARA's online portal or by mail. UCC financing statement searches, which reveal secured interests and liens on business property, are conducted through the Michigan UCC Online System at www.mi.gov/ucc, operated by LARA. Property tax records for commercial properties in Union City are searchable through the Branch County Equalization Department's online property database at www.countyofbranch.com, allowing business owners to verify assessed values and tax obligations. The Michigan Department of Treasury oversees sales tax and business tax obligations, with businesses required to register through Michigan Treasury Online at www.michigan.gov/treasury.

Union City, Michigan voters are served by the Branch County Clerk's Office, Elections Division, located at 31 Division Street, Coldwater, MI 49036 (phone: 517-279-4302, website: www.countyofbranch.com). This office administers all federal, state, county, and local elections for Union City residents. Michigan residents can register to vote online at www.michigan.gov/vote through the Michigan Voter Information Center, or in person at the County Clerk's office, township or city clerk offices, or Secretary of State branch offices. Michigan allows Election Day registration, and voters must provide proof of residency. Union City holds village elections for village council seats, village president, and other local offices; these elections typically occur in November of odd-numbered years, with the next Union City village election scheduled for November 2025. Candidates file nominating petitions with the Union City Village Clerk, and local ballot questions may appear addressing village millage proposals or ordinance questions. Union City voters find their assigned polling location by using the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote, entering their name and date of birth or address; Union City typically has one or two polling locations depending on precinct boundaries. Public election records in Michigan include voter registration lists (available to campaigns and parties under specific restrictions), campaign finance disclosures filed with the County Clerk or Michigan Secretary of State (accessible at www.michigan.gov/sos), candidate nominating petitions and affidavits of identity, and precinct-level election results published after each election. In the November 2024 general election, Branch County reported approximately 58-60% voter turnout among registered voters for the presidential election. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, Union City and Branch County voters will decide several important races: Michigan does not have a U.S. Senate seat up in 2026 (next Senate race is 2026 for the seat expiring January 2027, Class II), but voters will elect Governor (Gretchen Whitmer's term expires January 2027), Michigan Secretary of State, Attorney General, the entire Michigan House of Representatives (110 seats), Michigan State Senate seats in even-numbered districts, Branch County commissioners, county clerk, county treasurer, sheriff, register of deeds, prosecuting attorney, and potentially Union City village offices if the cycle aligns. Michigan voters can request absentee ballots without providing a reason; applications are available online at www.michigan.gov/vote or through the Branch County Clerk, and completed ballots must be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day.