Departments, Officials & Courts

Handles criminal cases involving a felony; all civil cases involving $25,000 or more; divorce and custody; personal protection orders, Friend of the Court, paternity and more.

Visit the 20th Circuit Court Page

Handles less serious criminal cases and civil infractions. In addition, every criminal case starts in this court even if the trial will be handled by the circuit court. Also handles civil cases involving $25,000 or less, landlord/tenant disputes; small claims (suits that involve $1,750 or less); and land contract forfeitures.

Visit the 58th District Court Page

Provides leadership and policy direction for all County activities.

Visit the Board of Commissioners Page

County Clerk's Office is responsible for maintaining all civil, criminal, and domestic relations cases for 20th Circuit Court.

Visit the Circuit Court Records Page

Services for those with mental illness and developmental disabilities.

Visit the Community Mental Health Page

Corporation Counsel provides legal representation, advice, and counsel to Ottawa County, its boards, departments, funded units, elected officials, and employees so they can legally fulfill their official duties. It also serves as the designated Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Coordinator for Ottawa County.

Phone: (616) 738-4861

Visit the Corporation Counsel Page

Appointed by the Board of Commissioners to supervise all functions that directly report to the Board.

Visit the County Administrator Page

The keeper of Vital Records & Circuit and Family Court Records.

Visit the County Clerk Page

The Elections Division of the County Clerk oversees all elections in Ottawa County in accordance with Michigan and Federal Election Law.

Visit the Elections Page

This department is responsible for overseeing county recycling/composting initiatives, and provides information to county residents on how and where to dispose of sensitive materials like electronics, medications, and hazardous waste.

Visit the Environmental Sustainability Page

Property assessment and property tax related information about parcels located in Ottawa County.

Visit the Equalization/Property Description & Mapping Page

Responsible for maintaining and protecting all County assets, including all facilities, site improvements, and related equipment.

Visit the Facilities Maintenance Page

To provide centralized financial services for all accounting and financial matters, budget, purchasing and risk management.

The Friend of the Court Office is responsible for protecting the rights and interests of children in domestic relations matters.

Visit the Friend of the Court Page

Manages the County's computer-based mapping system which relates various types of data and information with real-world locations.

Visit the Geospatial Insights & Solutions (GIS) Page

Recruitment, hiring and retention of a diverse, qualified workforce.

Visit the Human Resources Page

The court is responsible for management of delinquency cases and oversight of neglect/abuse (NA) cases.

Visit the Juvenile Court Page

A hub for legal information, court forms, and general information about the branches of the Ottawa County court system.

Visit the Legal Self Help Center Page

Reduces the effects of financial hardships by promoting self-sufficiency and empowering individuals and families to achieve economic independence.

Visit the OCCAA Page

Manages County parks, beaches and open spaces and provides events and educational opportunities.

Visit the Parks & Recreation Page

Handles the transfer of property from a person who has died to the property's rightful owners. Also handles guardianships, conservatorships, trusts, and mental illness.

Visit the Probate Court Page

Responsible for the constitutional office of Prosecuting Attorney, to serve as chief administrator of criminal justice for Ottawa County.

Visit the Prosecuting Attorney Page

Visit the Public Defender Page

Services to keep the environment safe and services to individuals and populations healthy.

Visit the Public Health Page

The Ottawa County Register of Deeds office is the keeper of the records for land documents.

Visit the Register of Deeds Page

Responsible for law enforcement, emergency management and operating the correction facility.

Visit the Sheriff’s Office Page

Oversees planning of a wide variety of quality of life and economic development projects as well as evaluates the efficacy of programs and services.

Visit the Strategic Impact Page

Custodian of all county funds, records revenue, collects delinquent property taxes, conducts tax foreclosures, custodian of all property tax rolls and certifications, and manages dog licenses.

Visit the Treasurer Page

To provide financial aid and other assistance to honorably discharged, wartime veterans or their widow/widower who are residents of Ottawa County.

Visit the Veterans Affairs Page

Protects surface waters and the environment by providing storm water management through flood control measures, the development review process, soil erosion control and water quality programs.

Visit the Water Resources Commissioner Page