Historic Courthouse- Onaway City Hall & Library
20774 State St.
49765
Planning & zoning.  Every decision made by the city commission should support the goals and objectives laid out in the City’s comprehensive plan. The zoning ordinance protects property values and quality of life by regulating what use can go where.

A five-member planning commission, appointed by the city commission, oversees updates to the comprehensive plan and amendments to the zoning ordinance. Current Members are attached hereto.

The planning commission meets quarterly, and other times as needed throughout the year. Copies of Onaway’s comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance, zoning map, and zoning permit application are attached hereto can be found on the main menu: City Government-Zoning & Planning.

Downtown development. A nine-member downtown development authority  (DDA) works with the city commission and staff toward improving the economic well-being of the City’s core business district.

Current board members can be viewed Here. Board meetings are posted in advance on the city hall front door.

The DDA operates under the parameters of its development/tax increment financing plan, a copy of which is attached hereto. The DDA partners in its effort to improve the local economy with the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance.

Taxes & fees. Approximately 37 mills are levied on principal residences in Onaway, with approximately 55 mills levied on all properties other than principal residences. Approximately 12 mills are included on the summer tax bill, with the balance applied to the winter bill.

A taxpayer with a principal residence valued at $50,000 would pay approximately $950 per year in property taxes, while a non-principal residence valued at $50,000 would be billed approximately $1,400 per year
. A breakdown of the mills paid in Onaway is attached hereto.

Utilities. Almost all properties within Onaway receive, and pay for, both City water and sewer. In addition, all principal residences receive weekly City-wide trash removal and monthly large-item pick-up. Leaves and brush are collected by the City
DPW in the spring and fall.

The city commission adopts a resolution annually establishing rates and policies associated with the utilities it offers its customers. The  current Onaway utility rates and policies resolution is attached hereto.

Code of Ordinances. All local laws adopted by the Onaway City Commission, with the exception of those pertaining to zoning, franchises, and debt, or those temporary in nature, are included in the Onaway Code of Ordinances, which can be seen here.
Onaway City Government, Continued