County Sheriff

Compensation & Benefits

Annual Salary: $86,183.87 per year

Benefits Package (approx. $30,000 / year value): Health Insurance, Life Insurance, MERS Pension Plan (10-year vesting), Vacation, Sick, and Personal time.

Minimum Qualifications / Legal Requirements

• Must be a registered and qualified elector of Clare County.
• Bond and oath of office required upon taking office.
• Within 10 days of taking the oath of office, the sheriff must send a copy of the oath to MCOLES (Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards).

Key Statutory Duties & Responsibilities

• Chief law enforcement officer of the county (MCL 51.70).
• Operates and maintains the county jail; responsible for custody, care, and security of inmates.
• Provides court security and serves civil process (summonses, subpoenas, writs, etc.).
• Performs primary and secondary road patrol and police duties in unincorporated areas.
• Enforces state laws, county ordinances, and marine safety laws.
• Maintains criminal records and serves on the County Concealed Weapons Licensing Board.
• Coordinates with other law enforcement agencies and emergency services.

Term & Election Cycle Notes

Four (4) year term. Current terms expire December 31, 2028. Next general election: November 2028.

How to Get on the Ballot

File with the Clare County Clerk (225 W. Main St., Harrison, MI 48625). Major-party candidates submit an Affidavit of Identity plus nominating petitions or $100 filing fee.

Deadline is 4:00 p.m. on the 15th Tuesday before the August primary (mid-to-late April 2028). Must be a registered and qualified elector of Clare County by the filing deadline.

Interested in Serving Clare County?

Before filing, talk to the Clare County Republican Party. We help conservative candidates understand the office, legal filing requirements, and campaign calendar.

Disclaimer: Informational summary of elected offices under Michigan law. Prepared for public education and candidate recruitment purposes. Confirm salaries, benefits, signature counts, and filing deadlines with the Clare County Clerk (or Township Clerk / Bureau of Elections as applicable).