Drain Commissioner

Compensation & Benefits

Annual salary set by the Board of Commissioners (historical vacancy notice approx. $36,000 + benefits; confirm current figure with County Administrator).

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

• No specific educational or professional license requirements under statute.
• Must be a registered and qualified elector of Clare County.
• Valid driver's license strongly recommended (significant field travel required).
• Bond and oath of office required upon taking office.

Key Statutory Duties & Responsibilities

• Administers the county drain system under the Michigan Drain Code of 1956 (MCL 280.1 et seq.).
• Locates, constructs, maintains, and improves county drains and drainage districts.
• Reviews and approves stormwater management systems for new developments; develops design standards.
• Maintains court-ordered lake levels and inspects associated dams.
• Serves on inter-county drainage boards, governmental lake boards, and the County Emergency Preparedness Committee.
• Levies special assessments on drainage districts to fund maintenance and capital projects; statutory authority to levy assessments and borrow funds for drainage projects.

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 elector of Clare County by the filing deadline.

Additional Notes

Salary is fixed annually by the Board of Commissioners (or Compensation Commission) and cannot be decreased during the term.

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).