With the confirmation of six additional horse cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) – a potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus affecting both people and animals – aerial treatment is slated to continue tonight and additional treatment blocks have been added to the overall plan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced today.

The new cases of EEE in horses added Livingston County to the list bringing the total to 28 cases in 11 counties. Impacted counties are now Barry, Clare, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Livingston, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo and Oakland. In addition, there is one suspect case of EEE in a Barry County resident.

“These additional cases of EEE in horses underscores the importance of providing aerial treatment in the affected counties,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “There is an ongoing threat to the health and safety of Michiganders as we know mosquitoes are carrying this potentially deadly disease in these areas. Last year, 10 families were devastated by this disease and we are trying to protect others from being infected.”

EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States, with a 33 percent fatality rate in people who become ill and a 90 percent fatality rate in horses that become ill. People can be infected with EEE and other mosquito-borne diseases from the bite of a mosquito carrying the viruses.

Signs of EEE infection include the sudden onset of fever, chills, body and joint aches which can progress to a severe encephalitis, resulting in headache, disorientation, tremors, seizures and paralysis. Anyone who thinks they may be experiencing these symptoms should contact a medical provider. Permanent brain damage, coma and death may also occur in some cases.

To reduce the potential for people to be bitten by mosquitoes, MDHHS is continuing to encourage local officials in the affected counties to consider postponing, rescheduling or cancelling outdoor activities occurring at or after dusk, particularly activities involving children. To protect the public health, the recommendation is being made out of an abundance of caution, and applies until the first hard frost of the year.

Residents can stay healthy by following steps to avoid mosquito bites:
• Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved product to exposed skin or clothing, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
• Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.
• Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs.
• Use nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas.

For more information about EEE, visit Michigan.gov/EEE.

EEE Frequently Asked Questions

Livingston County Treatment Zones

Genoa Township is conducting a resident survey as part of the Master Plan Update process. The Plan will explore long-range planning issues related to the future growth and prosperity of the township.

Please take about 10-15 minutes to participate in the online survey that will explore how and where residents spend their shopping and dining dollars so we can assess what future opportunities should be explored during the planning process.

The Survey can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GenoaRes2020

NOTICE OF PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST

A Public Accuracy Test will be held at 4 p.m. Sept. 30, 2020 for the tabulating equipment and programs used to tabulate voted ballots in the Nov. 3 General Election. The test will be at the Township Hall, 2911 Dorr Road, Brighton.

The public is welcome to attend and observe.

Monday, September 14, 2020 was the last day to pay 2020 Summer Property Taxes without penalty. 

All 2020 Summer Tax payments made after September 14, 2020 are now assessed a 1% fee per month.

Please contact the Genoa Township Treasurer’s office for a current amount due, 810-227-5225, or you can check the amount due at the Township website at www.genoa.org

The 2020 Census Is More Than A Head Count!

• Your response to the census helps shape many different aspects of Livingston County.
• From hospitals, schools, even roads and highways, your response helps shape our future.  Your response is critical!

When & How Can You Respond?

• Respond to the Census online at http://my2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020 to respond by phone.
• It only takes 10 minutes, has only 9 questions and your answers are completely safe
• The Census has been extended past the April 1 deadline, so help out our community and fill yours out today!

The 2020 Census directly impacts how much federal funding the State of Michigan will receive over the next decade. Failure to obtain a complete and accurate census count may lead to Michigan losing millions of dollars in federal funding that supports programs that benefit Livingston County residents.

• Every year, the federal government allocates more than $675 Billion in funding based on census data.
• Every Michigander not counted costs the state approximately $18,250 over 10 years (based on historical U.S. Census undercount).
• Census data is used to plan new homes and businesses and improve neighborhoods.
• Census data is used to determine federal funding for programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants and Children (SNAP/WIC), Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and highway and transportation projects.

For more information, you can visit the Livingston County 2020 census page or the US Government's Census 2020 website.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY RECYCLING EVENTS:

Sept. 19 Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Event:

Residents can signup for the September 19 HHW Event here: https://www.livgov.com/dpw/

Location will be sent with confirmations.

Please note that if the Sept. 19 is full, you should try signing up again every few days. People sign up and cancel regularly. Generally, the last week before the event there are also a good amount of cancellations.

Scrap Tire Collection Event:

The Scrap Tire Collection Event link is: 2020 Scrap Tire Collection Sign Up full link is https://bit.ly/2PuLnoA

This event is being held on Oct. 3. Drop off location will be sent with confirmations.

Electronics Recycling:

October 24, 2020

New Location:
3535 Grand Oaks Drive- Road Commission Parking Lot
No appointment needed

If you have questions, call 517-545-9609.

Recycling Guide:

The updated Recycling Guide has been printed. We will either drop off or mail within the next couple of weeks.

Recycling Guide Link is:https://bit.ly/2C6GfE2

Results for the August 4, 2020 Election can be found on the Livingston County Clerk's Election Results section.

The Brighton Area Fire Authority has released its 2019 Annual Report.

The BAFD is responsible for responding to emergency incidents here in Genoa Township as well as the City of Brighton and Brighton Township.

The report is attached below.

2019 Brighton Area Fire Authority Report

The Township Budgets for the next fiscal year beginning April 1, 2020 and ending March 31, 2021 are available for review.  If you should have any comment or suggestion with regard to Township revenue or appropriations, please contact the clerk at polly@genoa.org

Genoa Township Proposed Budget

Click here for a list of days the Genoa Charter Township offices will be closed.