45 Day Referendum Period Begins for Dexter's Cityhood Petition

The Village of Dexter moved closer to becoming a city on Thursday.

According to Courtney Nicholls, assistant village manager, the state Director of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs has signed off on the Boundary Commission's recommendations, including Dexter's , triggering a 45-day referendum period, which is the next step in the process of becoming a city.

"The director signed the order with the boundary that was recommended by the Boundary Commission and supported by Webster Township and the village," Nicholls said in a written statement.

During the 45-day referendum period, citizens may gather signatures of 5 percent of the village’s registered voters. If there are enough valid signatures, the question of whether the cityhood incorporation process should continue will be put on ballot for a yes or no vote.

If a referendum isn’t filed or there aren’t enough valid signatures, village voters will be asked to elect a charter commission, which will be comprised of nine members, who would write the governing document for the new city of Dexter.

Elected members must meet within 10 days of the election, pick officers and establish rules, including how vacancies must be filled.

Once the charter is drafted, it is sent to the state attorney general's office. If found in compliance with Michigan law, village voters will vote on whether to accept the charter. If the charter is approved, the village officially becomes a city and a new slate of elected officials are chosen simultaneously.

The referendum period ends on Aug. 27. More information on the cityhood process can be viewed online at http://villageofdexter.org/city_study_committee/cityhood_index_page.htm.