Our Departments

Assessing Department

Ben Brousseau has served as the Lawrence Township Assessor since September 1, 2017. He is a certified Michigan Advanced Assessing Officer (MAAO #R-6548) with extensive experience in property assessment throughout the region.

The Assessor’s Office is responsible for maintaining accurate property records, determining assessed values, administering exemptions, and ensuring fair and equitable property taxation in accordance with state law.

Contact Information

Assessor: Ben Brousseau
Certification: MAAO #R-6548
Phone: (269) 655-1144
Email: ben.apgllc@gmail.com

Office Location:
Lawrence Township Hall
411 N Paw Paw Street
P.O. Box 445
Lawrence, MI 49064

Office Hours & Appointments

The Assessor is available to meet with residents by appointment at the Township Hall.
To schedule an appointment or ask a question:

• Call (269) 655-1144

• If leaving a message, your call will be returned within 48 hours during regular business days

• Or email: ben.apgllc@gmail.com

Online Assessing Information

Property record cards, assessment data, and tax history can be accessed through:

• Van Buren County Property Database:
  https://accessmygov.com

• Assessor’s Information & Links:
  https://apginc.us/information-links/

Note:
For current land value tables, economic condition factors, and other documents, please visit the Assessing & Property Tax Information section of this website.

Cemetery Operations

Lawrence Township oversees the care and maintenance of four public cemeteries:

• Hill Cemetery

• Military Veterans' Cemetery

• Pioneer Cemetery

• Prospect Cemetery

All cemetery operations are managed by the Township Sexton with support from Sexton Operations staff.

Cemetery Management

Sexton:
Scott Earls
Email: sexton@lawrence-township.org

Phone: (269) 674-3723

Secondary Phone: (269) 674-8833 Ext. 3

Mailing Address:
Lawrence Township Sexton
205 N Paw Paw Street
P.O. Box 445
Lawrence, MI 49064

Sexton Operations Support:
Buddy Earls
Email: sextonops@lawrence-township.org
(Please direct all inquiries through Scott Earls.)

Lawrence Township Cannabis Agency

The Lawrence Township Cannabis Agency was established in June 2021 to oversee all matters related to the cannabis industry within the township, excluding the Village of Lawrence.

The agency ensures that cannabis-related businesses operate in compliance with Township ordinances and State of Michigan regulations. It is responsible for processing applications, reviewing licensing guidelines, and supporting lawful cannabis operations in the township.

Agency Leadership

• Administrator: Richard Glista

• Clerk: Matt Sanborn

Together, they research state policies, interpret legal requirements, and support the Township Board in regulating the cannabis industry at the local level.

Contact Information

Richard Glista, Administrator

Lawrence Township Cannabis Agency
Lawrence Township Hall
411 N. Paw Paw Street
P.O. Box 445
Lawrence, MI 49064

Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Phone: (269) 674-4255 Ext. 5
Email: MAadmin@lawrence-township.org

Lawrence Housing Committee

The Lawrence Housing Committee was formed in January 2022 by Matthew Sanborn and formally recognized by the Lawrence Township Planning Commission in February 2022. It is a joint open committee between Lawrence Township and the Village of Lawrence, established to support efforts that expand and improve the local housing stock.

Purpose and Role

Purpose and Role
The committee’s role is advisory in nature. Its purpose is to:

• Share information and resources with township and village planners

• Provide updated insights related to housing needs, availability, and development

• Support future housing initiatives without direct involvement in planning or funding decisions

The committee also connects with statewide resources, such as the Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s Get Housing Ready Guide, which provides practical strategies communities can use to attract housing development and reduce barriers.

The Housing Committee does not vote on housing projects or control funding decisions. Instead, it serves as a collaborative body that gathers data, engages stakeholders, and provides input to the Township Board and the public.

Who Can Participate?

The committee is open to the public, with targeted participation from:

• Building, community, and economic development staff

• Property owners and real estate professionals

• Community managers or township/village supervisors

• Members of the governing body and school systems

• Local business owners and neighborhood leaders

• Representatives from the Downtown Development Authority, Corridor Improvement Authority, Land Bank Authority, and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority

Meetings

Meetings are scheduled as needed and take place at:

Lawrence Township Hall
411 N. Paw Paw Street
Lawrence, MI 49064

Meeting notices are posted in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.

Contact Information

For more information about the Lawrence Housing Committee or to express interest in participating:

• Email: housing@lawrence-township.org or supervisor@lawrence-township.org

• Phone: (269) 674-4255

Building Department – MCI (Michigan Code Inspections, LLC)

Lawrence Township now contracts with Michigan Code Inspections, LLC (MCI) for all zoning and building administration services.
MCI replaces SAFEbuilt effective 08/05/2025, and now handles the issuance of all permits for:

• Zoning

• Building

• Electrical

• Mechanical

• Plumbing

• Demolition

Permit Applications

Permit applications can be accessed and submitted in the following ways:

• Online: Visit www.mcillc.us to download permit forms

• By Email: Submit completed forms to permits.mcillc@gmail.com

• Paper Copies: Available at the Lawrence Township Hall during regular business hours

For permit-related questions, contact MCI directly at (269) 539-8747.

Note: MCI does not have an on-site representative at the Township Hall. Please contact MCI directly for all inspections, application questions, or zoning/building inquiries.

Zoning Support – SAFEbuilt (until August 31, 2025)

Kelly Largent

Tuesdays & Thursdays

7:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Email: zoning@lawrence-township.org

Phone: (269) 674-4255 Ext. 2

Visit the Township Hall during these hours or call to speak directly with Kelly about zoning questions.