Any record that is not covered by an approved general schedule cannot be destroyed without the authorization of an approved "agency-specific schedule." Agency-specific schedules only address the unique records of the agency named on the schedule, and may not be used by another agency. Agency-specific schedules always supersede general schedules.

Records can exist in a wide variety of formats, including paper, maps, photographs, digital images, e-mail messages, databases, etc. The retention periods defined within general schedules do not specify the format that the record may exist in, because each government agency that follows this schedule may choose to retain its records using different recording media. Local government agencies are responsible for ensuring that their records are properly retained and remain accessible during this entire retention period. Various laws identify acceptable formats for retaining public records; agencies are responsible for understanding and complying with these laws.

General Schedules for Local Government

2. Public Schools (approved 12-7-2010)

3. County Registers of Deeds (approved 10-17-2006)

4. County Treasurers (superseded 9-12-2008 by General Schedule #27)

5. County Social Services (superseded 4-17-2007)

6. County Clerks (approved 5-3-2005)

7. Local Health Departments (approved 10-5-2004)

8. Cities and Villages (approved 4-7-1998, updated 2010)

9. County Roads Commissions (approved 8-4-1998)

10. Townships
The Michigan Township Record Retention General Schedule is available from the Michigan Townships Association.

11. Local Law Enforcement (approved 8-2-2005, updated 2009)

16. Trial Courts (approved 11-8-2006)

17. Public Libraries (approved 1-18-2005)

18. Fire/Ambulance Departments (approved 3-6-2007)

19. Prosecuting Attorneys (approved 5-1-2007)

20. Community Mental Health Services Programs (approved 5-1-2007)

21. County Veterans Affairs (approved 11-6-2007)

22. Veterans Trust Fund (approved 12-4-2007)

23. Elections Records (approved 10-16-2007)

24. City and Village Clerks (approved 11-5-2008)

25. Township Clerks (approved 6-17-2008)

26. Local Government Human Resources (approved 10-7-2008)

27. County Treasurers (approved 9-12-2008)

28. City and Village Treasurers (approved 7-20-2010)

29. Township Treasurers (approved 9-1-2009)

30. Local Government Information Technology (approved 12-1-2009)

31. Local Government Financial Records (approved 4-7-2009)

32. Local Government Parks and Recreation Departments (approved 4-20-2010)

34. Local 9-1-1 Call Centers (approved 7-20-2010)

To receive copies of these schedules, you may also contact:

Records Management Services
Phone: (517) 335-9132
E-mail: sampleb@michigan.gov

Updated 9/9/2010