Michigan meeting minutes requirements for local government boards
Under Michigan’s Open Meetings Act (MCL 15.269), minutes must show the date, time and place, members present and absent, decisions made at the open meeting, the purpose of any closed session, and all roll-call votes. Proposed minutes must be available within 8 business days, and approved minutes within 5 business days of approval.
Last updated October 11, 2026. General information, not legal advice; confirm with your solicitor.
| Law | Open Meetings Act, MCL 15.261–15.275 |
|---|---|
| Required in minutes (15.269) | Date, time, place, members present, members absent, decisions made at the open meeting, purpose of any closed session, all roll-call votes |
| Deadlines | Proposed minutes available within 8 business days after the meeting; approved minutes within 5 business days after the meeting at which they are approved |
| Closed sessions | Allowed only for purposes in MCL 15.268; the roll-call vote and purpose go in the open minutes; a separate set of closed session minutes is kept and is not public, and may be destroyed one year and one day after approval of the minutes of the meeting at which the closed session was approved |
| Who keeps township minutes | The township clerk |
| Retention | Records follow the State of Michigan General Schedule for townships (#10), which has the force of law |
Practical guidance for Michigan townships
- Mark draft minutes “proposed” and make them available within 8 business days. Many clerks post them online as well.
- Record every roll-call vote by member.
- Keep closed session minutes separately from the public minute book.
Questions
How soon must Michigan minutes be available?
Proposed minutes within 8 business days after the meeting, and approved minutes within 5 business days after the meeting at which they were approved (MCL 15.269).
Sources
Related: recording roll-call votes, free minutes templates.
Minutes in Michigan OMA format, drafted from your recording.
Upload a recording of your last meeting and get draft minutes that follow these requirements. Free, no credit card.