Michigan Law on Emergency Service
Cost Recovery

Michigan law recognizes the financial burden municipalities face when providing emergency services, especially when those services are required due to the actions, equipment, or property of a third party. Under Michigan Compiled Laws Section 41.806, municipalities are granted the authority to charge and collect fees for emergency response services.

This statute allows fire departments and other emergency service providers to recover costs from responsible parties, such as utility companies, when their equipment, property, or operations cause incidents that require a response. By leveraging this legal framework, municipalities can protect their budgets and reduce strain on taxpayers.

Police and Fire Protection Act 33 of 1951 (excerpt)

41.806a Emergency police or fire service; emergency ambulance and inhalator service; ordinance authorizing collection of fees.  Sec. 6a.

The legislative body of a municipality providing emergency police or fire service or the legislative bodies of municipalities acting jointly to provide such a service pursuant to this act may authorize by ordinance the collection of fees for the service. The township board of a township or the county board of commissioners of a county providing emergency ambulance and inhalator service alone or jointly with another municipality and the legislative body of such a municipality may authorize by ordinance the collection of fees for the service.