Grand Traverse County, Traverse City Offices to Open Late Monday Due to Winter Storm

Grand Traverse County and City of Traverse City government offices will not open their doors until 11 a.m. Monday, March 16, after both governments announced a delayed start citing an approaching winter storm expected to move in Sunday, March 15.

The joint decision, communicated through the City of Traverse City's official social media channels, was made "out of an abundance of caution to allow road conditions to improve and to help ensure the safety of employees and residents traveling to government facilities." Officials including Acting City Manager Sarah Lutz and Grand Traverse County Administrator Nate Alger oversee the affected operations, which span administrative buildings across both jurisdictions.

Emergency services will not be affected by the delay. Law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical personnel remain on duty, and road crews will continue monitoring conditions and maintaining safe travel routes throughout the community. Officials said they will watch weather and road conditions through Monday morning and may make further adjustments to operations if conditions warrant.

Traverse Area District Library Director Michele P. Howard offered residents a practical suggestion ahead of the storm's arrival. "We're hoping that by making this announcement early people can come get library materials while it's safe to travel and then be able to enjoy them at home as roads get more hazardous," Howard said.

Residents planning any travel Monday morning are urged to use caution, allow extra time, and limit non-essential trips until conditions improve. Updates on city and county operations will be posted to the City of Traverse City and Grand Traverse County websites and their respective social media channels.

Some county offices have been operating from temporary locations since January following a renovation project at the Governmental Center. The County Treasurer's Office relocated to the 3rd floor of the Governmental Center and can be reached at 231-922-4735. The Register of Deeds is on the 2nd floor of the Governmental Center at 231-922-4753. The County Clerk Vital Records Office moved to the 1st floor of the Historic Courthouse, reachable at 231-922-4760; visitors to that building are subject to a metal detector screening and may not bring weapons, knives, scissors, or razor blades inside. Anyone seeking those services Monday should confirm current hours before heading out given the delayed opening.