City News

Invasive species watch! Are you familiar with the tree of heaven? It's a notoriously invasive tree/noxious weed that is difficult to get rid of, causes property damage, and worsens seasonal allergies. The tree of heaven grows rapidly, crowds out other species, and can give off an unpleasant odor. Learn how to identify and control it in the attached article.

Heads Up: If you paid your property taxes via ACH, you may have received an email about signing up for auto payments. Even though this email is not a scam, it was still sent by the BSA system in error. The City does not offer autopay in property taxes, so no one has signed up for autopay. This has been adjusted going forward. We apologize for the confusion. Please email taxbilling@ferndalemi.gov if you have any questions or concerns.

City Council has voted to extend the summer property tax deadline from Thursday, July 31, 2025, to Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Please keep in mind that although the July payment is extended, the Sunday, August 31, 2025, payment will proceed on schedule.

The City of Ferndale was re-awarded the gold status for its environmental leadership in 2024 by the statewide Michigan Green Communities (MGC) program for the fourth year in a row. These achievements demonstrate community leadership in various areas, including energy efficiency, climate resilience, recycling, mobility, environmental stewardship, and more.

It can be alarming to see brown water coming out of the faucets of your house, but it’s likely to happen at some point due to water pressure fluctuations for a variety of reasons—construction, a broken water main, fire hydrant maintenance, etc. The good news is that most of the time there is no reason to worry and it's typically an easy fix. View this article for active water main breaks, hydrant uses, or brown water reports in your area.

As of the late evening hours on Sunday, July 6, the Fire Department reported several downed power line outages along the stretch of Gainsboro between Woodland and Maplehurst. The Fire Department and DTE are on the scene actively working to make repairs. The Public Works Department has barricaded Gainsboro at those cross streets for safety precautions. The City will share updates as they become available.

Please review this article for holiday reminders regarding the Fourth of July, including trash and recycling delays, firework policies and safety, free parking, and more.

Monday's City Council Meeting was packed full of eager staff, commissioners, residents, and families to support many award recipients honored by the Arts and Beautification Commission, Fire Department, and Police Department. The City extends our gratitude to the honorees.

The City is pleased to announce the transition to Pay by Zone Parking, a new, modernized, and efficient parking system in Downtown Ferndale.

The National Weather Service has issued a Thunderstorm Watch for Oakland County, effective until 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Please review the attached stormcare and flooding tips.

Parking will be free in Ferndale from Monday, June 9, 2025, to Friday, June 20, 2025, as the City transitions to a new parking system: Pay by Zone.

Notice is hereby given that a public auction will be held on vehicles that have been deemed abandoned by the Ferndale Police Department. The auction will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Monaghan’s Towing Inc., 21680 Fern St., Oak Park, MI 48237. A list of vehicles for auction can be found in the attached article. Terms of Sale: Cash-As-Is-Condition.

Drop in to the Geary Park Skate Jam on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Geary Park, in partnership with Modern Skate and Surf. Skaters can compete in four categories—skateboarding, inline skating, BMX, and scootering. Attendees can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere of vendors, music, games, activities, apparel, and food trucks. This is a super exciting event, whether you’re ready to skate on or view some action-packed competitions.

It can be alarming to see brown water coming out of the faucets of your house, but it’s likely to happen at some point due to water pressure fluctuations for a variety of reasons—construction, a broken water main, fire hydrant maintenance, etc. The good news is that most of the time there is no reason to worry and it's typically an easy fix. View this article for active water main breaks, hydrant uses, or brown water reports in your area.

A Message from Mayor Raylon Leaks-May to the Ferndale Community: "Thank you for saying YES to preserving our municipal services. I wish to extend my immense gratitude and appreciation to you for sharing your voice..."

The results of the May 6, 2025, Election are in: The City of Ferndale Millage Restoration Proposal has passed.

This year, the Ferndale Environmental Sustainability Commission recommended to the City Council that Ferndale not take part in No Mow May and instead encourage residents to partake in pollinator-aware lawn care.

We have an exciting development from the Finance Department! The City has transitioned to a new and improved, modernized BS&A payment system that offers smoother transactions, a user-friendly experience, and elevated customer service.

CONSTRUCTION ALERT FOR WEST TROY STREET: Starting the week of April 28, 2025, from Woodward Ave to The dot Parking Garage. Concrete repair work will begin soon on West Troy Street as part of the 2025 Pavement Improvement Program. This project is expected to last 4–6 weeks and will significantly improve the roadway.

Get excited! The Fern and Learn program is back for the third year in a row. Do you have questions about how the City operates? Are you curious about what City staff does on a day-to-day basis? Do you have questions or concerns you want to address? This is the place for you.