Meet Janice M. Ferencz
City Clerk, City of Southgate, Michigan
Janice M. Ferencz, known to many as Jan, has been a proud resident of Southgate since 1970. Her longstanding connection to the community has shaped her commitment to public service and her dedication to serving the residents of Southgate.
Jan began her elected service to the community in 2005 when she was elected to Southgate City Council. She served four terms through 2013, gaining valuable experience in municipal government and developing a strong understanding of the needs and priorities of the community.
In 2013, Jan was elected City Clerk, a position she continues to hold today. As City Clerk, she oversees the Clerk’s Office and its essential responsibilities, including election administration, voter registration, absentee and early voting, maintenance of official city records, and providing public access to municipal information.
Throughout her years of service, Jan has held a unique perspective on Southgate’s local government, having served both as a City Council member and as City Clerk. Her experience reflects a longstanding commitment to the community she has called home for more than five decades.
Jan and the City Clerk’s Office team are dedicated to providing residents with professional, courteous, and accessible service while maintaining the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of city records and elections.
From her years on City Council to her continued service as City Clerk, Jan remains dedicated to serving the residents of Southgate and helping ensure their local government operates with accountability, transparency, and care.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
The City Clerk’s Office is led by an elected City Clerk and provides a variety of essential services to the public.
The Clerk’s Office administers federal, state, county, and local elections and assists residents with voter registration, absentee ballots, and early voting. The office also appoints election inspectors, provides candidate information and filing packets for municipal offices, and helps ensure elections are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
In addition, the City Clerk serves as the official custodian of City records. These records include ordinances, resolutions, City Council meeting minutes, bids, contracts, and other official municipal documents. The Clerk’s Office helps ensure these records are properly maintained and accessible to the public in accordance with applicable laws.
The City Clerk’s Office is committed to providing professional, courteous, and efficient service while promoting transparency, accuracy, and public access to local government.