municipal authority can levy taxes without specific approval from voters. Requirements A charter township is mostly exempt from annexation from contiguous cities or villages, providing that the township meets certain requirements: Has state equalized valuation of at least $25,000,000 Has a minimum population density of 150 people per square mile (58/km2) Provides fire protection service by contract or otherwise Is governed by a comprehensive zoning ordinance or master plan Provides solid waste disposal services to township residents, within or without the township, by contract, license, or municipal ownership Provides water or sewer services, or both, by contract or otherwise Provides police protection through contract with the sheriff in addition to normal sheriff patrol, through an intergovernmental contract, or through its own police department Annexation and 425 Agreements A charter township may still be subject to annexation under certain conditions, such as for the purpose of eliminating isolated islands of township or by vote of a majority of the residents of a portion of township. Temporary land transfers, which can involve charter townships, have provision under Public Act 425 of 1984. Under this statute, a charter township, for example, can have land transferred to a city in exchange for revenue sharing of the transferred parcels. These agreements, known as 425 Agreements, can last up to 50 years, and the land can either be completely transferred to the city or returned to the township upon fulfillment of the agreement. See also Coterminous municipality Paper township Notes External links The Charter Township Act of 1947 Michigan Township Association Local government in Michigan Townships in the United States