In 2010, the center of population of Michigan was located in Shiawassee County, in Bennington Township.

[3] Shiawassee County is included in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area.

However, for purposes of representation, revenue, and judicial matters, the area was temporarily assigned to adjoining county governments.

Public airport for general aviation, primarily smaller aircraft.

The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, records deeds, mortgages, and vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of social services.

The county board of commissioners controls the budget and has limited authority to make laws or ordinances.

In Michigan, most local government functions — police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc.

Following days of criticism, a Shiawassee prosecutor declared the bonuses illegal; commissioners responded that they would return the money.