Temperance

General Overview
Temperance is an unincorporated community that is part of Bedford Township in Monroe County, Michigan. At the last census, its population was just under 8,000 residents. Temperance's cost of living is 12.69% lower than the U.S. average.

History
On May 4, 1818, a proclamation by Lewis Cass, Governor of the Territory of Michigan, formed the Township of Erie. Bedford Township split from Erie Township on March 23, 1836. Bedford Center was established in 1859. On December 8, 1884, a post office was established at Bedford Center.

On June 1, 1946, the Bedford Township consolidated the area's school district into the Bedford Rural Agricultural Schools, renamed Bedford Public Schools in 1955.

Government Services
The township of Bedford is governed by a seven-member board elected at-large every four years.

Temperance is served by the Bedford Township Fire Department which has three fire stations located throughout the community.

The Monroe County Sherriff's Department, District Two, provides police services for Temperance. Its divisions include a special response team, marine unit, detective squad, traffic division and youth services.

Tax Rates
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units in 2000: 1.0% ($1,320)

Employment
Temperance's working population is employed primarily in transportation equipment, construction, health care, educational services, finance and insurance, social assistance, professional, scientific and technical services.

Monroe County's largest employers are:
Ford Motor Company
The Detroit Edison Company
Visteon Automotive Systems
Meijer, Inc
Mercy-Memorial Hospital Corporation
Bedford Public Schools
Monroe Auto Equipment Company
Guardian Industries Corporation
La-Z-Boy, Inc.
North Star Steel of Michigan

Recreation
Temperance offers the opportunity for a variety of water sports on Cone Creek, Tracey Run, Salter Creek and North River. The community is also home to Carr Park.

Community Organizations
American Red Cross, American Legion Post 192, Bedford Senior Citizens, Bedford Township Lions/Lioness Club, Retired & Senior Volunteer Programs of Monroe County, Boy Scouts, Running Waters District, Great Sauk Trail Council; Girl Scouts: Maumee Valley Council