City Assessor

The Assessing Department is responsible for establishing assessments on all taxable property in the City for the equitable distribution of the property tax burden in accordance with Michigan's General Property Tax Act. The Assessing Department's responsibilities include creating the annual assessment roll, maintaining property cards, ownership records, property descriptions and parcel maps, processing Personal Property Statements, and inspecting existing property and new construction.

City Assessor: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Address: 700 Broad Street
Phone: (269) 983-1231
Fax: (269) 985-0347

Proposal A

On March 15, 1994, Michigan voters approved the constitutional amendment known as Proposal A which was designed to limit the growth in property taxes by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) until ownership in the property was transferred. Prior to Proposal A, property taxes were based on the SEV or assessed value of your property. Generally speaking, under the protection of Proposal A, increases in property taxes are limited to the rate of inflation or 5% whichever is less. Exceptions include transfers of ownership, new construction and changes in millage rates. For 2013, the rate of inflation was 2.4%

Transfer of Ownership

Under Proposal A, a Property Transfer Affidavit must be filed with the local assessor when there is a transfer of real property even if a deed is not recorded. This form is usually provided by the Title Company in your real estate closing, but many times a transfer of property does not use a Title Company. It is the responsibility of the new owner to file this form with the Assessor within 45 days of the transfer.

Property Transfer Affidavit L-4260 (pdf)
Transfer of Ownership Guidelines (link)

Principal Residence Exemption

If you own and occupy your home as your principal residence you may be exempt from a portion of the local school operating taxes.

If your home is no longer your principal residence, you must file a form to rescind your principal residence exemption. Example: You have converted your home to rental property or a vacation home.

Board of Review

A taxpayer has the right to appeal their property assessment in March each year. Your assessment change notice that is mailed in late February provides you with dates and times of the Board of Review meetings.

Petition to Board of Review Form L-4035 (pdf)

Poverty Exemption

The principal residence of persons who, in the judgment of the Assessor and the Board of Review, by reason of poverty, are unable to contribute towards the public charges is eligible for exemption in whole or in part from taxation under this act. (MCL 211.7u)