City Assessor

Live Here - St. Joseph is carefully nestled on the southern tip of what has been termed "The Riviera of the Midwest." This deepwater port town is a growing resort community – The lakeshore is peppered with remarkable sand dune formations and lined further inland with a lush countryside that produces some of the nation's finest orchards and vineyards.

2009 Report on Lake Boulevard Bluff Evaluation
A study was conducted by Soil and Materials Engineers, Inc. in mid-July, 2009. This evaluation consisted of the existing coastal bluff along Lake Boulevard between Park Street and Water Street. To read the report in its entirety, please click here.
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Neighborhood Watch
Crime Prevention Information Line - Call (269) 985-0300 to hear how you can help yourself and your neighborhood avoid becoming a victim of various crimes that have occurred in our City. Seasonal crime prevention and safety tips are also given out on this line which is updated several times a month.
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Public Health
The Berrien County Health Department offers a variety of clinics to the public.
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Hydrant Flow Testing
The St. Joseph Fire Department and/or the St. Joseph Water Department periodically flow fire hydrants to check the function of the hydrants, to evaluate the firefighting water available from each hydrant, to monitor the condition of the water system, and to remove rust and other sediment from the water distribution system.
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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)