Board of Review
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What is the Board of Review?
It is where you go, after talking to the Assessor, to officially challenge your property assessment. The Board is comprised of CLT community citizens and their purpose is to be the check-and-balance on the Assessor's work. More specifically, the BOR sits to hear property valuation appeals and/or correct any errors of record. The Board also hears requests for property tax exemptions. The Board of Review (BOR) consists of three volunteer community members plus alternates. These persons must be township electors and receive specialized training at least every two years. The supervisor, by law, is the secretary to the BOR and does not vote on petitions. If you have a problem with your property assessment, the first step is contact the assessor directly. This first step is highly encouraged and usually successful in resolving issues so that all the time, work and energy of making a formal appeal to the BOR is avoided. So, do you have questions, would you like to correct an error or protest, do you want something explained? Please contact Jill Brown at (231) 881-4000 or townshipassessing@gmail.com. If your questions aren't answered or your concerns are not resolved by first working with the Assessor, attending one of these appeal sessions in the next step. The Board of Review is seated during sessions held in three different months a year. (See which session is right for you elsewhere on this page.) One need not appear in person at the BOR session but, if you so choose, you are allowed to send in your paperwork or even to send a representative, legal representative or otherwise, along with your signed authorization allowing for that representative in your stead. A petition form (see link below) and your supporting documents may be received at the township hall. We recommend you check with us in case the nature of your appeal requires further forms, such as if you are applying for a Poverty or Veteran's exemption. Finally, if you are not satisfied with the BOR's decision, an appeal may then be sent to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. However, any initial appeal (protest) must first be made to the March Board of Review before appealing to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. To access a form with which to petition the Board of Review, click here. Also, see the Assessment page for a full array of links to other forms you may need to appeal your property assessment. |
 BOR members Jill Marble, Bruce Walton and Ray Vieau review a petition.
Our BOR current members: Jill Marble, Member Ray Vieau Member Bruce Walton, Chair Elaine Walton, Alternate Amy Ferris, Secretary We are always looking for a volunteer, a second alternate, for the Board of Review. Training is provided, serious commitment is appreciated, and remuneration is approximately $20/hr. If you like a full and specific list of what topics are heard on which dates, or when errors are corrected in your assessment records, click here. Otherwise, here is a summary:
March Board of Review: 2023 meeting dates are Tues. MAR 7, Organizational (Board business only); MON MAR 13, 3-9 p.m.; TUES MAR 14, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. If you would like to schedule an appointment to protest your assessment on either Mar 13 or 14, please call ahead. This is the only time of year that a property owner may appeal the valuation of a property. To make an appeal, complete an official petition and consult the township that you have all the proper forms, just to be safe. Property information may be found at www.bsaonline.com. Appointments are not required. Those making an appeal need not appear in person, although that is encouraged so that if the BOR has questions, the party lodging a protest is there to respond. July Board of Review: (Date not yet set.) This meeting is strictly for mutual mistakes, clerical errors, and exemption appeals. No valuation appeals are allowed at this session. December Board of Review: (Date not yet set.) This meeting is strictly for mutual mistakes, clerical errors, and exemption appeals. No valuation appeals are allowed at this session. |
