ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Escanaba winter property tax bills will be sent out later this week. One City board is tasked with ensuring that each citizen’s rates are accurate.
The Board of Equalization and Review hears appeals from property owners, whether they are requesting a poverty tax exemption or they believe their property has been inaccurately assessed. Assessments are sent out each February, and the public can approach the board in March if they feel their notice is too high.
“We have to make sure that property values are assessed at 50% of true cash value that the State sets,” explained City Assessor Crystal Martin. “There’s different millage rates that are assessed in July versus December. If you take the taxable value, divide it by 1,000, and times it by those millage rates, that’s how you calculate your taxes for the coming year. If the inflation rate multiplier is put out—it’s 2.7% for next year—it’s easy to calculate your taxes going forward.”
The City Assessor’s Office can also evaluate a property to redetermine its value.
“Our office is always open, and we’re always willing to help,” Martin said. “You don’t necessarily always have to come to the board. The Board of Review is here for the people. You’re more than welcome to come every single time, but we will do whatever we can in the office ahead of time if we can.”
To contact the City Assessor about an assessment, email cmartin@escanaba.org or call (906) 789-7322. The Board of Equalization and Review will meet to hear appeals on March 9 and March 11, two weeks after assessment notices are sent out.
