Question 1

How will the assessment be apportioned to property owners?

Accepted Answer

Lake level special assessments are based on the benefits of the lake level to the property, not the owner or the taxable value of the property. This means we will calculate the cost of a lake level project then assign a percent of that cost to each parcel within the special assessment district. The benefit methodology could include factors such as public use, front vs backlot, state-owned land, etc.

Question 2

Will the assessment methodology consider if a parcel is developed?

Accepted Answer

Generally, whether a parcel is developed or undeveloped has no merit for the assessment methodology because the property owner could choose to build on it one day. Sometimes exceptions are made for parcels designated as wetlands or that are prohibited from being developed.

Question 3

Many people use these lakes. How come the assessment is only levied against property owners?

Accepted Answer

A lake level special assessment only applies to the parcels that benefit from the body of water – not the people. This prevents the entire state or county from receiving an assessment. If a county chooses, they could pay for some or all of the costs with general fund monies but that’s up to the county commissioners.

Question 4

How often will an assessment appear on our winter tax bill?

Accepted Answer

The only time there will be an assessment is when costs are incurred for the lake level. Costs will vary from year to year and so will assessments. There may also be years when no assessment is necessary. After the main project is constructed and paid for, we don’t anticipate significant annual costs for many years afterward.

Question 5

Why are road ends not included in the SAD?

Accepted Answer

The township manages road ends which will be considered when determining the township’s assessment.

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