Title
Resolution to Create a Second Assessing Board of Review
Memorandum
The attached resolution requests the creation of a second Board of Review to hear property owner appeals in March.
The City of Ann Arbor Board of Review hears appeals from property owners who wish to dispute the assessment placed on their property by the City Assessor. The appeal may be in person or by written request.
Due to the current property market and economy, the number of persons who appealed their assessments in person in 2009 was double the number that has typically appealed in the last several years. The Board normally hears appeals during a four day period. But due to the extremely high volume of appellants, appeals were held over eight consecutive days. The high volume has been overly demanding and has caused the Board to shorten the time for each appeal.
There is a historic precedent for establishment of a second Board of Review. In the late 1980’s and in 1990, a second Board of Review was appointed by the Mayor because of a high number of appeals. The second board was later eliminated by Council action in 2003 due to a reduced number of appeals likely from the passage of Proposal A.
In order to better serve the public it is recommended that Council authorize the creation of a second Board of Review that would meet simultaneously with the current board of review in March. Michigan Law (MCLA 211.28 (2)) allows for the Board of Review to be made up of three, six, or nine members that will hear appeals in 3 member panels.
Staff
Prepared by: David Petrak, City Assessor
Reviewed by: Tom Crawford, Chief Financial Officer
Body
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor Board of Review hears appeals from property owners in March;
Whereas, A large volume of property owners appealed to the Board of Review in 2009 causing shortened appeals and high demand on current three member Board and is expected to continue;
Whereas, Prior to 2003, the City of Ann Arbor had two Boards of Re...
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