Overview:
The Township Assessor is responsible for valuing all property in Jonesfield Township to ensure taxes are fair and accurate. The assessor keeps detailed records of every parcel, reviews property changes, studies local sales, and determines each property’s assessed value according to Michigan law. They prepare the annual assessment roll, assist residents with questions about their assessments, and support the Board of Review during appeals. Their work ensures that every property owner is treated fairly and that the township remains in compliance with state standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Property Assessment:
- Identifies, measures, and evaluates all real and personal property in the township
- Determines the true cash value, assessed value, and taxable value for each parcel according to State Tax Commission rules
- Conducts field inspections, reviews building permits, and updates records when properties change
- Maintaining Accurate Records:
- Keeps detailed records on land, buildings, improvements, parcel boundaries, and property characteristics
- Maintains Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) information and property transfer affidavits in compliance with state law
- Assessment Roll Preparation:
- Prepares the annual assessment roll, which lists the value of every property in the township
- Ensures assessments are uniform, equitable, and defensible under Michigan law
- Sales & Equalization Studies:
- Reviews county equalization studies to ensure township assessments are fair compared to surrounding areas
- Conducts sales ratio studies and analyzes market trends to keep values accurate
- Board of Review Support:
- Provides data, explanations, and professional insight to the Board of Review during appeals
- Meets with property owners to answer questions and resolve concerns about their assessments
- Public Assistance:
- Responds to inquiries from residents, builders, realtors, and lenders about property values, assessments, and tax impacts
- Helps residents understand how assessments affect their taxes