Fabiustownship.org

First off I would like to wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday season. Please be careful on the slippery roads, and for those of you who are lucky enough to be in a warmer place, be careful with all the added traffic.

We have once again reached the dreaded time of year Winter Taxes. As you know tax bills have been sent out. I have received several returned bills because we do not have the correct address. Please provide me with current addresses if you move. When the bills come back I have no way of getting them to you and that can mean penalties and interest when they are not paid on time. If you leave the area for the winter, remember to put in a forwarding address with the Post Office so you can still receive your bills. This year I have received several back stating Temporarily Away. If for any reason you have not received your winter tax bill by now, please call me and let me know where to send it, because chances are it has been returned to me.

Winter taxes are due from December 1, 2007 through February 14, 2008. On February 15, 2008 a 3% penalty will be added to the bill. On March 1, 2008 any unpaid winter or summer bills will be turned over to the County Treasurer as delinquent. They add a 4% Administration fee plus the State charges 1% interest per month or portion of a month.

Here is some information of value. The 2007 Taxable Values on all property throughout the State of Michigan increased 3.7% (the Consumer Price Index). The Tax Commission has set the 2008 inflation rate at 2.3%. However, Taxable Value is only half the tax calculation; Millage rates are the other half.

Please remember the recent August 2007 vote for the Transportation Authority added .33 mills to your winter tax bills. In addition, the August 2006 vote for the 911 levy reinstated that millage from .7112 to .750 (an increase of .0387).

The new drain / lake level assessments placed by the County Drain Commissioner, have been included on some tax bills, those include Clear Lake and Pleasant Lake, for this year. For those involved in the Walnut Ridge #2 assessments, (Walnut Drive an Oak Drive) those assessments will be different this year.

The good news is that you have already paid the County operating millage on your summer bills.

In late February you will be receiving your 2008 Notice of Assessment. This is an estimate of what your taxes will be for 2008. If you do not agree with this assessment there will be directions on how to appear before the March Board of Review to voice your concerns.

I aways feel like the bearer of bad news when reporting on taxes, they are certainly sometimes none of us like getting. The good news is that by living or owning property in Fabius Township you do not receive a tax from the township. The only taxes you pay are for schools and the county. However, I did get a chuckle from someone's check. There was quote tat said, "My money talks it says goodbye." Someone has a great sense of humor.

Once again have a wonderful holiday and a very Happy New Year! See you in the Spring and Summer.