SUMMER TAXES DUE SEPTEMBER 15

Summer tax payments are due and payable without penalty or interest, through September 15, 2006, to the City of Midland Treasurer’s Office, 333 W. Ellsworth St. A four percent penalty is assessed to payments received after September 15, as specified by Michigan law and City of Midland resolution.

The summer tax notice combines the full annual tax levy for the City of Midland, Delta College, State Education Tax, and part of the annual tax levy for Midland Public Schools, Midland County Operating and Midland County Educational Service Agency. The total summer millage rate on principal residence property in the City of Midland within the Midland Public School District is 27.8202 mills; the total on non-principal residence property is 33.9941 mills.

This is the second year of a gradual move to collection of the County Operating tax levy on the summer tax bill. As a result of legislative action by the State of Michigan, the General Property Tax Act has been amended so that in 2006, two-thirds of the County Operating tax levy will be billed in the summer and the remaining one-third will be billed in the winter. In 2007, the entire County Operating tax levy will be billed in the summer. Your summer 2006 tax notice includes 3.2636 mills for Midland County Operating.

A one percent (1%) tax administration fee will be imposed on all applicable summer and winter taxes. The administration fee is authorized by MCL 211.44 to offset costs incurred by the City in assessing property values, collecting property tax levies and in the assessment review and appeal process. Pursuant to this authority, the Midland City Council has approved the one percent (1%) tax administration fee and has designated revenue derived from it during the 2006-2007 fiscal year for use in defending large industrial tax appeal cases. The tax administration fee will be calculated on the base tax.

Citizens 62 years or older, or a totally and permanently disabled individual, blind person, paraplegic, quadriplegic, eligible serviceperson, eligible veteran, eligible widow or widower, with a household income of less than $37,500, may request an “Application for Deferment of Summer Taxes” from the City Treasurer’s Office. This application defers summer tax penalty and interest on the applicant’s homestead until February 14, 2007. Deferment applications must be received in the City Treasurer’s Office by September 15, 2006, to be eligible. The deferment application can be found on the City’s website at www.midland-mi.org, or a hard copy can be picked up at the Treasurer’s Office. On the City’s site, under the Services header, choose Other Services, then search for the Deferment of Summer Taxes Application link to access the form.

A new deferment request must be filed each year.

Property owners may pay summer tax bills by check or cash at the Midland City Treasurer’s Office, 333 W. Ellsworth. Credit cards are not accepted. After September 15, 2006, a four percent penalty will be applied to any remaining unpaid balance. After-hours payments may be placed in the depository located in the main entrance of Midland City Hall.

To better accommodate residents, the Treasurer’s Office will offer extended office hours from 7:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. through September 29.

Residents who have not received a summer tax bill should contact the City Treasurer's Office at 989-837-3315.

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