The Police and Fire Special Assessment has been approved by the Township Board. The assessments are as follows: (a) vacant parcels, $100.00; (b) parcels with residential structures, $175.00; (c) Parcels containing structures or trailers with multiple units, $275.00 plus an additional $150.00 per unit; and (d) all other parcels, $275.00. This is a five year assessment; assessments are placed on winter tax bills.
WHY DO WE NEED THIS SPECIAL ASSESSMENT?
This special assessment replaces the public safety assessment residents have been paying since 2010. There is no change in service. Because the township does not have its own police or fire departments, this special assessment allows the township to fund and contract with the Livingston County Sheriff to designate a deputy to be in Tyrone Township 8 hours/7 days a week. It also allows the township to contract with the fire departments of the City of Fenton, Fenton Township, and Hartland Fire Authority for fire and emergency services.
WHAT HAPPENS IF WE DON’T HAVE THIS SPECIAL ASSESSMENT?
The township does NOT have its own police or fire department. Without this special assessment the township will have NO fire service. Insurance rates on homes without a fire department are likely to be higher than the special assessment itself. Police service will come from the first available deputy in the county.
“BUT I HEARD…”
Contrary to rumors, the police and fire service has not changed, the funds cannot be used to pay the sewers, and the township is not building a police or fire department. Special assessment funds can only be used for what they are designated for.
BASIC SPECIAL ASSESSMENT 101
Creating a special assessment is a legal process with specific rules. They are not renewed; the township cannot legally call this a renewal. Each special assessment “time period” has to go through a legal process of published notices in the newspaper (Tri-County Times and Livingston Press & Argus), mailed notices of public hearings to all parcel owners, two scheduled public hearings, and board-adopted resolutions, all done within a specified time period. Special assessments are created openly and transparently.
PLEASE ASK!
If you have questions, concerns or want to learn more about any township business, please contact us! We will direct you to the correct person to find answers. Our hours are Monday-Thursday 9:00 – 5:00, phone (810) 629-8631. (Fire Service Map)