FAQ

Taxes

What do the terms “assessed value,” “state equalized value” and “taxable value” on my Notice of Assessment mean?

According to Michigan property tax law, these terms have the following meanings: ● Assessed value—The assessed value is determined by a property’s market value. Set by the assessor, the assessed value when multiplied by two will give an approximate m …

What determines the Taxable Value?

On March 15, 1994 Michigan voters approved the constitutional amendment known as Proposal A. The Taxable Value was created as a part of this legislation. Taxable Value, or the figure which millage would be multiplied against, can only increase each y …

Does the City accept credit/debit cards for payment?

Yes. During tax season — July 1 through February 28 — you can pay with credit and debit cards online and at the payment counter in City Hall. A convenience fee is added to the payment amount at the time the transaction occurs. Information about the …

How does the assessor determine the assessed value of my property?

To ensure properties are assessed uniformly and at 50% of market value, the assessor uses the results of the equalization study that is provided by the Eaton County Equalization Department.  This study is an analysis of the sales price of the propert …

I need a copy of a paid receipt. Where can I get one?

The Treasurer’s office can provide you with a copy of your paid tax bill. You can also access this information on the city’s website at www.charlottemi.org; select assessing and tax services. You can access your property by owner’s name, address or p …

Why won’t my taxes decrease if my property value is going down?

Proposal A allowed many residents to pay property taxes on less than half of their market value by “capping” the Taxable Value, while still allowing the assessor to determine the market value by adjusting the SEV. This has caused, for many property o …

When are my taxes due?

Summer property taxes are due in the Treasurer’s Office by 5 p.m. on August 31st.  Winter property taxes are due in the Treasurer’s Office by 5 p.m. on February 14th. There is a 24-hour drop box located behind city hall at the corner of Washington an …

Who receives the funds from my tax bill?

Besides the City, your tax bill is remitted to Charlotte Public Schools, Eaton Intermediate School District, Charlotte Public Library and Eaton County. Details of some of the most often questioned line items on your tax bill are as follows: SET (Stat …

Property values in my neighborhood have been decreasing. Will my property valuation be decreasing as well?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a yes or no answer to that question. If you’ve owned your property for a significant amount of time, more than likely your State Equalized Value (SEV) far exceeds your Taxable Value. If this is the case, a decrease in valua …

Does that mean I’ll pay more property taxes instead of less?

In the previous scenario, yes you would. The Taxable Value will rise by the inflationary increase. This adjusted Taxable Value figure multiplied by the local unit’s millage rate will determine your new property tax liability.  The inflationary index …

Recycling

Can materials for recycling be dropped off outside of the posted hours for the Charlotte Area Recycling Center?

The Charlotte Area Recycling Center does not accept materials outside regular business hours due to concern for patron safety. CARA’s hours are Tuesday 8am to noon, Thursday 2pm to 6pm, and Saturday 8:00am to noon.

Animals

May chickens be raised within the city limits?

Before the adoption of Ordinance No. 2012-02, chickens could be raised only on properties classified as farms. According to the zoning ordinance, farms are properties at least 5 acres in size with agricultural activities carried on as a source of inc …

Assessing

What do the terms “assessed value,” “state equalized value” and “taxable value” on my Notice of Assessment mean?

According to Michigan property tax law, these terms have the following meanings: ● Assessed value—The assessed value is determined by a property’s market value. Set by the assessor, the assessed value when multiplied by two will give an approximate m …

What determines the Taxable Value?

On March 15, 1994 Michigan voters approved the constitutional amendment known as Proposal A. The Taxable Value was created as a part of this legislation. Taxable Value, or the figure which millage would be multiplied against, can only increase each y …

How long does it take between a tree investigation and recommended work?

Under normal circumstances, work will be completed in the same year a request is taken. Maintenance trimming is generally done in the winter months when the tree is dormant. Emergency work is always done as soon as possible.

Property values in my neighborhood have been decreasing. Will my property valuation be decreasing as well?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a yes or no answer to that question. If you’ve owned your property for a significant amount of time, more than likely your State Equalized Value (SEV) far exceeds your Taxable Value. If this is the case, a decrease in valua …

Trees

How do I know if a tree adjacent to my home is in the public right-of-way?

City trees are located on the strip of boulevard between the sidewalk and the street.  If you have no sidewalk, you can contact the Department of Public Works for a determination based on the street’s right-of-way.

How long does it take between phoning in a tree concern and having the tree investigated?

Under normal circumstances, the inquiry will be investigated within two days. It will be investigated immediately if it is believed to be a hazard or emergency.  

How long does it take between a tree investigation and the recommended work?

Under normal circumstances, work will be completed in the same year a request is taken.  Maintenance trimming is generally done in the winter months when the tree is dormant.  Emergency work is always done as soon as possible.  

Whom do I contact when a tree is interfering with power lines?

Contact Consumers Energy at 1-800-477-5050.  

May I take the logs from trees that have been removed from the right-of-way?

Yes.  If the resident requests to keep the logs from a tree in front of their home, they have first right of refusal.  The logs will be placed behind the sidewalk or ROW.  The homeowner is then responsible for any cleanup that occurs after that.  The …

Does the City clean up leaves or fruit from City trees?

No, we do not provide this service.  

Can the public remove branches from City trees?

No, the Department of Public Works is responsible for all tree maintenance.  

Does the City respond to trees obstructing sidewalks, driveways, and traffic signs?

The Department of Public Works will remove the lower branches on trees maintained by the City in order to provide clearance for buildings, vehicles, signs, and pedestrians.  Tree branches over roadways are removed to a height of 15 feet, and to a hei …

How are tree roots able to interfere with sewer lines?

Tree roots are frequently found in sewer lines that have collapsed or leak.  Tree roots are not the cause of the problem.  While seeking water, entry is gained through a previously cracked portion of the pipe.  Cracks in a line may occur due to a det …

Who is responsible for repairs when tree roots interfere with sewer lines?

The maintenance responsibility of a sewer line is that of the property owner.  The City will only repair or replace the connection to the sewer main line.  Tree roots can be chemically removed from a sewer line through the application of a herbicide …

Whom should I contact if a neighbor’s private tree interferes with my tree or property?

The City has no authority in these situations and we can only suggest that you seek legal counsel if the situation cannot be worked out amicably with the neighbor.  

Does the City give tree chips away?

The City does keep a pile of wood chips at the DPW garage for residents to use.  The DPW does not load the chips nor guarantee their quality.  The chips are available on a first come first serve basis.  

Does the City pick up brush from trees on private property?

No.  However, a resident is allowed to drop the brush off at the DPW garage after they sign in at the office.  

How long does it take between a tree investigation and recommended work?

Under normal circumstances, work will be completed in the same year a request is taken. Maintenance trimming is generally done in the winter months when the tree is dormant. Emergency work is always done as soon as possible.