Alpena County has decided to pay the first of 10 special assessment payments to the City despite an ongoing debate over some sidewalk.
But, the $562 payment will not be sent until Prosecutor Ed Black has an opportunity to review a previous attorney’s opinion that the county is exempt from paying special assessments. If the first and subsequent payments are made to the City they will be paid “under protest” until the Michigan Tax Tribunal resolves the matter and that could take up to 5 years.
The dispute stems over sidewalk the city placed along Woodward Avenue, from Johnson Street past Northern Lights Arena. It was installed as part of a city-wide program that also charged citizens for sidewalk.
Because the county did not make payment in full, approximately $5,500, it has accrued interest and is being billed over a ten-year period.
County Treasurer Joelyn McCallum convinced commissioners to pay the special assessment under protest because she believes it will make the County look better when it defends its position in front of the tribunal.
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January 1, 2010
10:35 p.m.Report inappropriate content
If Northern Lights is a private company, why should the county and city have to pay for the sidewalks? Also why should the city have to pay the Park Foundation $20k per year for the addition of a civic center?
I have to pay for all special assesments to my property.
To me this is a waste of the tax payers money.