Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions. If these do not answer your questions feel free to contact us.

Assessing Questions

How can I appeal my assessed and/or taxable value?
Change Notices are sent out at the end of February of each year. When you get your change notice, it will tell you when the March Board of Review will meet and where to call for an appointment. Before your hearing you will want to gather as much information as possible to prove to the Board of Review that your assessed and/or taxable value is too high. Typically this information would consist of sales of similar homes in your area. The assessing department keeps a list of all the properties in the Township and which ones have sold.

If you are not satisfied with the decision of the March Board of Review, you can then appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal (MTT), however, you cannot appeal to the MTT unless you first appealed to the March Board of Review. The deadline to file an appeal with the MTT is June 30th of each year. The Board of Review also meets in July and December, however, they can only consider "clerical errors", "mutual mistakes of fact", and poverty exemption appeals for the current year. Homeowners Principal Residence Exemptions are also decided at these meetings.

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When can I appeal my assessed and/or taxable value?
You can appeal to the March Board of Review which meets starting on the first Monday in March to hear appeals regarding assessed and taxable values, and poverty exemptions for the current year only. You may either appear in person or file a written appeal to the Board of Review. Your assessment change notice will detail when the Board of Review meets. Please contact the Assessing Department at (810) 229-0558 with any questions.

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How can I get a copy of a subdivision plat?

You can access subdivision plats for the State of Michigan by clicking on the following link: http://www.cis.state.mi.us/platmaps/sr_subs.asp

The State of Michigan only provides subdivision plats.  They do not have plans for PUD’s or Site Condominiums.  You can get these items from the Assessing Department or the Livingston County Register of Deeds Office. 



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If I add a deck to my house is it taxable?
YES. Any structure that adds value to your property is taxable. This includes decks, sheds, additions, detached garages, etc.

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How do I qualify for a Homeowners Principal Residence Exemption (FKA Homestead Property Exemption)?
In order to qualify is must be your primary residence. This is typically the address that you use on your drivers license and on your voter's registration. You can only have one principal residence exemption. Vacation homes and second homes are not eligible for this exemption. The Homeowners Principal Residence Exemption qualifies you to be exempt from the school operating millage on your tax bill. Once the exemption is in place, it will remain active until a change takes place, such as ownership or occupancy.

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How can I estimate my taxes for the current year?
Property taxes are calculated by multiplying the Taxable Value of a property by the millage rate (tax rate). A mill is the rate local governments use to levy property taxes; it equals $1 of tax per $1,000 of Taxable Value. Each taxing unit establishes their own tax rate; the Township does not determine tax rates for the other local taxing units, i.e., schools, county, etc. Please keep in mind that the millage rates change each year. You may have to estimate based on last years millage if the current year millage is not established yet. The current year millages are usually not available until sometime in October.

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Do you have a survey of my property?
The assessing department does not have copies of surveys of the parcels in the township. We may have a survey of a specific parcel if it was recently created due to a land division. We also have section and subdivision maps of the entire township. Many of the maps show dimensions of the lot lines. The maps do not show the placement of the house on the lot.

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How can I obtain Property Tax Forms?

Taxpayers can access the State Property Tax forms on the State of Michigan website, click here. This link will have Real and Personal (Business) Property forms. Also, the Homeowner's Principal Residence Exemption Affidavits and Request to Rescind Homeowner's Principal Residence Exemption forms are available, click here.



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General Questions

Does the Charter Township of Brighton have an ordinance about........?
Click here to go to the Ordinances pages. They can be searched for any topic they cover.

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When is my performance bond refunded?
Once you have received a final approved inspection you are AUTOMATICALLY put on a list to be approved by the Township Board. This process is done once a month and normally takes 2-1/2 weeks. The bond will be mailed directly back to whomever posted it.

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Are signs allowed for garage sales?
Signs are permitted only for the day of the sale and can ONLY be placed ON YOUR PROPERTY. Any signs that are placed on corners in a road right-of-way or at the entrance to subdivisions, will be removed.

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What are the office Hours of the Township Hall?
Effective Monday August 16, 2010,

Township Hall will be open as follows:

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Tuesday 8:30am to 5:00pm

CLOSED FOR LUNCH 12:30-1:30PM


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Do I have to pay off my special assessment when I sell my home?
The township does not require that special assessments be paid off when property is sold. That is a buyer-seller decision. The assessment is against the property, not the property owner. The assessment will continue with the parcel when ownership changes.

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When does the Township newsletter go out?
The newsletter is done by the Clerk's office and is mailed out twice a year with the tax bills.

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Where can I obtain information or copies regarding agendas, meeting minutes, ordinances, etc.?
A resident can review these on the township website, www.brightontwp.com. For copies or questions, direct them to the clerk's office.

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What is recycling?
Recycling is collecting, processing, and reusing materials that would otherwise be thrown away. Recycled paper products can be made from recycled paper instead of wood pulp; new aluminum cans from recycled aluminum cans; new glass bottles from recycled glass bottles; and new metal products like car parts from tin cans.

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How to recycle.
Instead of throwing recyclable materials in with your trash, separate them and put them outside, next to your trash, for your hauler to pick-up or contact Livingston County DPW (517-545-9609) for information regarding organizations that will dispose of unwanted items in an environmentally friendly manner.

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Rubbish Collection

How do I dispose of Yard Waste?
Johnston Farm & Composting, Deerfield Twp., MI (517-546-6271) and Tuthill Farms & Composting, South Lyon, MI (248-437-7354) are also places that accept yard waste for a fee.

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Does the Township have pick-up service for large items?
Residents can purchase a sticker for $15.00 from the Township Treasurer's office to attach to the large item. The township will notify the hauler and the item will be picked up on Wednesdays. Stickers must be purchased by Monday at 4:30 pm. One sticker is required for each item to be disposed of. Large items include appliances, furniture and mattresses. Refrigerators must have the Freon removed. Specific details on what will be picked up and how to prepare items for disposal will be provided at time of sticker purchase.

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Some of my neighbors and I would like to contract with the same municipal refuse hauler. Can this service be placed on our taxes?
Yes, if a majority of the property owners in the area where the service will be provided sign a petition requesting the service, the board can create the special assessment district. Jointly contracting for this service actually helps preserve your roads. Refuse trucks are very heavy. If your neighborhood can reduce the number of trucks coming into the neighborhood by contracting for a single hauler you will help preserve the longevity of your road. Contracting with a single hauler often reduces the cost for the service.

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The Freedom Of Information Act

What procedure do I follow to obtain information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request can be made by filling out the appropriate form in the Clerk's office, or by sending a detailed written request by mail or fax (810-229-1778).

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How long will it take for me to receive the FOIA information requested and is there a charge for this information?
Under the FOIA, a public body has five days from the date of the request (six, if the request is received by mail or fax). Yes, there is a charge. Contact the Clerk's office regarding charges.

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Voting

Can I register to vote at the Township Hall?
Yes, as long as your address where you reside is the same as your Michigan Driver's license or Michigan I.D. card. You may also register to vote at the local Secretary of State's office. Under the national Motor Voter Law, implemented by the statewide Michigan Qualified Voter File, a change in your driver's license address will produce a change in your voter registration location and vice versa.

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How do I get an absentee ballot?
Complete an "Application for Absent Voter's Ballot" (available at the Township Clerk's office) or click below to print an application. Submit it to the Clerk's Office at 4363 Buno Road, Brighton, MI 48114. Residents must be a registered voter at the time of application with a valid signature on file for verification of voter identity. You can receive a ballot by mail or in the office at the time of application, depending on how close to election day you make the request.

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Where do I vote?
Click Here for voter precinct locations.

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Where Do I Find...?

Unemployment Office?
5015 South Cedar St., Lansing MI 48910.  Phone 517-334-6726  Click here for more Unemployment info.

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Social Security Office?
5015 South Cedar St., Suite 150, Lansing MI 48910.  Click here for more Social Security information.

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Post Office?
Brighton area P.O. is located at the 100 Orndorf Dr. address.

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License Plate Office?

Michigan Secretary of State, 1448 Lawson Dr. Howell, MI Ph: 888-767-6424
Click
Here for more License info.




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Drivers License Office?

Michigan Secretary of State, 1448 Lawson Dr Howell, MI Ph: 888-767-6424    Click
Here for more details




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Abused Women & Children Agency?
LACASA is the Agency for help. 24 Hours a day: For Domestic Violence call 810-227-7100.  For Sexual Assault call 517-548-4228   Click Here for more details.

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