Even though tax revenues are still sliding to the negative, Independence Township Assessor Beverly Shaver believes ‘the big slide is over.?
‘We’re going to eventually even out and go up,? Shaver said.
Shaver projects $1,294,424,000 taxable value for 2012, down about four percent from the current 2011 estimate of $1,349,901,940, made before the tax Board of Review meets this month.
‘The Board of Review may have some money they’re going to take away depending on how many protests we have,? she said. ‘This number is not written in stone yet.?
Property owners who disagree with their assessed property value can appeal to the board, made up of three residents, for a hearing. Call 248-625-8114 for an appointment.
Shaver also estimated tax revenue would fall another three percent in 2013, to $1,255,591,000.
‘I also went to 2013 just for added benefit so the board can see where the economy is going,? She said.
Shaver said her numbers are not based on anything black and white. She just listens to what the county projects.
‘County projections are for all of Oakland County, you’re talking Hazel Park to Rose Township,? she said. ‘There is no way you’re going to compare Hazel Park to Rose Township. They couldn’t be further apart?
Shaver takes the average projections provided by the county and makes them ‘closer to what she feels the activity here is doing.?
She also researches home sales by interviewing local realtors and reading as many articles concerning the economy she can ‘get her hands on.?
‘With all that information, this is the number I feel comfortable applying for 2012,? Shaver said. ‘Even though it’s still a negative number, it’s a positive number because it means this spiral and dive we’re taking is starting to even out.?
How’s the economy for you? Things starting to level off? Let us know at 248-625-3370 or Clarkstonnews@gmail.com.