Show All Answers

1. What special assessments are collected in the city?

The city collects an ambulance, garbage assessment, and fire protection on the July tax bill. They are flat rate assessments. All properties were assessed $20.05 for ambulance services, $50.00 for fire protection and residential properties were assessed a garbage assessment of $204.00.

The garbage and ambulance assessments may vary from year to year because the city’s costs to obtain these services are based upon contractual services provided to the city by VAAS and Republic Services.

2. What is the City's current millage rate?

Fiscal Year 2021 City of Vassar millage rate was approved by Council at 17 mills.

3. How can I apply for deferment of penalty and interest on my July taxes?

According to state law, certain individuals qualify for deferment of penalty and interest on the July tax bill. These individuals must meet specific requirements, which are defined by the state law.

An application for deferment must be filed with the City Treasurer's Office, on or before September 14th each year.

For additional information, contact the

City Treasurer's Office.

4. What is the penalty and interest rate charged after July 31st?

If a property tax is not paid, or postmarked on or before July 31st, we will automatically collect a 3% penalty.

An additional 1/2% interest will be added for each month the parcel remains unpaid. (i.e. August penalty and interest = 3.5%; September penalty and interest = 4%; October penalty and interest = 4.5%, etc.)

5. When are property taxes collected in the City?

Property taxes are due twice per year. The first tax bill is issued on July 1st and must be paid on or before July 31st. Taxes paid after the due date will be assessed penalty and interest.

The second tax bill is issued on December 1st and is due on or before, February 28th of the following year.

6. What are the current sewer rates for commercial accounts?

The rates are $6.97 per 1000 gallon used, along with a $17.00 per month Readiness to Serve charge for the use of the services provided by the city’s sewer system.

7. What are the standby charges charged in addition to usage rates?

These rates vary according to the meter size. For additional information contact

City Hall.

8. What are the current water rates for commercial accounts?

- $2.71 per 1,000 gallons for the first 20,000 gallons/month - $1.35 per 1,000 gallons for 20,001+ gallons/month

9. What is the amount of a commercial utility bill per month?

Commercial utility accounts are metered and the amount of their monthly utility bill will vary according to the size of their meter as well as the quantity of gallons of water used each month.

In addition to usage fees, there is a standby charge established by city ordinance for the use of and for the services supplied by the city's water system.

10. What is the amount of a residential utility bill per month?

Effective July 2022, the utility bill rate is $82.66 per month, which is a flat rate billing amount.

11. When do I have to pay the deferred summer taxes?

Payment is due no later than February 28 (MCL 211.44(3)). Interest and penalty payments are not assessed for the deferment period. (Michigan Deptartment of Treasury publication 12/27/06)

12. Who reviews and approves the tax deferment form?

Your local treasurer will review the submitted tax deferment forms for completeness. If you are requesting a summer tax deferment, you will be responsible for determining that you qualify for the deferment.

If the form contains any misleading or false statements, the property owner may be subject to penalties for on the taxes deferred.

13. Where do I file a summer property tax deferment form?

As the property owner, you must file your deferment form with your local treasurer and should keep a copy for your records.

City Treasurer's Office

14. Can I get a summer tax deferment for all properties that I own?

You can defer the summer taxes on only your principal residence. You are required to pay the summer taxes for all other properties that you own in a timely manner.

15. What is included in total household income for purposes of summer property tax deferment?

Household income is the total income (taxable and nontaxable) of both spouses or of a single person maintaining a household. It is the sum of adjusted gross income (AGI) plus all income exempt or excluded from AGI.

16. Can I defer payment of my summer property tax?

An owner of eligible property may file a completed summer property tax deferment form with his or her city treasurer by September 15th. A valid deferment permits summer property taxes to be paid by February 28th without any additional penalty or interest. City Treasurer's Office

Show All Answers

1. Who do I contact for more information on flood plans?

Please contact the City of Vassar at 989-823-8517 to obtain additional information about requirements for building in the floodplain.

2. What is the penalty if I don't secure all my approvals?

- You would not be able to occupy or use your building or parking lot until you received all required permits and passed inspections.
- You could be fined.
- The City may tear down the improvements constructed without permits and inspections and you would be assessed the cost of the demolition.

3. If I build an addition or deck outside my building do I need to raise my existing building?

The addition or new deck must comply with all floodplain standards. If the value of the addition and remodeling of the home or business exceeds 50% of the value of the existing home or business, the existing structure(s) must be elevated one foot above the 100-year flood plain or flood-proofed according to the City’s floodplain standards.

4. Are there special requirements in the floodplain?

There are two zoning ordinance requirements, which impact all properties in the city limits. There are also special floodplain requirements in the code as well as state and federal guidelines.

The building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing codes also contain special floodplain provisions. Plans prepared must show compliance with all of the standards that apply for your project

5. Can I build a lot in the 100-year floodplain?

If you wish to build a home or place a manufactured home in the 100-year flood plain, you may file for a zoning permit application. You must file a plot plan and submit building plans that show compliance with all floodplain regulations as well as other city standards.

All construction that is allowed in floodplain areas must have the lowest floor elevation at least one foot above the 100-year flood plain.

6. Why do the floodplain maps change?

The City of Vassar works with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to update floodplain maps to show the areas that will flood during the 100-year flood in support of the National Flood Insurance Program. The changes in floodplain maps reflect changes in land use (such as increased building activity), changes in the waterways, and flood control improvements (such as detention ponds or other flood control measures).

As more lots are covered with more buildings and parking lots, the amount of water that flows into creeks and lakes increases because there is less vegetation to absorb the water when it rains. This is one reason why buildings that were not originally built in a flood plain are now in the 25-year or 100-year flood plain.

If the City or private property owners install flood controls or detention ponds, the amount of water going to creeks and lakes is reduced. Certain flood control measures have caused the 25-year or 100-year flood plain to be removed from some lots.

7. What is a 100 year floodplain?

If your property is in the 100-year floodplain, there is a one in a hundred chance in any given year that your property will flood. The statistical chance of flooding is not changed any one flooding event but repeated flooding may result in the floodplain being recalculated.

8. How do I find out if my lot is in a floodplain?

You can request this information from Vassar City Hall. The City Manager is responsible for the administration of Vassar’s floodplain programs. City Manager's Office

9. What is a floodplain?

A floodplain is the area adjacent to a river, creek, lake, stream, or other open waterway that is subject to flooding when there is a significant rain. Floodplains can be entirely within the waterway.

Show All Answers

1. Can I locate property tax information online?

The website link for property information does not currently contain property tax amounts or payment information. There is data available for review that pertains to the taxable value, assessed value, building statistical information, and lot size. Property information is identified by owner's name, parcel number and property address.