Wixom extends Oakland County assessing contract to Aug. 31 while exploring alternatives

The Wixom City Council approved a first amendment extending the city’s agreement with the Oakland County Equalization Division for real and personal property assessment administration services through Aug. 31, 2025, staff said, allowing more time to evaluate alternative service providers and potential regional partnerships.

City staff reported they are unsatisfied with the county’s proposed extension terms and noted Oakland County has already lost a number of municipal contracts to private providers or neighboring communities. Staff said the county has offered an extension option that runs only until Aug. 31 and that the extension will give the city approximately two and a half months to evaluate proposals, solicit direct proposals from known qualified vendors and to continue conversations with nearby communities about possible service-sharing arrangements.

Staff said one vendor has declined to bid because it has taken on a large number of existing clients; staff are seeking at least one qualified private proposal and are discussing potential arrangements with a neighboring city that already provides in‑house assessing. Council members asked about cancellation timelines and whether the county’s 90‑day cancellation clause could conflict with the Aug. 31 date; staff said the amendment was structured to terminate on Aug. 31 and that the county will be contacting communities in mid‑August about intentions to extend.

Staff told council they expect at least one third‑party proposal by the end of the month and will return to council with a recommendation before the extension expires. The council approved the first amendment and authorized the mayor to sign the agreement.