Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves two-month extension of assessing contract with Oakland County amid concern over steep proposed rate increase
Summary
South Lyon approved a two-month extension with Oakland County for property assessing services, giving staff time to continue discussions after county commissioners announced an approximate 80% contract increase that city officials and council members questioned.
The South Lyon City Council on Monday approved a two-month extension of the city’s assessing services contract with Oakland County, delaying a planned July 1 rate increase while staff and council pursue further review.
City staff said Oakland County commissioners had approved an approximate 80% increase in the county’s assessing contract effective July 1. The city requested a six-month extension under existing contract language; the county offered only two months. The extension covers July 1 to Aug. 31, 2025, and — city staff said — will save the city roughly $11,000 compared with the proposed immediate increase.
Council member Bogart moved to approve the extension, seconded by Council member Kurzweil; roll-call votes were recorded as yes from Kurzweil, Hansen, Bogart, Dibble and Kennedy. City Manager Zalnick said the extension does not prevent the city from later negotiating with private vendors and that staff are discussing alternatives with other jurisdictions exploring private contracts.
Council members raised questions about how the county calculated the increase and whether the county was reallocating overhead costs (facilities, overhead, reserves) into the contract. Council members planned to attend a county study group meeting the following day where staff hoped county officials would explain the methodology. Several council members said jurisdictions are exploring private contractors after the county’s notice.
City Manager Zalnick and council members emphasized the short extension preserves budget stability while the city engages with the county study group and evaluates options for longer-term assessing services. No further action was taken at the meeting; staff will provide updates after county meetings and continued negotiations.
