Commissioners approve contract authorizing flat per-document rate for equalization reviews

The Gratiot County Board of Commissioners approved a contract to continue equalization (deed and document) review work at a flat rate of $13.05 per document for the period beginning Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2027.

Why it matters: Equalization/document review supports the county assessor’s work to keep assessment records and taxable-value calculations consistent and accurate.

Details from the meeting: The administrator explained the prior arrangement had used a piece-rate (for example, $7 per deed) and that the contractor requested a flat rate. The board discussed the request and approved a contract establishing a $13.05 flat rate per reviewed document for the two-year term.

Vendor name and transcript inconsistency: The meeting transcript records inconsistent spellings for the contractor. The administrator first refers to “Bridal assessing services,” and later a motion references “Bengal assessing service.” The board approved the contract on the record, but the transcript does not produce a definitive vendor spelling. The article reflects that inconsistency rather than substituting an unverified name.

Vote and implementation: The motion to approve the contract was supported and recorded as carried; the transcript records "All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Motion carried." The county’s administrator asked the board to approve the contract to keep assessment rules accurate and up to date.

Next steps: County staff will execute the contract and implement the flat per-document rate for equalization reviews for the period noted.