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Dearborn Heights council awards commercial appraisal contract 4-3 after debate over cost and trial exposure
Summary
The city council voted 4-3 to award a commercial appraisal contract to Judith & Associate Inc. for up to $10,000 after debate over price caps and the vendor’s track record in tax tribunal cases.
The Dearborn Heights City Council voted 4-3 on July 8 to award a commercial appraisal contract to Judith & Associate Inc., approving a contract not to exceed $10,000.
Council members debated whether to hire the lower-priced bidder or to pay more for a firm with a longer track record in large-box commercial appeals. Councilman Hassan Ahmad originally moved to award the contract; the motion was amended to select Judith & Associate with the $10,000 cap and was seconded and carried after a roll-call vote.
Council members raising concern said large corporate property owners frequently appeal assessed values and can extend litigation, so a vendor that can withstand prolonged tribunal proceedings may protect the city's tax base. Other council members argued the city needed to control costs and could negotiate terms or caps with vendors.
The clerk recorded the roll-call vote: Ahmad — yes; Saab — yes; Constance — yes; Moby Doon — yes; Nancy Bridal — no; Tom Wenzel — no; Denise Malinowski Maxwell — no. The motion passed 4-3.
The assessor briefed the council on the stakes in the case, noting the property at issue is a substantial taxpayer for the city and that different appraisal figures could change annual revenue by thousands of dollars. The motion authorizes the mayor and clerk to sign the contract and the treasurer to issue payment from the budget line named in the bid packet.
