Owner of Joyful Noise Early Learning Center asks council for leniency after $1,000 penalty for missed transfer filing

Leslie Morris, owner of Joyful Noise Early Learning Center at 21551 West 11 Mile Road, asked the City Council May 12 to waive a $1,000 penalty she received from the assessor’s office for failing to file a transfer-of-property form after she purchased the commercial building.

Morris said she closed on the property in February (year not specified) and received the assessor’s notice on April 10. She told council she had not been informed at closing that the transfer form was required and that the form was buried among closing documents. “This is the first time I’ve ever purchased a commercial property,” Morris said. She added the penalty is a hardship for her childcare business and asked for leniency.

Arlene Edwards, who spoke on Morris’s behalf, said the assessor’s office staff member named Chris provided instructions and that the business had submitted an appeal to the council. Edwards said the family had not received the follow-up call they expected from the assessor’s office and described the office response as unsatisfactory.

City officials said the matter falls under the General Property Tax Act and that the assessor’s office would have the authority and details on penalties and distinctions between residential and commercial filing requirements. A council member urged the body to consider a “mercy remedy” for the small business, and the council president said the council would reach out to the assessor’s office to seek clarification and possible relief.

No formal council action to waive the fee was recorded at the meeting; officials said they would follow up with the assessor’s office and review any appropriate remedies.