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Board approves special assessments and county loan to finance lake-level projects
Summary
The board adopted special-assessment rolls for Mary/Murray Lake and Lake Leanne and authorized a county loan to the Mary Lake district not to exceed the project cost; the loan carries a 3.74% interest rate payable in five annual installments, and assessments may be paid in full or spread over five years via the winter tax bill.
The Hillsdale County Board of Commissioners approved two resolutions on Sept. 9 establishing special-assessment rolls for lake-level projects and authorized a county loan to finance one of the projects.
Resolution 25-1-15 approved the computation of cost and the special-assessment roll for Murray (Mary) Lake repairs under Part 307 of Michigans Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. County staff told the board the assessment roll includes 496 parcels (189 direct-access, 307 indirect); direct-access parcels carry a larger share of the assessed cost than indirect-access parcels. Property owners may pay the assessment in full by the deadline or have the assessment spread over five years on the winter tax bill.
The board then authorized the county to advance money to the Mary Lake district (resolution language authorizes a loan not to exceed the project cost) to finance the lake-level project. County staff said the loan structure mirrors prior practice for similar projects and saves property owners the legal and bond-issuance costs; the loan would be advanced from county funds at an interest rate of 3.74% payable in five annual installments. County presentations listed the projects total assessment allocation in the packet as approximately $185,718.35; staff said mobilization for work is expected this fall.
Commissioners discussed public hearing turnout and the district commissioners engagement with property owners; they noted appeals of the assessment roll would be available in court within 15 days of adoption per statute. Both resolutions were adopted by roll-call vote.
Why it matters: the actions create a binding assessment roll that will raise funds through property assessments to repair dams and restore lake levels; the county loan option provides a lower-cost financing route to reduce immediate borrowing costs for property owners.
Next steps: county clerk will forward the adopted resolutions to the drain commissioner to institute project actions; property owners have a statutorily prescribed period to seek appeal in circuit court if desired.
