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Council approves 10.25‑mill drain assessment to fund intercounty drain obligations
Summary
Citing Michigan Drain Code obligations, the Harper Woods council approved a resolution to levy 10.25 mills on taxable property to pay an intercounty drain assessment intended to prevent basement flooding and fund related debt service.
The Harper Woods City Council voted to impose a 10.25‑mill drain assessment on all taxable properties to satisfy intercounty drain obligations under the Michigan Drain Code (PA 40), council staff said.
City staff explained the assessment is mandated for payment of debt incurred for public-health-related drain work and noted that taxes levied for these assessments are separate from statutory or charter tax limitations. On the levy the presenter said the imposition is intended to prevent basement flooding: "This is to keep your basements from flooding with sewage water," the presenter stated.
Council asked clarifying questions about discretion and the history of the levy; staff said litigation and past obligations led the city to start at 12 mills and reduce to 10.25 mills as efficiencies allowed. The council then moved and voted to adopt the recommended resolution; the motion passed by recorded affirmation.
What happens next: The levy will appear on the tax bill dated Dec. 1, 2025 (as read into the record), and funds will be collected separately to pay the intercounty drain assessment and any related debt service.
