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Alpena County certifies 2026 equalized and taxable values after 9.2% increase in equalized value
Summary
The board approved the county's 2026 equalization reports showing a roughly 9.2% increase in equalized value and a 5.14% rise in taxable value; residential values were the largest contributor at about +10.29%. The board voted to certify required state forms.
An equalization official presented Alpena County's 2026 equalization report to the board on April 14, reporting sizable increases in assessed values across several property classes.
"Alpena County as a whole has an increase of 9.2% in equalized value over 2025 and a 5.14% increase in taxable value," the presenter said. The county's combined real and personal equalized value was reported as $1,992,132,348 for 2026, and the presenter noted the largest class increase was residential at about 10.29%.
The presenter described the state reporting forms (L‑4024 equalization report and L‑4046 taxable values) that must be signed by the chair and clerk and transmitted to the State Tax Commission. Commissioners asked how missed improvements and new construction are identified; the presenter said staff perform desk reviews, sometimes field inspections, and recommended that local units (townships) hold assessors accountable when parcels with new construction are missed.
Commissioner discussion emphasized fairness: making sure property owners with improvements are assessed similarly to others. The board moved to approve and certify the county's equalization reports for 2026; a roll call vote carried the certification.
Next steps: the signed county forms will be submitted to the State Tax Commission as required by law. Staff agreed to follow up on processes to better identify missed improvements and to work with township officials on enforcement and information sharing.
