Special Assessment Districts
A lake level special assessment district (SAD) is made up of parcels along or near a lake/body of water that benefit from its legal lake level. Parcels in a special assessment district are subject to lake level special assessments when costs are incurred to maintain the legal lake level.
Circuit Court Hearing for Grand Lake and Lake Esau Scheduled for September 22
The Presque Isle County Circuit Court will review the petition to amend the lake level orders for Grand Lake and Lake Esau on September 22, 2025. Click the buttons below for more information on each hearing.
Prior to the hearings, the Presque Isle Drain Commissioner will hold a public informational meeting on August 15, 2025. The meeting will provide property owners with additional information about the lake levels project and an opportunity to ask questions.
Who's In
Privately-owned parcels of land, subdivisions and state-, township- and county-owned land around and near Grand Lake and Lake Esau that benefit from the legal lake levels are included in the proposed special assessment districts.
Direct access parcels | Indirect acesss parcels | Boat launches | Campgrounds | Hotels | Condos & Apartments
How it's Established
Consultants work with township assessors and the county(ies), reviewing plats and deeds, aerial footage, and more to determine which parcels are in or out of the proposed SAD. The boundaries of a SAD are established (and updated) in circuit court.
Duration & Cost
Assessments are only levied when costs are incurred related to the lake level, and the duration of a special assessment can vary depending on the total assessment amount and the financing secured. Assessments can range from 1-40 years and appear as a line item on a property’s winter tax bill.”
Process for Establishing a SAD
Step 1
Presque Isle County passes a resolution to initiate the process to establish special assessment district boundaries.
Step 2
Consultants review the area around the lake, including plats and deeds, and talk to the county(ies) and township assessors to determine which properties benefit from the lake level.
Step 3
Legal counsel files a petition in Presque Isle County Circuit Court to update the lake level order and establish special assessment district boundaries.
Step 4
Presque Isle County Circuit Court sets a date for a hearing to amend the lake level order. Property owners within the proposed SAD boundaries will be mailed a letter informing them of the hearing date and that their parcel is being considered for inclusion.
Step 5
The court holds a hearing and reviews all comments and testimony before entering an updated lake level order.
