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.
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.”
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What is the process for establishing a special assessment district?Presque Isle County passed a resolution to initiate the process to establish special assessment district (SAD) boundaries. Consultants review the area around the lakes (including plats and deeds) and talk to the county and township assessors to determine which properties benefit from the lake levels. Legal counsel files petitions in the county circuit court to establish SADs. The court sets a date for hearings to amend the lake level orders. 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. At the hearing, the judge reviews all comments and testimony then decides to approve or deny the petition to amend the lake level order and establish SAD boundaries.
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Is the lake level special assessment district the same as a weed control district?No, these are not the same. A different law governs weed treatment special assessment districts (SAD).
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Does the public get to vote on this?State law does not give property owners or the public an opportunity to vote on the establishment of a lake level special assessment district or assessment amount, however there are many opportunities throughout the process to provide input and opinions.
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What are the proposed updates to the lake level orders?The proposed updates will ensure that the lake level orders for Grand Lake and Lake Esau are consistent with state law and the operation of the lake levels. These updates may include: (1) confirming that the legal levels in the orders match the physical lake levels that are maintained (including any necessary water banking); (2) updating the survey datum used to measure the lake level elevations to the modern datum; (3) adding variation language (to allow for variations in the legal levels due to things like, weather, construction, operation of lake level infrastructure, etc.); and (4) establishing special assessment district boundaries made up of properties with direct or indirect access to the lakes.
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What are the legal levels for each lake?Lake levels are shown in feet above sea level.
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What is a legal lake level?According to the Michigan Legislature, A Normal level: that provide the most benefit to the public; that best protect the public health, safety, and welfare; that best preserve the natural resources of the state; and that best preserve and protect the value of property around the lake.
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.
