Oakland County approves 2026 equalization report; property values up, taxable value rise to add about $13.5M in county revenue

Oakland County’s equalization team presented the 2026 equalization report to the Board of Commissioners and the board voted to approve the report for submission to the State Tax Commission.

Terry Schultz, chief in the equalization department, reported a recommended state equalized value (SEV) for 2026 of approximately $31.682 billion (a 5.85% increase from 2025) and a resulting taxable value of about $88.804 billion (a 4.92% increase). Schultz said the increase translates to roughly $13.5 million in additional county general revenue compared with 2025. Staff explained the persistent gap between SEV and taxable value stems from Michigan’s Proposal A rules that cap taxable value increases for properties that have not transferred; properties that sold or had new construction may increase by more than the 5% cap.

The presentation included property‑class breakouts showing roughly 78% of the SEV in the residential class and community‑level details; staff noted filings will be finalized at the state equalization hearing (STC meeting scheduled May 26) and the county will post the report once finalized. Commissioners asked technical questions about property classification and Proposal A mechanics; staff provided clarifying tables in the report. The board approved the report by voice vote.

The action begins the county’s statutory process toward final state equalization and informs local taxing jurisdictions about taxable‑value changes for the 2026 tax year.