Board OKs tax-deferment authority to waive fees for qualified taxpayers

The board approved a resolution that gives the treasurer authority to waive administration fees and interest for certain qualified taxpayers who utilize eligible state tax credits and request a summer/winter tax deferment. Treasurer Cheryl described the multi-step process: property owners request a summer-tax deferment from their township or city; if they qualify, the winter-tax bill may be deferred and county collections begin in March. The county-level authority enables the treasurer to defer collections until May 1 so that eligible taxpayers can use state tax credits to pay without incurring fees and interest.

Cheryl noted the populations this helps—senior citizens, certain veterans, disabled persons and other qualified groups—and encouraged communications outreach, including notifying townships and using county communications (for example, an "Ottawa Out Loud" episode) prior to summer tax bills. The resolution passed on recorded votes.