Hartland in Hindsight #16: Assessing Excellence

Property assessment is a vital responsibility for Michigan townships, and Hartland Township has proven to be above the rest. In 2015, the State of Michigan implemented a brand-new evaluation process for assessments. The Audit of Minimum Assessing Requirements (AMAR) was put in place to ensure consistency in assessing across the state.  Cities and townships in Michigan are now audited every five years based on the AMAR guidelines.

Hartland Township’s most recent audit, and its first one under the new AMAR review took place in 2015. When the results came back, the Michigan Department of Treasury notified Hartland Township that it was one of only three municipalities statewide -- out of more than 1700 -- to receive a perfect score in the assessing audit.

“In 2007, the Township opted to hire a professional assessor full-time to ensure that policies and valuations were accurate and in full compliance with State statute,” says Township Supervisor Bill Fountain. “This audit validates our decision to make the investment in highly qualified professionals.”

According to Hartland Township Assessor Jim Heaslip, much of the credit lies with the residents themselves.

“Year after year, our taxpayers allow us to visit their properties to ensure that they are being assessed correctly,” says Heaslip. “Without their cooperation, we would not have the records and measurements to ensure that their properties are accurately valued.”

City and township assessors ensure that properties are valued accurately, thus establishing a proper tax amount for the taxpayer. When we continue to work together in this endeavor, it is not only beneficial to residents and businesses, but also to the township as a whole.