This division of the finance unit is managed by Karen Lancaster. The office oversees the city’s accounting, auditing, payroll, procurement and grant consolidation services and provides citizens with information on the city’s financial condition.

Assessor
City Hall, fifth floor
994–2663. Fax: 997–1437

This division of the finance unit, headed by David Petrak, determines the assessed and taxable value of all property for property tax purposes. The office keeps assessment and ownership records of properties.

Property owners who disagree with their annual assessment can appeal to a council-appointed board of review. A three-member board hears appeals once a year for at least four days, starting the third Mon. in Mar. Residents may address the board in person; nonresident owners, seniors, or homebound people may mail their appeals to the assessor’s office. The board has the authority to decrease or increase any assessment. The board may also grant a poverty exemption, which must be renewed annually, to home owners who meet specific income levels and other requirements. Anyone who purchases a home must fill out a property transfer affidavit (available at the assessor’s office) within 45 days. Home owners who both own and occupy their property may fill out a principal residence affidavit to obtain a lower tax rate. Businesses that are opening or closing should contact the assessor’s office about personal property taxes.

Related Topics:

• Housing

Finance administration
City Hall, fifth floor
994–2730. Fax: 994–1271

The city’s finance unit, headed by Tom Crawford, is responsible for coordinating budget development, strategic planning, city bonding, economic development, and analytical support for other service areas.

Treasurer
City Hall, fifth floor
994–2833. Fax: 994–6010

Treasurer Matthew Horning is responsible for collecting city revenues, which include property taxes, parking fines, water and sewer bills, and all invoices for city services. Citizens can pay their bills at the customer service center in the Dahlmann City Center Bldg. at 220 E. Huron; at drop boxes at City Hall (northwest corner outside, and inside the southwest entrance near the police information desk); or by mail. See the Parking & Transportation section of this guide for information on contesting parking tickets. The treasurer is also responsible for risk management. Anyone who wishes to file an insurance claim against the city should call the risk management office at 994–4699. Claim forms are available on the city’s website at www.a2gov.org/financialadminservices/risk%20management/claims.html

Property taxes are billed twice a year, July and Dec. Residents may pay property taxes online only during July and Dec. through their checking or savings accounts (no credit or debit cards). Go to www.a2gov.org/taxpayment. If you own property in Ann Arbor, and it’s your primary residence, your property was taxed at a rate of $40.9166 per $1,000 in July 2007 and $5.1207 per $1,000 in Dec. 2007. All other property owners were taxed at a rate of $47.5397 per $1,000 in July 2007 and $11.7438 per $1,000 in Dec. 2007.

Related Topics:

• Parking Violations
• Parking