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1. What special assessments are collected in the city?

The city collects an ambulance, garbage assessment, and fire protection on the July tax bill. They are flat rate assessments. All properties were assessed $20.05 for ambulance services, $50.00 for fire protection and residential properties were assessed a garbage assessment of $204.00.

The garbage and ambulance assessments may vary from year to year because the city’s costs to obtain these services are based upon contractual services provided to the city by VAAS and Republic Services.

2. What is the City's current millage rate?

Fiscal Year 2021 City of Vassar millage rate was approved by Council at 17 mills.

3. How can I apply for deferment of penalty and interest on my July taxes?

According to state law, certain individuals qualify for deferment of penalty and interest on the July tax bill. These individuals must meet specific requirements, which are defined by the state law.

An application for deferment must be filed with the City Treasurer's Office, on or before September 14th each year.

For additional information, contact the

City Treasurer's Office.

4. What is the penalty and interest rate charged after July 31st?

If a property tax is not paid, or postmarked on or before July 31st, we will automatically collect a 3% penalty.

An additional 1/2% interest will be added for each month the parcel remains unpaid. (i.e. August penalty and interest = 3.5%; September penalty and interest = 4%; October penalty and interest = 4.5%, etc.)

5. When are property taxes collected in the City?

Property taxes are due twice per year. The first tax bill is issued on July 1st and must be paid on or before July 31st. Taxes paid after the due date will be assessed penalty and interest.

The second tax bill is issued on December 1st and is due on or before, February 28th of the following year.

6. What are the current sewer rates for commercial accounts?

The rates are $6.97 per 1000 gallon used, along with a $17.00 per month Readiness to Serve charge for the use of the services provided by the city’s sewer system.

7. What are the standby charges charged in addition to usage rates?

These rates vary according to the meter size. For additional information contact

City Hall.

8. What are the current water rates for commercial accounts?

- $2.71 per 1,000 gallons for the first 20,000 gallons/month - $1.35 per 1,000 gallons for 20,001+ gallons/month

9. What is the amount of a commercial utility bill per month?

Commercial utility accounts are metered and the amount of their monthly utility bill will vary according to the size of their meter as well as the quantity of gallons of water used each month.

In addition to usage fees, there is a standby charge established by city ordinance for the use of and for the services supplied by the city's water system.

10. What is the amount of a residential utility bill per month?

Effective July 2022, the utility bill rate is $82.66 per month, which is a flat rate billing amount.

11. When do I have to pay the deferred summer taxes?

Payment is due no later than February 28 (MCL 211.44(3)). Interest and penalty payments are not assessed for the deferment period. (Michigan Deptartment of Treasury publication 12/27/06)

12. Who reviews and approves the tax deferment form?

Your local treasurer will review the submitted tax deferment forms for completeness. If you are requesting a summer tax deferment, you will be responsible for determining that you qualify for the deferment.

If the form contains any misleading or false statements, the property owner may be subject to penalties for on the taxes deferred.

13. Where do I file a summer property tax deferment form?

As the property owner, you must file your deferment form with your local treasurer and should keep a copy for your records.

City Treasurer's Office

14. Can I get a summer tax deferment for all properties that I own?

You can defer the summer taxes on only your principal residence. You are required to pay the summer taxes for all other properties that you own in a timely manner.

15. What is included in total household income for purposes of summer property tax deferment?

Household income is the total income (taxable and nontaxable) of both spouses or of a single person maintaining a household. It is the sum of adjusted gross income (AGI) plus all income exempt or excluded from AGI.

16. Can I defer payment of my summer property tax?

An owner of eligible property may file a completed summer property tax deferment form with his or her city treasurer by September 15th. A valid deferment permits summer property taxes to be paid by February 28th without any additional penalty or interest. City Treasurer's Office