Welcome to the Q & A Page

The proposed budget is below. This is able to change with feedback to the BPW during the public hearings. 

That is uncommon but does happen. Feel free to work with Theo if you seek changes.

Non-waterfront residential properties with lake access      

• $190 annual, $950 over 5 years

Waterfront residential properties                                   

• $515 annual, $2,575 over 5 years

Department of Natural Resources              

• $750 annual, $3,750 total over 5 years                        

Who determines the amount of the assessment, State, County, Township? 

Washtenaw County Public Works set the amounts based off the last project assessments and a budget prepared with input from a lake scientist.  The assessment was decreased slightly since the prior assessment was able to sustain the project for so long, however in order not to be cash strapped during the first year or two when treatment is likely to be highest, the assessment was kept relatively high.

The recommendation of the lake scientist also The ratio changed in order to bring it closer to ourother lake assessments. If treatments are effective as they have been in the past, it is anticipated that the assessments would be reduced (to 25%-75% based on the need for treatment).

If the property has legal deeded access they will be included in the Special Assessment District. If residents disagree with the roll, there are opportunities for them to provide feedback, and the option of taking their concerns to the Michigan Tax Tribunal.

I understand that you take the total projected cost of the project and divided by the number of properties, but how is the actual cost difference between Frontlot & Backlot property determined.

We look at the expected cost of the overall project, then we look at similar projects that have been successful and we set a budget amount. There is not an equation we can provide you, but for our projects, backlot is typically between 1/3 and ½ of the cost of front lot. The benefit received by front lots is higher. While there is a lot of variation in the way that backlot residents have access, often front lots usually can have docks, view of the lake, and unshared lakefront,

backlots often can’t have docks or have to share docks, don’t have a view, and share lake access. The original projects had proposed ratios of 1/3 to ½ and we’ve kept close to the originally established amount.  Each Special Assessment is different so one size does not fit all. The DNR charge is consistent across all projects based off available parking.

Is there someone I can contact at Washtenaw County with more questions?

Lauren Koloski koloskil@washtenaw.org 

Theo A. Eggermont eggermontt@washtenaw.org