Saturday, March 7, 2009
Marshall girls' win district
The Marshall High School girls' varsity basketball team won the Class B District 36 title Friday night after defeating Brooklyn Columbia Central, 59-44. Emily NIelsen was Marshall's leading scorer with 14 points and Danielle Hicks scored 13 points in the win. Marshall now moves on to the regional round at Pennfield and will play Tuesday evening.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The tax assessment's in the mail
By John Hendler
News Editor
Most homeowners have or will receive their tax assessment change notices by next week and for many, they will see that their property values have dropped but will be paying higher taxes as their taxable value has increased by 4.4 percent.
As a result, local cities and townships are bracing for a higher number of people that will come before their respective boards of review in the coming weeks to voice their concerns.
In 1994, Michigan voters passed Proposal A, which placed a limit on the value used to compute property taxes. In 1995, property taxes were calculated on taxable value, whereas, prior to that year, taxes were calculated on a property’s State Equalized Value or SEV, which is approximately 50-percent of a property’s market value.
“Part of Proposal A was that you were not paying your taxes on the SEV any longer, you were going to pay it on the taxable value,” said Marshall Township Zoning Administrator Susan George. “The taxable value is interesting and that is where all the fuss is. The taxable value can only go up a maximum of five percent a year or what the cost-of-living index is whichever is less. Typically, that’s been around 2.5 percent.”
The “fuss” that George mentioned has to do with this year’s 4.4 percent increase in an owner’s taxable value, even though home values have been on the decline over the last couple of years.
George said that not all people understand that they are not paying on the SEV and that adds to the confusion and points out that Proposal A, at least in the long run, has been a good thing.
“Let’s say you’ve been in your house for 20 years,” she said. “Well, it wouldn’t matter because it will go back to when Proposal A started in the mid ‘90’s. At that point your SEV and taxable value were the same number and hopefully your SEV would have jumped, which is a good thing. But, the taxable can only go up with the cost-of-living index. So, the longer you own your house, the better a deal it is.”
The might be of little solace to those who have purchased a new home recently and George said they are the ones who have been hit hardest.
“They say, ‘If I can’t sell my home for what it’s worth, then why are my taxes going up at all?’” she said. “Then, if they see their SEV go down, then, they’re really wondering why their taxable value is going up.”
George said she understands where homeowners are coming from, especially in a recession economy.
“They’re having tax issues and money problems,” she said. “They’re scared to death.”
George said the calls have started to come in with those unhappy about paying higher taxes.
“Their only option is to talk to the assessor and if they can’t resolve the issue, go to the board of review,” she said.
She said that the board of review could help if someone disputes their property’s value and gets an actual appraisal.
George said that citizens think that the assessment process is a subjective one, but pointed out that that is far from the case.
“It’s all plugged into an equation,” she said. “If someone really has an issue, the assessor will tell them to get an appraisal and if it turns out that it’s valued wrong, then she’ll change it. She doesn’t have a dog in the fight.”
Robyn Kulikowski is the assessor for Marshall Township as well as for Convis, Sheridan, Marengo and Clarendon Townships.
“We always encourage people to come in and see their assessor,” she said. “If there is a real problem, I can take care of that if there’s a problem, a mistake, an error or something like that. If I’m saying one thing and you’re saying another and we can’t come to a decision, then they should go to the board (of review).”
Kulikowski said that all assessment notices came with an explanation of why taxable values had increased in hopes that she and the boards of review of each township won’t be “bombarded” with upset citizens.
“A lot of residential properties are seeing a decrease in their assessed value, but their taxable value is going up 4.4 percent and I let them know that I can’t change that and neither can my board of review,” she said. “At each one of my townships, I’ll have a list of all legislators that they can call and try to change this law because I agree with them; we should not be taxed 4.4 percent on our taxable value when our (home) values are going down. I can’t change it, but I give them an avenue to try to.”
Kulikowski said citizens can check out two Web sites to help them understand how the rate was calculated: www.michigan.gov/propertytaxestimator and www.michigan.gov/treasury/0,1607,7-121-1751---,00.html.
“They’re good Web sites and they will also have a list of all the people that make the laws,” she said. “People can write or e-mail those that make the laws, and they can use their voice and put it to work. The only way I can help them is to educate them.”
Kulikowski said this is a classic case of not directing anger at the messenger.
“I’m just trying to help them to get past their anger and go through their legislators,” she said. “We’ve got to educate the public to make a change. And it’s not by yelling at us.”
Fredonia Township Supervisor Dave Sebring said he’s expecting a lot of angry people to come before the board of review, but hopes they might not come in if they understand he has nothing to do with the tax increase, but can see how people still would want to discuss the matter.
“Our local board of review has no control over that and the local assessor has no control over that,” he said. “I’m hoping to cut down the door traffic. Normally, we’ll have 75-80 people come in during the two days. This year, we’re probably going to have to add an extra day.”
Even though Sebring said the board or review couldn’t help someone with the 4.4 percent tax increase, those with unique circumstances can be helped.
“Say half your house burned down,” he said. “There, the board of review can do something for you.”
News Editor
Most homeowners have or will receive their tax assessment change notices by next week and for many, they will see that their property values have dropped but will be paying higher taxes as their taxable value has increased by 4.4 percent.
As a result, local cities and townships are bracing for a higher number of people that will come before their respective boards of review in the coming weeks to voice their concerns.
In 1994, Michigan voters passed Proposal A, which placed a limit on the value used to compute property taxes. In 1995, property taxes were calculated on taxable value, whereas, prior to that year, taxes were calculated on a property’s State Equalized Value or SEV, which is approximately 50-percent of a property’s market value.
“Part of Proposal A was that you were not paying your taxes on the SEV any longer, you were going to pay it on the taxable value,” said Marshall Township Zoning Administrator Susan George. “The taxable value is interesting and that is where all the fuss is. The taxable value can only go up a maximum of five percent a year or what the cost-of-living index is whichever is less. Typically, that’s been around 2.5 percent.”
The “fuss” that George mentioned has to do with this year’s 4.4 percent increase in an owner’s taxable value, even though home values have been on the decline over the last couple of years.
George said that not all people understand that they are not paying on the SEV and that adds to the confusion and points out that Proposal A, at least in the long run, has been a good thing.
“Let’s say you’ve been in your house for 20 years,” she said. “Well, it wouldn’t matter because it will go back to when Proposal A started in the mid ‘90’s. At that point your SEV and taxable value were the same number and hopefully your SEV would have jumped, which is a good thing. But, the taxable can only go up with the cost-of-living index. So, the longer you own your house, the better a deal it is.”
The might be of little solace to those who have purchased a new home recently and George said they are the ones who have been hit hardest.
“They say, ‘If I can’t sell my home for what it’s worth, then why are my taxes going up at all?’” she said. “Then, if they see their SEV go down, then, they’re really wondering why their taxable value is going up.”
George said she understands where homeowners are coming from, especially in a recession economy.
“They’re having tax issues and money problems,” she said. “They’re scared to death.”
George said the calls have started to come in with those unhappy about paying higher taxes.
“Their only option is to talk to the assessor and if they can’t resolve the issue, go to the board of review,” she said.
She said that the board of review could help if someone disputes their property’s value and gets an actual appraisal.
George said that citizens think that the assessment process is a subjective one, but pointed out that that is far from the case.
“It’s all plugged into an equation,” she said. “If someone really has an issue, the assessor will tell them to get an appraisal and if it turns out that it’s valued wrong, then she’ll change it. She doesn’t have a dog in the fight.”
Robyn Kulikowski is the assessor for Marshall Township as well as for Convis, Sheridan, Marengo and Clarendon Townships.
“We always encourage people to come in and see their assessor,” she said. “If there is a real problem, I can take care of that if there’s a problem, a mistake, an error or something like that. If I’m saying one thing and you’re saying another and we can’t come to a decision, then they should go to the board (of review).”
Kulikowski said that all assessment notices came with an explanation of why taxable values had increased in hopes that she and the boards of review of each township won’t be “bombarded” with upset citizens.
“A lot of residential properties are seeing a decrease in their assessed value, but their taxable value is going up 4.4 percent and I let them know that I can’t change that and neither can my board of review,” she said. “At each one of my townships, I’ll have a list of all legislators that they can call and try to change this law because I agree with them; we should not be taxed 4.4 percent on our taxable value when our (home) values are going down. I can’t change it, but I give them an avenue to try to.”
Kulikowski said citizens can check out two Web sites to help them understand how the rate was calculated: www.michigan.gov/propertytaxestimator and www.michigan.gov/treasury/0,1607,7-121-1751---,00.html.
“They’re good Web sites and they will also have a list of all the people that make the laws,” she said. “People can write or e-mail those that make the laws, and they can use their voice and put it to work. The only way I can help them is to educate them.”
Kulikowski said this is a classic case of not directing anger at the messenger.
“I’m just trying to help them to get past their anger and go through their legislators,” she said. “We’ve got to educate the public to make a change. And it’s not by yelling at us.”
Fredonia Township Supervisor Dave Sebring said he’s expecting a lot of angry people to come before the board of review, but hopes they might not come in if they understand he has nothing to do with the tax increase, but can see how people still would want to discuss the matter.
“Our local board of review has no control over that and the local assessor has no control over that,” he said. “I’m hoping to cut down the door traffic. Normally, we’ll have 75-80 people come in during the two days. This year, we’re probably going to have to add an extra day.”
Even though Sebring said the board or review couldn’t help someone with the 4.4 percent tax increase, those with unique circumstances can be helped.
“Say half your house burned down,” he said. “There, the board of review can do something for you.”
These are exciting times
By John Hendler
News Editor
Excitement was in the air after the Marshall Public Schools Board of Education selected Dr. Randy Davis to be the district’s next superintendent Feb. 19.
While Board Vice President Paul Beardslee and several other members called Davis to tell him the good news, those waiting in the hallway- a mix of teachers, administrators and public citizens seemed genuinely excited.
One told me that for the first time in a long time, she was excited about all facets of the school district coming together and working together.
These are exciting times- all the board needed last week was to play “I’m So Excited” by The Pointer Sisters in the background when they called Davis.
Have I used excited, excitement or exciting enough times?
Believe it or not, when I was Best Man at my friend Haydu’s wedding, I used those words some 20 times in a two-minute toast that I had failed to prepare for.
It went something like this: I’m so excited for you guys and all of us here are excited for you and I’m sure you’ll have an exciting life and exciting honeymoon.
Well spoken, eh?
Anyhow, during the meeting, school board members said that they enjoyed riding to the site visits for finalists Bruce Burger and Davis with teachers, administrators and citizens and that everyone seemed to get along really well and had an appreciation for what the other was doing.
One of the board members, Beardslee, I believe, joked that they should take more of these “road trips” to improve communication and morale.
Maybe he’s onto something.
Getting out of one’s comfort zone and placing oneself in situations where they’re not on guard sometimes can leave you seeing things or someone in a different light.
Having a chance to talk to someone out of their element gives people a chance to get to know one another without the auspices of rank- i.e. when you meet someone on an airplane or when you’re stuck in an elevator or something like that.
Speaking of rank, I once had a chance to play a round of golf with a Navy Admiral in Naples, Italy and we had a great time just talking and being outdoors.
We were just two golfers out on a Saturday morning.
So often, we’re caught up in our worlds with our guard up that we truly miss the essence of one of life’s greatest pleasures: talking and listening to each other.
News Editor
Excitement was in the air after the Marshall Public Schools Board of Education selected Dr. Randy Davis to be the district’s next superintendent Feb. 19.
While Board Vice President Paul Beardslee and several other members called Davis to tell him the good news, those waiting in the hallway- a mix of teachers, administrators and public citizens seemed genuinely excited.
One told me that for the first time in a long time, she was excited about all facets of the school district coming together and working together.
These are exciting times- all the board needed last week was to play “I’m So Excited” by The Pointer Sisters in the background when they called Davis.
Have I used excited, excitement or exciting enough times?
Believe it or not, when I was Best Man at my friend Haydu’s wedding, I used those words some 20 times in a two-minute toast that I had failed to prepare for.
It went something like this: I’m so excited for you guys and all of us here are excited for you and I’m sure you’ll have an exciting life and exciting honeymoon.
Well spoken, eh?
Anyhow, during the meeting, school board members said that they enjoyed riding to the site visits for finalists Bruce Burger and Davis with teachers, administrators and citizens and that everyone seemed to get along really well and had an appreciation for what the other was doing.
One of the board members, Beardslee, I believe, joked that they should take more of these “road trips” to improve communication and morale.
Maybe he’s onto something.
Getting out of one’s comfort zone and placing oneself in situations where they’re not on guard sometimes can leave you seeing things or someone in a different light.
Having a chance to talk to someone out of their element gives people a chance to get to know one another without the auspices of rank- i.e. when you meet someone on an airplane or when you’re stuck in an elevator or something like that.
Speaking of rank, I once had a chance to play a round of golf with a Navy Admiral in Naples, Italy and we had a great time just talking and being outdoors.
We were just two golfers out on a Saturday morning.
So often, we’re caught up in our worlds with our guard up that we truly miss the essence of one of life’s greatest pleasures: talking and listening to each other.
Dr. Randy Davis is the next MPS Superintendent
By John Hendler
News Editor
When the Marshall Public Schools (MPS) Board of Education on Feb. 19 finally decided on Athens Superintendent Dr. Randy Davis to be the district’s next superintendent to replace the outgoing Dr. Joyce Phillips, whose contract is up June 30, Vice President Paul Beardslee made the call to give Davis the good news.
Davis, with his wife Pam, were attending a girls basketball game at Athens High School when the call came in.
“The game had just ended and a good friend of mine was telling me that he just bought a 1972 vintage GTO convertible,” said Davis, 51 and Athens Superintendent for six years. “My phone started to vibrate and I knew they (the board) were calling and my friend kept talking and I didn’t want to interrupt him.”
By the time Davis got to his phone, he had missed the call and after trading voice mails with Beardslee, finally got connected.
“I had to excuse myself and go back stage where nobody was at to have this conversation,” said Davis, who admitted being nervous. “It was so much fun and the board seemed to be really enjoying the decision and celebrating along with me on the offer and they put me on speakerphone.”
During the call, Davis told the board that he was “totally stoked” at being selected.
The Web site urbandictionary.com defines “stoked” as "stoked" being completely and intensely enthusiastic, exhilarated, or excited about something.
“The phone call was wonderful and I had a lot of fun on my end, but my wife was down in the concession area, waiting on pins and needles because she figured that was the phone call,” said Davis, who formally celebrated the selection two nights later with his wife and two daughters.
Davis and Morrice Area Schools Superintendent Bruce Burger were the two finalists for the position and during the Feb. 19 meeting, board members commented on how difficult it was to choose between the two men, both of whom, they said, were deserving of the position.
Davis said he was impressed with the way the search was conducted and had high praise for the Michigan Leadership Institute, the firm that assisted MPS with their superintendent search.
“I can’t say enough about Kathleen Booher and Craig Misner and what they were able to do in helping the board reach their decision,” he said.
Davis said that since the board’s decision, there’s been “a lot” going on and not only on the issues related to the job he will be leaving and the new one he will be taking.
“You’ve got the personal side of things and all the things you have to do with your friends and colleagues and what Pam and I have to do about selling the house and moving and buying a house in Marshall.”
Davis and his wife, who have been married for 24 years, have lived in their home for 12 years and have two daughters, Maggie, 24, and Kali, 21. Both live in East Lansing.
“I know the MPS Board is anxious for me to get over to Marshall,” said Davis. “And I’m anxious to be there and be part of the community.”
Davis was in Marshall last weekend to meet with some board members to work out contractual matters and felt everybody was on the same page.
“We’re pretty much in agreement,” he said.
One of the factors that the board mentioned in choosing Davis was his familiarity with the Calhoun Intermediate School District and how he could step right in and get to work.
“Somebody told me the other day that I wasn’t going to have a honeymoon period,” said Davis. “Because I already know everybody and that I’m already working with everybody and that I should just roll up my sleeves and get into it…In a way that makes me feel better because I need to be involved and I need to help the direction that we are going to go in Marshall as soon as possible. You can’t really afford to sit back on your laurels.”
Davis said that he will stay at Athens until the end of the school year, but pointed out that until then, he will be working in Marshall one day a week and will also be in the district for certain events such as board meetings.
“I can’t leave until after my kids have finished the school year and my teachers have been released for the summer,” Davis said he told the MPS Board. “Once that’s down and I feel closure about that, then I can be completely available for Marshall.
One of the more pressing challenges Davis will face when he arrives will be the budget for 2009-10, already projected to be $1 million in the red.
“That’s why I need to spend time in the district between the time I sign a contract and formally get there,” he said. “The decisions right now for districts are what they’re going to do for next year’s budget and that’s a crystal ball a lot of times. Financially, every district is wrestling with what are you going to do operationally that is going to be able to be sustainable over a period of time.”
Davis added that whatever funds the district receives from the recently passed stimulus bill can’t be factored into the budget.
“Even though the stimulus package is out there, kind of looming on the horizon, you can’t really count on that and you can’t build it into your budget,” he said. “You have to do what you need to do based on what you’re currently getting, because that (stimulus funds) might be a flash that comes and goes while you still have to maintain expenses.”
Aside from the budget, Davis said one of the first things he’ll do when he arrives is to talk to as many people as he can and also check out the district’s facilities.
“Generally, the first thing I do is get introduced to people and spend some time listening to what their thoughts are,” he said. “I’ll try not to get too much into the past and I’ll want to know what they hope to see happen…I’ll also get into the facilities right away. The facilities coordinator will be really important for me to walk around with and take stock of our assets and how we’re operating them.”
Another goal, Davis said, is to get in step with the community.
“I want to see where the formal roles are for the superintendent that are already established and also to take a look at informal roles that need to be there,” he said. “Those are priorities for me and it will take some time. It takes time in relationship building to get to the level of community impact that I’ve been able to do here(Athens), and so it’s going to take that time in Marshall. Hopefully, people will not think the world is going to change because I’m showing up because it’s not just one person. It’s what’s going on with the system.”
Davis emphasized that one of main objectives he will have will be what’s best for students and for those who work in the district as well as the district’s place in the business community.
“That’s where I’m grounded at and also not only what’s in the best interest of kids but also, secondly, how do I support our organization to provide that and that includes the people who work in that environment,” he said. “Schools have to be an integral part of economic development in the region. We’re all vested in that. The health of the community, whether it be recreation, social, economic, commerce, all of that, relates to the schools and the schools relate to that. We live and die on whether or not we have the enrollment that we need which means that we have families choosing Marshall as a place to raise their children. On the flip side, people rely on the schools for quality. That’s what primarily draws people into the community. If we’re providing quality service and quality education and we’re taking care of our children and letting them be all they can be, then people see that and they gravitate to that. That then helps the business community and commerce. It’s a symbiotic relationship between the two and I have to be an advocate for that kind of development and growth. For me, when I talk about weaving ourselves into the fabric of the community, it is a tapestry for Marshall and everybody has a role or a piece of that tapestry and that makes Marshall.”
News Editor
When the Marshall Public Schools (MPS) Board of Education on Feb. 19 finally decided on Athens Superintendent Dr. Randy Davis to be the district’s next superintendent to replace the outgoing Dr. Joyce Phillips, whose contract is up June 30, Vice President Paul Beardslee made the call to give Davis the good news.
Davis, with his wife Pam, were attending a girls basketball game at Athens High School when the call came in.
“The game had just ended and a good friend of mine was telling me that he just bought a 1972 vintage GTO convertible,” said Davis, 51 and Athens Superintendent for six years. “My phone started to vibrate and I knew they (the board) were calling and my friend kept talking and I didn’t want to interrupt him.”
By the time Davis got to his phone, he had missed the call and after trading voice mails with Beardslee, finally got connected.
“I had to excuse myself and go back stage where nobody was at to have this conversation,” said Davis, who admitted being nervous. “It was so much fun and the board seemed to be really enjoying the decision and celebrating along with me on the offer and they put me on speakerphone.”
During the call, Davis told the board that he was “totally stoked” at being selected.
The Web site urbandictionary.com defines “stoked” as "stoked" being completely and intensely enthusiastic, exhilarated, or excited about something.
“The phone call was wonderful and I had a lot of fun on my end, but my wife was down in the concession area, waiting on pins and needles because she figured that was the phone call,” said Davis, who formally celebrated the selection two nights later with his wife and two daughters.
Davis and Morrice Area Schools Superintendent Bruce Burger were the two finalists for the position and during the Feb. 19 meeting, board members commented on how difficult it was to choose between the two men, both of whom, they said, were deserving of the position.
Davis said he was impressed with the way the search was conducted and had high praise for the Michigan Leadership Institute, the firm that assisted MPS with their superintendent search.
“I can’t say enough about Kathleen Booher and Craig Misner and what they were able to do in helping the board reach their decision,” he said.
Davis said that since the board’s decision, there’s been “a lot” going on and not only on the issues related to the job he will be leaving and the new one he will be taking.
“You’ve got the personal side of things and all the things you have to do with your friends and colleagues and what Pam and I have to do about selling the house and moving and buying a house in Marshall.”
Davis and his wife, who have been married for 24 years, have lived in their home for 12 years and have two daughters, Maggie, 24, and Kali, 21. Both live in East Lansing.
“I know the MPS Board is anxious for me to get over to Marshall,” said Davis. “And I’m anxious to be there and be part of the community.”
Davis was in Marshall last weekend to meet with some board members to work out contractual matters and felt everybody was on the same page.
“We’re pretty much in agreement,” he said.
One of the factors that the board mentioned in choosing Davis was his familiarity with the Calhoun Intermediate School District and how he could step right in and get to work.
“Somebody told me the other day that I wasn’t going to have a honeymoon period,” said Davis. “Because I already know everybody and that I’m already working with everybody and that I should just roll up my sleeves and get into it…In a way that makes me feel better because I need to be involved and I need to help the direction that we are going to go in Marshall as soon as possible. You can’t really afford to sit back on your laurels.”
Davis said that he will stay at Athens until the end of the school year, but pointed out that until then, he will be working in Marshall one day a week and will also be in the district for certain events such as board meetings.
“I can’t leave until after my kids have finished the school year and my teachers have been released for the summer,” Davis said he told the MPS Board. “Once that’s down and I feel closure about that, then I can be completely available for Marshall.
One of the more pressing challenges Davis will face when he arrives will be the budget for 2009-10, already projected to be $1 million in the red.
“That’s why I need to spend time in the district between the time I sign a contract and formally get there,” he said. “The decisions right now for districts are what they’re going to do for next year’s budget and that’s a crystal ball a lot of times. Financially, every district is wrestling with what are you going to do operationally that is going to be able to be sustainable over a period of time.”
Davis added that whatever funds the district receives from the recently passed stimulus bill can’t be factored into the budget.
“Even though the stimulus package is out there, kind of looming on the horizon, you can’t really count on that and you can’t build it into your budget,” he said. “You have to do what you need to do based on what you’re currently getting, because that (stimulus funds) might be a flash that comes and goes while you still have to maintain expenses.”
Aside from the budget, Davis said one of the first things he’ll do when he arrives is to talk to as many people as he can and also check out the district’s facilities.
“Generally, the first thing I do is get introduced to people and spend some time listening to what their thoughts are,” he said. “I’ll try not to get too much into the past and I’ll want to know what they hope to see happen…I’ll also get into the facilities right away. The facilities coordinator will be really important for me to walk around with and take stock of our assets and how we’re operating them.”
Another goal, Davis said, is to get in step with the community.
“I want to see where the formal roles are for the superintendent that are already established and also to take a look at informal roles that need to be there,” he said. “Those are priorities for me and it will take some time. It takes time in relationship building to get to the level of community impact that I’ve been able to do here(Athens), and so it’s going to take that time in Marshall. Hopefully, people will not think the world is going to change because I’m showing up because it’s not just one person. It’s what’s going on with the system.”
Davis emphasized that one of main objectives he will have will be what’s best for students and for those who work in the district as well as the district’s place in the business community.
“That’s where I’m grounded at and also not only what’s in the best interest of kids but also, secondly, how do I support our organization to provide that and that includes the people who work in that environment,” he said. “Schools have to be an integral part of economic development in the region. We’re all vested in that. The health of the community, whether it be recreation, social, economic, commerce, all of that, relates to the schools and the schools relate to that. We live and die on whether or not we have the enrollment that we need which means that we have families choosing Marshall as a place to raise their children. On the flip side, people rely on the schools for quality. That’s what primarily draws people into the community. If we’re providing quality service and quality education and we’re taking care of our children and letting them be all they can be, then people see that and they gravitate to that. That then helps the business community and commerce. It’s a symbiotic relationship between the two and I have to be an advocate for that kind of development and growth. For me, when I talk about weaving ourselves into the fabric of the community, it is a tapestry for Marshall and everybody has a role or a piece of that tapestry and that makes Marshall.”
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