Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’S) are separated into alphabetical categories (i.e.,
Animals, Property Assessment, Zoning, etc.) for faster and easier inquiries.
ANIMALS
Q. What do I do if I find a cat or dog?
A. If you should find a domestic animal, please contact the Oceana County Animal Shelter office at (231) 861- 5395. The animal may be picked up by an Animal Control Officer or you may deliver the animal to the Oceana County Animal Control Shelter located on Baseline Road.
Q. What do I do if there is a barking dog?
A. Pentwater Township has adopted an Animal Control Ordinance, while enforcement of the Ordinance is the responsibility of the Oceana County Sheriff’s Department. Please contact the Oceana County Sheriff’s Department at (231) 873-2121 to report any nuisance created by a barking dog. Click here to view the Animal Control Ordinance (PDF opens in new tab).
BOARD MEETINGS
Q. When does the Township Board meet?
A. The Township Board meets regularly on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m.
Q. How can I get an item placed on the Agenda for the Township Board meeting?
A. You must submit a request in writing to the Clerk for an item to be placed on the Agenda. The request must be received no later than 12:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month in order to be placed on the next Township Board meeting Agenda.
Q. Can I address the Township Board if my item is not on the Agenda?
A. All citizens are permitted to address the Township Board during the “Public Comments” portion of the meeting. If the item is not on the Agenda however, there will be no discussion/action by the Board on the subject item.
BUILDING PERMITS (see Zoning/Building Permits)
CEMETERY
Q. Do I have to own property in Pentwater Township to purchase a burial lot in the
Township Cemetery?
A. No. Anyone may purchase a burial lot in the Pentwater Township Cemetery. However, there are different fees for township, including the Village, property taxpayers and non-township property taxpayers. Click here to view the current Fee Schedule (PDF opens in new tab).
Q. Who do I contact to purchase a burial lot in the Cemetery?
A. Contact the Township Clerk to purchase a burial lot in the Cemetery.
Q. Are there any other alternatives to traditional burial lots in the Cemetery?
A. Yes. There are burial lots just for cremains and there is also a Columbarium, an above ground structure with niches for the storage of cremains.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (FOIA) REQUEST
Q. How do I file a Freedom of Information Request?
A. A petitioner must file a Freedom of Information Request form. You may access a Pentwater Township FOIA request form by clicking here (PDF opens in new tab). More information on FOIA is available by clicking here.
GARBAGE/RECYCLING/YARD WASTE SERVICES
Q. How do I sign up for garbage service?
A. The Township does not provide public garbage collection service to residents of the Township outside the Village of Pentwater limits. Township residents may subscribe to garbage service through a private provider or take garbage to the Township Transfer
Station when it is open (see the Transfer Station page for more details) for a fee.
Q. Where can I recycle?
A. Township residents may recycle typical household waste materials at the Township Transfer Station when it is open for a nominal charge.
Q. Where can I get rid of my brush, leaves and other yard waste?
A. Brush, leaves and other yard waste may be deposited at the Township Transfer Station when it is open. Unless you are a commercial yard waste business, there is no charge to deposit such waste materials.
Q. What do I do with my household hazardous waste?
A. Oceana County, in conjunction with the Oceana County Soil Conservation District, sponsors an annual household hazardous waste, including pharmaceuticals and electronics, collection day, on the third Saturday in August from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., at the Hart DPW Building in Hart. Pentwater Township financially contributes to this service. Click here to view information regarding the program (PDF link opens in new tab).
PROPERTY ASSESSMENT
Q. What is Market Value?
A. The market value of your property is simply the probable price that it would sell for in an arm’s length transaction between a willing buyer and willing seller. In Michigan, market value is defined as “true cash value.” This is the valuation process because the
market value of almost everything changes from one year to the next. Every assessor is required by state law to assess at 50% of true cash value all assessable property as of December 31. This includes homes, industrial facilities, commercial properties, and
vacant land.
Q. What is State Equalized Value?
A. State Equalized Value equals 50% of Market Value or True Cash Value.
Q. What is the formula for Capped Value?
A. Capped Value equals last years Taxable Value increased by the amount of Consumer Price Index (CPI) with a maximum of 5% plus construction changes.
Q. What is Taxable Value?
A. Taxable Value is the lesser of the State Equalized Value (SEV) and Capped Values. The Taxable Value is the value used for the calculation of property taxes.
Q. What does “PRE” (Principal Residence Exemption) mean?
A. A Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) exempts a residence from the tax levied by a local school district for school operating purposes up to 18 mills.
Q. How do I qualify for a PRE?
A. To qualify for a PRE, a person must be a Michigan resident who owns and occupies the property as a principal residence. The PRE is a separate program from the Homestead Property Tax Credit, which is filed annually with your Michigan Individual Income Tax Return. Click here for more information on Principal Residence Exemptions (website link opens in new tab).
Q. Where can I obtain a PRE Affidavit?
A. The Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) Affidavit, Form 2368, and other principal residence exemption forms may be obtained from the Township Assessor by clicking here (website link opens in new tab).
Q. Property values have been decreasing; will my property valuation be decreasing
as well?
A. Unfortunately, there isn’t a yes or now answer to that question. If you’ve owned your property for a significant amount of time, more than likely your State Equalized Value (SEV) far exceeds your Taxable Value. If this is the case, a decrease in valuation, caused
by a slow real estate market, will be reflected in your SEV. The taxable value is required by the Michigan Constitution to increase each year by the rate of inflation or 5%, whichever is lower. In the case of a longtime property owner, SEV could decrease, while
the Taxable Value will continue to increase.
Q. If the SEV decreases, will I pay more or less in property taxes?
A. Your property taxes are based on the Taxable Value, rather than the SEV. So, in the previous scenario, you would pay more in taxes even though your SEV decreased.
Q. Why won’t my property taxes decrease if my property value is going down?
A. Proposal A which was passed by voters in 1994, allowed residents to pay property taxes on less than half of their market value by “capping” the Taxable Value, while still allowing the assessor to determine the market value by adjusting the SEV.
This has caused, for many long-time property owners, a great disparity between the SEV figure and the Taxable Value figure. The assessor can reduce the SEV to reflect the change in property value, but if the Taxable Value is still well below the SEV,
it will keep increasing until the two figures meet. Since property taxes are based on Taxable Value, you will end up paying more in property taxes. For more information on Proposal A and property taxes in the State of Michigan click on this link (website link opens in new tab).
Q. Can my Taxable Value ever become “uncapped” as long as I own the property?
A. The only way the Taxable Value can be uncapped is when the property is sold or transferred to a new owner.
Q. Will my property taxes ever go down?
A. If a property’s SEV decreases each year, it will eventually meet the Taxable Value. The law states that the Taxable Value can be equal to, but cannot exceed the SEV. So, when this happens, a decrease in SEV will cause decreases in Taxable Value, which in
turn lowers your property tax bill. Due to the gap between the SEV and the Taxable Value figures, it would take several years of depressed market conditions to make the SEV and Taxable Value equal. If you happen to be a property owner who purchased a
property within the last few years and you have decreasing property value, the SEV and Taxable Value figures could meet sooner than someone who has owned the property for a long period of time.
Q. Why isn’t my new assessment 50% of my purchase price?
A. The simple answer is that it is against the law. MCL 211.27 states that the purchase price is no longer the presumptive True Cash Value of a property. The assessment may be close to 50% of the purchase price but is determined by investigating the other sales in
the area of the property and all of the SEV are set using that sales study.
Q. Can I appeal my assessment and when?
A. By law, the only time you may appeal your assessment is after you have received the Change of Assessment notice typically in March of every year. Once you have received the subject notice, you may contact the Assessors office and make an appointment to file a petition for appeal. Click here to access copy of a petition for appeal to the Board of Review (website link opens in new tab).
Q. Who reviews my petition for appeal?
A. All petitions are reviewed and approved/denied by the Pentwater Township Board of Review.
Q. Are the Board of Review decisions permanent?
A. No. The decisions are only binding for the current tax assessment year.
PROPERTY TAX BILL INFORMATION
Q. How many tax bills do I receive annually?
A. The Township sends out a summer and winter tax bill. If you live in the Village of Pentwater, you will also receive a separate Village tax bill in the summer.
Q. When is my property tax bill due?
A. Summer tax bills are mailed on or about July 1st and are payable through September 14th without penalty. Winter tax bills are mailed out on or about December 1st and are payable through February 14th without penalty.
Q. Where can I pay my tax bill?
A. Property tax bills may be paid at the Township offices during normal business hours, placed in the drop box located just outside the entrance to the Township offices, may also be sent to: Pentwater Township, PO Box 505, Pentwater, MI 49449, or paid online at AutoAgent Online Payments.
Q. I can't afford my property taxes, is there any help?
A. Yes. The Township passes a Poverty Resolution every year, the most recent can be viewed here. This resolution sets in place the income and asset levels required to be considered exempt due to poverty. To apply for the exemption you must fill out the application here and Affirmation of Ownership and Occupancy here. These must be returned to the Assessor with proof of income (for each household member) by December 1st. The Board of Review (BOR) will review poverty exemptions at any of their meetings (March, July or December). Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Q. Who do I contact to change the mailing address on my property tax bill?
A. Contact the Deputy Treasurer or Assessor during normal business hours at the Township offices to change your address.
Q. Can I pay my property tax bill with a credit card or online?
A. Yes, online at AutoAgent Online Payments. Please note there is a 3% Convenience Fee for Credit Cards ($2.00 minimum) or $3.00 (for up to $10,000 and $10 for over $10,000) if paying with an eCheck.
Q. What happens if I do not pay my tax bill on time?
A. Summer tax payments made after September 14th are assessed an increasing percentage penalty the later the payment is made. All summer and winter real property tax bills not paid on or before February 28th, become delinquent March 1st. Beginning
March 1st, delinquent real property tax payments can only be made to the Oceana County Treasurer in Hart.
Q. Is there any way that I can defer my summer property taxes and not pay any interest?
A. Yes, if you meet certain guidelines. For more information on deferment of summer taxes, click on this link (website link opens in new tab). For an application for deferment of summer taxes click on this link (website link opens in new tab).
Q. Are disabled veterans eligible for exemption from property taxes?
A. Yes, P.A. 161 of 2013 exempts property taxes for disabled veterans subject to certain criteria. The exemption is also available for the surviving spouse of a veteran who is unremarried and continues as long as the spouse remains unremarried. For more information on the property tax exemption and eligibility criteria for disabled veterans, click here. For a copy of the application, form 5107, under the program, click here (website link opens in new tab).
Q. Am I liable for my property taxes including any penalty and interest amounts if
I do not receive a summer or winter tax bill?
A. Yes. As a property owner, you are responsible for paying your property taxes. If you do not receive your property tax bill by the third week of July/December and do not have an escrow account, please contact the Township Treasurer for duplicate copy. Failure to receive your property tax bill does not waive payment requirements or penalty and interest charges.
Q. Can I look up my property tax information online?
A. Yes. Township property tax information can be accessed by clicking here (website link opens in new tab).
Q. What are the abbreviations listed next to the amounts on my tax bill?
A. Pentwater Township collects taxes for many other taxing entities. Most of the taxing entities on your winter tax bill represent extra voted millages approved in prior special or general elections. The following list provides a list of those entities and what taxing entity the abbreviation stands for:
Summer Tax Bill
State ED Tax - State Education Tax
County Operating – Oceana County Government Operations
Winter Tax Bill
County Ambl – County Ambulance/EMS
County 911
C on Aging Oper – Oceana County Council on Aging Operations
MCF Bldg - Medical Care Facility Building
MCF Oper – Medical Care Facility Operations
Veterans – Operation of County Veterans Office
TWP Oper – Pentwater Township Government Operations
TWP Library – Pentwater Township Library Operations
TWP Fire – Pentwater Fire Department Operations
TWP Fire Equipment - Ladder Truck
TWP Cemetery – Pentwater Township Cemetery Operations
TWP Roads - Maintenance & Improvements
SCHOOL Oper – Pentwater Public School Operations
SCHOOL Debt – Pentwater Public School Debt Retirement
WS ESD Oper – Westshore Educational Service District Operations
WS ESD Spec Ed – Westshore Educational Service District Special Education
WS ESD Voc Ed – Westshore Educational Service District Vocational Education
PLIB – Pentwater Lake Improvement Board Special Assessment
Q. What is the total millage rate in the Township and Village of Pentwater?
A. Pentwater Township Millage Rates.xlsx
Q. What is a mill?
A. One (1) mill is equal to $1.00 per each $1,000.00 in taxable value. Your taxable value times the millage rate equals your property taxes.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Q. Who do I call if I have an emergency?
A. Regardless of the emergency, call 911. The Township is served by the Oceana County Sheriff’s Department for police; Pentwater Fire Department for fire and first responder services; and Oceana EMS for ambulance services.
RESIDENCY
Q. What is the difference between the Township of Pentwater and the Village of
Pentwater?
A. The Village of Pentwater is a separate incorporated unit of government in the State of Michigan, however all villages in the State are also part of Township governments, which are not incorporated. Consequently, if you live/own property in the Village you are a
Village resident and property tax payer as well as a resident of the Township and subject to Township taxes also. If you live outside the Pentwater Village limits, you are only a Township resident and only subject to Township taxes.
VOTING
Q. How do I register to vote?
A. You may register to vote at the Township Offices, the local Secretary of State Office, or the Oceana County Clerk’s office. In order to register to vote, you must: 1). Complete and sign the voter registration form and 2). Show proof of a valid State of Michigan Driver’s License or sanctioned identification from the State of Michigan.
Q. Does my voter registration address have to be the same as the address on my
driver’s license?
A. Michigan law requires that the same address be used for voter registration and driver license purposes. Therefore, if the residence address you provide when registering to vote differs from the address shown on your Michigan driver license or personal
identification card, the Secretary of State will automatically update your driver license or personal identification card address. If an address change is made, the Secretary of State will mail you an address update sticker for your driver license or personal identification card.
Q. How do I obtain an absentee voter ballot?
A. You must first complete an Absentee Voter Ballot application in order to obtain an Official Absentee Voter Ballot. You may request the application by contacting the Township Clerk via telephone, email or in writing.
Q. What happens after I submit my Absentee Voter Application?
A. After completing and signing the application, the application must be delivered to the Township Clerk by scanning and emailing, faxing, direct mail, or hand delivery by the applicant. In the event an applicant cannot return the application in any of the preceding
methods, it may be returned by a member of the immediate family of the voter. If the voter cannot return the application by any of the previous methods, the applicant may select any registered elector to return the application on their behalf. The person
returning the application must sign the “Certificate of Authorized Registered Elector Returning Absentee Voter Application” on the back of the Absentee Voter Application. All absentee voter applications must be received no later than 2:00 p.m. prior to the
Saturday before an election. Once an application has been received by the Township Clerk, the Clerk will issue an Absentee Ballot via the mail. The Absentee Ballot must then be returned to the Township Clerk no later than the date specified on the Absentee Ballot Envelope which must be signed by the voter, where indicated.
Q. How many voting precincts are there in Pentwater Township?
A. There is only one voting precinct which serves both the Village and Township.
Q. Where can I obtain more information on voting in the State of Michigan?
A. Election and voting information may be viewed by visiting the Michigan "Information for Voters" page by clicking here (website link opens in new tab).
ZONING/BUILDING PERMITS
Q. Do I need to pull a zoning permit for construction?
A. Yes. A zoning permit is required if you are constructing an addition to an existing building, new building, fence, as well as certain other physical improvements. It is best to contact the Zoning Administrator with specific questions to determine if an improvement requires a zoning permit.
Q. Do I get a building permit from the Township?
A. The Township does not issue building permits. Building permits must be obtained from the Oceana County Inspection Department in Hart.
Q. When do I need to pull a building permit?
A. If you are making any structural changes, building a new building, making electrical, plumbing, or mechanical upgrades, a building permit is required. For more information about the types of building permits and fees associated, please visit the Departments’ website at www.oceana.mi.us/building/ (website links opens in new tab).
Q. Can I start construction without a zoning and/or building permit?
A. No. Either a zoning and/or building permit are required prior to starting any construction work.
Animals, Property Assessment, Zoning, etc.) for faster and easier inquiries.
ANIMALS
Q. What do I do if I find a cat or dog?
A. If you should find a domestic animal, please contact the Oceana County Animal Shelter office at (231) 861- 5395. The animal may be picked up by an Animal Control Officer or you may deliver the animal to the Oceana County Animal Control Shelter located on Baseline Road.
Q. What do I do if there is a barking dog?
A. Pentwater Township has adopted an Animal Control Ordinance, while enforcement of the Ordinance is the responsibility of the Oceana County Sheriff’s Department. Please contact the Oceana County Sheriff’s Department at (231) 873-2121 to report any nuisance created by a barking dog. Click here to view the Animal Control Ordinance (PDF opens in new tab).
BOARD MEETINGS
Q. When does the Township Board meet?
A. The Township Board meets regularly on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m.
Q. How can I get an item placed on the Agenda for the Township Board meeting?
A. You must submit a request in writing to the Clerk for an item to be placed on the Agenda. The request must be received no later than 12:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month in order to be placed on the next Township Board meeting Agenda.
Q. Can I address the Township Board if my item is not on the Agenda?
A. All citizens are permitted to address the Township Board during the “Public Comments” portion of the meeting. If the item is not on the Agenda however, there will be no discussion/action by the Board on the subject item.
BUILDING PERMITS (see Zoning/Building Permits)
CEMETERY
Q. Do I have to own property in Pentwater Township to purchase a burial lot in the
Township Cemetery?
A. No. Anyone may purchase a burial lot in the Pentwater Township Cemetery. However, there are different fees for township, including the Village, property taxpayers and non-township property taxpayers. Click here to view the current Fee Schedule (PDF opens in new tab).
Q. Who do I contact to purchase a burial lot in the Cemetery?
A. Contact the Township Clerk to purchase a burial lot in the Cemetery.
Q. Are there any other alternatives to traditional burial lots in the Cemetery?
A. Yes. There are burial lots just for cremains and there is also a Columbarium, an above ground structure with niches for the storage of cremains.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (FOIA) REQUEST
Q. How do I file a Freedom of Information Request?
A. A petitioner must file a Freedom of Information Request form. You may access a Pentwater Township FOIA request form by clicking here (PDF opens in new tab). More information on FOIA is available by clicking here.
GARBAGE/RECYCLING/YARD WASTE SERVICES
Q. How do I sign up for garbage service?
A. The Township does not provide public garbage collection service to residents of the Township outside the Village of Pentwater limits. Township residents may subscribe to garbage service through a private provider or take garbage to the Township Transfer
Station when it is open (see the Transfer Station page for more details) for a fee.
Q. Where can I recycle?
A. Township residents may recycle typical household waste materials at the Township Transfer Station when it is open for a nominal charge.
Q. Where can I get rid of my brush, leaves and other yard waste?
A. Brush, leaves and other yard waste may be deposited at the Township Transfer Station when it is open. Unless you are a commercial yard waste business, there is no charge to deposit such waste materials.
Q. What do I do with my household hazardous waste?
A. Oceana County, in conjunction with the Oceana County Soil Conservation District, sponsors an annual household hazardous waste, including pharmaceuticals and electronics, collection day, on the third Saturday in August from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., at the Hart DPW Building in Hart. Pentwater Township financially contributes to this service. Click here to view information regarding the program (PDF link opens in new tab).
PROPERTY ASSESSMENT
Q. What is Market Value?
A. The market value of your property is simply the probable price that it would sell for in an arm’s length transaction between a willing buyer and willing seller. In Michigan, market value is defined as “true cash value.” This is the valuation process because the
market value of almost everything changes from one year to the next. Every assessor is required by state law to assess at 50% of true cash value all assessable property as of December 31. This includes homes, industrial facilities, commercial properties, and
vacant land.
Q. What is State Equalized Value?
A. State Equalized Value equals 50% of Market Value or True Cash Value.
Q. What is the formula for Capped Value?
A. Capped Value equals last years Taxable Value increased by the amount of Consumer Price Index (CPI) with a maximum of 5% plus construction changes.
Q. What is Taxable Value?
A. Taxable Value is the lesser of the State Equalized Value (SEV) and Capped Values. The Taxable Value is the value used for the calculation of property taxes.
Q. What does “PRE” (Principal Residence Exemption) mean?
A. A Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) exempts a residence from the tax levied by a local school district for school operating purposes up to 18 mills.
Q. How do I qualify for a PRE?
A. To qualify for a PRE, a person must be a Michigan resident who owns and occupies the property as a principal residence. The PRE is a separate program from the Homestead Property Tax Credit, which is filed annually with your Michigan Individual Income Tax Return. Click here for more information on Principal Residence Exemptions (website link opens in new tab).
Q. Where can I obtain a PRE Affidavit?
A. The Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) Affidavit, Form 2368, and other principal residence exemption forms may be obtained from the Township Assessor by clicking here (website link opens in new tab).
Q. Property values have been decreasing; will my property valuation be decreasing
as well?
A. Unfortunately, there isn’t a yes or now answer to that question. If you’ve owned your property for a significant amount of time, more than likely your State Equalized Value (SEV) far exceeds your Taxable Value. If this is the case, a decrease in valuation, caused
by a slow real estate market, will be reflected in your SEV. The taxable value is required by the Michigan Constitution to increase each year by the rate of inflation or 5%, whichever is lower. In the case of a longtime property owner, SEV could decrease, while
the Taxable Value will continue to increase.
Q. If the SEV decreases, will I pay more or less in property taxes?
A. Your property taxes are based on the Taxable Value, rather than the SEV. So, in the previous scenario, you would pay more in taxes even though your SEV decreased.
Q. Why won’t my property taxes decrease if my property value is going down?
A. Proposal A which was passed by voters in 1994, allowed residents to pay property taxes on less than half of their market value by “capping” the Taxable Value, while still allowing the assessor to determine the market value by adjusting the SEV.
This has caused, for many long-time property owners, a great disparity between the SEV figure and the Taxable Value figure. The assessor can reduce the SEV to reflect the change in property value, but if the Taxable Value is still well below the SEV,
it will keep increasing until the two figures meet. Since property taxes are based on Taxable Value, you will end up paying more in property taxes. For more information on Proposal A and property taxes in the State of Michigan click on this link (website link opens in new tab).
Q. Can my Taxable Value ever become “uncapped” as long as I own the property?
A. The only way the Taxable Value can be uncapped is when the property is sold or transferred to a new owner.
Q. Will my property taxes ever go down?
A. If a property’s SEV decreases each year, it will eventually meet the Taxable Value. The law states that the Taxable Value can be equal to, but cannot exceed the SEV. So, when this happens, a decrease in SEV will cause decreases in Taxable Value, which in
turn lowers your property tax bill. Due to the gap between the SEV and the Taxable Value figures, it would take several years of depressed market conditions to make the SEV and Taxable Value equal. If you happen to be a property owner who purchased a
property within the last few years and you have decreasing property value, the SEV and Taxable Value figures could meet sooner than someone who has owned the property for a long period of time.
Q. Why isn’t my new assessment 50% of my purchase price?
A. The simple answer is that it is against the law. MCL 211.27 states that the purchase price is no longer the presumptive True Cash Value of a property. The assessment may be close to 50% of the purchase price but is determined by investigating the other sales in
the area of the property and all of the SEV are set using that sales study.
Q. Can I appeal my assessment and when?
A. By law, the only time you may appeal your assessment is after you have received the Change of Assessment notice typically in March of every year. Once you have received the subject notice, you may contact the Assessors office and make an appointment to file a petition for appeal. Click here to access copy of a petition for appeal to the Board of Review (website link opens in new tab).
Q. Who reviews my petition for appeal?
A. All petitions are reviewed and approved/denied by the Pentwater Township Board of Review.
Q. Are the Board of Review decisions permanent?
A. No. The decisions are only binding for the current tax assessment year.
PROPERTY TAX BILL INFORMATION
Q. How many tax bills do I receive annually?
A. The Township sends out a summer and winter tax bill. If you live in the Village of Pentwater, you will also receive a separate Village tax bill in the summer.
Q. When is my property tax bill due?
A. Summer tax bills are mailed on or about July 1st and are payable through September 14th without penalty. Winter tax bills are mailed out on or about December 1st and are payable through February 14th without penalty.
Q. Where can I pay my tax bill?
A. Property tax bills may be paid at the Township offices during normal business hours, placed in the drop box located just outside the entrance to the Township offices, may also be sent to: Pentwater Township, PO Box 505, Pentwater, MI 49449, or paid online at AutoAgent Online Payments.
Q. I can't afford my property taxes, is there any help?
A. Yes. The Township passes a Poverty Resolution every year, the most recent can be viewed here. This resolution sets in place the income and asset levels required to be considered exempt due to poverty. To apply for the exemption you must fill out the application here and Affirmation of Ownership and Occupancy here. These must be returned to the Assessor with proof of income (for each household member) by December 1st. The Board of Review (BOR) will review poverty exemptions at any of their meetings (March, July or December). Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Q. Who do I contact to change the mailing address on my property tax bill?
A. Contact the Deputy Treasurer or Assessor during normal business hours at the Township offices to change your address.
Q. Can I pay my property tax bill with a credit card or online?
A. Yes, online at AutoAgent Online Payments. Please note there is a 3% Convenience Fee for Credit Cards ($2.00 minimum) or $3.00 (for up to $10,000 and $10 for over $10,000) if paying with an eCheck.
Q. What happens if I do not pay my tax bill on time?
A. Summer tax payments made after September 14th are assessed an increasing percentage penalty the later the payment is made. All summer and winter real property tax bills not paid on or before February 28th, become delinquent March 1st. Beginning
March 1st, delinquent real property tax payments can only be made to the Oceana County Treasurer in Hart.
Q. Is there any way that I can defer my summer property taxes and not pay any interest?
A. Yes, if you meet certain guidelines. For more information on deferment of summer taxes, click on this link (website link opens in new tab). For an application for deferment of summer taxes click on this link (website link opens in new tab).
Q. Are disabled veterans eligible for exemption from property taxes?
A. Yes, P.A. 161 of 2013 exempts property taxes for disabled veterans subject to certain criteria. The exemption is also available for the surviving spouse of a veteran who is unremarried and continues as long as the spouse remains unremarried. For more information on the property tax exemption and eligibility criteria for disabled veterans, click here. For a copy of the application, form 5107, under the program, click here (website link opens in new tab).
Q. Am I liable for my property taxes including any penalty and interest amounts if
I do not receive a summer or winter tax bill?
A. Yes. As a property owner, you are responsible for paying your property taxes. If you do not receive your property tax bill by the third week of July/December and do not have an escrow account, please contact the Township Treasurer for duplicate copy. Failure to receive your property tax bill does not waive payment requirements or penalty and interest charges.
Q. Can I look up my property tax information online?
A. Yes. Township property tax information can be accessed by clicking here (website link opens in new tab).
Q. What are the abbreviations listed next to the amounts on my tax bill?
A. Pentwater Township collects taxes for many other taxing entities. Most of the taxing entities on your winter tax bill represent extra voted millages approved in prior special or general elections. The following list provides a list of those entities and what taxing entity the abbreviation stands for:
Summer Tax Bill
State ED Tax - State Education Tax
County Operating – Oceana County Government Operations
Winter Tax Bill
County Ambl – County Ambulance/EMS
County 911
C on Aging Oper – Oceana County Council on Aging Operations
MCF Bldg - Medical Care Facility Building
MCF Oper – Medical Care Facility Operations
Veterans – Operation of County Veterans Office
TWP Oper – Pentwater Township Government Operations
TWP Library – Pentwater Township Library Operations
TWP Fire – Pentwater Fire Department Operations
TWP Fire Equipment - Ladder Truck
TWP Cemetery – Pentwater Township Cemetery Operations
TWP Roads - Maintenance & Improvements
SCHOOL Oper – Pentwater Public School Operations
SCHOOL Debt – Pentwater Public School Debt Retirement
WS ESD Oper – Westshore Educational Service District Operations
WS ESD Spec Ed – Westshore Educational Service District Special Education
WS ESD Voc Ed – Westshore Educational Service District Vocational Education
PLIB – Pentwater Lake Improvement Board Special Assessment
Q. What is the total millage rate in the Township and Village of Pentwater?
A. Pentwater Township Millage Rates.xlsx
Q. What is a mill?
A. One (1) mill is equal to $1.00 per each $1,000.00 in taxable value. Your taxable value times the millage rate equals your property taxes.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Q. Who do I call if I have an emergency?
A. Regardless of the emergency, call 911. The Township is served by the Oceana County Sheriff’s Department for police; Pentwater Fire Department for fire and first responder services; and Oceana EMS for ambulance services.
RESIDENCY
Q. What is the difference between the Township of Pentwater and the Village of
Pentwater?
A. The Village of Pentwater is a separate incorporated unit of government in the State of Michigan, however all villages in the State are also part of Township governments, which are not incorporated. Consequently, if you live/own property in the Village you are a
Village resident and property tax payer as well as a resident of the Township and subject to Township taxes also. If you live outside the Pentwater Village limits, you are only a Township resident and only subject to Township taxes.
VOTING
Q. How do I register to vote?
A. You may register to vote at the Township Offices, the local Secretary of State Office, or the Oceana County Clerk’s office. In order to register to vote, you must: 1). Complete and sign the voter registration form and 2). Show proof of a valid State of Michigan Driver’s License or sanctioned identification from the State of Michigan.
Q. Does my voter registration address have to be the same as the address on my
driver’s license?
A. Michigan law requires that the same address be used for voter registration and driver license purposes. Therefore, if the residence address you provide when registering to vote differs from the address shown on your Michigan driver license or personal
identification card, the Secretary of State will automatically update your driver license or personal identification card address. If an address change is made, the Secretary of State will mail you an address update sticker for your driver license or personal identification card.
Q. How do I obtain an absentee voter ballot?
A. You must first complete an Absentee Voter Ballot application in order to obtain an Official Absentee Voter Ballot. You may request the application by contacting the Township Clerk via telephone, email or in writing.
Q. What happens after I submit my Absentee Voter Application?
A. After completing and signing the application, the application must be delivered to the Township Clerk by scanning and emailing, faxing, direct mail, or hand delivery by the applicant. In the event an applicant cannot return the application in any of the preceding
methods, it may be returned by a member of the immediate family of the voter. If the voter cannot return the application by any of the previous methods, the applicant may select any registered elector to return the application on their behalf. The person
returning the application must sign the “Certificate of Authorized Registered Elector Returning Absentee Voter Application” on the back of the Absentee Voter Application. All absentee voter applications must be received no later than 2:00 p.m. prior to the
Saturday before an election. Once an application has been received by the Township Clerk, the Clerk will issue an Absentee Ballot via the mail. The Absentee Ballot must then be returned to the Township Clerk no later than the date specified on the Absentee Ballot Envelope which must be signed by the voter, where indicated.
Q. How many voting precincts are there in Pentwater Township?
A. There is only one voting precinct which serves both the Village and Township.
Q. Where can I obtain more information on voting in the State of Michigan?
A. Election and voting information may be viewed by visiting the Michigan "Information for Voters" page by clicking here (website link opens in new tab).
ZONING/BUILDING PERMITS
Q. Do I need to pull a zoning permit for construction?
A. Yes. A zoning permit is required if you are constructing an addition to an existing building, new building, fence, as well as certain other physical improvements. It is best to contact the Zoning Administrator with specific questions to determine if an improvement requires a zoning permit.
Q. Do I get a building permit from the Township?
A. The Township does not issue building permits. Building permits must be obtained from the Oceana County Inspection Department in Hart.
Q. When do I need to pull a building permit?
A. If you are making any structural changes, building a new building, making electrical, plumbing, or mechanical upgrades, a building permit is required. For more information about the types of building permits and fees associated, please visit the Departments’ website at www.oceana.mi.us/building/ (website links opens in new tab).
Q. Can I start construction without a zoning and/or building permit?
A. No. Either a zoning and/or building permit are required prior to starting any construction work.