CLARIFICATION ON AT-LARGE ASSESSMENT

Today, July 8, there has been confusion about a media report related to the at-large assessment of Four Lakes Task Force to Gladwin and Midland counties. The governing bodies of each of these entities wishes to clear up several misconceptions related to the at-large assessment.

1. Part 307 provides the legal authority for FLTF, acting as the delegated authority of the counties, to seek an at-large assessment.
2. Property owners in Gladwin and Midland counties that are NOT in the SAD will NOT have an assessment on their tax bill.
3. The assessment under consideration for the counties would be paid from their general funds. This means the counties, by law, may determine to contribute to a portion of maintaining the normal legal lake levels by paying out of their general funds. If the counties approve the at-large assessment, it will be because they agree there is an economic and tax benefit to their county.
4. The at-large assessment for each county will be approximately $50,000 each year from 2022-2024. Again, this is not a tax for every resident.
5. On Tuesday, July 12th, the Gladwin and Midland County Boards of Commissioners will meet at Meridian High School to review and vote on the Four Lakes Special Assessment District roll for Operations and Maintenance Assessments for 2022-2024. The boards will also vote on the 3-year computation of costs for Operations and Maintenance, and the estimated $250 million project costs for dam repairs and restoration. This meeting is NOT a hearing - it is a special meeting of the counties for the above-mentioned purpose.
6. The public is welcome to attend and there will be a public comment period. The deadline for those property owners that wanted to object was the June 29, 2022 hearing.
7. FLTF has been communicating for several months about the at-large assessment. These meetings included the Midland City Council, Gladwin and Midland County Boards of Commissioners, during FLTF information sessions and board meetings, through the FLTF email newsletter and on social media. Also, the FLTF website has information about this as well. This is not new news and the details have not changed.

We appreciate the ongoing interest of the community and hope this helps to clarify the issue.

Mark Bone, Midland County Commissioner
Bridgette Gransden, Midland County Administrator/Controller
Dave Kepler, Four Lakes Task Force President