State swamped by homeowner appeals of taxes, assessments

Seeing empty houses and "For Sale" signs around his neighborhood, Jaroslaw Siemieniak swears the assessment on his home -- and his property taxes -- were too high last year.

[deborah bruni]

I recently went to Flat Rock City to look for homes that have recently sold in my neighborhood. The most recent that they had for me on my street was 2004. I know at least 3 homes have sold in the last years. I had asked the clerk for more recent sales and she told me that the board would have them. I am trying to have my taxes reduced being my home value has dropped.I was told to come and look at the book before my hearing with them. I think this is a very poor practice if they are not going to be fair with me so I can come prepared to show City Hall that I am aware of the declining market. I had asked the clerk if there was a web site I could go to and she was very rude to all my questions. I pay a lot of taxes to this city and should be treated with respect. It is the tax payers paying their wages.I will post my comment on what happens for all of Flat Rock residents to see what the board will tell me. Thanks, Debbie

[Waz that me]

How can somebody that is so quick to raise assessments be slow at lowering them. From what I see most property in the Detroit area is over assessed by at least 33%. Next year I expect every homeowner should be appealing their assessment.