Macatawa Bank 6.pdf

Macatawa Bank, Petitioner Vs. City Of Douglas, Respondent · 25-002800-TT

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RECEIVED 

JUN 04 2025 

po. 

JC 

orl 

rs 

& 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

RISE 

Rey 

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

MACATAWA BANK, N.A. 

Petitioner(s) 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

MTT Docket No. 

CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF DOUGLAS 

Respondent(s) 

ENTIRE TRIBUNAL PROPERTY TAX PETITION 

1. 

Property Parcel No: 03-59-016-066-10 

(If more than one parcel is at issue, attach a completed Multiple Parcel Petition 

Form addressing all other parcels at issue.) 

2. 

The property identified above is 

X real ___personal. 

3. 

If more than one parcel of real property is under appeal, are the properties 

contiguous? Yes ___No. 

(If no, separate Petitions are required for each non- 

contiguous parcel.) 

4. 

Are all of the parcels of personal property located on a parcel of real property 

under appeal? ___Yes ___ No. 

(If no, separate Petitions are required for each 

parcel of personal property not located on a parcel of real property under 

appeal.) 

5. 

If parcels of personal property are under appeal, when were the personal 

property statements filed by parcel number (attach additional page if necessary): 

N/A 

6. 

The property identified above is classified as 201 Commercial-Improved

MTT Docket No. 

Page 2 of 4 

8. 

10. 

11. 

12. 

13. 

If a protest was required and no protest was made, list the separate and specific 

facts upon which Petitioner relies to invoke the Tribunal's authority over the 

assessment or assessments at issue (attach additional page if necessary): 

N/A 

If the appeal was not submitted by the deadline for the filing of an appeal for the 

classification or classifications of the properties at issue (i.e., May 31 or July 31 

of the tax year involved), list the separate and specific facts upon which 

Petitioner relies to invoke the Tribunal's authority over the assessment or 

assessments at issue (attach additional page if necessary): 

Appeal is timely. 

The property or properties at issue are located in Allegan 

County. The 

property or properties’ address is: 

132 S. Blue Star Highway, Douglas, Michigan 49406 

The assessment or assessments at issue were established by the (applicable 

local governmental unit): City of Douglas 

Petitioner's legal residence or principal office address is: 

10753 Macatawa Drive, Holland, Michigan 49424 

This appeal involves issues relating to the (check all that are applicable): 

the property or properties’ true cash and taxable values 

X 

the property or properties’ taxable value only 

If the property or properties’ taxable value is at issue, is there a 

dispute as to the value of an addition or loss? ___ Yes X__No 

uniformity of the property or properties’ assessment

MTT Docket No. 

Page 3 of 4 

15. 

If more than the current tax year is being appealed, list the separate and specific 

facts upon which Petitioner relies to invoke the Tribunal’s authority over the prior 

tax year or vears (attach additional page if necessary): 

N/A 

16. 

The values for the property identified above as established by Respondent's 

Board of Review are: 

Tax Year 

True Cash Value 

Assessed Value 

Taxable Value 

2025 

$982,800.00 

$491,400.00 

$491,400.00 

17. 

Petitioner contends that the values for the property identified above are: 

Tax Year 

True Cash Value 

State Equalized Value 

Taxable Value 

2025 

$982,800.00 

$491,400.00 

$390,096.00 

18. 

The values in dispute for the property identified above are: 

Tax Year 

True Cash Value 

State Equalized Value 

Taxable Value 

2025 

$0.00 

$0.00 

$101,304.00 

19. 

Petitioner requests the following relief (attach additional page if necessary): 

Reinstatement of "cap" on the Property's Taxable Value. Please see attachment for 

additional information.

MTT Docket No. 

Page 4 of 4 

Signage stPeffjoner's Authorized Representative or, if none, Petitioner: 

— 

Printed Name of Petitioner's Authorized Representative or, if none, Petitioner: 

Peter D. Rhoades, Rhoades McKee PC 

Email Address: pdrhoades@rhoadesmckee.com 

Mailing Address: 

Rhoades McKee PC 

PO Box 2271 

Holland 

MI 49422 

Telephone Number: (616) 233-5237 

Date: 

May 

9, pry

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING & REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

MACATAWA BANK, N.A,, 

a national banking association 

Petitioner, 

MTT Docket No. 

VS. 

CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF DOUGLAS, 

Respondent. 

Peter D. Rhoades (P49515) 

Jonathon J. Andersh (P81965) 

Rhoades McKee PC 

Attorneys for Petitioner 

PO Box 2271 

Holland, MI 49422 

(616) 233-5237 

pdrhoades@rhoadesmckee.com 

ATTACHMENT TO ENTIRE TRIBUNAL PROPERTY TAX PETITION 

Petitioner, through its attorneys, Rhoades McKee PC, petitions this Tribunal as follows: 

1. 

Petitioner, Macatawa Bank, N.A. (“Bank”), 

is 

a national banking association, with an 

address of 10753 Macatawa Drive, Holland, Michigan 49424. 

2: 

Petitioner owns certain property with Property Parcel No. 03-59-016-066-10, commonly 

known as 132 S. Blue Star Highway, Douglas, Michigan 49406 (the “Property”). 

The Property 

is classified as 201: Commercial-Improved, Real Property.

5. 

This matter involves Respondent’s decision to uncap the taxable value of the Property for 

the 2025 tax year. 

Petitioner disputes Respondent’s decision to uncap the taxable value of the 

Property. 

There is otherwise not a dispute relative to valuation, assessment or the value of any 

addition or loss. 

6. 

Respondent issued its 2025 Notice of Assessment indicating that there was a transfer of 

ownership of the Property in 2024, and Respondent adjusted the taxable value of the Property so 

as to “uncap” 

its taxable value, increasing such amount by $113,034.00 or 29.87% over the 

previous year’s taxable value. 

7. 

Petitioner did not execute and record a deed or similar instrument conveying title to the 

Property in 2024, but Petitioner assumes that Respondent decided to uncap the taxable value of 

the Property following 

the merger transaction involving Macatawa Bank Corporation and 

Wintrust Financial Corporation that closed on August 1, 2024 (the “Transaction”). 

8. 

The Transaction involved 

the merger 

of Macatawa Bank Corporation, 

a Michigan 

corporation (“Bank Corp”), into a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wintrust Financial Corporation, 

an Illinois corporation (“Wintrust®). 

Bank Corp was the parent company of Petitioner. 

The 

Transaction did not cause a change in Petitioner, but a change in Petitioner’s parent company. 

9. 

The Transaction was completed as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a) of the 

Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “IRC”). 

10. 

The Bank continues to own the Property, and the Transaction did not involve any transfer 

or conveyance of the Property by deed or similar instrument.

211.27a(7)(n), any direct 

or indirect transfer of property resulting from 

a transaction that 

qualifies as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a) of the IRC does not cause a “transfer 

of ownership.” 

12. 

Without a transfer of ownership occurring, Respondent was not permitted to adjust the 

taxable value of the Property by more than an amount equal to the lesser of 1.05 or the inflation 

rate. MCL 211.27a(2)(a). 

13. 

Petitioner appealed Respondent’s decision to uncap the taxable value of the Property 

during the 2025 March Board of Review. The 2025 March Board of Review denied Petitioner’s 

request. 

14. 

Petitioner now requests 

that the Tribunal enter an order reinstating the cap on the 

Property’s taxable value, establishing the taxable value of the Property for the 2025 tax year as 

$390,096.00. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Dated: 

May 29, 2025 

RHOADES McKEE PC 

Attorneys for Petitioner 

By: 

Perter D. Rhoades (P49515) 

PO Box 2271 

Holland, MI 49422 

(616) 233-5237 

pdrhoades@rhoadesmckee.com

Michigan Uepartment of 1reasury, 

1018 fre, 10.5) 

THIS 

15 NOT 

A TAX BILL 

Notice of Assessment, Taxable Valuation, and Property Classification 

This form is issued under the guthonty of PA. 206 of 1893, Sec. 211.24 (c) and Sec.211.34c, as amended. This is a model assessment notice o be used by the local assessor, 

L-4400 

20 

FROM CITY OF DOUGLAS 

THOMAS DOANE, ASSESSOR 

P.O. BOX 757 

DOUGLAS, MI 49406 

PARCEL NUMBER: 

PARCEL IDENTIFICATION 

03-59-016-066-10 

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 

132 S BLUE STAR HWY 

DOUGLAS, Mi 49406 

OWNER'S NAME & ADDRESS/PERSON NAMED ON ASSESSMENT ROLL: 

[553 

PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE EXEMPTION 

% Exempt As "Homeowners Principal Residence™ 

00% 

Fé eAAUTOCSALL FOR AADC 493 

y 

. 

MACATAWA BANK 

% Exempt 

As "Qualified Agricultural Property”: 

00% 

A 

gprs 

PAYABLE 

% Exempt 

As "MBT industrial Personal™ 

00% 

HOLLAND, 

MI 49422-3119 

% Exempt 

As "MBT Commercial Personal: 

00% 

then Whim 

lHit 

fod dl ted 

Exempt As "Qualified Forest Property”: 

[| Yes 

[X] No 

Exempt As "Development Property": 

[J Yes 

No 

ACCORDING TO MCL 211.34¢ THIS PROPERTY iS CLASSIFIED AS: 

201 

Commercial 

PRIOR YEAR'S CLASSIFICATION IF DIFFERENT: 

201 

Commercial 

PRIOR pool 

Toe AMOUNT 

PRIOR YEAR TO 

YEAR: 

2025 

CURRENT YEAR 

1. TAXABLE VALUE: 

378,366 

491,400 

113,034 

2. ASSESSED VALUE: 

446,600 

491.400 

44.800 

3. TENTATIVE EQUALIZATION FACTOR: 

1.000 

eel 

4. STATE EQUALIZED VALUE (SEV): 

446,600 

491,400 

44,800 

5. There WAS or WAS NOT a transfer of ownership on this property in2024 

WAS 

6. Assessor Change Reason(s): 

Market Adjustment 

WINTRUST MERGER 

The 2025 Inflation rate Multiplier is: 1.031 

Questions regarding the Notice of Assessment, Taxable Valuation, and Property Classification may be directed to the Following: 

Name: 

Phone: 

THOMAS DOANE 

269-857-1438 

Email Address: 

ASSESSOR@DOUGLASMI.GOV 

March Board of Review Appeal Information. The Board of Review will meet at the following dates and times: 

THE BOARD OF REVIEW WILL MEET MONDAY, MARCH 10 & TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2025 TO CONSIDER APPEALS. 

IF YOU 

FEEL THE ABOVE VALUATION DOES NOT ACCURATELY REFLECT THE VALUE OF YOUR PROPERTY, PLEASE CALL 269-857-

>, ) 

Form 618, Page 2 

FOR BOARD OF REVIEW USE ONLY 

INSTRUCTIONS: Incorporate a copy of this form and the assigned number in the Board of Review minutes. 

Petition Number 

uf 

Parcel Code 

- M- 0 pla] 0 

1. ASSESSED VALUE 

Disposition by Board of Review. The Board of Review must ol 

i a 

Denied 

| | Assessed Value Changed From 

to] 

Record of vote - Board or three member committeg,of board 

oN 

. 

- 

- 

FETTAN 

Chairperson: || Yes [No J 

Member: [<] Yes 

[| No 

Arils 

Member: i 

ves [No 2 

fals 

tnitials 

Reason for board action 

If you disagree with the decision of the Board of Review regarding tentative assessed value, you may appeal that decision by filing a petition with the 

Michigan Tax Tribunal at P.O. Box 30232, Lansing, MI 48909. Commercial Real, Industrial Real, Developmental Real, Commercial Personal, 

Industrial Persenal and Utility Personal Property may be appealed by May 31. Agricultural Real, Residential Real, Timber-Cutover Real and Agricultura 

Personal Property may be appealed by July 31. The petition must be filed on a Michigan Tax Tribunal form or a form approved by the Michigan Tax 

Tribunal. Michigan Tax Tribunal forms are available at www.michigan.gov/taxirib, 

2) TENTATIVE TAXABLE VALUE 

Disposition by Board of Review. The Board of Review must state the reason for its action below. 

Denied 

[| Tentative Taxable Value Changed From 

to 

Record of vote - Board or three member committee of board 

A 

Chairperson: Nl] Yes [No 

JYes 

[ 

JNo 

AH 

Iniffals 

Initials’ 

7 

Member: 0 

Yes [Ino al 

Initials 

Reason for board action 

Pa 

BY 

heady 

If you disagree with the decision of the Board of Review regarding tentative taxable value, you may appeal that decision by filing a petition with the 

Michigan Tax Tribunal at P.O. Box 30232, Lansing, Mi 48809. Commercial Real, Industrial Real, Developmental Real, Commercial Personal, 

Industrial Personal and Utility Personal Property may be appealed by May 31. Agricultural Real, Residential Real, Timber-Cutover Real and 

Agricuttural Personal Properly may be appealed by July 31. The petition must be filed on a Michigan Tax Tribunal form or a form approved by the 

Michigan Tax Tribunal. Michigan Tax Tribunal forms are available at www.michigan.gov/taxtrib, 

3. CLASSIFICATION 

Disposition by Board of Review. The Board of Review must state the reason for its action below. 

[Denied 

| ] Classification Changed From 

to 

Record of vote - Board or three member committee of board 

Chairperson: [| Yes 

[ | No 

Reason for board action 

Member: [Yes 

[| No 

Member: [| Yes 

[ 

| No 

initials 

Inftlals 

initials 

If you disagree with the decision of the Board of Review regarding classification, you may appeal by sending Form 2167 to the State Tax Commission 

at P.O. Box 30471, Lansing, Mi 48909 by June 30. 

4. QUALIFIED AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY EXEMPTION 

Disposition by Board of Review. The Board of Review must state the reason for its action below. 

[] Exemption Request Denied 

[1 Exemption percent modified from 

% to 

% 

Record of vote - Beard or three member committee of board

Michigan Department of Treasury 

518 (Rev. 11-12) 

Petition to Board of Review 

L-4035 

This form is issued under the authority of P.A. 206 of 1893, as amended. Filing is voluntary, however you may not appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal 

or the State Tax Commission unless you first protest to the Board of Review. 

TO BE COMPLETED BY OWNER OR OWNER'S AGENT 

Owner's Name (Please Print or Type) 

Petitioner's Name 

(If Other than Owner. 

Please Print or Type) 

Macatawa Bank 

Jon Andersh, Rhoades McKee PC, Attorney for Owner 

Township or City 

County 

City of Douglas 

Allegan 

The undersigned protests the assessed value and/or the tentative taxable value and/or the property classification and/or the qualified 

agricultural property exemption of the following described property: 

Property Identified (Parce! code required. Property address & legal description optional) 

132 S Blue Star Hwy (03-59-016-066-10) 

—— 

— 

. 

Protested Item 

N Assessed Value Cm Tentative Taxable Valus 

] Classification 

( Qualified Agricultural 

Exempt 

1. PROTEST OF ASSESSMENT 

Property 

Exemption 

(Complete this section for a protest of assessed value and/or tentative taxable value) 

Taxable Male. 

Assessed Amount 

Owner's Estimate of Tree-Saaiwyaines 

Tentative Taxable Value 

Year 

$491,400 

$390,096 

$491,400 

2025 

2. PROTEST OF CLASSIFICATION 

(Complete this section for a request to change the classification. The Board of Review must make their decision regarding classification in 

accordance with Section 211.34c of the Michigan Compiled Laws. The Board of Review shall not be influenced by the effect that a particutar 

classification has on that property's status as a homeowner's principal residence or qualified agricuitural property.) 

Classification of property on this year's assessment roll 

Classification should be {check one of the following): 

a Agricultural 

[7 Industrial 

[7] Timber Cutover 

[7] utility (Personal Property Only) 

[] commercial 

[7] Residential 

{"] Developmental 

3. PROTEST OF EXEMPTION FOR QUALIFIED AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY 

(If the assessor has denied or changed the percentage of the exemption from the 18 milis of focal school operating tax for qualified agricultural 

property, the owner may appeal this action to the March Board of Review. THE BOARD OF REVIEW HAS NO AUTHORITY TO CONSIDER OR ACT 

UPON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE 18 SCHOOL OPERATING MILLS FOR HOMEOWNER'S PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE PROPERTIES.) 

Percent qualified agricultural exemption granted by assessor (Enter 0 if exemption 

Percent qualified agricuitural exemption requested by owner (Enter 100 if full 

dented} 

exemption requested) 

4. REASON FOR PROTEST 

State reason(s) for protest of assessed value and/or the tentative taxable value and/or classification and/or qualified agricultural property exemption 

See enclosed letter. Protest of decision to uncap the taxable value in 2025, citing a transfer of ownership in 2024. 

A

Legal counsel will review this further going forward. 

[fit is determined that an uncapping 

should not have occurred, it wilt be remedied accordingly. 

| would imagine this will be appealed to the MTT in the meantime. 

Are certain types of trading transactions considered not to be normal public trading? Yes. 

The six trading situations listed below are not normal public trading. Any of these six trading 

situations could result in a transfer of ownership (provided that no statutory exception or 

exemption applies): 

1. The merger of two or more companies 

2. The acquisition of one company by another or by an individual 

3. The initial public offering (IPO) of the stock of 

a company 

4. A secondary public offering of the stock of 

a company (a secondary public offering 

occurs when a company whose stock is already publicly traded issues additional new 

stock for sale to the public) 

5. The trading of the stock of a privately held company (a privately held company is a 

company whose stock is not available for sale to the public) 

6. A takeover involving a public offer by someone to buy stock from present stockholders in 

order 

to gain control of 

a company

Reta

= 

RDC

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