Garrett-Austin Properties, LLC, Petitioner V City Of Hazel Park, Respondent

Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

GOVERNOR 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

DIRECTOR 

 

 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL · 611 W. OTTAWA ST., LANSING, MI 48933 · 517-335-9760 

PO BOX 30232, LANSING, MI 48909 · Other Carriers: 2407 N. GRAND RIVER AVE., LANSING, MI 48906 

Garrett-Austin Properties LLC, 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

 

Petitioner, 

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION 

 

v 

 

MTT Docket No. 25-003079 

 

City of Hazel Park, 

 

Presiding Judge 

Respondent. 

 

Patricia L. Halm 

 

ORDER HOLDING PETITIONER’S MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION 

IN ABEYANCE 

 

ORDER REQUIRING INFORMATION 

 

On October 8, 2025, Petitioner filed a motion requesting that the Tribunal reconsider the 

dismissal of this case because “Respondent did not receive notice of the uncapping 

until receiving its Summer 2025 tax bill and promptly filed this appeal within 35 days 

thereafter.” 

 

The Tribunal has considered the motion and the case file and finds that Petitioner cites 

MCL 211.27b(6) which relates to delayed uncapping situations where the assessor may 

increase a property’s taxable value if “the buyer, grantee, or other transferee . . . does 

not notify the appropriate assessing office,” of a transfer of ownership. MCL 211.27b(6) 

requires the assessor to “immediately notify by first-class mail the owner of that property 

of that increase in taxable value.” Petitioner alleges the first notification of the increase 

was the 2025 Summer Tax Statement, which was submitted with the petition. However, 

the Tribunal must determine whether Respondent issued an uncapping notice, aside 

from the summer tax bill. Therefore, 

 

IT IS ORDERED that Petitioner’s Motion for Reconsideration is Held in ABEYANCE. 

 

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Respondent must complete the following: submit a 

copy of the notice of uncapping at issue in this appeal, if any. The foregoing must be 

filed with the Tribunal and served on Petitioner within 14 days of entry of this order. 

 

 

Entered: October 29, 2025 

 

 

By _____________________________ 

sw/jcr

Page 2

MTT Docket No. 25-003079 

Page 2 of 2 

 

PROOF OF SERVICE 

 

I certify that a copy of the foregoing was sent on the entry date indicated above to the 

parties or their attorneys or authorized representatives, if any, utilizing either the mailing 

or email addresses on file, as provided by those parties, attorneys, or authorized 

representatives. 

 

By: Tribunal Clerk

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.

Page 1

RECEIVED 

0CT 1 02025 

MICHIGAN TAX TIREBUMNAL). 

7 

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

Chil 

) 

I 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS ¢ 15500] 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION 

Garrett-Austin Properties, LLC, 

Petitioner, 

MTT Docket No. 25-003079 

Hon. Patricia L. Halm 

v 

City of Hazel Park, 

Respondent. 

/ 

Randall T. LeVasseur P41712 

City of Hazel Park, Respondent 

LEVASSEUR DYER & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 

Attn: Mark Lorkowski 

Attorneys for Petitioner 

Assessing Department / Assessor 

3233 Coolidge Highway 

111 E. Nine Mile Rd 

Berkley, MI 48072 

Hazel Park, MI 48030 

(248) 850-1388 

(248) 546-4067 

Randy@LDALAW.com 

mlorkowski@hazelpark.org 

/ 

PETITIONER’S MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION OF ORDER OF DISMISSAL 

NOW COMES Petitioner, by and through its attorneys, LeVasseur Dyer and Associates, 

P.C., and for its Motion for Reconsideration of Order of Dismissal states as follows: 

1: 

This matter pertains to the uncapping of taxable value for Petitioner’s property commonly 

known as 581 E. Milton, Hazel Park, MI 48030, parcel ID # 28-25-36-352-027. 

2. 

Petitioner has owned the property since 2009 and never transferred the property. 

3 

Upon information and belief, Respondent believed a deed Petitioner acquired to address 

an old land contract from the 1990s was a transfer. 

Such deed, however, was exempt 

pursuant to MCL 211.27a(6)(b), which provides taxable value shall not be adjusted when

Page 2

5. 

The Tribunal on October 7, 2025 entered an Order of Dismissal, concluding that the 

Tribunal did not have jurisdiction because Petitioner had not first appealed the uncapping 

of taxable value to Respondent’s March Board of Review. 

6. 

The Tribunal, when entering the Order of Dismissal, did not take into consideration MCL 

211.27b(6), which provides for appeals to the Tribunal “within 35 days of (a Petitioner) 

receiving the notice of the increase in the property's taxable value.” 

Ts 

MCL 211.27b(6) authorizes such appeals without requiring that a Petitioner first appeal 

to a local Board of Review, and the Tribunal has jurisdiction so long as the Petition 

is 

filed “within 35 days of receiving the notice”. 

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests this Honorable Tribunal reconsider and set 

aside its Order of Dismissal dated October 7, 2025, and reinstate this case. 

Respectfully submitted, 

/s/ Swaod?, 7 Lo Yasser 

Dated: October 7, 2025 

Randall T. LeVasseur P41712 

LEVASSEUR DYER & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 

Attorneys for Petitioner 

BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PETITIONER’S MOTION 

It is well-settled that a motion for reconsideration under MCL 2.119(F) may be filed for 

any reason and the trial court or tribunal has wide discretion 

in granting such motion. MCR 

2.119(F) 

“allows 

the 

court 

considerable 

discretion 

in 

granting 

reconsideration 

to 

correct 

mistakes, to preserve judicial economy, and to minimize costs to the parties.” Kokx v. Bylenga,

Page 3

Petitioner timely filed its Petition within 35 days of receiving notice of the taxable value 

uncapping, as permitted under MCL 211.27b(6). 

The statute does not require a prior protest to 

the local Board of Review; therefore, the Tribunal has proper jurisdiction to hear this matter. 

Accordingly, Petitioner respectfully requests that the Tribunal reconsider 

its Order of 

Dismissal and reinstate this case. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Isl fnatlV 7 Lo Yassear 

Dated: October 7, 2025 

Randall T. LeVasseur P41712 

LEVASSEUR DYER & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 

Attorneys for Petitioner 

PROOF OF SERVICE 

The 

undersigned 

duly 

states 

that 

on 

the 

date 

below 

he 

served 

Petitioner’s 

Motion 

for 

Reconsideration upon Respondent by first class mail and email, addressed to Respondent at the 

mailing address and email address appearing in the case caption above. 

Isl Sanat? J, Lo Vasvear 

Dated: October 7, 2025 

Randall T. LeVasseur P41712 

Attorney for Petitioner

Page 4

LEVASSEUR DYER & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 

3233 Coolidge Hwy 

Berkley, MI 48072 

(248) 236-1765 

Fax (248) 586-1300 

Via FedEx Delivery 

October 8, 2025 

Michigan Tax Tribunal 

Small Claims Division 

611 W. Ottawa St 

Lansing, MI 48933 

Re: 

 Garrett-Austin Properties, LLC v City of Hazel Park 

MTT # 25-003079 

Petitioner’s Motion for Reconsideration 

Dear Clerk: 

Enclosed please find two copies of Petitioner’s Motion for Reconsideration, 

a self- 

addressed/stamped return envelope, and our check for $25. 

Please accept for filing our Motion for Reconsideration and return a time-stamped copy to us 

in the enclosed envelope. The $25 check covers the filing fee in this Small Claims matter. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please reach out to us if you have any questions 

or concerns. 

Yours truly, 

Randall T. LeVasseur 

Enc 

Randy@LDALAW.com

Page 5

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Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

GOVERNOR 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

DIRECTOR 

 

 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL · 611 W. OTTAWA ST., LANSING, MI 48933 · 517-335-9760 

PO BOX 30232, LANSING, MI 48909 · Other Carriers: 2407 N. GRAND RIVER AVE., LANSING, MI 48906 

Garrett-Austin Properties LLC, 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

 

Petitioner, 

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION 

 

v 

 

MTT Docket No. 25-003079 

 

City of Hazel Park, 

 

Presiding Judge 

Respondent. 

 

Patricia L. Halm 

 

ORDER HOLDING PETITIONER’S MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION 

IN ABEYANCE 

 

ORDER REQUIRING INFORMATION 

 

On October 8, 2025, Petitioner filed a motion requesting that the Tribunal reconsider the 

dismissal of this case because “Respondent did not receive notice of the uncapping 

until receiving its Summer 2025 tax bill and promptly filed this appeal within 35 days 

thereafter.” 

 

The Tribunal has considered the motion and the case file and finds that Petitioner cites 

MCL 211.27b(6) which relates to delayed uncapping situations where the assessor may 

increase a property’s taxable value if “the buyer, grantee, or other transferee . . . does 

not notify the appropriate assessing office,” of a transfer of ownership. MCL 211.27b(6) 

requires the assessor to “immediately notify by first-class mail the owner of that property 

of that increase in taxable value.” Petitioner alleges the first notification of the increase 

was the 2025 Summer Tax Statement, which was submitted with the petition. However, 

the Tribunal must determine whether Respondent issued an uncapping notice, aside 

from the summer tax bill. Therefore, 

 

IT IS ORDERED that Petitioner’s Motion for Reconsideration is Held in ABEYANCE. 

 

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Respondent must complete the following: submit a 

copy of the notice of uncapping at issue in this appeal, if any. The foregoing must be 

filed with the Tribunal and served on Petitioner within 14 days of entry of this order. 

 

 

Entered: October 29, 2025 

 

 

By _____________________________ 

sw/jcr

Page 2

MTT Docket No. 25-003079 

Page 2 of 2 

 

PROOF OF SERVICE 

 

I certify that a copy of the foregoing was sent on the entry date indicated above to the 

parties or their attorneys or authorized representatives, if any, utilizing either the mailing 

or email addresses on file, as provided by those parties, attorneys, or authorized 

representatives. 

 

By: Tribunal Clerk

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.

Page 1

RECEIVED 

0CT 1 02025 

MICHIGAN TAX TIREBUMNAL). 

7 

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

Chil 

) 

I 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS ¢ 15500] 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION 

Garrett-Austin Properties, LLC, 

Petitioner, 

MTT Docket No. 25-003079 

Hon. Patricia L. Halm 

v 

City of Hazel Park, 

Respondent. 

/ 

Randall T. LeVasseur P41712 

City of Hazel Park, Respondent 

LEVASSEUR DYER & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 

Attn: Mark Lorkowski 

Attorneys for Petitioner 

Assessing Department / Assessor 

3233 Coolidge Highway 

111 E. Nine Mile Rd 

Berkley, MI 48072 

Hazel Park, MI 48030 

(248) 850-1388 

(248) 546-4067 

Randy@LDALAW.com 

mlorkowski@hazelpark.org 

/ 

PETITIONER’S MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION OF ORDER OF DISMISSAL 

NOW COMES Petitioner, by and through its attorneys, LeVasseur Dyer and Associates, 

P.C., and for its Motion for Reconsideration of Order of Dismissal states as follows: 

1: 

This matter pertains to the uncapping of taxable value for Petitioner’s property commonly 

known as 581 E. Milton, Hazel Park, MI 48030, parcel ID # 28-25-36-352-027. 

2. 

Petitioner has owned the property since 2009 and never transferred the property. 

3 

Upon information and belief, Respondent believed a deed Petitioner acquired to address 

an old land contract from the 1990s was a transfer. 

Such deed, however, was exempt 

pursuant to MCL 211.27a(6)(b), which provides taxable value shall not be adjusted when

Page 2

5. 

The Tribunal on October 7, 2025 entered an Order of Dismissal, concluding that the 

Tribunal did not have jurisdiction because Petitioner had not first appealed the uncapping 

of taxable value to Respondent’s March Board of Review. 

6. 

The Tribunal, when entering the Order of Dismissal, did not take into consideration MCL 

211.27b(6), which provides for appeals to the Tribunal “within 35 days of (a Petitioner) 

receiving the notice of the increase in the property's taxable value.” 

Ts 

MCL 211.27b(6) authorizes such appeals without requiring that a Petitioner first appeal 

to a local Board of Review, and the Tribunal has jurisdiction so long as the Petition 

is 

filed “within 35 days of receiving the notice”. 

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests this Honorable Tribunal reconsider and set 

aside its Order of Dismissal dated October 7, 2025, and reinstate this case. 

Respectfully submitted, 

/s/ Swaod?, 7 Lo Yasser 

Dated: October 7, 2025 

Randall T. LeVasseur P41712 

LEVASSEUR DYER & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 

Attorneys for Petitioner 

BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PETITIONER’S MOTION 

It is well-settled that a motion for reconsideration under MCL 2.119(F) may be filed for 

any reason and the trial court or tribunal has wide discretion 

in granting such motion. MCR 

2.119(F) 

“allows 

the 

court 

considerable 

discretion 

in 

granting 

reconsideration 

to 

correct 

mistakes, to preserve judicial economy, and to minimize costs to the parties.” Kokx v. Bylenga,

Page 3

Petitioner timely filed its Petition within 35 days of receiving notice of the taxable value 

uncapping, as permitted under MCL 211.27b(6). 

The statute does not require a prior protest to 

the local Board of Review; therefore, the Tribunal has proper jurisdiction to hear this matter. 

Accordingly, Petitioner respectfully requests that the Tribunal reconsider 

its Order of 

Dismissal and reinstate this case. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Isl fnatlV 7 Lo Yassear 

Dated: October 7, 2025 

Randall T. LeVasseur P41712 

LEVASSEUR DYER & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 

Attorneys for Petitioner 

PROOF OF SERVICE 

The 

undersigned 

duly 

states 

that 

on 

the 

date 

below 

he 

served 

Petitioner’s 

Motion 

for 

Reconsideration upon Respondent by first class mail and email, addressed to Respondent at the 

mailing address and email address appearing in the case caption above. 

Isl Sanat? J, Lo Vasvear 

Dated: October 7, 2025 

Randall T. LeVasseur P41712 

Attorney for Petitioner

Page 4

LEVASSEUR DYER & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 

3233 Coolidge Hwy 

Berkley, MI 48072 

(248) 236-1765 

Fax (248) 586-1300 

Via FedEx Delivery 

October 8, 2025 

Michigan Tax Tribunal 

Small Claims Division 

611 W. Ottawa St 

Lansing, MI 48933 

Re: 

 Garrett-Austin Properties, LLC v City of Hazel Park 

MTT # 25-003079 

Petitioner’s Motion for Reconsideration 

Dear Clerk: 

Enclosed please find two copies of Petitioner’s Motion for Reconsideration, 

a self- 

addressed/stamped return envelope, and our check for $25. 

Please accept for filing our Motion for Reconsideration and return a time-stamped copy to us 

in the enclosed envelope. The $25 check covers the filing fee in this Small Claims matter. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please reach out to us if you have any questions 

or concerns. 

Yours truly, 

Randall T. LeVasseur 

Enc 

Randy@LDALAW.com

Page 5

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Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

DIRECTOR

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL · 611 W. OTTAWA ST., LANSING, MI 48933 · 517-335-9760

PO BOX 30232, LANSING, MI 48909 · Other Carriers: 2407 N. GRAND RIVER AVE., LANSING, MI 48906

Garrett-Austin Properties, LLC, 

Petitioner, MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

 SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

 MTT Docket No. 25-003079

City Of Hazel Park,

Respondent.

ORDER OF DISMISSAL

The Tribunal has reviewed the file in the above-captioned case and finds that:

Petitioner failed to protest the assessment to Respondent’s March Board of Review, as 

required by MCL 205.735a. As such, and inasmuch as the Tribunal has no equitable 

power to waive or otherwise disregard statutory filing requirements and deadlines, it has 

no authority to hear the appeal or grant the relief requested. See Sixarp, LLC v Byron 

Twp, __Mich__; __NW3d__ (2025). 

Therefore,

IT IS ORDERED that the case is DISMISSED.

This order resolves all pending issues and closes the case.

APPEAL RIGHTS

If you disagree with the final decision in this case, you may file a motion for 

reconsideration with the Tribunal or a claim of appeal with the Michigan Court of 

Appeals. 

A motion for reconsideration must be filed with the Tribunal with the required filing fee 

within 21 days from the date of entry of the final decision. Because the final decision 

closes the case, the motion cannot be filed through the Tribunal’s web-based e-filing 

system; it must be filed by mail or personal service. The fee for the filing of such 

motions is $50.00 in the Entire Tribunal and $25.00 in the Small Claims Division, unless 

the Small Claims decision relates to the valuation of property and the property had a 

principal residence exemption of at least 50% at the time the petition was filed or the 

decision relates to the grant or denial of a poverty or disabled veterans exemption and, 

if so, there is no filing fee. You are required to serve a copy of the motion on the 

opposing party by mail or personal service or by email if the opposing party agrees to 

electronic service, and proof demonstrating that service must be submitted with the 

motion. Responses to motions for reconsideration are prohibited and there are no oral 

arguments unless otherwise ordered by the Tribunal.

Page 2

MTT Docket No. 25-003079

Page 2 of 7

Alternatively, you may file a claim of appeal with the Michigan Court of Appeals. If the 

claim is filed within 21 days of the entry of the final decision, it is an “appeal of right.” If 

the claim is filed more than 21 days after the entry of the final decision, it is an “appeal 

by leave.” A copy of the claim of appeal must be filed with the Tribunal to certify the 

record on appeal. There is no certification fee. 

By:___________________________________

Patricia L. Halm, Tribunal Chair

Entered: October 7, 2025

PROOF OF SERVICE

I certify that a copy of the foregoing was sent on the entry date indicated above to the 

parties or their attorneys or authorized representatives, if any, utilizing either the mailing 

or email addresses on file, as provided by those parties, attorneys, or authorized 

representatives.

By: Tribunal Clerk

Page 3

Edward Klobucher

Hazel Park City

111 East Nine Mile RD

Hazel Park , MI 48030

Page 4

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

DIRECTOR

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL · 611 W. OTTAWA ST., LANSING, MI 48933 · 517-335-9760

PO BOX 30232, LANSING, MI 48909 · Other Carriers: 2407 N. GRAND RIVER AVE., LANSING, MI 48906

Garrett-Austin Properties, LLC, 

Petitioner, MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

 SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

 MTT Docket No. 25-003079

City Of Hazel Park,

Respondent.

ORDER OF DISMISSAL

The Tribunal has reviewed the file in the above-captioned case and finds that:

Petitioner failed to protest the assessment to Respondent’s March Board of Review, as 

required by MCL 205.735a. As such, and inasmuch as the Tribunal has no equitable 

power to waive or otherwise disregard statutory filing requirements and deadlines, it has 

no authority to hear the appeal or grant the relief requested. See Sixarp, LLC v Byron 

Twp, __Mich__; __NW3d__ (2025). 

Therefore,

IT IS ORDERED that the case is DISMISSED.

This order resolves all pending issues and closes the case.

APPEAL RIGHTS

If you disagree with the final decision in this case, you may file a motion for 

reconsideration with the Tribunal or a claim of appeal with the Michigan Court of 

Appeals. 

A motion for reconsideration must be filed with the Tribunal with the required filing fee 

within 21 days from the date of entry of the final decision. Because the final decision 

closes the case, the motion cannot be filed through the Tribunal’s web-based e-filing 

system; it must be filed by mail or personal service. The fee for the filing of such 

motions is $50.00 in the Entire Tribunal and $25.00 in the Small Claims Division, unless 

the Small Claims decision relates to the valuation of property and the property had a 

principal residence exemption of at least 50% at the time the petition was filed or the 

decision relates to the grant or denial of a poverty or disabled veterans exemption and, 

if so, there is no filing fee. You are required to serve a copy of the motion on the 

opposing party by mail or personal service or by email if the opposing party agrees to 

electronic service, and proof demonstrating that service must be submitted with the 

motion. Responses to motions for reconsideration are prohibited and there are no oral 

arguments unless otherwise ordered by the Tribunal.

Page 5

MTT Docket No. 25-003079

Page 5 of 7

Alternatively, you may file a claim of appeal with the Michigan Court of Appeals. If the 

claim is filed within 21 days of the entry of the final decision, it is an “appeal of right.” If 

the claim is filed more than 21 days after the entry of the final decision, it is an “appeal 

by leave.” A copy of the claim of appeal must be filed

Page 6

ST

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Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

PROPERTY TAX APPEAL PETITION FORM

VALUATION / EXEMPTION / CLASSIFICATION APPEAL

MOAHR DOCKET NO. 

Do not use this form to appeal Principal Residence Exemption, Qualified Agricultural Exemption, Special Assessment, or Non-Property tax 

disputes.

Pursuant to Michigan Tax Tribunal Rule (TTR) 277(3), you MUST submit a copy of the notice giving rise to the appeal (e.g. Board of Review 

Decision or Notice of Uncapping) with this Small Claims Petition, if applicable. If you do not submit this document, you may be held in default.

Section 1: Petitioner’s Contact Information

Filer Type: Organization 

First Name

M.I.

Last Name/Company Name

Garrett-Austin Properties, LLC

Mailing Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route)

1263 Rochester Rd

City or Town

Troy

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

48083

Telephone Number

248-583-9980

Fax Number

E-mail Address

matt@sbfmail.com

Section 2: Petitioner’s Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Contact Information

First Name

Randy

M.I.

Last Name

LeVasseur

Firm Name (if any)

Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route)

3233 Coolidge Hwy

City or Town

Berkley

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

48072

Telephone Number

248-586-1200

Fax Number

248-850-1386

E-mail Address 

Randy@ldalaw.com

Section 3: Subject Property Information

How many parcels are you appealing?

1

If you are appealing more than one parcel, are they contiguous or adjoining? 

 *If no, you must file separate appeals for each non-contiguous or non-adjoining parcel.

Property Address (No., Street, City, ST, ZIP) [If multiple, list first property’s address]

581 E. Milton

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

Hazel Park

Michigan

48030

Taxing Authority (City or Township)

City Of Hazel Park (OAKLAND)

County 

Oakland

Section 4: Issues Being Appealed (check all that apply)

Uncapping of Taxable Value

 

Section 5: Explain the Reason for this Appeal

Petitioner has owned the property since 2009. Upon discovering gaps in the chain of title, in 2024 Petitioner obtained two corrective deeds from prior owners to 

resolve the title defects. These deeds were not "transfers" of ownership. However, Respondent incorrectly treated them as transfers and uncapped the property's 

taxable value for 2025. Petitioner did not receive notice of the uncapping until receiving the July 2025 tax bill. The property's taxable value in 2024 was $11,990 

and, considering the 3.1% inflation rate, should have increased to only $12,362 in 2025.

Section 6: Jurisdictional Issues

Year(s) you are appealing:

2025

Did you protest the assessment at a Board of Review (BOR)? No

If Yes, check which BOR you attended AND upload the BOR decision: 

If No, check the applicable reason(s):

Appealing within 35 days of receipt of Notice of Uncapping

Did you request a Poverty Exemption at the BOR? 

If Yes, check which BOR considered your application AND upload the BOR decision: 

 March  July  December

If No, explain why:

Section 7: Valuation Information *Use the multiple parcel form for additional, contiguous parcels.

Parcel Identification Number: 28-25-36-352-027

Classification of Property:

Real

Residential

Page 3

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

Current Assessed Value (also known as State Equalized Value) as established by the BOR:

36870

Current Taxable Value as established by the BOR:

36870

What do you believe is the fair market value (also known as True Cash Value)?

73740 

Multiply the True Cash Value by .5 and enter here. This is your contention of Assessed Value (also known as State Equalized Value).

36870

If you believe the Taxable Value differs from your contention of Assessed Value, enter your contention of Taxable Value.

12362

Section 8: Classification Information *Only the MI Dep’t of Treasury may appeal this issue to the Tribunal*

Parcel Identification Number:

 

Current Classification of Property as established by Board of Review:

What do you believe is the property’s classification?

If improved property, how is the property currently being used?

If improved property, for what use was the property designed?

Fee Information

Does the subject property have a Principal Residence Exemption of at least 50% as of the date of the filing of this petition?

No

Are you appealing ONLY the denial of a Poverty Exemption?

No

If you answered yes to either or both of these questions, you are not required to pay any filing fees.

The filing fee is based on the greater of the State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention. If you are appealing more than one parcel, the parcel with the 

highest State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention will be used to determine your filing fee, plus $25.00 will be added for each additional parcel being 

appealed, not to exceed a total filing fee of $1,000.

If your property is residential property (see MCL 205.762) and

the State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention is: Filing Fee is:

$100,000.00 and under $125.00

$100,000.01 to $500,000.00 $200.00

$Over $500,000.00 $300.00

If your property is NOT residential property (see MCL 205.762) and

the State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention is: Filing Fee is:

$100,000.00 and under $250.00

* Plus $25.00 for each additional parcel, as indicated above.

If your property is NOT residential property and the State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention is $100,000.01 or greater the appeal does not qualify for 

Small Claims. Therefore, an Entire Tribunal petition must be filed.

Page 4

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

Electronic Signature *Typing your name below will serve as your signature

Petitioner or Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Signature: 

/s/ Randall T. LeVasseur

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.

Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

DIRECTOR

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL · 611 W. OTTAWA ST., LANSING, MI 48933 · 517-335-9760

PO BOX 30232, LANSING, MI 48909 · Other Carriers: 2407 N. GRAND RIVER AVE., LANSING, MI 48906

Garrett-Austin Properties, LLC,

Petitioner,

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

MTT Docket No. 25-003079

City Of Hazel Park,

Respondent.

NOTICE OF DOCKET NUMBER

TAKE NOTICE that a Small Claims petition has been filed and the above-noted docket 

number has been assigned to that petition. The assignment of the docket number does 

not mean that the Tribunal has authority over the petition or that the petition complies 

with the Tribunal’s rules. The docket number needs to be included on all documents 

submitted in this case.

Respondent shall file an answer to the petition within 28 days of the issuance of a 

copy of this Notice to Respondent. Tribunal answer forms are available on our 

website at www.michigan.gov/taxtrib. Respondents must utilize the appropriate answer 

form. Failure to file the answer within the 28-day time frame may result in the 

placement of Respondent in default, as provided by TTR 281. Further, an electronic 

copy of the petition can be reviewed by utilizing the Docket Lookup Search on the 

Tribunal’s website.

By: __Tribunal Clerk_____

Entered: October 7, 2025

PROOF OF SERVICE

I certify that a copy of the foregoing was sent on the entry date indicated above to the 

parties or their attorneys or authorized representatives, if any, utilizing either the mailing 

or email addresses on file, as provided by those parties, attorneys, or authorized 

representatives.

By: Tribunal Clerk

Page 2

Edward Klobucher

Hazel Park City

111 East Nine Mile RD

Hazel Park , MI 48030

Page 3

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

DIRECTOR

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL · 611 W. OTTAWA ST., LANSING, MI 48933 · 517-335-9760

PO BOX 30232, LANSING, MI 48909 · Other Carriers: 2407 N. GRAND RIVER AVE., LANSING, MI 48906

Garrett-Austin Properties, LLC,

Petitioner,

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

MTT Docket No. 25-003079

City Of Hazel Park,

Respondent.

NOTICE OF DOCKET NUMBER

TAKE NOTICE that a Small Claims petition has been filed and the above-noted docket 

number has been assigned to that petition. The assignment of the docket number does 

not mean that the Tribunal has authority over the petition or that the petition complies 

with the Tribunal’s rules. The docket number needs to be included on all documents 

submitted in this case.

Respondent shall file an answer to the petition within 28 days of the issuance of a 

copy of this Notice to Respondent. Tribunal answer forms are available on our 

website at www.michigan.gov/taxtrib. Respondents must utilize the appropriate answer 

form. Failure to file the answer within the 28-day time frame may result in the 

placement of Respondent in default, as provided by TTR 281. Further, an electronic 

copy of the petition can be reviewed by utilizing the Docket Lookup Search on the 

Tribunal’s website.

By: __Tribunal Clerk_____

Entered: October 7, 2025

PROOF OF SERVICE

I certify that a copy of the foregoing was sent on the entry date indicated above to the 

parties or their attorneys or authorized representatives, if any, utilizing either the mailing 

or email addresses on file, as provided by those parties, attorneys, or authorized 

representatives.

By: Tribunal Clerk

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.

Page 1

PAYABLE TO: CITY OF HAZEL PARK, TREASURER 

111 E 9 MILE RD 

HAZEL PARK MI 48030 

248-546-4062 

3,694.29 

PAYABLE July 1, 2025 

- August 31, 2025 WITHOUT 

PENALTY 

1% PENALTY Sept 

1 THRU FEB 28, 2026 

Office Hours Monday thru Thursday 8:30am - 5:00pm; Closed Friday 

Dropbox available outside City Hall entrance. 

(TEAL 

3,694.29 

I 

GARRETT-AUSTIN PROPERTIES 

LLC 

1263 ROCHESTER RD 

TROY 

MI 48083-2879 

NOTICE: Verify the Parcel ID number Prous to remittii 

RETURN UPPER PORTION’ WITH REMITTANCE 

CITY OF HAZEL PARK 

2025 SUMMER TAX STATEMENT 

City,School&Community College 

-07/01/2025-06/30/2026 

State Education Tax 

- 10/01/2025-09/30/2026 

Oakland County General 

- 10/01/2024-09/30/2025 

PAYABLE JULY 1, 2025 

- AUGUST 31, 2025 

without Penalty or Interest 

POSTMARKS NOT ACCEPTED 

FAILURE TO RECEIVE BILL DOES NOT WAIVE PENALTY 

28-25-36-352-027 

GARRETT-AUSTIN PROPERTIES 

LLC 

1263 ROCHESTER RD 

TROY, MI 48083-2879 

STATEMENT FOR YOUR RECORDS. 

Property Address 

581 E MILTON AVE 

HAZEL PARK, MI 43030-2523 

Partial Description of Property 

TIN, R11E, SEC 36 FORD PARK SUB LOT 444 & S 1/2 OF 

VAC ALLEYADJ TO SAME 

BEGINNING MARCH 1, 2026 all unpaid 2025 taxes must be paid to 

the Oakland County Treasurer, 1200 N Telegraph Rd, Pontiac MI 

48341 with additional penalties. During the month of March, a 

revised statement from the Township Treasurer must accompany 

your remittance to the County Treasurer. 

ING VOTED 

AND 

FIRE 

HINO 

NNW DONO W 

[o 

PAY ONLINE BY Credit Card or eCheck 

VISIT: www.hazelpark.org 

A CONVENIENCE FEE WILL APPLY 

OAKLAND COUNTY 24 HOUR PROPERTY TAX HOTLINE 

248-858-0025 or toll free at 888-600-3773 

Your 10-digit parcel ID number is required to access tax information. 

THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR THIS SERVICE 

RETAIN THIS LOWER PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS 

YOUR CANCELED CHECK IS YOUR RECEIPT 

3,694.29 

Checks are accepted only as conditional payment. 

If not honored by bank, tax 

*P.R.E. 

= Principal Residence Exemption 

Is unpaid and subject to

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.

Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

PROPERTY TAX APPEAL PETITION FORM

VALUATION / EXEMPTION / CLASSIFICATION APPEAL

MOAHR DOCKET NO. 

Do not use this form to appeal Principal Residence Exemption, Qualified Agricultural Exemption, Special Assessment, or Non-Property tax 

disputes.

Pursuant to Michigan Tax Tribunal Rule (TTR) 277(3), you MUST submit a copy of the notice giving rise to the appeal (e.g. Board of Review 

Decision or Notice of Uncapping) with this Small Claims Petition, if applicable. If you do not submit this document, you may be held in default.

Section 1: Petitioner’s Contact Information

Filer Type: Organization 

First Name

M.I.

Last Name/Company Name

Garrett-Austin Properties, LLC

Mailing Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route)

1263 Rochester Rd

City or Town

Troy

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

48083

Telephone Number

248-583-9980

Fax Number

E-mail Address

matt@sbfmail.com

Section 2: Petitioner’s Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Contact Information

First Name

Randy

M.I.

Last Name

LeVasseur

Firm Name (if any)

Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route)

3233 Coolidge Hwy

City or Town

Berkley

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

48072

Telephone Number

248-586-1200

Fax Number

248-850-1386

E-mail Address 

Randy@ldalaw.com

Section 3: Subject Property Information

How many parcels are you appealing?

1

If you are appealing more than one parcel, are they contiguous or adjoining? 

 *If no, you must file separate appeals for each non-contiguous or non-adjoining parcel.

Property Address (No., Street, City, ST, ZIP) [If multiple, list first property’s address]

581 E. Milton

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STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

Hazel Park

Michigan

48030

Taxing Authority (City or Township)

City Of Hazel Park (OAKLAND)

County 

Oakland

Section 4: Issues Being Appealed (check all that apply)

Uncapping of Taxable Value

 

Section 5: Explain the Reason for this Appeal

Petitioner has owned the property since 2009. Upon discovering gaps in the chain of title, in 2024 Petitioner obtained two corrective deeds from prior owners to 

resolve the title defects. These deeds were not "transfers" of ownership. However, Respondent incorrectly treated them as transfers and uncapped the property's 

taxable value for 2025. Petitioner did not receive notice of the uncapping until receiving the July 2025 tax bill. The property's taxable value in 2024 was $11,990 

and, considering the 3.1% inflation rate, should have increased to only $12,362 in 2025.

Section 6: Jurisdictional Issues

Year(s) you are appealing:

2025

Did you protest the assessment at a Board of Review (BOR)? No

If Yes, check which BOR you attended AND upload the BOR decision: 

If No, check the applicable reason(s):

Appealing within 35 days of receipt of Notice of Uncapping

Did you request a Poverty Exemption at the BOR? 

If Yes, check which BOR considered your application AND upload the BOR decision: 

 March  July  December

If No, explain why:

Section 7: Valuation Information *Use the multiple parcel form for additional, contiguous parcels.

Parcel Identification Number: 28-25-36-352-027

Classification of Property:

Real

Residential

Page 3

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

Current Assessed Value (also known as State Equalized Value) as established by the BOR:

36870

Current Taxable Value as established by the BOR:

36870

What do you believe is the fair market value (also known as True Cash Value)?

73740 

Multiply the True Cash Value by .5 and enter here. This is your contention of Assessed Value (also known as State Equalized Value).

36870

If you believe the Taxable Value differs from your contention of Assessed Value, enter your contention of Taxable Value.

12362

Section 8: Classification Information *Only the MI Dep’t of Treasury may appeal this issue to the Tribunal*

Parcel Identification Number:

 

Current Classification of Property as established by Board of Review:

What do you believe is the property’s classification?

If improved property, how is the property currently being used?

If improved property, for what use was the property designed?

Fee Information

Does the subject property have a Principal Residence Exemption of at least 50% as of the date of the filing of this petition?

No

Are you appealing ONLY the denial of a Poverty Exemption?

No

If you answered yes to either or both of these questions, you are not required to pay any filing fees.

The filing fee is based on the greater of the State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention. If you are appealing more than one parcel, the parcel with the 

highest State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention will be used to determine your filing fee, plus $25.00 will be added for each additional parcel being 

appealed, not to exceed a total filing fee of $1,000.

If your property is residential property (see MCL 205.762) and

the State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention is: Filing Fee is:

$100,000.00 and under $125.00

$100,000.01 to $500,000.00 $200.00

$Over $500,000.00 $300.00

If your property is NOT residential property (see MCL 205.762) and

the State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention is: Filing Fee is:

$100,000.00 and under $250.00

* Plus $25.00 for each additional parcel, as indicated above.

If your property is NOT residential property and the State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention is $100,000.01 or greater the appeal does not qualify for 

Small Claims. Therefore, an Entire Tribunal petition must be filed.

Page 4

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

Electronic Signature *Typing your name below will serve as your signature

Petitioner or Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Signature: 

/s/ Randall T. LeVasseur

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.