Record Finder / 25-003443-TT
Michigan

Jennifer L Hower, Petitioner V Township Of Perry, Respondent

Petitioner
Jennifer L Hower
Respondent
Township Of Perry

Case overview

Docket number
25-003443-TT
Status
Disposed
CaseType
SC Property
Division
Small Claims Division
County
Shiawassee
Judge
No judge assigned

Docket history

Line #SubjectFilerLine RefEnter Date/Post MarkFeeRelated Item
4Order of DismissalNot recordedNot recorded10/31/2025Not recordedDownload
3Petition has been verifiedPET110/31/2025Not recordedDownload
2Notice of Docket Number SCNot recordedNot recorded10/31/2025Not recordedDownload
1A petition was received.PETNot recorded09/25/2025$200.00Download

Documents

Order_of_Dismissal.2025-10-31_16-27-27.0000.pdfRead complete document text →
Read document text excerpt

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

Jennifer L Hower, 

Petitioner, MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

 SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

 MTT Docket No. 25-003443

Township Of Perry,

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. 25-003443

Page 2 of 6

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 31, 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

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

Jennifer L Hower, 

Petitioner, MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

 SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

 MTT Docket No. 25-003443

Township Of Perry,

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 4

MTT Docket No. 25-003443

Page 4 of 6

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.

Page 5

STATE OF

Page 6

MTT Docket No.

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.

01._Property_Tax_Appeal_Petition_Form_Valuation_Poverty_Classification.cab7df0a-ee80-4b96-8903-c46195a3eaaf.pdfRead complete document text →
Read document text excerpt

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: Individual 

First Name

Jennifer

M.I.

L

Last Name/Company Name

Hower

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

1107 E Lansing Rd

City or Town

Morrice

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

48857

Telephone Number

5177128732

Fax Number

E-mail Address

Jenny3220@Yahoo.com

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

First Name

Jennifer

M.I.

Leigh

Last Name

Hower

Firm Name (if any)

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

1107 E Lansing Rd

City or Town

Morrice

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

48857

Telephone Number

517-712-8732

Fax Number

E-mail Address 

Jenny3220@Yahoo.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]

136 Morrice Rd

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

Morrice

Michigan

48857

Taxing Authority (City or Township)

Township Of Perry (SHIAWASSEE)

County 

Shiawassee

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

True Cash and Taxable Value, Uncapping of Taxable Value

 

Section 5: Explain the Reason for this Appeal

I purchased the property on land contract in February 2024 from my grandfather. Before purchasing we had a realtor give an estimate to determine fair market value. 

Upon receiving the new tax assessment in February 2025, I observed a significant increase in taxable value from $78,403 to $167,200. Subsequently, I visited Perry 

Township and spoke with Troy Parmalee, Treasurer, who informed me that the transfer tax affidavit had been incorrectly completed, failing to indicate that the 

transfer was between family members. I was asked to reselect the appropriate box, initial the form, and was assured that the uncapping issue would be resolved 

accordingly.

After receiving no further communication from Perry Township, I presumed the matter had been addressed. However, when I received my tax bill in August 2025, I 

noted the substantial tax amount remained unchanged. Additionally, I received a new transfer tax affidavit from Mikyla Sweet, County Assessor, indicating that I 

needed to complete the updated affidavit to reflect the familial nature of the transfer. Upon contacting Ms. Sweet for clarification, I was advised that the State was 

reviewing whether uncapping is waived for rental properties transferred between family members. Ultimately, I was informed that it is not waived and would be 

uncapped. 

I reached out to Ms. Sweet again to inquire why this information was not communicated earlier. Had I been notified in a timely manner, I would have attended the 

board of review in March. As I was told in February that the situation would be handled, I did not attend.

Currently, I am concerned that the assessed taxable value is disproportionately high for a two-unit duplex located in the Village of Morrice. The financial 

implications require a monthly rent of $1,500 for both units merely to cover taxes, insurance, and loan payments, without accounting for maintenance or 

improvements. Currently these units rent for $850 a month. This rate is unrealistic given the prevalence of low-income families in Morrice. For context, a nearby 

six-unit duplex in Perry recently sold for $250,000, with 3x the income generated in similar condition. Whereas the current taxable value of my property suggests a 

valuation of approximately $300,000. My purchase price under the land contract was $120,000, which reflected fair market value based on realtor feedback at the 

time.

If necessary, I am prepared to obtain an independent appraisal to facilitate reassessment of the property's taxable value. The present assessment creates undue 

financial hardship, undermining the purpose of acquiring this property as an income-generating investment. 

I am asking that this review go back to Summer 2025 taxes as well as future taxes. Also asking if review is complete, I would like to be reimbursed the difference 

that I am paying for summer 2025 taxes. 

Section 6: Jurisdictional Issues

Year(s) you are appealing:

2

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 a purported Clerical Error or Mutual Mistake of Fact (if yes, include explanation in Section 5), 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:

Page 3

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

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

Parcel Identification Number: 014-68-002-007

Classification of Property:

Real

Residential

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

167200

Current Taxable Value as established by the BOR:

167200

What do you believe is the fair market

Page 4

STATE

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.

SC_Notice_of_Docket_Number.2025-10-31_16-24-12.0000.pdfRead complete document text →
Read document text excerpt

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

Jennifer L Hower,

Petitioner,

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

MTT Docket No. 25-003443

Township Of Perry,

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 31, 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

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

Jennifer L Hower,

Petitioner,

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

MTT Docket No. 25-003443

Township Of Perry,

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 31, 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.

01._Property_Tax_Appeal_Petition_Form_Valuation_Poverty_Classification.cab7df0a-ee80-4b96-8903-c46195a3eaaf.pdfRead complete document text →
Read document text excerpt

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: Individual 

First Name

Jennifer

M.I.

L

Last Name/Company Name

Hower

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

1107 E Lansing Rd

City or Town

Morrice

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

48857

Telephone Number

5177128732

Fax Number

E-mail Address

Jenny3220@Yahoo.com

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

First Name

Jennifer

M.I.

Leigh

Last Name

Hower

Firm Name (if any)

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

1107 E Lansing Rd

City or Town

Morrice

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

48857

Telephone Number

517-712-8732

Fax Number

E-mail Address 

Jenny3220@Yahoo.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]

136 Morrice Rd

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

Morrice

Michigan

48857

Taxing Authority (City or Township)

Township Of Perry (SHIAWASSEE)

County 

Shiawassee

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

True Cash and Taxable Value, Uncapping of Taxable Value

 

Section 5: Explain the Reason for this Appeal

I purchased the property on land contract in February 2024 from my grandfather. Before purchasing we had a realtor give an estimate to determine fair market value. 

Upon receiving the new tax assessment in February 2025, I observed a significant increase in taxable value from $78,403 to $167,200. Subsequently, I visited Perry 

Township and spoke with Troy Parmalee, Treasurer, who informed me that the transfer tax affidavit had been incorrectly completed, failing to indicate that the 

transfer was between family members. I was asked to reselect the appropriate box, initial the form, and was assured that the uncapping issue would be resolved 

accordingly.

After receiving no further communication from Perry Township, I presumed the matter had been addressed. However, when I received my tax bill in August 2025, I 

noted the substantial tax amount remained unchanged. Additionally, I received a new transfer tax affidavit from Mikyla Sweet, County Assessor, indicating that I 

needed to complete the updated affidavit to reflect the familial nature of the transfer. Upon contacting Ms. Sweet for clarification, I was advised that the State was 

reviewing whether uncapping is waived for rental properties transferred between family members. Ultimately, I was informed that it is not waived and would be 

uncapped. 

I reached out to Ms. Sweet again to inquire why this information was not communicated earlier. Had I been notified in a timely manner, I would have attended the 

board of review in March. As I was told in February that the situation would be handled, I did not attend.

Currently, I am concerned that the assessed taxable value is disproportionately high for a two-unit duplex located in the Village of Morrice. The financial 

implications require a monthly rent of $1,500 for both units merely to cover taxes, insurance, and loan payments, without accounting for maintenance or 

improvements. Currently these units rent for $850 a month. This rate is unrealistic given the prevalence of low-income families in Morrice. For context, a nearby 

six-unit duplex in Perry recently sold for $250,000, with 3x the income generated in similar condition. Whereas the current taxable value of my property suggests a 

valuation of approximately $300,000. My purchase price under the land contract was $120,000, which reflected fair market value based on realtor feedback at the 

time.

If necessary, I am prepared to obtain an independent appraisal to facilitate reassessment of the property's taxable value. The present assessment creates undue 

financial hardship, undermining the purpose of acquiring this property as an income-generating investment. 

I am asking that this review go back to Summer 2025 taxes as well as future taxes. Also asking if review is complete, I would like to be reimbursed the difference 

that I am paying for summer 2025 taxes. 

Section 6: Jurisdictional Issues

Year(s) you are appealing:

2

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 a purported Clerical Error or Mutual Mistake of Fact (if yes, include explanation in Section 5), 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:

Page 3

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

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

Parcel Identification Number: 014-68-002-007

Classification of Property:

Real

Residential

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

167200

Current Taxable Value as established by the BOR:

167200

What do you believe is the fair market

Page 4

STATE

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.