Journey To The Well Foundation, Inc. Petitioner Vs. Township Of Arlington Respondent

Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

Journey to the Well Foundation, INC 

, 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

Petitioner(s) 

v 

MTT Docket No. 26-002404 

Township of Arlington 

Respondent(s) 

PROOF OF SERVICE 

Danielle Golembiewski 

states that on 

10/21/2026 

he/she 

[Name of person serving/mailing petition] 

[date of service] 

served a copy of the Answer 

& Affirmative Defense relative to the above-captioned matter upon: 

[Provide name and address of the party/people being served] 

Scott & Shantel Beck (Journey to the Well Foundation) 

6645 E. 276th Street 

Atlanta, IN 46031 

[Signature of person who is serving/mailing copy] 

Danielle Golembiewski (Authorized Representative for Respondent) 

[Print/type name of person serving/mailing copy] 

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

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON 

|. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

Journey to the Well Foundation, INC 

, 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

Petitioner(s) 

v 

MTT Docket No. 26-002404 

Township of Arlington 

Respondent(s) 

PROOF OF SERVICE 

Danielle Golembiewski 

states that on 

10/21/2026 

he/she 

[Name of person serving/mailing petition] 

[date of service] 

served a copy of the Answer 

& Affirmative Defense relative to the above-captioned matter upon: 

[Provide name and address of the party/people being served] 

Jason C. Long (P59244) & Jerome P. Pesick (P29039) 

Williams, Williams, Rattner & Pluckett, PC 

380 N. Old Woodward Ave., Ste. 300 

Birmingham, MI 48009 

(0 

pe Doge on 

[Signature of person who is serving/mailing copy] 

Danielle Golembiewski (Authorized Representative for Respondent) 

[Print/type name of person serving/mailing copy] 

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

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 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

FERNS 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

Journey to the Well Foundation,INC 

, 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

Petitioner, 

¥ 

MTT Docket No. 26-002404 

Township of Arlington 

Respondent. 

MULTIPLE PARCEL ANSWERFORM 1 

OF 1 

1. 

The classification of the property identified herein as established by 

Respondent's Board of Review is: 

Tax Year 

Parcel Number 

Real/Personal 

Classification 

2026 

80-03-001-006-10 

Real 

401 

2026 

80-03-001-006-15 

Real 

401 

2. 

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

Board of Review are: 

Tax Year 

| Parcel Number 

| True Cash Value 

| Assessed Value 

| Taxable Value 

2026 

80-03-001-006-10 

$423,915 

$212,000 

$212,000 

2026 

80-03-001-006-15 

$94,968 

$47,500 

$47,500 

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

Page 2

MTT Docket No. 26-002404 

Page 2 of 2 

3. 

Respondent contends that the values for the property identified herein are: 

Tax Year | Parcel Number | True Cash Value 

| State Equalized Value 

| Taxable Value 

2026 

80-03-001-006-10 

$423,915 

$212,000 

$212,000 

2026 

80-06-001-006-15 

 |$94,968 

$47,500 

$47,500 

4. 

The values in dispute for the property identified herein are: 

Tax Year | Parcel Number | True Cash Value | State Equalized Value | Taxable Value 

2026 

80-03-001-006-10 

[$423,915 

$212,000 

$212,000 

2026 

80-03-001-006-15 

[$94,968 

$47,500 

$47,500

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 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

MTT Docket No:26-002404 

80-06-001-006-10 

80-06-001-006-15 

Journey to the Well Foundation, INC. 

Petitioner, 

\% 

Township of Arlington 

Respondent. 

RESPONDENT'S ANSWER AND AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES TO ENTIRE 

TRIBUNAL PETITION 

NOW COMES Respondent, Township of Arlington, by and through its 

Assessor, and for its Answer to Petitioner's Entire Tribunal Property Tax 

Petition, states as follows: 

The Parties 

1. Admit. 

2. Admit. 

The Subject Properties 

3. Admit. 

a. Admit.

Page 2

b. Admit. Respondent admits that while the property has an 

improvement the address listed for this parcel is simply Woodland 

Dr. 

4. Admit. 

5. Admit. 

The Subject Properties’ 2026 Property Tax Assessments 

6. Admit. 

7. Admit. 

8. Deny. The petitioner made an error on True Cash Values of each 

parcel. 

Parcel Number 

TCV 

Assessed Value 

Taxable Value 

80-03-001-006-10 

$423,915 

$212,000 

$212,000 

80-03-001-006-15 

$94,968 

$47,500 

$47,500 

9. Admit part, deny part. Respondent admits that Petitioner protested to 

the 2026 March Board of Review and was denied relief. Respondent 

denies all remaining allegations or legal conclusions contained within 

Paragraph 9. 

10. 

Deny. Respondent denies that the Subject Properties qualify for 

an exemption from 

real property taxes under the General Property 

Tax Act and denies that the lawful assessments are zero and asserts 

that 

the 2026 assessments 

established 

by 

the 

March 

Board 

of 

Review are valid, 

lawful, and accurate under the General Property 

Tax Act. 

: 

11. 

Deny. The correct amounts are listed in Number 8. 

12. 

Admit 

in 

part, deny 

in 

part. Respondent admits only that the 

Petitioner is the record owner of the Subject Properties. Respondent 

denies that 

Petitioner 

is 

a qualifying 

“charitable 

institution” under 

Michigan law, and strictly denies the Subject Properties are occupied 

and used solely for a qualifying public charitable purpose under MCL 

211.70. Respondent specifically asserts that the Petitioner fails to 

satisfy the six-factor test established in the Wexford Medical Group v.

Page 3

City of Cadillac 474 Mich 192; 713 NW2d 734 (2006) including but 

not 

limited 

to 

failing 

to 

prove 

that 

its 

operations 

provide 

an 

unrestrictive 

gift 

to 

an 

indefinite number 

of persons, 

that 

its fee 

structures do not exclude individuals based on an inability to pay, or 

that its use of the Subject Properties serves to relieve a burden to the 

government 

13. 

Deny. Respondent denies that Paragraph 13 accurately states the 

incorporated 

purpose. Respondent asserts that weddings, birthday 

parties, 

corporate 

retreats, 

and 

short-term 

rentals 

fall outside the 

stated purpose. 

14. 

Admit in part, deny in part. Respondent admits only that change in 

the 2026 taxable value was only due to the statutory uncapping of the 

properties 

taxable 

value 

after 

the 

transfer 

of 

ownership 

which 

included 

no additions or losses. Respondent denies any remaining 

allegations, 

inferences, 

or 

legal 

considerations 

contained 

within 

Paragraph 14, including Petitioner’s unilateral reservation of rights to 

assert issues involving losses at a later date. 

15. 

Deny. Respondent denies that the 2026 assessments or taxable 

status are unlawful, improper, or invalid, and specifically denies the 

sub-allegations therein as follows: 

a. Deny. 

Respondent 

denies 

that 

the 

assessments 

violate 

the 

Michigan Constitution, the General Property Tax Act, or any other 

Michigan law. 

b. Deny. Respondent denies 

that the assessments are based 

on 

erroneous 

principles 

or erroneous information 

and asserts 

the 

assessments are entitled to the statutory presumption of validity 

and accuracy under the General Property Tax Act. MCL 211.31 

c. Deny. Respondent denies that any of the Petitioner's rights have 

been violated. 

AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES

Page 4

1. Failure to State a Claim/Failure of Proof: Petitioner's claims are barred, 

in whole or in part, because Petitioner has failed to state a claim upon 

which 

relief can be granted. Specifically, Petitioner cannot satisfy the 

strict statutory elements required to qualify for a charitable property tax 

exemption under MCL 211.70. 

2. Federal 

and 

Corporate 

Tax-Exempt 

Status 

is 

insufficient 

to 

Prove 

Non-Profit Charitable Operation: While Petitioner has submitted state 

Articles of Incorporation and a federal IRS 501¢(3) religious exemption 

determination 

letter, 

such 

documentation 

is 

legally 

insufficient 

to 

establish 

a real property tax exemption under Michigan law. Under the 

framework of Wexford Medical

Page 5

2.

Page 6

indi

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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

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

Docket Number: 26-002404

Is this case currently pending in the Small Claims Division? No

Party Filing Document 

Respondent

Files

Document Type: Amended Answer

Attachment File Name: Signed Answer Arlington Twp

Document Type: Attachments to Answer

Attachment File Name: Multiple Parcel Answer Form

Document Type: Proof of Service: Misc Documents

Attachment File Name: Proof of Service

Fee Information

Filing Fee: $ 0.00

Payment Information

Payment: $ 0.00

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 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

FERNS 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

Journey to the Well Foundation,INC 

, 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

Petitioner, 

¥ 

MTT Docket No. 26-002404 

Township of Arlington 

Respondent. 

MULTIPLE PARCEL ANSWERFORM 1 

OF 1 

1. 

The classification of the property identified herein as established by 

Respondent's Board of Review is: 

Tax Year 

Parcel Number 

Real/Personal 

Classification 

2026 

80-03-001-006-10 

Real 

401 

2026 

80-03-001-006-15 

Real 

401 

2. 

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

Board of Review are: 

Tax Year 

| Parcel Number 

| True Cash Value 

| Assessed Value 

| Taxable Value 

2026 

80-03-001-006-10 

$423,915 

$212,000 

$212,000 

2026 

80-03-001-006-15 

$94,968 

$47,500 

$47,500 

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

Page 2

MTT Docket No. 26-002404 

Page 2 of 2 

3. 

Respondent contends that the values for the property identified herein are: 

Tax Year | Parcel Number | True Cash Value 

| State Equalized Value 

| Taxable Value 

2026 

80-03-001-006-10 

$423,915 

$212,000 

$212,000 

2026 

80-06-001-006-15 

 |$94,968 

$47,500 

$47,500 

4. 

The values in dispute for the property identified herein are: 

Tax Year | Parcel Number | True Cash Value | State Equalized Value | Taxable Value 

2026 

80-03-001-006-10 

[$423,915 

$212,000 

$212,000 

2026 

80-03-001-006-15 

[$94,968 

$47,500 

$47,500

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

Entire Tribunal Case Information Sheet - Respondent

MTT DOCKET NO. 26-002404

Section 1: Respondent’s Contact Information

Filer Type: 

Local Unit of Government

Local Unit of Government

Township Of Arlington (VAN BUREN)

First Name

M.I.

Last Name

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

City or Town

State

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

E-mail Address (do not enter unless you want MTT to send all correspondence via e-mail)

 

Section 2: Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Contact Information

First Name

Danielle

M.I.

F

Last Name

Golembiewski

Firm Name (if any)

Township of Arlington

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

52022 34th Ave

City or Town

Bangor

State

 Michigan

ZIP Code

49013

Telephone Number

2692259006

E-mail Address (do not enter unless you want MTT to send all correspondence via e-mail)

assessor@arlingtontownship.com

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

Respondent or Authorized Attorney/Representative’s Signature: 

Danielle Golembiewski

/s/

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 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING & REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

JOURNEY TO THE WELL FOUNDATION, INC,, 

Docket No. 26-002404 

Petitioner, 

Parcel Nos. 80-03-001-006-10 

Vv. 

80-03-001-006-15 

ARLINGTON TOWNSHIP, 

Respondent. 

Jerome P. Pesick (P29039) 

Jason C. Long (P59244) 

WILLIAMS WILLIAMS RATTNER 

& PLUNKETT, PC 

380 N. Old Woodward Ave., Ste. 300 

Birmingham, MI 48009 

(248) 642-0333 

Attorneys for Petitioner 

Proof of Service of Petition and Notice of Docket Number

Page 2

Proof of Service of Petition and Notice of Docket Number 

Monica Athanas states that she personally served copies of the Entire Tribunal 

Property Tax Petition, the Notice of Docket Number, and this Proof of Service, on the 

persons listed below, by the means identified below, by placing those documents in 

duly stamped, addressed envelopes, and placing the envelopes in the United States 

mail on September 24, 2026. 

PERSONS SERVED: 

Certified Mail 

First Class Mail 

Clerk 

Clerk 

Secretary of School Board 

Arlington Township 

Van Buren County 

Bangor Public Schools 

52022 34th Ave. 

212 E Paw Paw Street 

801 West Arlington Street 

Bangor, MI 49013 

Paw Paw, MI 49079 

Bangor, MI 49013 

Assessor 

Director of Equalization 

State Treasurer 

Arlington Township 

Van Buren County 

Michigan Department of Treasury 

52022 34th Ave. 

219 E Paw Paw Street 

Austin Building 

Bangor, MI 49013 

Paw Paw, MI 49079 

430 W. Allegan 

Lansing, MI 

48922 

~ 

/Nonaalornd) 

Monica Athanas 

This Proof of Service was signed and sworn before me on September 24, 2026. 

WH 

\'c Lon, 

7 

4 

v 

3

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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

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

Docket Number: 26-002404

Is this case currently pending in the Small Claims Division? No

Party Filing Document 

Petitioner

Files

Document Type: Proof of Service: Petition

Attachment File Name: JWF - ARLINGTON - POS- PETITION

Fee Information

Filing Fee: $ 0.00

Payment Information

Payment: $ 0.00

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

1 

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING & REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

 

 

JOURNEY TO THE WELL FOUNDATION, INC., 

 

 

Petitioner, 

 

 

 

 

 

Parcel Nos. 80-03-001-006-10 

v. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

80-03-001-006-15 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARLINGTON TOWNSHIP, 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Respondent. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jason C. Long (P59244) 

Williams Williams Rattner & Plunkett, PC 

380 N. Old Woodward Ave., Ste. 300 

Birmingham, MI 48009 

(248) 642-0333 

Attorneys for Petitioner 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entire Tribunal Property Tax Petition 

 

 

Petitioner Journey to the Well Foundation, Inc., by and through its attorneys, 

Williams Williams Rattner & Plunkett, PC, states as follows for its Entire Tribunal 

Property Tax Petition. 

The Parties 

1. 

Petitioner is an Indiana nonprofit corporation with its principal offices 

located at 6645 E. 276th Street, Atlanta, Indiana 46031. A copy of Petitioner’s 

Certificate of Incorporation is attached as Exhibit A. 

2. 

Respondent Arlington Township is a Michigan general law township 

with its primary offices located at 52022 34th Avenue, Bangor, Michigan 49013. 

The Subject Properties 

3. 

Petitioner is the owner of two tax parcels identified as follows:

Page 2

2 

a. 

Parcel No. 80-03-001-006-10, c/k/a 47764 Woodland Dr., Arlington 

Township, Michigan 49013. 

b. 

Parcel No. 80-03-001-006-15, c/k/a vacant Woodland Dr., Arlington 

Township, Michigan 49013. 

These properties are referred to in this Petition collectively as the “Subject 

Properties.” 

4. 

The Subject Properties are physically contiguous. 

5. 

The Subject Properties are located in Van Buren County and are within 

the Bangor Public School District. 

The Subject Properties’ 2026 Property Tax Assessments 

6. 

Respondent possesses jurisdiction to assess and collect property taxes 

for the Subject Properties. 

7. 

For the 2026 tax year, Respondent classified the Subject Properties as 

residential real property. 

8. 

Respondent tentatively assessed the Subject Properties in the amounts 

set forth in Paragraph 1 of the attached Petition Multiple Parcel Form. 

9. 

Petitioner protested the Subject Properties’ assessments at the 2026 

March Board of Review, asserting that the Subject Properties qualify for an 

exemption from tax under the General Property Tax Act, MCL 211.1 et seq., including 

the exemption for properties owned and occupied by a nonprofit charitable institution 

and used for the institution’s charitable purposes. The Board of Review denied any 

relief. Copies of the Board of Review decisions are attached as Exhibit B.

Page 3

3 

10. 

Petitioner contends that valid and lawful assessments for the Subject 

Properties cannot exceed the amounts set forth in Paragraph 2 of the attached 

Petition Multiple Parcel Form. The Subject Properties qualify for exemption from 

real property taxes under the GPTA. 

11. 

The amounts in dispute are therefore the amounts set forth in 

Paragraph 3 of the attached Petition Multiple Parcel Form. 

12. 

This Petition presents issues involving exemption, including specifically 

that Petitioner (a) is a nonprofit charitable institution, (b) owns the Subject 

Properties, and (c) occupies the Subject Properties, and (d) uses the Subject 

Properties solely for the purposes for which Petitioner was incorporated. 

13. 

The 

purposes 

for 

Petitioner’s 

incorporation 

include 

providing 

programming for families, married couples, pastors, and other groups, that renews 

and strengthens spiritual and emotional connections through Biblical teaching and 

exposure to nature, located at the Subject Properties and other properties that 

Petitioner owns and uses in conjunction with the Subject Property. 

14. 

Petitioner does not believe that this Petition presents any issues arising 

out of “additions” or “losses” as the General Property Tax Act, MCL 211.1 et seq. (the 

“GPTA”) defines those terms but reserves its rights to assert issues involving losses 

should information supporting such issues become available. 

15. 

The Subject Properties’ 2026 assessments (a) violate the Michigan 

Constitution, the GPTA, and other Michigan law, (b) are based on erroneous 

principles and information, and (c) otherwise violate Petitioner’s rights.

Page 4

4 

Conclusion and Request for Relief 

 

Wherefore, Petitioner respectfully requests that this honorable Tribunal enter 

judgment revising the Subject Properties’ 2026 assessments to be consistent with the 

amounts set forth in Paragraph 2 of the attached Petition Multiple Parcel Form and 

granting Petitioner all other relief to which it is entitled.

Page 5

5

Page 6

6

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

Entire Tribunal Case Information Sheet - Petitioner

MTT DOCKET NO. 

 

Section 1: Petitioner’s Contact Information

Filer type: 

Organization 

Local Unit of Government

First Name

M.I.

Last Name/Company Name

Journey to the Well Foundation, Inc.

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

c/o 380 N. Old Woodward Ave.

Ste. 300

City or Town

Birmingham

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

48009

Telephone Number

2486420333

E-mail Address (do not enter unless you want MTT to send all correspondence via e-mail)

jlong@wwrplaw.com

 

 

Section 2: Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Contact Information

First Name

Jason

M.I.

C.

Last Name

Long

Firm Name (if any)

Williams Williams Rattner & Plunkett, PC

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

380 N. Old Woodward Ave.

Suite 300

City or Town

Birmingham

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

48009

Telephone Number

2486420333

E-mail Address (do not enter unless you want MTT to send all correspondence via e-mail)

jlong@wwrplaw.com

 

Section 3: Issue 

Please designate one: 

Valuation 

 

Section 4: Subject Property Information 

How many parcels are you 

appealing?

2

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

47764 Woodland Drive

Arlington Twp.

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

DIRECTOR

Michigan

49013

Taxing Authority (City or Township)

Township Of Arlington (VAN BUREN) 

County

Van Buren

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.)

Yes

 

 

Section 5: Check which of the following you are appealing (check all that apply) 

True Cash and Taxable Values

Other (please explain)

If “Other”, please explain:

Exemption

 

 

Section 6: Valuation Information for Each Parcel under Appeal

Parcel Number:

80-03-001-006-10

Classification of Property: Real (check one)

Residential (check one)

Current Assessed Value (also known as State Equalized Value) as established by the Board of Review:

212000

Current Taxable Value as established by the Board of Review:

212000

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

0

Multiply the True Cash Value by 50% and enter here. This is your contention of Assessed Value (also known as State Equalized Value).

0

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

0

 

Section 6: Valuation Information for Each Parcel under Appeal

Parcel Number:

80-03-001-006-15

Classification of Property: Real (check one)

Residential (check one)

Current Assessed Value (also known as State Equalized Value) as established by the Board of Review:

47500

Page 3

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

DIRECTOR

Current Taxable Value as established by the Board of Review:

47500

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

0

Multiply the True Cash Value by 50% and enter here. This is your contention of Assessed Value (also known as State Equalized Value).

0

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

0

Fee Information

The filing fee is based on the greater of 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.

If the State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention is: Your filing fee is:

 

 $100,000.00 and under $250.00

 $100,000.01 to $500,000.00 $400.00

 $Over $500,000.00 $600.00

* Plus $25.00 for each additional parcel, not to exceed a total filing fee of $2,000.00.

A fee of $250.00 is required for the filing of a Special Assessment Appeal.

A fee of $250.00 is required for the filing of an Equalization Tax Appeal.

A fee of $250.00 is required for the filing of a Non-Property Tax Appeal.

A fee of $150.00 is required for the filing of a Classification Tax Appeal

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

Petitioner or Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Signature: 

/s/ Jason C. Long

Payment Information

Amount: 425

Success: True

Message: ""

Waiver Code:

Transaction Number: 26062290584756

Supporting

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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

Journey to the Well Foundation, Inc., 

Petitioner,

 MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

v

MTT Docket No.: 26-002404

Township Of Arlington, 

Respondent.

NOTICE OF DOCKET NUMBER

TAKE NOTICE that an Entire Tribunal petition has been filed and the above-noted 

docket number has been assigned to that petition. This docket number shall be noted 

on the petition and the petition shall be served within 45 days of the issuance of 

this notice, as required by TTR 227 and MCL 205.735a, even if the petition was served 

when filed. A proof of service shall also be filed with the Tribunal within 45 days of the 

issuance of this notice evidencing the service of the petition. 

If you submitted a proof of service with the petition, you must still serve the petition and 

file a second proof of service including the docket number, pursuant to this notice. 

Failure to serve the petition and file a proof of service within 45 days of the issuance of 

the notice may result in the dismissal of this case.

Under TTR 235(1), “[t]he respondent shall file an answer or responsive motion within 28 

days after the date of service of the petition with noted docket number.” Failure to do so 

will result in Respondent being placed in default.

The docket number also needs to be noted on all other documents submitted in this 

case. Further, the assignment of the docket number does not mean that the Tribunal 

has authority over the petition or that the petition complies with statutory requirements 

or the Tribunal’s rules.

By: Tribunal Clerk

Entered: September 17, 2026

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.

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STATE OF MICHIGAN 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING & REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

 

 

JOURNEY TO THE WELL FOUNDATION, INC., 

 

 

Petitioner, 

 

 

 

 

 

Parcel Nos. 80-03-001-006-10 

v. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

80-03-001-006-15 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARLINGTON TOWNSHIP, 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Respondent. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jason C. Long (P59244) 

Williams Williams Rattner & Plunkett, PC 

380 N. Old Woodward Ave., Ste. 300 

Birmingham, MI 48009 

(248) 642-0333 

Attorneys for Petitioner 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entire Tribunal Property Tax Petition 

 

 

Petitioner Journey to the Well Foundation, Inc., by and through its attorneys, 

Williams Williams Rattner & Plunkett, PC, states as follows for its Entire Tribunal 

Property Tax Petition. 

The Parties 

1. 

Petitioner is an Indiana nonprofit corporation with its principal offices 

located at 6645 E. 276th Street, Atlanta, Indiana 46031. A copy of Petitioner’s 

Certificate of Incorporation is attached as Exhibit A. 

2. 

Respondent Arlington Township is a Michigan general law township 

with its primary offices located at 52022 34th Avenue, Bangor, Michigan 49013. 

The Subject Properties 

3. 

Petitioner is the owner of two tax parcels identified as follows:

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a. 

Parcel No. 80-03-001-006-10, c/k/a 47764 Woodland Dr., Arlington 

Township, Michigan 49013. 

b. 

Parcel No. 80-03-001-006-15, c/k/a vacant Woodland Dr., Arlington 

Township, Michigan 49013. 

These properties are referred to in this Petition collectively as the “Subject 

Properties.” 

4. 

The Subject Properties are physically contiguous. 

5. 

The Subject Properties are located in Van Buren County and are within 

the Bangor Public School District. 

The Subject Properties’ 2026 Property Tax Assessments 

6. 

Respondent possesses jurisdiction to assess and collect property taxes 

for the Subject Properties. 

7. 

For the 2026 tax year, Respondent classified the Subject Properties as 

residential real property. 

8. 

Respondent tentatively assessed the Subject Properties in the amounts 

set forth in Paragraph 1 of the attached Petition Multiple Parcel Form. 

9. 

Petitioner protested the Subject Properties’ assessments at the 2026 

March Board of Review, asserting that the Subject Properties qualify for an 

exemption from tax under the General Property Tax Act, MCL 211.1 et seq., including 

the exemption for properties owned and occupied by a nonprofit charitable institution 

and used for the institution’s charitable purposes. The Board of Review denied any 

relief. Copies of the Board of Review decisions are attached as Exhibit B.

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10. 

Petitioner contends that valid and lawful assessments for the Subject 

Properties cannot exceed the amounts set forth in Paragraph 2 of the attached 

Petition Multiple Parcel Form. The Subject Properties qualify for exemption from 

real property taxes under the GPTA. 

11. 

The amounts in dispute are therefore the amounts set forth in 

Paragraph 3 of the attached Petition Multiple Parcel Form. 

12. 

This Petition presents issues involving exemption, including specifically 

that Petitioner (a) is a nonprofit charitable institution, (b) owns the Subject 

Properties, and (c) occupies the Subject Properties, and (d) uses the Subject 

Properties solely for the purposes for which Petitioner was incorporated. 

13. 

The 

purposes 

for 

Petitioner’s 

incorporation 

include 

providing 

programming for families, married couples, pastors, and other groups, that renews 

and strengthens spiritual and emotional connections through Biblical teaching and 

exposure to nature, located at the Subject Properties and other properties that 

Petitioner owns and uses in conjunction with the Subject Property. 

14. 

Petitioner does not believe that this Petition presents any issues arising 

out of “additions” or “losses” as the General Property Tax Act, MCL 211.1 et seq. (the 

“GPTA”) defines those terms but reserves its rights to assert issues involving losses 

should information supporting such issues become available. 

15. 

The Subject Properties’ 2026 assessments (a) violate the Michigan 

Constitution, the GPTA, and other Michigan law, (b) are based on erroneous 

principles and information, and (c) otherwise violate Petitioner’s rights.

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Conclusion and Request for Relief 

 

Wherefore, Petitioner respectfully requests that this honorable Tribunal enter 

judgment revising the Subject Properties’ 2026 assessments to be consistent with the 

amounts set forth in Paragraph 2 of the attached Petition Multiple Parcel Form and 

granting Petitioner all other relief to which it is entitled.

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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

Entire Tribunal Case Information Sheet - Petitioner

MTT DOCKET NO. 

 

Section 1: Petitioner’s Contact Information

Filer type: 

Organization 

Local Unit of Government

First Name

M.I.

Last Name/Company Name

Journey to the Well Foundation, Inc.

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

c/o 380 N. Old Woodward Ave.

Ste. 300

City or Town

Birmingham

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

48009

Telephone Number

2486420333

E-mail Address (do not enter unless you want MTT to send all correspondence via e-mail)

jlong@wwrplaw.com

 

 

Section 2: Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Contact Information

First Name

Jason

M.I.

C.

Last Name

Long

Firm Name (if any)

Williams Williams Rattner & Plunkett, PC

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

380 N. Old Woodward Ave.

Suite 300

City or Town

Birmingham

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

48009

Telephone Number

2486420333

E-mail Address (do not enter unless you want MTT to send all correspondence via e-mail)

jlong@wwrplaw.com

 

Section 3: Issue 

Please designate one: 

Valuation 

 

Section 4: Subject Property Information 

How many parcels are you 

appealing?

2

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

47764 Woodland Drive

Arlington Twp.

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STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

DIRECTOR

Michigan

49013

Taxing Authority (City or Township)

Township Of Arlington (VAN BUREN) 

County

Van Buren

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.)

Yes

 

 

Section 5: Check which of the following you are appealing (check all that apply) 

True Cash and Taxable Values

Other (please explain)

If “Other”, please explain:

Exemption

 

 

Section 6: Valuation Information for Each Parcel under Appeal

Parcel Number:

80-03-001-006-10

Classification of Property: Real (check one)

Residential (check one)

Current Assessed Value (also known as State Equalized Value) as established by the Board of Review:

212000

Current Taxable Value as established by the Board of Review:

212000

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

0

Multiply the True Cash Value by 50% and enter here. This is your contention of Assessed Value (also known as State Equalized Value).

0

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

0

 

Section 6: Valuation Information for Each Parcel under Appeal

Parcel Number:

80-03-001-006-15

Classification of Property: Real (check one)

Residential (check one)

Current Assessed Value (also known as State Equalized Value) as established by the Board of Review:

47500

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STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

DIRECTOR

Current Taxable Value as established by the Board of Review:

47500

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

0

Multiply the True Cash Value by 50% and enter here. This is your contention of Assessed Value (also known as State Equalized Value).

0

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

0

Fee Information

The filing fee is based on the greater of 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.

If the State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention is: Your filing fee is:

 

 $100,000.00 and under $250.00

 $100,000.01 to $500,000.00 $400.00

 $Over $500,000.00 $600.00

* Plus $25.00 for each additional parcel, not to exceed a total filing fee of $2,000.00.

A fee of $250.00 is required for the filing of a Special Assessment Appeal.

A fee of $250.00 is required for the filing of an Equalization Tax Appeal.

A fee of $250.00 is required for the filing of a Non-Property Tax Appeal.

A fee of $150.00 is required for the filing of a Classification Tax Appeal

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

Petitioner or Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Signature: 

/s/ Jason C. Long

Payment Information

Amount: 425

Success: True

Message: ""

Waiver Code:

Transaction Number: 26062290584756

Supporting

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