Kristopher Fewless, Petitioner V City Of Manistee, 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 

Kristopher Fewless, 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

 

Petitioner, 

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION 

 

v 

 

MTT Docket No. 25-003225 

 

City of Manistee, 

 

Presiding Judge 

Respondent. 

 

Patricia L. Halm 

 

ORDER GRANTING JOINT STIPULATION FOR ENTRY OF CONSENT JUDGMENT 

 

CONSENT JUDGMENT 

 

The Tribunal has reviewed the Stipulation and finds that it comports with the mandates 

of State law.1 As a result, the Tribunal shall enter the parties’ Stipulation. Therefore, 

 

IT IS ORDERED that the Joint Stipulation for Entry of Consent Judgment including all 

attachments, terms, and conditions is GRANTED and ADOPTED, unless otherwise 

indicated. 

 

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the officer charged with maintaining the assessment 

rolls for the tax years at issue shall correct or cause the assessment rolls to be 

corrected to reflect the property’s true cash and taxable values as provided in this 

Consent Judgment within 20 days of the entry of the Consent Judgment.2 

 

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the officer charged with collecting or refunding the 

affected taxes shall collect taxes and any applicable interest or issue a refund as 

required by the Consent Judgment within 28 days of the entry of the Consent 

Judgment. If a refund is warranted, it shall, unless otherwise indicated, include a 

proportionate share of any property tax administration fees paid and of penalty and 

interest paid on delinquent taxes. The refund shall also, unless otherwise indicated, 

separately indicate the amount of the taxes, fees, penalties, and interest being 

refunded. A sum determined by the Tribunal to have been unlawfully paid shall, unless 

otherwise indicated, bear interest from the date of payment to the date of judgment and 

the judgment shall bear interest to the date of its payment. A sum determined by the 

Tribunal to have been underpaid shall not bear interest for any time period prior to 28 

days after the issuance of this Consent Judgment. Pursuant to MCL 205.737, interest 

shall accrue (i) after December 31, 2020, through June 30, 2022, at the rate of 4.25%, 

(ii) after June 30, 2022, through December 31, 2022, at the rate of 4.27%, (iii) after 

December 31, 2022, through June 30, 2023, at the rate of 5.65%, (iv) after June 30, 

2023, through December 31, 2023, at the rate of 8.25%, (v) after December 31, 2023, 

 

1 See MCL 211.27a. 

2 See MCL 205.755.

Page 2

MTT Docket No. 25-003225 

Page 2 of 2 

 

through June 30, 2024, at the rate of 9.30%, (vi) after June 30, 2024, through December 

31, 2024, at the rate of 9.50%, (vii) after December 31, 2024, through June 30, 2025, at 

the rate of 9.47%, (viii) after June 30, 2025, through December 31, 2025, at the rate of 

8.66%, and (ix) after December 31, 2025, through June 30, 2026, at a rate of 8.48%. 

 

This Consent Judgment resolves all pending claims in this matter and closes this case. 

 

See docket look up for a copy of stipulation and for any possible refund paragraph. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By _____________________________ 

Entered: January 8, 2026 

sb 

 

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

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 

Petitioner(s) 

 

v 

 

MTT Docket No. 

 

 

 

 

_____________________________, 

Respondent(s) 

 

STIPULATION FOR ENTRY OF CONSENT JUDGMENT 

(MCL 211.53a) 

 

1. The subject property is in ____________________________________ County. 

 

2. Owner’s name and subject property address: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_______________________________ 

_______________________________ 

_______________________________ 

_______________________________ 

 

3. Please indicate the specific error or mistake and explain how that error or mistake 

resulted in the establishing of the assessment or assessments at issue: (attach an 

additional sheet if 

necessary)___________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________ 

 

4. The original Assessed Value(s) (AV), and Taxable Value(s) (TV) are as shown 

below: 

 

Parcel Number 

Tax Year

Original AV

Original TV

 

 

 

 

5. The revised TCV, State Equalized Value(s) (SEV), and TV are as shown below: 

Kristopher Fewless

25-003225

City of Manistee

Manistee

 

Kristopher Fewless 

Merkey Rd 

Manistee, MI 49660

 

 

 

The Assessor and Taxpayer agree that the wrong table was used. MCL 211.53b(6)b. 

Mutual mistake of fact. 

51-314-225-01

2024

796,900

796,900

Page 2

MTT Docket No. ___________ 

Page 2 of 2 

 

 

Parcel Number 

Tax Year

Revised TCV

Revised SEV

Revised TV

 

6. List any special terms or conditions being proposed by the parties that would affect 

the execution of a Consent Judgment including, but not limited to, the joint payment 

of the refund, the waiver of interest, etc. (attach additional page if necessary): 

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________ 

 

NOTE: The Stipulation MUST include ALL parcels and ALL tax years included in the 

appeal. The parties may agree, however, to withdraw the appeal of specific parcels 

and/or tax year(s). 

 

IF APPLICABLE, complete the following section. Otherwise, LEAVE BLANK. 

 

7. The parties agree to the withdrawal of parcel number: 

__________________________________________. 

(If more than one parcel is being withdrawn, attach a separate page addressing 

all other parcels being withdrawn.) 

 

8. The parties agree to the withdrawal of tax year(s) ____________________. 

 

 

Signature of Petitioner’s Authorized Representative or, if none, Petitioner: 

 

__________________________________________________________________ 

 

Printed Name:_______________________________________________________ 

 

Date: ______________________________________________________________ 

 

Signature of Respondent’s authorized representative: 

 

__________________________________________________________________ 

 

Printed Name:_______________________________________________________ 

 

Date: ______________________________________________________________ 

25-003225

51-314-225-01

2024

555,400

277,700

277,700

/s/ Ross K. Bower II (P70574)

Ross K. Bower

1/8/26

/s/Marlene "Molly" Whetstone

Marlene "Molly" Whetstone 

1/8/26

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 

 

_____________________________, 

 

 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

Petitioner(s) 

 

v 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MTT Docket No. 

 

 

 

 

_____________________________, 

Respondent(s) 

 

PROOF OF SERVICE 

 

 

___________________________________ states that on ___________________ he/she 

[Name of person serving/mailing petition] 

 

 

[date of service] 

 

served a copy of the ___________________ relative to the above-captioned matter upon: 

 

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

 

________________________________________________ 

 

________________________________________________ 

 

________________________________________________ 

 

________________________________________________ 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_________________________________________ 

[Signature of person who is serving/mailing copy] 

 

_________________________________________ 

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

 

 

 

 

Kristopher Fewless

25-003225

City of Manistee

Jamy A. Staffeld

01/08/2026

Stipulation for Entry of Consent Judgment

Marlene "Molly" Whetstone

PO Box 325

Cadillac, MI 49601

/s/Jamy A. Staffeld

Jamy A. Staffeld

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 

_____________________________, 

 

 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

Petitioner(s) 

 

v 

 

MTT Docket No. 

 

 

 

 

_____________________________, 

Respondent(s) 

 

STIPULATION FOR ENTRY OF CONSENT JUDGMENT 

(MCL 211.53a) 

 

1. The subject property is in ____________________________________ County. 

 

2. Owner’s name and subject property address: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_______________________________ 

_______________________________ 

_______________________________ 

_______________________________ 

 

3. Please indicate the specific error or mistake and explain how that error or mistake 

resulted in the establishing of the assessment or assessments at issue: (attach an 

additional sheet if 

necessary)___________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________ 

 

4. The original Assessed Value(s) (AV), and Taxable Value(s) (TV) are as shown 

below: 

 

Parcel Number 

Tax Year

Original AV

Original TV

 

 

 

 

5. The revised TCV, State Equalized Value(s) (SEV), and TV are as shown below: 

Kristopher Fewless

25-003225

City of Manistee

Manistee

 

Kristopher Fewless 

Merkey Rd 

Manistee, MI 49660

 

 

 

The Assessor and Taxpayer agree that the wrong table was used. MCL 211.53b(6)b. 

Mutual mistake of fact. 

51-314-225-01

2024

796,900

796,900

Page 2

MTT Docket No. ___________ 

Page 2 of 2 

 

 

Parcel Number 

Tax Year

Revised TCV

Revised SEV

Revised TV

 

6. List any special terms or conditions being proposed by the parties that would affect 

the execution of a Consent Judgment including, but not limited to, the joint payment 

of the refund, the waiver of interest, etc. (attach additional page if necessary): 

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________ 

 

NOTE: The Stipulation MUST include ALL parcels and ALL tax years included in the 

appeal. The parties may agree, however, to withdraw the appeal of specific parcels 

and/or tax year(s). 

 

IF APPLICABLE, complete the following section. Otherwise, LEAVE BLANK. 

 

7. The parties agree to the withdrawal of parcel number: 

__________________________________________. 

(If more than one parcel is being withdrawn, attach a separate page addressing 

all other parcels being withdrawn.) 

 

8. The parties agree to the withdrawal of tax year(s) ____________________. 

 

 

Signature of Petitioner’s Authorized Representative or, if none, Petitioner: 

 

__________________________________________________________________ 

 

Printed Name:_______________________________________________________ 

 

Date: ______________________________________________________________ 

 

Signature of Respondent’s authorized representative: 

 

__________________________________________________________________ 

 

Printed Name:_______________________________________________________ 

 

Date: ______________________________________________________________ 

25-003225

51-314-225-01

2024

555,400

277,700

277,700

/s/ Ross K. Bower II (P70574)

Ross K. Bower

1/8/26

/s/Marlene "Molly" Whetstone

Marlene "Molly" Whetstone 

1/8/26

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

Kristopher Fewless,

Petitioner,

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

MTT Docket No. 25-003225

City Of Manistee,

Respondent.

NOTICE OF FILING

TAKE NOTICE that a Small Claims answer has been filed and the electronic copy of the 

answer can be reviewed by utilizing the Docket Lookup on the Tribunal’s website. 

Unless Respondent was defaulted, this case is ready to be scheduled for a Small 

Claims hearing and will be scheduled in the normal course of scheduling. You will 

receive a Notice of Hearing from the Tribunal by e-mail if you have identified an email 

address in the petition or other documentation. The Notice of Hearing will inform you of 

the date, time, and location of your hearing (note that your hearing will likely be 

conducted by telephone). Please read the Notice of Hearing as it includes important 

information.

EVIDENCE: Parties are required to submit all evidence to the Tribunal and send a copy 

to the opposing party at least 21 days before the hearing date even if the documents 

had been submitted to the local Board of Review or the Michigan Department of 

Treasury. If the documents are not timely submitted to the Tribunal and served on the 

opposing party, the documents may be excluded. Documents may be filed with the 

Tribunal by mail or through the Tribunal’s e-filing system. Documents may be sent to the 

opposing party by mail or by e-mail, if the parties agree to service by e-mail.

Users who file documents with the Michigan Tax Tribunal are advised that filed 

documents are public records and will appear for public viewing on the Tax 

Docket Lookup. Users who file documents are responsible for ensuring sensitive or 

personal identifying information is withheld or redacted. See TTR 209. If a user wishes 

to file a document for consideration by the Michigan Tax Tribunal and prevent its 

publication on the Tax Docket Lookup, the user MUST file a Motion for Protective Order 

under MCR 2.302(C)(8). If a Protective Order is issued, documents covered by the 

Order will not be published. Documents filed prior to the issuance of a Protective Order 

will be published.

The responsibility for excluding or redacting personal identifying information (PII) from 

all documents filed with or offered to the Tribunal rests solely with the parties and 

their attorneys. The Tribunal is not responsible for or required to review, redact, or 

screen documents at the time of filing for PII whether filed electronically or on paper. A 

party, representative, or interested person (i.e. third party not part of an appeal) may 

request that the Tribunal redact PII contained in a previously-filed document by

Page 2

MTT Docket No. 25-003225

Page 2 of 6

submitting a Request for Redactions. The Request for Redactions form will be 

available on the Entire Tribunal and Small Claims pages of our website. 

Alternate Dispute Resolution Options

INFORMAL SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE: Parties have the option of handling this 

case through an informal settlement conference. An informal settlement conference 

is a meeting between the parties and/or their representatives to discuss the issues in a 

case in an effort to settle the case. This process may be an alternative to a hearing with 

a judge and may result in the parties’ filing a Joint Stipulation for Entry of Consent 

Judgment. Visit the Tribunal’s ADR webpage for more information.

NOTE: The parties may not request an informal settlement conference to discuss an 

appeal of a principal residence exemption that was denied by either the Michigan 

Department of Treasury or a County. Also, state taxes levied by the Michigan 

Department of Treasury, such as income taxes, are not subject to the informal 

settlement conference process.

MEDIATION: Parties have the option of handling this case through mediation. 

Mediation is a voluntary process where a mediator facilitates communication between 

the parties, assists in identifying issues, and helps explore solutions to promote a 

mutually acceptable settlement. This process may be an alternative to a hearing with a 

judge and may result in the parties’ filing a Joint Stipulation for Entry of Consent 

Judgment. Visit the Tribunal’s ADR webpage for more information.

If you have any questions, please contact the Tribunal by phone at (517) 335-9760 or 

email taxtrib@michigan.gov.

By: Tribunal Clerk

Entered: December 4, 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

Kristopher Fewless,

Petitioner,

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

MTT Docket No. 25-003225

City Of Manistee,

Respondent.

NOTICE OF FILING

TAKE NOTICE

Page 4

MTT

Page 5

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

 

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 

Petitioner(s) 

 

v 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MTT Docket No. 

 

 

 

 

_____________________________, 

Respondent(s) 

 

PROOF OF SERVICE 

 

 

___________________________________ states that on ___________________ he/she 

[Name of person serving/mailing petition] 

 

 

[date of service] 

 

served a copy of the ___________________ relative to the above-captioned matter upon: 

 

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

 

________________________________________________ 

 

________________________________________________ 

 

________________________________________________ 

 

________________________________________________ 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_________________________________________ 

[Signature of person who is serving/mailing copy] 

 

_________________________________________ 

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

 

 

 

 

Kristopher Fewless

25-003225

City of Manistee

Marlene "Molly" Whetstone

10-29-2025

Answer

Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC

Ross Bowell

4151 Okemos Rd

Okemos MI 48864

/s/ Molly Whetstone

Molly Whetstone

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 ANSWER FORM

VALUATION / EXEMPTION / CLASSIFICATION APPEAL

MOAHR DOCKET NO. 25-003225

Section 1: Respondent’s Contact Information

Filer Type: Local Unit of Government City Of Manistee (MANISTEE)

First Name

M.I.

Last Name/Company Name/Unit of Government

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

City or Town

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

Fax Number

E-mail Address

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

First Name

Marlene

M.I.

Faye

Last Name

Whetstone

Firm Name (if any)

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

PO Box 325

City or Town

Cadillac

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

49601

Telephone Number

231-468-2977

Fax Number

231-468-2977

E-mail Address

molly@greatlakesassessing.com

Section 3: Subject Property Information

Does the subject property have a Principal Residence Exemption of 50% or more? 

Yes

Are the parcels listed by Petitioner contiguous or adjoining? If not, list which parcels adjoin one another.

N/A 

Section 4: Explain Your Answer to this Appeal

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, Notice of Uncapping, or Assessment Change Notice) with this Small Claims Answer, if applicable. If you do not submit this 

document, you may be held in default.

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

2024 Value was set using methodologies in accordance with State Tax Commission guidelines.

Section 5: Jurisdictional Issues

IF PETITIONER IS APPEALING THE TRUE CASH AND/OR TAXABLE VALUES

Did Petitioner protest the assessment at a Board of Review (BOR)? Yes

If yes, check which BOR Petitioner attended: July

If no, was the Notice of Assessment properly sent to Petitioner prior to the March BOR? July*Submit a copy of the Notice of Assessment with the Answer.

If the July or December BOR revised the assessment(s) at issue, did it have authority? Yes

If yes, cite the Board’s authority.

MCL 211.53b (6)- Board did not want to change the value

Was the assessment(s) at issue established as the result of a clerical error or mutual mistake of fact? No

If yes, explain.

Is Petitioner appealing from a State Tax Commission Order? 

If so, what is the issue date?

Michigan

IF PETITIONER IS APPEALING THE UNCAPPING OF TAXABLE VALUE

When was the Notice of Uncapping, if applicable, issued?

Under what statutory section was the Taxable Value uncapped?

IF PETITIONER IS APPEALING THE DENIAL OF A POVERTY EXEMPTION

Did Petitioner request a Poverty Exemption at a BOR? No

If Yes, check which BOR Petitioner attended: 

List the date the BOR denied Petitioner’s Poverty Exemption:

IF PETITIONER IS APPEALING THE DENIAL OF AN EXEMPTION 

OTHER THAN POVERTY, PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE, OR QUALIFIED AGRICULTURAL EXEMPTIONS

Did Petitioner request the exemption at the BOR? 

No

If Yes, check which BOR Petitioner attended:

Page 3

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

Tax Year(s) denied:

List the date the exemption was denied:

What statutory section did Petitioner request the subject property be exempt?

IF PETITIONER IS APPEALING THE CLASSIFICATION OF PROPERTY

What do you believe the classification should be: 

Section 6: Valuation Information *Use the multiple parcel form for additional, contiguous parcels.

Parcel Identification Number:

51-314-225-01

Classification of Property:

Real 

Residential

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

796,900

Current Taxable Value as established by the BOR:

796,900

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

1,593,800

Multiply the True Cash Value by. 5 and enter here. This is your contention of Assessed Value.

796,900

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

No

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

Respondent or Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Signature: 

/s/ Marlene "Molly" Whetstone

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: Individual 

First Name

Kristopher

M.I.

Last Name/Company Name

Fewless

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

PO Box 416

2226 Merkey Road

City or Town

Manistee

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

49660

Telephone Number

231-598-5401

Fax Number

E-mail Address

rbower@fsbrlaw.com

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

First Name

Ross

M.I.

K

Last Name

Bower

Firm Name (if any)

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

4151 Okemos Road

City or Town

Okemos

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

48864

Telephone Number

517-381-0100

Fax Number

517-381-5051

E-mail Address 

jstaffeld@fsbrlaw.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]

Merkey Road, Manistee, MI 49660 (5151-314-225-01)

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

Michigan

Taxing Authority (City or Township)

City Of Manistee (MANISTEE)

County 

Manistee

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

True Cash and Taxable Value

 

Section 5: Explain the Reason for this Appeal

MCL 211.53b(6)b-Mutual Mistake of Fact. See attached July Board of Review change notice. 

Section 6: Jurisdictional Issues

Year(s) you are appealing:

2024

Did you protest the assessment at a Board of Review (BOR)? Yes

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

If No, check the applicable reason(s):

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: 5151-314-225-01

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:

796900

Current Taxable Value as established by the BOR:

796900

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

555400 

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

277700

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

277700

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?

Yes

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/ Ross K. Bower II

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

Kristopher Fewless,

Petitioner,

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

MTT Docket No. 25-003225

City Of Manistee,

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 27, 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

Kristopher Fewless,

Petitioner,

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

MTT Docket No. 25-003225

City Of Manistee,

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 27, 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

Kristopher Fewless,

Petitioner,

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

MTT Docket No. 25-003225

City Of Manistee,

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 27, 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

STATE OF MICHIGAN

 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

GOVERNOR 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

DIRECTOR 

 

PROPERTY TAX APPEAL PETITION FORM 

VALUATION / EXEMPTION / CLASSIFICATION APPEAL 

 

 

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

Non-Property tax disputes. 

Section 1: Petitioner’s Contact Information 

First Name 

 

M.I. 

Last Name/Company Name 

 

Mailing 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: Petitioner’s Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Contact Information 

First Name 

 

M.I. 

Last Name 

 

Firm Name (if any) 

 

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

 

City or Town 

 

State 

ZIP Code 

Telephone Number 

 

Email Address (do not enter unless you want MTT to send all correspondence via email) 

 

 

Section 3: Subject Property Information 

How many 

parcels are you 

appealing? 

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

 Yes* 

 No** 

*If yes, use a multiple parcel form for information regarding any contiguous parcels. 

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

 

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

 

 

Taxing Authority (City or Township) 

County 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pursuant to Michigan Tax Tribunal Rule (TTR) 279, 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. 

Kristopher 

T

Fewless

PO Box 416, 2226 Merkey Road

Manistee

MI

49660

Ross

K

Bower II

Okemos

MI

48864

Merkey Rd., Manistee, MI 49660 (5151-314-225-01)

City of Manistee

Manistee 

Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC

4151 Okemos Road

517-381-0100

rbower@fsblraw.com

1

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN

 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

GOVERNOR 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

DIRECTOR 

 

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

 

 True Cash and Taxable Value 

 

 

 Poverty Exemption 

 

 

 Taxable Value Only (calculation) 

 

 

 Disabled Veterans Exemption 

 

 

 Uncapping of Taxable Value 

 

 

 Eligible Manufacturing Personal Property (ESA) 

 

 

 Exemption from Taxation (other than the denial of a 

Principal Residence or Qualified Agricultural Exemption) 

 

 Classification 

 

 

Section 5: Explain the Reason for this Appeal 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 6: Jurisdictional Issues 

Year(s) you are appealing: 

 

 

Did you protest the assessment at a Board of Review (BOR)? 

 Yes 

 No 

 

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

 March 

 July 

 December 

 

If No, check the applicable reason(s): 

 Not required to attend 

 Assessment Change Notice was not received by Petitioner 

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

 Appealing within 35 days of State Tax Commission Order 

 Appealing within 35 days of receipt of Notice of Uncapping 

Did you request a poverty exemption at the BOR? 

 Yes 

 No 

 

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

 March 

 July 

 December 

 

If No, explain why: 

 

 

 



MCL 211.53b(6)b-Mutual Mistake of Fact. See attached July Board of Review change 

notice. 

2024







Page 3

STATE OF MICHIGAN

 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

GOVERNOR 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

DIRECTOR 

 

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

Parcel Identification Number: 

 

 

Classification of Property: 

Real Personal (check one) 

 

 

 

 

Agricultural Commercial Industrial Residential Timber-Cutover Developmental Utility (check one) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Current Taxable Value as established by the BOR: 

 

 

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

 

 

Multiply the True Cash Value by .5 and enter here. This is your contention of Assessed Value. 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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: 

Real Personal (check one) 

 

 

 

 

Agricultural Commercial Industrial Residential Timber-Cutover Developmental Utility (check one) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do you believe is the property’s classification? 

Real Personal (check one) 

 

 

 

 

Agricultural Commercial Industrial Residential Timber-Cutover Developmental Utility (check one) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5151-314-225-01





796,900

796,900

555,400

277,700

277,700

Page 4

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

GOVERNOR 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

DIRECTOR 

Fee

Page 5

Ndi Copper

Page 6

20

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: Individual 

First Name

Kristopher

M.I.

Last Name/Company Name

Fewless

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

PO Box 416

2226 Merkey Road

City or Town

Manistee

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

49660

Telephone Number

231-598-5401

Fax Number

E-mail Address

rbower@fsbrlaw.com

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

First Name

Ross

M.I.

K

Last Name

Bower

Firm Name (if any)

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

4151 Okemos Road

City or Town

Okemos

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

48864

Telephone Number

517-381-0100

Fax Number

517-381-5051

E-mail Address 

jstaffeld@fsbrlaw.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]

Merkey Road, Manistee, MI 49660 (5151-314-225-01)

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

Michigan

Taxing Authority (City or Township)

City Of Manistee (MANISTEE)

County 

Manistee

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

True Cash and Taxable Value

 

Section 5: Explain the Reason for this Appeal

MCL 211.53b(6)b-Mutual Mistake of Fact. See attached July Board of Review change notice. 

Section 6: Jurisdictional Issues

Year(s) you are appealing:

2024

Did you protest the assessment at a Board of Review (BOR)? Yes

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

If No, check the applicable reason(s):

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: 5151-314-225-01

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:

796900

Current Taxable Value as established by the BOR:

796900

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

555400 

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

277700

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

277700

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?

Yes

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/ Ross K. Bower II

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.