La Donna D Starks, Petitioner V City Of Detroit, 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

La Donna D Starks, 

Petitioner, MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

 SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

 MTT Docket No. 26-000240

City of Detroit,

Respondent.

ORDER OF DISMISSAL

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

The petition was not filed on or before July 31 of the tax year appealed, as required by 

MCL 205.735a, or within 30 days of the issuance of a July or December Board of 

Review Decision, as required by MCL 211.53c. 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

Page 2

MTT Docket No. 26-000240

Page 2 of 7

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

arguments unless otherwise ordered by the Tribunal.

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: March 9, 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

Page 3

La Donna D Starks

16566 Bentler St

Detroit , MI 48219

Page 4

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

DIRECTOR

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

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

La Donna D Starks, 

Petitioner, MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

 SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

 MTT Docket No. 26-000240

City of Detroit,

Respondent.

ORDER OF DISMISSAL

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

The petition was not filed on or before July 31 of the tax year appealed, as required by 

MCL 205.735a, or within 30 days of the issuance of a July or December Board of 

Review Decision, as required by MCL 211.53c. 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

Page 5

MTT Docket No. 26-000240

Page 5 of 7

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

arguments unless otherwise ordered by the Tribunal.

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

Page 6

ST

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

Page 1

RECEIVED 

JAN 9, 0 2026 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

PROPERTY TAX APPEAL PETITION FORM 

POVERTY EXEMPTION 

Do not use this form to appeal Principal Residence Exemption, Qualified Agricultural Exemption, Disabled Veterans 

Exemption, or other exemption disputes. 

Pursuant to Tax Tribunal Rule (TTR) 279, you MUST submit a copy of the notice giving rise to the appeal (i.e., Board of 

Review Decision or other notice) with this petition. 

If you do not submit this document, you may be held in default. 

Section 1: Petitioner’s Contact Information 

First Name 

M.L 

Last Name/Company Name 

La DONNA 

D 

STARKS 

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

16566 BENTLER ST 

City or Town 

State 

ZIP Code 

DETROIT 

Mi 

48219 

Telephone Number (248) 662-8942 

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

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

First Name 

ML 

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 

Parcel Identification Number: 

— 

27250251 

Property Address (No., Street) 

16566 BENTLER ST 

City or Town 

County 

State 

ZIP Code 

DETROIT 

WAYNE 

MI 

48219

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON |. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

Section 4: Explain the Reason for this Appeal 

{ filed HOPE application twice. 

| did not know i had fo list everyone staying at my home. 

| just thought it meant my “children” only. 

| 

called SEVERAL, NUMEROUS times asking HOPE if 

| could add my great-nephew and his son's names, and they ALL. TOLD ME 

| 

COULD. 

| subsequently went down to the Accessor’ Office at 2 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48226, asking the rep there if | could. 

| 

even went down to the Wayne Metro Office and after the rep went and asked a supervisor, she also told me | could. Sti, 

1 called and 

kept asking. Then, 

| went down to the Accessor’s Office again, and the rep there told me to be patient, he was going to email a 

supervisor. He then told me 

| had to withdraw my HOPE application and do another one. He had me handwrite a withdrawal, gave 

me another HOPE package, and 

| completed it and returned it the very next day. The problem was my great-nephrew and his son, 

my great-great nephew, were staying with me. My great-nephrew had lowa ID. But | provided a copy of his MDHHS application with 

his and the baby's case numbers on it. Subsequently, he did go and get Michigan State ID, after 1 asked him to leave. He left me and 

took the baby, and 

| almost had a nervous breakdown. The baby's mom lives in lowa; occasionally, he would take the baby to see 

her and stay no longer than two weeks, tops. They have been with me since the baby was just about one years old. 

1 can provide a 

copy of his State of Michigan ID, along with a copy of Michigan DHS Medicaid coverage document. 

| have Social Security for 

approximately $1,879.00 plus my deceased's husband Chrysler pension of $457.00. My house will be in foreclosure on February 3, 

2026, and 

| have to file bankrupicy. My property taxes doubled. 

| was never late when they were $1,240, buy they went up to $2,460. 

| am now approximately $23,000 behind, 

| ask that you PLEASE RECONSIDER BECAUSE 

| NEED HOPE iF 1 AM TO CONTINUE 

70 BE ABLE TO LIVE IN MY HOME. 

| have documentation to substantiate everything contained herein, 

Section 5: Jurisdictional Issues 

Did you request a poverty exemption ata Board of Review (BOR)? 

[J Yes 

No 

if Yes, check which BOR you attended: [Wl] March 

[a] July 

[] December 

If No, please explain: 

Date the BOR decision was issued: 

LETTER IS DATED DECEMBER 9, 2025 (RECEIVED JANUARY 9, 2026) 

Tax year{s) denfed: 2025 

Fee Information 

There is no fee required for the filing of a poverty exemption appeal. 

Signature “required 

Ei) | 

girsvig La DONNA D. STARKS 

C77 7

Page 3

Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 2 

Phone: (313) 224-3035 

Woodward Avenue, Suite 105 

Fax: (313) 224-4576 

Detroit, Michigan 48226 

www.detroitmi.gov 

Property Assensmeny 

Board of Review 

=e 

DETROIT 

BS 

December 9, 2025 

DISTRICT: 1 

STARKS, LA DONNA 

16566 BENTLER 

DETROIT MI 48219 

RE: 

2025 DECEMBER BOARD OF REVIEW PETITION NUMBER: 

 D-64135 

Parcel ID: 

27250251. 

Property Address: 

16566 BENTLER 

Property Classification: 

~~ 401 

In accordance with General Property Tax Act MCL 211.7u, BY REASON OF POVERTY, The December Board 

of Review has considered your 2025 

homeowner's property tax exemption application regarding the above- 

described property. 

The homeowner's property tax exemption has been DENIED. (Reason for denial below) 

Household exceeds income guidelines 

Valid ID/DL not provided by all adults in the household 18+ 

* YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING FOR THE 2025 SUMMER and WINTER TAXES.* 

If you disagree with the Board of Reviews decision, further appeal may be made to the Michigan Tax Tribunal 

within 30 days of this notice. Information on how to appeal including the petition form are available online at 

www. michigan.gov/taxtrib .You can print the petition that applies to your appeal and mail the completed form 

along 

with 

this 

notice 

to 

Michigan 

Tax 

Tribunal 

at 

P.O. 

Box 

30232, 

Lansing, 

Michigan 

48909. 

Before Appeal 

After Appeal 

2025 

Assessed Value 

0 

66900 

2025 

Taxable Value 

0 

578% 

If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact the City of Detroit Office of the Assessor at

Page 4

Michigan Temporary State Identification Card 

State ID #: 

o 

Sex: Male 

Expiration Date: 03-15-2026 

Eye Color: Brown 

: 

Date of Birth 

~~ 

Height/Weight: §'098" 215 

Restrictions: nUNE 

JAYLIN DANTE 

STARKS 

16566 BENTLER ST

Page 5

| 

|

Page 6

Ca

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

La Donna D Starks,

Petitioner,

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

MTT Docket No. 26-000240

City of Detroit,

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: March 9, 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

Page 2

La Donna D Starks

16566 Bentler St

Detroit , MI 48219

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

La Donna D Starks,

Petitioner,

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

MTT Docket No. 26-000240

City of Detroit,

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: March 9, 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.

Page 1

RECEIVED 

JAN 9, 0 2026 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

PROPERTY TAX APPEAL PETITION FORM 

POVERTY EXEMPTION 

Do not use this form to appeal Principal Residence Exemption, Qualified Agricultural Exemption, Disabled Veterans 

Exemption, or other exemption disputes. 

Pursuant to Tax Tribunal Rule (TTR) 279, you MUST submit a copy of the notice giving rise to the appeal (i.e., Board of 

Review Decision or other notice) with this petition. 

If you do not submit this document, you may be held in default. 

Section 1: Petitioner’s Contact Information 

First Name 

M.L 

Last Name/Company Name 

La DONNA 

D 

STARKS 

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

16566 BENTLER ST 

City or Town 

State 

ZIP Code 

DETROIT 

Mi 

48219 

Telephone Number (248) 662-8942 

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

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

First Name 

ML 

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 

Parcel Identification Number: 

— 

27250251 

Property Address (No., Street) 

16566 BENTLER ST 

City or Town 

County 

State 

ZIP Code 

DETROIT 

WAYNE 

MI 

48219

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON |. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

Section 4: Explain the Reason for this Appeal 

{ filed HOPE application twice. 

| did not know i had fo list everyone staying at my home. 

| just thought it meant my “children” only. 

| 

called SEVERAL, NUMEROUS times asking HOPE if 

| could add my great-nephew and his son's names, and they ALL. TOLD ME 

| 

COULD. 

| subsequently went down to the Accessor’ Office at 2 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48226, asking the rep there if | could. 

| 

even went down to the Wayne Metro Office and after the rep went and asked a supervisor, she also told me | could. Sti, 

1 called and 

kept asking. Then, 

| went down to the Accessor’s Office again, and the rep there told me to be patient, he was going to email a 

supervisor. He then told me 

| had to withdraw my HOPE application and do another one. He had me handwrite a withdrawal, gave 

me another HOPE package, and 

| completed it and returned it the very next day. The problem was my great-nephrew and his son, 

my great-great nephew, were staying with me. My great-nephrew had lowa ID. But | provided a copy of his MDHHS application with 

his and the baby's case numbers on it. Subsequently, he did go and get Michigan State ID, after 1 asked him to leave. He left me and 

took the baby, and 

| almost had a nervous breakdown. The baby's mom lives in lowa; occasionally, he would take the baby to see 

her and stay no longer than two weeks, tops. They have been with me since the baby was just about one years old. 

1 can provide a 

copy of his State of Michigan ID, along with a copy of Michigan DHS Medicaid coverage document. 

| have Social Security for 

approximately $1,879.00 plus my deceased's husband Chrysler pension of $457.00. My house will be in foreclosure on February 3, 

2026, and 

| have to file bankrupicy. My property taxes doubled. 

| was never late when they were $1,240, buy they went up to $2,460. 

| am now approximately $23,000 behind, 

| ask that you PLEASE RECONSIDER BECAUSE 

| NEED HOPE iF 1 AM TO CONTINUE 

70 BE ABLE TO LIVE IN MY HOME. 

| have documentation to substantiate everything contained herein, 

Section 5: Jurisdictional Issues 

Did you request a poverty exemption ata Board of Review (BOR)? 

[J Yes 

No 

if Yes, check which BOR you attended: [Wl] March 

[a] July 

[] December 

If No, please explain: 

Date the BOR decision was issued: 

LETTER IS DATED DECEMBER 9, 2025 (RECEIVED JANUARY 9, 2026) 

Tax year{s) denfed: 2025 

Fee Information 

There is no fee required for the filing of a poverty exemption appeal. 

Signature “required 

Ei) | 

girsvig La DONNA D. STARKS 

C77 7

Page 3

Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 2 

Phone: (313) 224-3035 

Woodward Avenue, Suite 105 

Fax: (313) 224-4576 

Detroit, Michigan 48226 

www.detroitmi.gov 

Property Assensmeny 

Board of Review 

=e 

DETROIT 

BS 

December 9, 2025 

DISTRICT: 1 

STARKS, LA DONNA 

16566 BENTLER 

DETROIT MI 48219 

RE: 

2025 DECEMBER BOARD OF REVIEW PETITION NUMBER: 

 D-64135 

Parcel ID: 

27250251. 

Property Address: 

16566 BENTLER 

Property Classification: 

~~ 401 

In accordance with General Property Tax Act MCL 211.7u, BY REASON OF POVERTY, The December Board 

of Review has considered your 2025 

homeowner's property tax exemption application regarding the above- 

described property. 

The homeowner's property tax exemption has been DENIED. (Reason for denial below) 

Household exceeds income guidelines 

Valid ID/DL not provided by all adults in the household 18+ 

* YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING FOR THE 2025 SUMMER and WINTER TAXES.* 

If you disagree with the Board of Reviews decision, further appeal may be made to the Michigan Tax Tribunal 

within 30 days of this notice. Information on how to appeal including the petition form are available online at 

www. michigan.gov/taxtrib .You can print the petition that applies to your appeal and mail the completed form 

along 

with 

this 

notice 

to 

Michigan 

Tax 

Tribunal 

at 

P.O. 

Box 

30232, 

Lansing, 

Michigan 

48909. 

Before Appeal 

After Appeal 

2025 

Assessed Value 

0 

66900 

2025 

Taxable Value 

0 

578% 

If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact the City of Detroit Office of the Assessor at

Page 4

Michigan Temporary State Identification Card 

State ID #: 

o 

Sex: Male 

Expiration Date: 03-15-2026 

Eye Color: Brown 

: 

Date of Birth 

~~ 

Height/Weight: §'098" 215 

Restrictions: nUNE 

JAYLIN DANTE 

STARKS 

16566 BENTLER ST

Page 5

| 

|

Page 6

Ca

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.