Laura French, Petitioner V Township Of Leelanau, Respondent
- Petitioner
- Laura French
- Respondent
- Township Of Leelanau
Case overview
- Docket number
- 25-003619-TT
- Status
- Disposed
- CaseType
- SC Property
- Division
- Small Claims Division
- County
- Leelanau
- Judge
- No judge assigned
Docket history
| Line # | Subject | Filer | Line Ref | Enter Date/Post Mark | Fee | Related Item |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Order of Dismissal | Not recorded | Not recorded | 10/21/2025 | Not recorded | Download |
| 3 | Petition has been verified | PET | 1 | 10/21/2025 | Not recorded | Download |
| 2 | Notice of Docket Number SC | Not recorded | Not recorded | 10/20/2025 | Not recorded | Download |
| 1 | A petition was received. | PET | Not recorded | 07/14/2025 | Not recorded | Download |
Documents
Read document text excerpt
Page 1
STATE OF MICHIGAN GRETCHEN WHITMER GOVERNOR DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS LANSING MARLON I. BROWN, DPA DIRECTOR MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL · 611 W. OTTAWA ST., LANSING, MI 48933 · 517-335-9760 PO BOX 30232, LANSING, MI 48909 · Other Carriers: 2407 N. GRAND RIVER AVE., LANSING, MI 48906 Laura French, Petitioner, MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION v MTT Docket No. 25-003619 Township Of Leelanau, Respondent. ORDER OF DISMISSAL The Tribunal has reviewed the file in the above-captioned case and finds that: Petitioner failed to protest the assessment to Respondent’s March Board of Review, as required by MCL 205.735a. As such, and inasmuch as the Tribunal has no equitable power to waive or otherwise disregard statutory filing requirements and deadlines, it has no authority to hear the appeal or grant the relief requested. See Sixarp, LLC v Byron Twp, __Mich__; __NW3d__ (2025). Therefore, IT IS ORDERED that the case is DISMISSED. This order resolves all pending issues and closes the case. APPEAL RIGHTS If you disagree with the final decision in this case, you may file a motion for reconsideration with the Tribunal or a claim of appeal with the Michigan Court of Appeals. A motion for reconsideration must be filed with the Tribunal with the required filing fee within 21 days from the date of entry of the final decision. Because the final decision closes the case, the motion cannot be filed through the Tribunal’s web-based e-filing system; it must be filed by mail or personal service. The fee for the filing of such motions is $50.00 in the Entire Tribunal and $25.00 in the Small Claims Division, unless the Small Claims decision relates to the valuation of property and the property had a principal residence exemption of at least 50% at the time the petition was filed or the decision relates to the grant or denial of a poverty or disabled veterans exemption and, if so, there is no filing fee. You are required to serve a copy of the motion on the opposing party by mail or personal service or by email if the opposing party agrees to electronic service, and proof demonstrating that service must be submitted with the motion. Responses to motions for reconsideration are prohibited and there are no oral arguments unless otherwise ordered by the Tribunal.
Page 2
MTT Docket No. 25-003619 Page 2 of 6 Alternatively, you may file a claim of appeal with the Michigan Court of Appeals. If the claim is filed within 21 days of the entry of the final decision, it is an “appeal of right.” If the claim is filed more than 21 days after the entry of the final decision, it is an “appeal by leave.” A copy of the claim of appeal must be filed with the Tribunal to certify the record on appeal. There is no certification fee. By:___________________________________ Patricia L. Halm, Tribunal Chair Entered: October 21, 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 Laura French, Petitioner, MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION v MTT Docket No. 25-003619 Township Of Leelanau, Respondent. ORDER OF DISMISSAL The Tribunal has reviewed the file in the above-captioned case and finds that: Petitioner failed to protest the assessment to Respondent’s March Board of Review, as required by MCL 205.735a. As such, and inasmuch as the Tribunal has no equitable power to waive or otherwise disregard statutory filing requirements and deadlines, it has no authority to hear the appeal or grant the relief requested. See Sixarp, LLC v Byron Twp, __Mich__; __NW3d__ (2025). Therefore, IT IS ORDERED that the case is DISMISSED. This order resolves all pending issues and closes the case. APPEAL RIGHTS If you disagree with the final decision in this case, you may file a motion for reconsideration with the Tribunal or a claim of appeal with the Michigan Court of Appeals. A motion for reconsideration must be filed with the Tribunal with the required filing fee within 21 days from the date of entry of the final decision. Because the final decision closes the case, the motion cannot be filed through the Tribunal’s web-based e-filing system; it must be filed by mail or personal service. The fee for the filing of such motions is $50.00 in the Entire Tribunal and $25.00 in the Small Claims Division, unless the Small Claims decision relates to the valuation of property and the property had a principal residence exemption of at least 50% at the time the petition was filed or the decision relates to the grant or denial of a poverty or disabled veterans exemption and, if so, there is no filing fee. You are required to serve a copy of the motion on the opposing party by mail or personal service or by email if the opposing party agrees to electronic service, and proof demonstrating that service must be submitted with the motion. Responses to motions for reconsideration are prohibited and there are no oral arguments unless otherwise ordered by the Tribunal.
Page 4
MTT Docket No. 25-003619 Page 4 of 6 Alternatively, you may file a claim of appeal with the Michigan Court of Appeals. If the claim is filed within 21 days of the entry of the final decision, it is an “appeal of right.” If the claim is filed more than 21 days after the entry of the final decision, it is an “appeal by leave.” A copy of the claim of appeal must be filed with the Tribunal to certify the record on appeal. There is no certification fee.
Page 5
STATE OF
Page 6
MTT Docket No.
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Page 1
RECEIVED
=
AUG 07 2025
N
MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL
STATE OF MICHIGAN
GRETCHEN WHITMER
DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS
MARLON 1. BROWN, DPA
GOVERNOR
LANSING
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.
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.
Section 1: Petitioner’s Contact Information
Flrst Name
M.A.
Last Name/Company Name
Laura
French
Mailing Address {(Na., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route)
PO Box 378
City or Town
State
2iP Code
Northport
Mi
49670
Telephone Number 269-330-1 961
E-mail Address (do riot enter unless you want MTT to send all correapondence via e-mail)
lauraanddale@yahoo.com
Section 2: Petitioner's Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Contact Information
First Name
M.I,
Last Name
Firm Name (if any)
Malling Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route)
City or Town
State
ZIP Code
Telephone Number
Email Address (do not enter uniess you want MTT to send all correspondence via email}
Section 3: Subject Property Information
How many
you are appeating more than one parcel, are they contiguous or adjoining?
parcels areyou | [1 ves*
No**
appealing?
*if yes, use a multiple parcel form for information regarding any contiguous parcels.
1
*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, 8T, ZIP) [if multiple, list first properiy’s address]Page 2
STATE OF MICHIGAN
GRETCHEN WHITMER
DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS
MARLON 1, BROWN, DPA
GOVERNOR
LANSING
DIRECTOR
Section 4: Issues Being Appealed (check all that apply)
True Cash and Taxable Value
[J Poverty Exemption
[7] Taxable Value Only (calculation)
[1 Disabled Veterans Exemption
[J uUncapping of Taxable Value
[1 Eligible Manufacturing Personal Property (ESA)
[CJ Exemption from Taxation (other than the denial of a
[1 Classification
Principal Resldence or Qualified Agricultural Exemption)
Section 5: Explain the Reason for this Appeal
Petitioner cannot recall if the notice of assessment was received.
The 2024 SEV for the Property was $234,800. The property sold in an arms length, marketed
transaction on June 3, 2024 for $550,000.
The 2025 SEV assessed for the Property was $440,200, for a true cash value of $880,400.
No alterations to the property were made prior to sale. After sale, the purchaser made minor
alterations to doors and windows. No structural alterations or additions.
There is no market justification for the 2025 SEV to increase by 87.7% in 12 months or 60%
over the arms length sales price. The SEV and Taxable Value should be $275,000 or 50% of
the arms length sales price.
Section 6: Jurisdictional Issues
Year(s) you are appealing:
2025 and forward
Did you protest the assesement at a Board of Review (BOR)? [WM] Yes
No
f Yes, check which BOR you attended AND attach the BOR decision: [] March
[1 July
[1] pecember
if No, check the applicable reason(s):
O Not required to attend
Assessment Change Notice was not received hy Petitioner
[| Appeailng a purported Clerical Error or Mutual Mistake of Fact {if yes, include explanation In Section 5)Page 3
STATE OF MICHIGAN
GRETCHEN WHITMER
DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS
MARLON I. BROWN, DPA
GOVERNOR
LANSING
DIRECTOR
Section 7: Valuation Information *use the multiple parce! form for additional, contiguous parcels,
Parcel Identification Number:
042-450-064-20
Class!floation of Property:
Real
Personal
(checkone)
Agricultural
Commerclal
Industrial
Residential
Timber-Cutover
Developmental
Ulliity
(checkone)
0
ad
[84
m]
Current Assessed Value {also known as State Equalized Value) as established by the BOR:
$440,200
Current Taxable Value as established by the BOR:
$440,200
What do you believe is the fair market vaiue (also known as True Cash Value)?
$550,000
Multiply the True Cash Value by .5 and enter here. This is your contention of Assessed Vaiue.
$275,000
If you bellave the Taxabla 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
Peraonal
{check one)
0
Agricultural
Commercial
Industrial
Residential
Timber
utaver
Developmental
uy
{check one}
What do you believe is the property's classification?
Real
Personal
(check one)
0
Raripuurat
Commercial
Industrial
Residential
Timber-Cutover
Dovelppmenta!
oy
{check one)
If improved property, how Is the property currently being used?
If improved property, for what use was the property designed?Page 4
STATE OF MICHIGAN GRETCHEN WHITMER DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS MARLON I. BROWN, DPA GOVERNOR LANSING DIRECTOR Fee Information Does the subject properly have a Principal Residence Exemption of at least 50% as of the date of the fling of this petition? Yes [m] No Are you appealing ONLY the denial of a Poverty Exemption or Disabled Veterans Exemption? 3 Yes No if you answered yes to either or both of the above 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
Page 5
R
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.
Read document text excerpt
Page 1
STATE OF MICHIGAN GRETCHEN WHITMER GOVERNOR DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS LANSING MARLON I. BROWN, DPA DIRECTOR MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL · 611 W. OTTAWA ST., LANSING, MI 48933 · 517-335-9760 PO BOX 30232, LANSING, MI 48909 · Other Carriers: 2407 N. GRAND RIVER AVE., LANSING, MI 48906 Laura French, Petitioner, MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION v MTT Docket No. 25-003619 Township Of Leelanau, 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 20, 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 Laura French, Petitioner, MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION v MTT Docket No. 25-003619 Township Of Leelanau, 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 20, 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 Laura French, Petitioner, MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION v MTT Docket No. 25-003619 Township Of Leelanau, 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 20, 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.
Read document text excerpt
Page 1
RECEIVED
=
AUG 07 2025
N
MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL
STATE OF MICHIGAN
GRETCHEN WHITMER
DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS
MARLON 1. BROWN, DPA
GOVERNOR
LANSING
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.
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.
Section 1: Petitioner’s Contact Information
Flrst Name
M.A.
Last Name/Company Name
Laura
French
Mailing Address {(Na., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route)
PO Box 378
City or Town
State
2iP Code
Northport
Mi
49670
Telephone Number 269-330-1 961
E-mail Address (do riot enter unless you want MTT to send all correapondence via e-mail)
lauraanddale@yahoo.com
Section 2: Petitioner's Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Contact Information
First Name
M.I,
Last Name
Firm Name (if any)
Malling Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route)
City or Town
State
ZIP Code
Telephone Number
Email Address (do not enter uniess you want MTT to send all correspondence via email}
Section 3: Subject Property Information
How many
you are appeating more than one parcel, are they contiguous or adjoining?
parcels areyou | [1 ves*
No**
appealing?
*if yes, use a multiple parcel form for information regarding any contiguous parcels.
1
*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, 8T, ZIP) [if multiple, list first properiy’s address]Page 2
STATE OF MICHIGAN
GRETCHEN WHITMER
DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS
MARLON 1, BROWN, DPA
GOVERNOR
LANSING
DIRECTOR
Section 4: Issues Being Appealed (check all that apply)
True Cash and Taxable Value
[J Poverty Exemption
[7] Taxable Value Only (calculation)
[1 Disabled Veterans Exemption
[J uUncapping of Taxable Value
[1 Eligible Manufacturing Personal Property (ESA)
[CJ Exemption from Taxation (other than the denial of a
[1 Classification
Principal Resldence or Qualified Agricultural Exemption)
Section 5: Explain the Reason for this Appeal
Petitioner cannot recall if the notice of assessment was received.
The 2024 SEV for the Property was $234,800. The property sold in an arms length, marketed
transaction on June 3, 2024 for $550,000.
The 2025 SEV assessed for the Property was $440,200, for a true cash value of $880,400.
No alterations to the property were made prior to sale. After sale, the purchaser made minor
alterations to doors and windows. No structural alterations or additions.
There is no market justification for the 2025 SEV to increase by 87.7% in 12 months or 60%
over the arms length sales price. The SEV and Taxable Value should be $275,000 or 50% of
the arms length sales price.
Section 6: Jurisdictional Issues
Year(s) you are appealing:
2025 and forward
Did you protest the assesement at a Board of Review (BOR)? [WM] Yes
No
f Yes, check which BOR you attended AND attach the BOR decision: [] March
[1 July
[1] pecember
if No, check the applicable reason(s):
O Not required to attend
Assessment Change Notice was not received hy Petitioner
[| Appeailng a purported Clerical Error or Mutual Mistake of Fact {if yes, include explanation In Section 5)Page 3
STATE OF MICHIGAN
GRETCHEN WHITMER
DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS
MARLON I. BROWN, DPA
GOVERNOR
LANSING
DIRECTOR
Section 7: Valuation Information *use the multiple parce! form for additional, contiguous parcels,
Parcel Identification Number:
042-450-064-20
Class!floation of Property:
Real
Personal
(checkone)
Agricultural
Commerclal
Industrial
Residential
Timber-Cutover
Developmental
Ulliity
(checkone)
0
ad
[84
m]
Current Assessed Value {also known as State Equalized Value) as established by the BOR:
$440,200
Current Taxable Value as established by the BOR:
$440,200
What do you believe is the fair market vaiue (also known as True Cash Value)?
$550,000
Multiply the True Cash Value by .5 and enter here. This is your contention of Assessed Vaiue.
$275,000
If you bellave the Taxabla 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
Peraonal
{check one)
0
Agricultural
Commercial
Industrial
Residential
Timber
utaver
Developmental
uy
{check one}
What do you believe is the property's classification?
Real
Personal
(check one)
0
Raripuurat
Commercial
Industrial
Residential
Timber-Cutover
Dovelppmenta!
oy
{check one)
If improved property, how Is the property currently being used?
If improved property, for what use was the property designed?Page 4
STATE OF MICHIGAN GRETCHEN WHITMER DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS MARLON I. BROWN, DPA GOVERNOR LANSING DIRECTOR Fee Information Does the subject properly have a Principal Residence Exemption of at least 50% as of the date of the fling of this petition? Yes [m] No Are you appealing ONLY the denial of a Poverty Exemption or Disabled Veterans Exemption? 3 Yes No if you answered yes to either or both of the above 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
Page 5
R
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.