Record Finder / 26-000619-TT
Michigan

Rachel Ludwig Petitioner V Township Of Oronoko Respondent

Petitioner
Rachel Ludwig
Respondent
Township Of Oronoko

Case overview

Docket number
26-000619-TT
Status
Ready Schedule
CaseType
SC Property
Division
Small Claims Division
County
Berrien
Judge
No judge assigned

Docket history

Line #SubjectFilerLine RefEnter Date/Post MarkFeeRelated Item
12Notice of FilingNot recordedNot recorded09/04/2026Not recordedDownload
11Answer was receivedRESPNot recorded06/24/2026Not recordedDownload
10Order of Partial DismissalNot recordedNot recorded06/22/2026Not recordedDownload
9Petition has been verifiedNot recorded106/22/2026Not recordedDownload
8Notice of Docket Number SCNot recordedNot recorded06/18/2026Not recordedDownload
7Attachments to the Petition were filedPETNot recorded04/16/2026Not recordedDownload
6Attachments to the Petition were filedPETNot recorded04/16/2026Not recordedDownload
5Attachments to the Petition were filedPETNot recorded04/16/2026Not recordedDownload
4Attachments to the Petition were filedPETNot recorded04/16/2026Not recordedDownload
3Attachments to the Petition were filedPETNot recorded04/16/2026Not recordedDownload
2Attachments to the Petition were filedPETNot recorded04/15/2026Not recordedDownload
1A petition was received.Not recordedNot recorded04/15/2026Not recordedDownload

Documents

SC-Notice_of_Filing_of_Answer.2026-09-04_16-25-15.pdfRead complete document text →
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Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

DIRECTOR

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

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

Rachel Ludwig,

Petitioner,

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

MTT Docket No. 26-000619

Township Of Oronoko,

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.

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.

Page 2

MTT Docket No. 26-000619

Page 2 of 2

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: 

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

Rachel Ludwig,

Petitioner,

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

MTT Docket No. 26-000619

Township Of Oronoko,

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

Page 4

MTT

Page 5

STAT

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Page 1

RECEIVED 

JUN 8 02026 

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

PROPERTY TAX APPEAL ANSWER FORM 

VALUATION / UNCAPPING 

MTT DOCKET NO. 26:000619 

Section 1: Respondent’s Contact Information 

Unit of Government 

Oronoko Charter Township 

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

P.O. Box 214 

City or Town: 

State: 

ZIP Code: 

Berrien Springs 

Mi 

49103 

Telephone Number: 269-587-0208 

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

assessor@oronokotownship.org 

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

} 

First Name: 

ML: 

Last Name: 

Shalice 

R 

Northrop 

Firm Name (if any): 

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

P.O. Box 214 

City or Town: 

State: 

ZIP Code: 

Berrien Springs 

Mi 

49103 

Telephone Number: 269-587-0208 

Email Address {do not enter uniess you want MTT to sund all correspondence via email): 

assessor@oronokotownship.org 

Section 3: Subject Property Information 

Are the parcels listed by Petitioner contiguous or adjoining? 

If no, list all parcels that are adjoining in separate groupings. Attacha 

separate sheet if necessary, 

Oves 

[No 

¥ Notapplicable 

Does the subject property have a Principal Residence Exemption of 50% or more for all tax years at issue? 

vi Yes 

[} No

Page 2

Se 

ad 

ox 

poe, 

2 

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

Section 4: Explain Your Answer to this Appeal 

Property is valued at the current market value 

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 

O No 

If yes, check which BOR Petitioner attended: 

March 

O July 

O December 

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

[mm] No 

If yes, cite the Board's authority. 

Was the assessment at issue established as the result of a clerical error or mutual mistake of fact? [| Yes 

No 

If yes, explain 

Is Petitioner appealing from a State Tax Commission Order? 

[J ves 

WMno 

If so, what is the issue date? 

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? 

Section 6; Valuation Information :use the muttiple parcel form for additional, contiguous parcels. 

P: 

| 

Number: 

erect 11-15-0033-0001-01-3 

Classification of Property: 

Real] 

Personal [J (check one) 

Agricultural 

1 

Commercial (J 

Industrial 

J 

Residential 

Timber-Cutover [J 

~~ Developmental [J 

Utility (J (check one)

Page 3

= 

agar 

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

Rachel Ludwig 

; 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

Petitioner(s) 

\Y 

MTT Docket No. 26-000619 

Oronoko Charter Township 

, 

Respondent(s) 

PF.OOF OF SERVICE 

Shalice Northrop 

states that on 

June 24, 2026 

he/she 

[Name of person serving/mailing petition] 

[date of service] 

served a copy of the Answer 

relative to the above-captioned matter upon: 

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

Michigan Tax Tribunal/Rachel LLudwig 

P.O. Box 30232/11305 Burgoyne Road 

Lansing, MI 48909/Berrien Springs, MI 49103 

Mow Ji 

[Signature of person who is 'serving/mailing copy] 

Shalice Northrop 

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

Page 4

CHARTER TOWNSHIT 

TEMP. - RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED 

4583 East Snow Road 

P.O. Box 214 

Berrien Springs, Michigan 49103 

Michigan Tax Tribunal 

P.O. Box 30232 

Lansing, Michigan 48909

Page 5

FLAT RATE ENVELOP 

Retail 

U.S. POSTA

ONE RATE m ANY WEIGHT 

: 

PM 

< 

BERRIEN SP

MAIL POSTAGE HERE 

APPLY PRIORITY 

=| 

fe 

JUN 24, 202

ws 

$12.90

RDC03 

0 Lb 1.00 Oz 

$2324D50217

PRIORITY® 

MAIL 

EXPECTED DELIVERY DAY: 06/27/26 

USPS TRACKING® # 

EP14H February 2024 Out

9505 5105 6306 6175 7605 53

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Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

DIRECTOR

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

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

Rachel Ludwig,

Petitioner, MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

 SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v

 

MTT Docket No. 26-000619

Township Of Oronoko,

Respondent.

ORDER OF PARTIAL DISMISSAL

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

is appealing assessments for prior tax years and the Tribunal has no authority over 

those assessments under MCL 205.735a, as the petition was not timely filed.1 Further, 

the Tribunal also has no authority over those assessments, as the facts alleged do not 

establish that the assessments were the result of a clerical error (i.e., “an error of a 

transpositional, typographical, or mathematical nature”) or a mutual mistake of fact (i.e., 

“an erroneous belief, which is shared and relied on by both parties”).2 Rather, the facts 

alleged indicate a valuation dispute that does not involve the correction of a clerical 

error or mutual mistake of fact. Therefore,

IT IS ORDERED that Petitioner’s assessment appeal is PARTIALLY DISMISSED. The 

appeal shall continue for the 2026 tax year(s) only.

By: /s/ Patricia L. Halm

Entered: June 22, 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

1 See Electronic Data Systems Corporation v Township of Flint, 253 Mich App 538 (2002). 

2 See International Place Apartments – IV v Ypsilanti Township, 216 Mich App 104, 109 (1996), Ford 

Motor Company v City of Woodhaven, 475 Mich 425, 442 (2006).

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

Rachel Ludwig,

Petitioner, MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

 SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v

 

MTT Docket No. 26-000619

Township Of Oronoko,

Respondent.

ORDER OF PARTIAL DISMISSAL

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

is appealing assessments for prior tax years and the Tribunal has no authority over 

those assessments under MCL 205.735a, as the petition was not timely filed.3 Further, 

the Tribunal also has no authority over those assessments, as the facts alleged do not 

establish that the assessments were the result of a clerical error (i.e., “an error of a 

transpositional, typographical, or mathematical nature”) or a mutual mistake of fact (i.e., 

“an erroneous belief, which is shared and relied on by both parties”).4 Rather, the facts 

alleged indicate a valuation dispute that does not involve the correction of a clerical 

error or mutual mistake of fact. Therefore,

IT IS ORDERED that Petitioner’s assessment appeal is PARTIALLY DISMISSED. The 

appeal shall continue for the 2026 tax year(s) only.

By: /s/ Patricia L. Halm

Entered: June 22, 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

3 See Electronic Data Systems Corporation v Township of Flint, 253 Mich App 538 (2002). 

4 See International Place Apartments – IV v Ypsilanti Township, 216 Mich App 104, 109 (1996), Ford 

Motor Company v City of Woodhaven, 475 Mich 425, 442 (2006).

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

Rachel Ludwig,

Petitioner, MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

 SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v

 

MTT Docket No. 26-000619

Township Of Oronoko,

Respondent.

ORDER OF PARTIAL DISMISSAL

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

is appealing assessments for prior tax years and the Tribunal has no authority over 

those assessments under MCL 205.735a, as the petition was not timely filed.5 Further, 

the Tribunal also has no authority over those assessments, as the facts alleged do not 

establish that the assessments were the result of a clerical error (i.e., “an error of a 

transpositional, typographical, or mathematical nature”) or a mutual mistake of fact (i.e., 

“an erroneous belief, which is shared and relied on by both

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01._Property_Tax_Appeal_Petition_Form_Valuation_Poverty_Classification.6f930612-6a2e-488a-8609-026b2fa0ddf5.pdfRead complete document text →
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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

Rachel

M.I.

Last Name/Company Name

Ludwig

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

11305 Burgoyne Rd

City or Town

Berrien Springs

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

49103

Telephone Number

313-717-1948

Fax Number

E-mail Address

ludwig.rachel.n@gmail.com

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

First Name

M.I.

Last Name

Firm Name (if any)

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

City or Town

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

Fax Number

E-mail Address 

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]

11305 Burgoyne Rd

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

Berrien Springs

Michigan

49103

Taxing Authority (City or Township)

Township Of Oronoko (BERRIEN)

County 

Berrien

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

True Cash and Taxable Value

 

Section 5: Explain the Reason for this Appeal

We are appealing the Board of Review’s partial reduction of our 2026 SEV to $350,000. At the hearing, the Board requested the original 2018 appraisal. After 

reviewing it, we discovered that the appraisal valued the completed home at $400,000 true cash value (subject to completion per plans), implying an SEV of 

approximately $200,000. However, the assessor set the 2021 SEV at $302,300 — significantly higher.

This overassessment, combined with multiple record-card errors (overstated basement finish, jacuzzi tub, garbage disposal, and walk-out doors), caused our capped 

Taxable Value to rise far beyond what Proposal A caps should have allowed. We respectfully request the Tribunal reduce the 2026 SEV to $225,000 and 

review/correct prior years 2021–2025 for refunds.

Full details, calculations, tables, appraisal, and comparable sales are attached as the complete petition.

Section 6: Jurisdictional Issues

Year(s) you are appealing:

2021-2026

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

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

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: 15-0033-0001-01-3

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:

350000.00

Current Taxable Value as established by the BOR:

350000.00

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

450000.00 

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

225000.00

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:

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

Page 4

STATE

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Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

DIRECTOR

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

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

Rachel Ludwig,

Petitioner,

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

MTT Docket No. 26-000619

Township Of Oronoko,

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: June 18, 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

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

Rachel Ludwig,

Petitioner,

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

MTT Docket No. 26-000619

Township Of Oronoko,

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: June 18, 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

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

Rachel Ludwig,

Petitioner,

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

MTT Docket No. 26-000619

Township Of Oronoko,

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: June 18, 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

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Page 1

fichigan Department of Treasury 

618 (Rev. 12-25) 

Petition to Board of Review 

L-4035 

This form is issued under the authority of PA. 206 of 1893, as amended. Filing is voluntary, however, you may not appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal unless you 

fi 

first protest to the 

Board of Review, except when the property is classified as commercial real, industrial real, or developmental real. You may not appeal property classifications to the State Tax 

Commission unless you first protest to the Bard of Review. 

TO BE COMPLETED BY OWNER OR OWNER'S AGENT 

Owner's Name (Please Print or Type) 

Petitioner's Name (If Other than Owner. Please Print or Type) 

LUDWIG MARK 

Township or City 

County 

Year of Appeal 

ORONOKO CHARTER TWP 

BERRIEN 

The undersigned protests the assessed value and/or the tentative taxable value and/or the property classification and/or the qualified agricultural property exemption of 

the following described property: 

Property Identified (Parcel code required. Property address and legal description optional) 

510.05' TH N8IDEG39'44"W 729.06' THN 168.58 TH N8IDEGAE'29"W 295.13 TOW LN SEC 33 TES R1BW TH 

| 

11305 BURGOYNE RD 

NOODEG00'43"W 162.95' TOPOB 

| 

15-0033-0001-01-3 

BEG AT SW COR SEC 28 T6S R18W TH N 5.06' TH S89DEG53'15"E 295.16' THN 168.58' THE 729.05' THS 

| 

| 

Protested item J 

nssessed valu ZE2 Tentative 

[J Taxable Status 

[J 

Ciassification 

[J 

Quaiifed Agricultural 

~~ Taxable Value 

(exemption) 

Property Exemption 

1. PROTEST OF ASSESSMENT 

Complete this section for a protest of assessed value, including assessed value changes associated with exempt status and denied or Tate filed personal 

property forms. 

Assessed Value 

Owner's Estimate of True Cash Value(Market Value) 

85000 | £70,000 

2. PROTEST OF TAXABLE VALUE 

Complete this section for a prtest of Taxable Value 

Reason: 

[J 

Value of Losses 

[0 

Value of Additions 

[J 

Poverty Exemption 

O PEER % 

'3. PROTEST OF CLASSIFICATION 

Complete this section for a request to change the classification. The Board of Review must make their decision regarding classification in accordance with Section 7 34c of the 

Michigan Compiled Laws. The Board of Review shall not be influenced by the effect that a particular classification has on that property's status as a homeowner's principal residence 

or qualified agricultural property. 

Classification of property on this year's assessment roll 

401 

Classification should be: (Please check one of the following) 

OO 

Agricultural 

O Industrial 

CI Timber Cutover 

[ Utility (Personal Property Only) 

0 Commercial 

jg Residential 

CIbevelopmental 

‘4. PROTEST OF EXEMPTION FOR QUALIFIED AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY 

: 

: 

If the assessor has denied or changed the percentage of the exemption from the 18 mills of local school operating tax for qualified Sgroufival property, “he 

owner may appeal this action to the March Board of Review. THE BOARD OF REVIEW HAS NO AUTHORITY TO CONSIDER OR ACT UPON THE 

EXEMPTION FROM THE 18 SCHOOL OPERATING MILLS FOR HOMEOWNER'S PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE PROPERTIES. 

Percent qualified agricultural exemption granted by assessor: (Enter 0 if exemption is denied) 

Percent qualified agricultural exemption requested by Owner: (Enter 100 if full 

exemption requested) 

REASON FOR PROTEST 

State reason(s) for protest of assessed value and/or the tentative taxable val:ie and/or taxable status and/or classification and/or qualified agricultural property exemption. 

Ragerd card Shows errors, Ruz comps show cleat 

DAK -fssesSmerdt 

CERTIFICATION 

~ 

Signature 

Date 

Phone 

03/12/2026 

2 

gu 

KL oul Ludi sa 

SER Za 

ress 

{305 

Pu rgound. (Kf 

~ww.michigan.gov/treasury

Page 2

.8, Page 2 

OR BOARD OF REVIEW USE ONLY 

INSTRUCTIONS: Incorporate a copy of this form and the assigned number in the Board of Review minutes. 

Petition Number 

Parcel Code 

15-0033-0001-01-3 

1. ASSESSED VALUE 

Disposition by Board of Review. The Board of Review must state the reason for its action below. 

[J] 

penied 

| 

Assessed Value Changed From: 

[ 

465,000 

ro. 

[ 

=< 20), [SIND] 

| 

Record of Vote - Board or Threg/merber committee of board 

a: 

Chairperson: ¢]YEs 

[] 

NO SX 

Member: 

Kl 

ves 

[J 

No 

Member: 

ves 

[] 

No DKG 

Initials 

# 

itials 

Initials 

Reason for Board Action: 

If you disagree with the decision of the Board of Review regarding tentative assessed value, you may appeal that decision by filing a petition with the Michigan Tax Tribunal at 

PO Box 30232, Lansing MI 48909. Commercial Real, Industrial Real, Developmental Real, Commercial Personal, Industrial Personal and Utility Personal Property may be 

appealed by May 31. Agricultural Real, Residential Real, Timber 

- Cut Over Real, and Agricultural Personal Property may be appealed by July 31. The petition must be filed on 

a Michigan Tax Tribunal form or a form approved by the Michigan Tax Tribunal. Michigan Tax Tribunal forms are available at www.michigan.gov/taxtrib. 

| 2. TENTATIVE TAXABLE VALUE 

Disposition by Board of Review. The Board of

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Page 1

File No.

APPRAISAL OF

LOCATED AT:

FOR:

BORROWER:

AS OF:

BY:

18188

REAL ESTATE APPRAISER & CONSULTANT

STACEY APPRAISAL SERVICE

Certified Residential Appraiser

Brandon Stacey

May 16, 2018

Mark Ludwig

Lansing, MI, 48823

3515 West Road

GreenStone Farm Credit Services

Buchanan, MI 49107

11305 Burgoyne Rd

Appraisal Report of a Single Family Unit

11221 Garr Road, Berrien Springs, MI 49103

Page 2

File No.

File Number:

In accordance with your request, I have appraised the real property at:

The purpose of this appraisal is to develop an opinion of the market value of the subject property, as improved.

The property rights appraised are the fee simple interest in the site and improvements.

In my opinion, the market value of the property as of

is:

The attached report contains the description, analysis and supportive data for the conclusions,

final opinion of value, descriptive photographs, limiting conditions and appropriate certifications.

18188

REAL ESTATE APPRAISER & CONSULTANT

STACEY APPRAISAL SERVICE

Certified Residential Appraiser

Brandon Stacey

Sincerely,

Four Hundred Thousand Dollars

$400,000

May 16, 2018

Buchanan, MI 49107

11305 Burgoyne Rd

18188

Lansing, MI, 48823

3515 West Road

GreenStone Farm Credit Services

No AMC

11221 Garr Road, Berrien Springs, MI 49103

Page 3

Uniform Residential Appraisal Report

File No.

The purpose of this summary appraisal report is to provide the lender/client with an accurate, and adequately supported, opinion of the market value of the subject property.

Property Address

City

State

Zip Code

Borrower

Owner of Public Record

County

Legal Description

Assessor's Parcel #

Tax Year

R.E. Taxes $

Neighborhood Name

Map Reference

Census Tract

Occupant

Owner

Tenant

Vacant

Special Assessments $

PUD

HOA $

per year

per month

Property Rights Appraised

Fee Simple

Leasehold

Other (describe)

Assignment Type

Purchase Transaction

Refinance Transaction

Other (describe)

Lender/Client

Address

Is the subject property currently offered for sale or has it been offered for sale in the twelve months prior to the effective date of this appraisal?

Yes

No

Report data source(s) used, offering price(s), and date(s).

SUBJECT

I

did

did not analyze the contract for sale for the subject purchase transaction. Explain the results of the analysis of the contract for sale or why the analysis was not performed.

Contract Price $

Date of Contract

Is the property seller the owner of public record?

Yes

No

Data Source(s)

Is there any financial assistance (loan charges, sale concessions, gift or downpayment assistance, etc.) to be paid by any party on behalf of the borrower?

Yes

No

If Yes, report the total dollar amount and describe the items to be paid.

CONTRACT

Neighborhood Characteristics

One-Unit Housing Trends

One-Unit Housing

Present Land Use %

Note: Race and the racial composition of the neighborhood are not appraisal factors.

Location

Urban

Suburban

Rural

Property Values

Increasing

Stable

Declining

PRICE

AGE

One-Unit

%

Built-Up

Over 75%

25-75%

Under 25%

Demand/Supply

Shortage

In Balance

Over Supply

$(000)

(yrs)

2-4 Unit

%

Growth

Rapid

Stable

Slow

Marketing Time

Under 3 mths

3-6 mths

Over 6 mths

Low

Multi-Family

%

Neighborhood Boundaries

High

Commercial

%

Pred.

Other

%

Neighborhood Description

Market Conditions (including support for the above conclusions)

NEIGHBORHOOD

Dimensions

Area

Shape

View

Specific Zoning Classification

Zoning Description

Zoning Compliance

Legal

Legal Nonconforming (Grandfathered Use)

No Zoning

Illegal (describe)

Is the highest and best use of the subject property as improved (or as proposed per plans and specifications) the present use?

Yes

No

If No, describe.

Utilities

Public

Other (describe)

Public

Other (describe)

Off-site Improvements—Type

Public

Private

Electricity

Water

Street

Gas

Sanitary Sewer

Alley

FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area

Yes

No

FEMA Flood Zone

FEMA Map #

FEMA Map Date

Are the utilities and off-site improvements typical for the market area?

Yes

No

If No, describe.

Are there any adverse site conditions or external factors (easements, encroachments, environmental conditions, land uses, etc.)?

Yes

No

If Yes, describe.

SITE

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

FOUNDATION

EXTERIOR DESCRIPTION

materials/condition

INTERIOR

materials/condition

Units

One

One with Accessory Unit

Concrete Slab

Crawl Space

Foundation Walls

Floors

# of Stories

Full Basement

Partial Basement

Exterior Walls

Walls

Type

Det.

Att.

S-Det./End Unit Basement Area

sq. ft.

Roof Surface

Trim/Finish

Existing

Proposed

Under Const.

Basement Finish

% Gutters & Downspouts

Bath Floor

Design (Style)

Outside Entry/Exit

Sump Pump

Window Type

Bath Wainscot

Year Built

Evidence of

Infestation

Storm Sash/Insulated

Car Storage

None

Effective Age (Yrs)

Dampness

Settlement

Screens

Driveway

# of Cars

Attic

None

Heating

FWA

HWBB

Radiant Amenities

WoodStove(s) #

Driveway Surface

Drop Stair

Stairs

Other

Fuel

Fireplace(s) #

Fence

Garage

# of Cars

Floor

Scuttle

Cooling

Central Air Conditioning

Patio/Deck

Porch

Carport

# of

Page 4

Uniform Residential Appraisal Report

File No.

There

Page 5

Unifor

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Page 1

3/11/26, 11:14 PM 

Parcel Number - 15-0033-0001-01-3 

| Oronoko Charter Township 

| BS&A Online 

11305 BURGOYNE RD BUCHANAN, MI 49107 

(Property Address) 

parcel Number: 15-0033-0001-01-3 

Property Owner: LUDWIG MARK 

Summary Information 

> 

Residential Building Summary 

> Unit: 

15 ORONOKO CHARTER TWP 

Year Built: 2012 

- 

Bedrooms: 4 

> 

Assessed Value: $422,900 

| Taxable Value: $354,954 

- 

Full Baths: 3 

- 

Half Baths: 

1 

> Property 

Tax information found 

Sq. Feet: 3,240 

- 

Acres: 9.640 

> 

4 Building Department records found 

Item 10f 2 

11mage / 

1 Sketch 

Owner and Taxpayer Information 

| 

Owner 

LUDWIG MARK 

Taxpayer 

SEE OWNER INFORMATION 

MATAITIS RACHEL N 

11305 BURGOYNE RD 

BERRIEN SPRINGS, MI 49103 

General Information for Tax Year 2025 

| 

Property Class 

401 RESIDENTIAL-IMPROVED 

Unit 

15 ORONOKO CHARTER TWP 

School District 

BERRIEN SPRINGS PUBLIC SCHS Assessed Value 

$422,900 

MAP # 

033-1 

Taxable Value 

$354,954 

YR REVIEWED: 

Not Available 

State Equalized Value 

$422,900 

RENTAL TYPE: 

Not Available 

Date of Last Name Change 

02/14/2020 

YR END: 

Not Available 

Notes 

Not Available 

Historical District 

Not Available 

Census Block Group 

Not Available 

T0 DO: 

Not Available 

Exemption 

No Data to Display 

Principal Residence Exemption Information 

Effective Date 

08/01/2020 

Principal Residence Exemption 

June 1st 

Final 

2025 

100.0000 % 

- 

2024 

100.0000 % 

100.0000 % 

Previous Year Information 

Year 

MBOR Assessed 

Final SEV 

Final Taxable 

2024 

$414,700 

$414,700 

$344,282 

2023 

$378,300 

$378,300 

$327,888 

2022 

$320,900 

$320,900 

$312,275 

2021 

$302,300 

$302,300 

$302,300 

2020 

$158,100 

$158,100 

$158,100 

2019 

$79,000 

$79,000 

$79,000 

2018 

$76,100 

$76,100 

$61,642 

2017 

$78,000 

$78,000 

$60,375 

2016 

$75,000 

$75,000 

$59,837 

2015 

$75,900 

$75,900 

$60,375 

2014 

$81,800 

$81,800 

$71,171 

2013 

$52,300 

$52,300 

$43,476 

2012 

$15,700 

$15,700 

$15,700 

2011 

$15,700 

$15,700 

$15,051 

2010 

$14,800 

$14,800 

$14,800 

2009 

$15,100 

$15,100 

$15,058 

2008 

$15,000 

$15,000 

$14,424 

https://bsaonline.com/SiteSearch/SiteSearchDetails?SearchFocus=All+Records&SearchCategory=Address&SearchText=11305&uid=965&Pagelndex... 

13

Page 2

3/11/26, 11:14 PM 

Parcel Number - 15-0033-0001-01-3 

| Oronoko Charter Township 

| BS&A Online 

Year 

MBOR Assessed 

Final SEV 

Final Taxable 

2007 

$14,100 

$14,100 

$14,100 

Land Information 

Zoning Code 

AR 

Total Acres 

9.640 

Land Value 

$85,447 

Land Improvements 

$0 

Renaissance Zone 

Not Available 

Renaissance Zone Expiration 

Not Available 

Date 

ECF Neighborhood 

4300 RURAL2 

Mortgage Code 

Not Available 

Lot Dimensions/Comments 

No Data to Display 

Neighborhood Enterprise 

No 

Zone 

Lot(s) 

Frontage 

Depth 

Lot 1 

162.95 ft 

Not Available 

Legal Description 

1 

Total Frontage: 162.95 ft 

Average Depth: 0.00 ft 

BEG AT SW COR SEC 28 T6S R18W TH N 5.06' TH S89DEG53'15"E 295.16' TH N 168.58" TH 

E 729.05' TH S 510.05" TH N89DEG39'44"W 729.06' TH N 168.58' TH 

N89IDEG46'29"W 295.13' TO W LN SEC 33 T6S R18W TH NOODEG00'43"W 162.95' TO POB 

Land Division Act Information 

| 

Date of Last Split/Combine 

Date Form Filed 

No Data to Display 

No Data to Display 

Number of Splits Left 

Unallocated Div.s of Parent 

Not Available 

0 

Date Created 

01/01/0001 

Unallocated Div.s Transferred 

0 

Acreage of Parent 

0.00 

Rights Were Transferred 

Not Available 

Split Number 

0 

Courtesy Split 

Not Available 

Parent Parcel 

No Data to Display 

Sale History 

Sale Date 

Sale Price | 

Adj. 

Sale Price | Instrument 

Grantor 

Grantee 

Terms of Sale 

Liber/Page 

06/04/2018 

$144,300.00 

$144,300.00 

WD 

CARROLL RANDY 

LUDWIG MARK 

03-ARM'S LENGTH 

3207/2867 

12/09/2011 

$65,000.00 

$65,000.00 

WD 

REITER, DANIEL & 

CARROLL, RANDY 

03-ARM'S LENGTH 

2978/158 

SUSAN 

Building Information 

- 3240 sq ft 1 STORY (Residential) 

| 

General 

Floor Area 

Garage Area 

Foundation Size 

Year Built 

Occupancy 

Effective Age 

Percent Complete 

AC w/Separate Ducts 

Basement Rooms 

1st Floor Rooms 

2nd Floor Rooms 

Bedrooms 

3,240 sq ft 

888 sq ft 

3,240 sq ft 

2012 

Single Family 

Not Available 

100% 

No 

Not Available 

Not Available 

Not Available 

4 

Area Detail - Basic Building Areas 

Height 

Foundation 

1 Story 

Basement 

1 Story 

Crawl Space 

Exterior Information 

Brick Veneer 

05sq ft 

Basement Finish 

Recreation 

1,700 sq ft 

Living Area 

0sq ft 

https://bsaonline.com/SiteSearch/SiteSearchDetails?SearchFocus=All+Records&SearchCategory=Address&SearchText=11305&uid=965&Pagelndex... 

Estimated TCV 

Basement Area 

Year Remodeled 

Class 

Tri-Level 

Heat 

Wood Stove Add-on 

Water 

Sewer 

Style 

Exterior 

Siding 

Siding 

Stone Veneer 

Recreation % Good 

Living Area % Good 

Not Available 

2,856 sq ft 

2020 

C 

No 

Forced Heat & Cool 

No 

Water Well 

Septic 

1 STORY 

Area | Heated 

2,856sq ft 

1 Story 

384sqft 

1 Story 

05sq ft 

0% 

0% 

2/3

Page 3

3/11/26, 11:14 PM 

Parcel Number - 15-0033-0001-01-3 

| Oronoko Charter Township 

| BS&A Online 

Walk Out Doors 

2 

No Concrete Floor

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Page 1

Address

Sold Date

Sold Price

Sq Ft

Acres

Beds/Baths

ECF

Neighborhood Notes

11684 Garr Rd

Dec 2023

$280,000

3,900

1.97

5/3.5

RUR2

Low outlier - older but larger

8921 Burgoyne Rd

Jun 2025

$370,000

3,484

1.38

4/3

RUR2

Updated, New Windows,Concrete

Driveway, Deck, Same Size & Style,

Same Road

2382 Snow Rd

Aug 2024

$455,000

3,212

4.91

5/3.5

RUR2

Concrete Driveway/, Finished

Basement, Deck

2284 Grange Rd

Oct 2023

$428,000

3,342

1.03

4/3

RUR2

Inground Pool, Stone Patio, Deck,

1816 Mt Tabor Rd

May 2025

$520,000

2,808

2.49

4/4

RUR2

Concrete/Paved Driveway

1351 Shawnee Rd

Jul 2023

$584,000

3,131

15.05

5/4

RUR2

Outdated Info on BSA website.

Workshop, Pole Barn, Deck, Fully

Finished Basement

2049 Hinchman Rd

Jan 2026

$610,000

3,618

5

4/4

RUR2

Concrete driveway, inground pool,

balcony, composite deck, stone

firepit area, fully finished garage

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Page 1

​Michigan Tax Tribunal Petition​

​Small Claims Division – Residential Property​

​Petitioner:​​Mark Ludwig and Rachel Ludwig (f.k.a.​​Mataitis)​

​Mailing Address:​​11305 Burgoyne Rd, Berrien Springs,​​MI 49103​

​Parcel ID​: 15-0033-0001-01-3​

​County​: Berrien​

​Tax Years at Issue:​​2026 (primary), and 2021–2025​​for correction and refund​

​Respondent​: Oronoko Charter Township​

​Statement of Appeal​

​We respectfully appeal the Board of Review’s partial reduction of our 2026 SEV to $350,000. At​

​the March 12, 2026 hearing, we requested a reduction to $275,000 based on recent RUR2​

​comparable sales and documented record-card errors. During the hearing, the Board asked for​

​the original appraisal, noting it would be helpful in making their decision. We promptly obtained​

​the appraisal from our mortgage company and provided a copy to the Board.​

​After carefully reviewing the appraisal ourselves, we discovered that the original SEV, set by the​

​assessor at the time (Linda Schadler), did not align with the appraisal. The 2018 appraisal,​

​which was subject to completion per plans and specifications, valued the completed home at​

​$400,000 true cash value​, implying an SEV of approximately​​$200,000​. However, the assessor​

​set it at​​$302,300​​— significantly higher than the value supported by the appraisal. The Board​

​ultimately granted only a partial reduction.​

​In light of this discovery, we are now respectfully requesting a reduction to​​$225,000 SEV​. This​

​professional appraisal, combined with the documented record-card errors and the mathematical​

​impossibility of the capped value rising as high as it did under Proposal A, demonstrates that the​

​overassessment was systemic and long-standing. We also respectfully request review and​

​correction of prior years 2021–2025 for refunds.​

​Key Facts and Evidence​

​1.​ ​Original Professional Appraisal​

​At the time of completion (~2018-2021), a licensed appraisal valued the property at​

​$400,000 true cash value. This should have produced an SEV of approximately​

​$200,000. Instead, the assessor set the 2021 SEV at $302,300, and the​

​overassessment has compounded since.​

​2.​ ​Record Card Errors (inflating value from the start)​

​○​ ​Basement listed as 1,700 sq ft finished recreation space (actual: completely​

​unfinished except ~400 sq ft with drywall hung only for code compliance).​

​○​ ​Walk-out doors listed as 2 (actual: only 1 set of French doors).​

​○​ ​Jacuzzi tub replacement listed as 1 (actual: none).​

​○​ ​Garbage disposal listed as 1 (actual: none).​

​3.​ ​Capped Value Could Not Have Increased This Much​​Even​​applying the maximum​

​allowed Proposal A caps each year, a correct starting SEV of $200,000 in 2021 would​

Page 2

​have reached only $234,608 by 2025 (and approximately $240,902 by 2026). However,​

​our actual capped TV reached $364,537. See Exhibit A below.​

​4.​ ​Recent Comparable Sales​​(All RUR2 Neighborhood) Seven recent arms-length sales​

​in the same RUR2 neighborhood (2023–2026) support a significantly lower value. Full​

​comp table attached.​

​Exhibit A: Proposal A Capped Value Calculation and Overpayment Analysis​

​Table 1: Official Inflation Multipliers and Actual Caps Applied​

​Year (for taxes in)​

​Official Inflation Multiplier​

​Actual % Cap Applied to TV​

​2022​

​1.033​

​3.3%​

​2023​

​1.050​

​5.0%​

​2024​

​1.050​

​5.0%​

​2025​

​1.031​

​3.1%​

​2026​

​1.027​

​2.7%​

​Table 2: Correct Capped Value vs. Actual (Proposal A Cap Progression)​

​(Starting with correct SEV of $200,000 in 2021)​

​Year​

​Correct​

​Capped TV​

​(should​

​have been)​

​Actual​

​Capped TV​

​Actual SEV​

​Assigned​

​Correct​

​Taxes​

​(should​

​have been)​

​Actual​

​Taxes Paid​

​Annual​

​Overpayment​

​2021​

​$200,000​

​$302,300​

​$302,300​

​~$5,067​

​$7,991.25​

​~$2,924​

​2022​

​$206,600​

​$312,275​

​$320,900​

​~$5,235​

​$8,271.06​

​~$3,036​

​2023​

​$216,930​

​$327,888​

​$378,300​

​~$5,497​

​$8,483.77​

​~$2,986​

​2024​

​$227,777​

​$344,282​

​$414,700​

​~$5,772​

​$8,967.01​

​~$3,195​

​2025​

​$234,608​

​$354,954​

​$422,900​

​~$5,945​

​$9,163.71​

​~$3,218​

​2026​

​(tentative)​

​$240,902​

​(tentative)​

​$364,537​

​(tentative)​

​$465,000​

​(tentative)​

​~$6,104​

​(tentative)​

​TBD​

​TBD​

​Total estimated overpayment 2021–2025: ~$15,360​

​Note on Calculation:​​Correct taxes were calculated using the official homestead millage rate of​

​25.3361 mills published by the Michigan Department of Treasury and Berrien County for​

​Oronoko Charter Township / Berrien Springs Public Schools. This rate has been consistent in​

​recent years. Actual taxes paid are taken directly from our tax bills.​

Page 3

​Requested Relief​

​●​ ​Reduce the 2026 SEV to​​$225,000​​(TV resets to $225,000),​​justified by the original​

​appraisal and current RUR2 comps.​

​●​ ​Review and correct prior years 2021–2025 for refunds due to the same errors, original​

​appraisal misalignment, and compounded overassessment.​

​●​ ​Any other relief the Tribunal deems appropriate, including interest on

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Page 1

fichigan Department of Treasury 

618 (Rev. 12-25) 

Petition to Board of Review 

L-4035 

This form is issued under the authority of PA. 206 of 1893, as amended. Filing is voluntary, however, you may not appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal unless you 

fi 

first protest to the 

Board of Review, except when the property is classified as commercial real, industrial real, or developmental real. You may not appeal property classifications to the State Tax 

Commission unless you first protest to the Bard of Review. 

TO BE COMPLETED BY OWNER OR OWNER'S AGENT 

Owner's Name (Please Print or Type) 

Petitioner's Name (If Other than Owner. Please Print or Type) 

LUDWIG MARK 

Township or City 

County 

Year of Appeal 

ORONOKO CHARTER TWP 

BERRIEN 

The undersigned protests the assessed value and/or the tentative taxable value and/or the property classification and/or the qualified agricultural property exemption of 

the following described property: 

Property Identified (Parcel code required. Property address and legal description optional) 

510.05' TH N8IDEG39'44"W 729.06' THN 168.58 TH N8IDEGAE'29"W 295.13 TOW LN SEC 33 TES R1BW TH 

| 

11305 BURGOYNE RD 

NOODEG00'43"W 162.95' TOPOB 

| 

15-0033-0001-01-3 

BEG AT SW COR SEC 28 T6S R18W TH N 5.06' TH S89DEG53'15"E 295.16' THN 168.58' THE 729.05' THS 

| 

| 

Protested item J 

nssessed valu ZE2 Tentative 

[J Taxable Status 

[J 

Ciassification 

[J 

Quaiifed Agricultural 

~~ Taxable Value 

(exemption) 

Property Exemption 

1. PROTEST OF ASSESSMENT 

Complete this section for a protest of assessed value, including assessed value changes associated with exempt status and denied or Tate filed personal 

property forms. 

Assessed Value 

Owner's Estimate of True Cash Value(Market Value) 

85000 | £70,000 

2. PROTEST OF TAXABLE VALUE 

Complete this section for a prtest of Taxable Value 

Reason: 

[J 

Value of Losses 

[0 

Value of Additions 

[J 

Poverty Exemption 

O PEER % 

'3. PROTEST OF CLASSIFICATION 

Complete this section for a request to change the classification. The Board of Review must make their decision regarding classification in accordance with Section 7 34c of the 

Michigan Compiled Laws. The Board of Review shall not be influenced by the effect that a particular classification has on that property's status as a homeowner's principal residence 

or qualified agricultural property. 

Classification of property on this year's assessment roll 

401 

Classification should be: (Please check one of the following) 

OO 

Agricultural 

O Industrial 

CI Timber Cutover 

[ Utility (Personal Property Only) 

0 Commercial 

jg Residential 

CIbevelopmental 

‘4. PROTEST OF EXEMPTION FOR QUALIFIED AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY 

: 

: 

If the assessor has denied or changed the percentage of the exemption from the 18 mills of local school operating tax for qualified Sgroufival property, “he 

owner may appeal this action to the March Board of Review. THE BOARD OF REVIEW HAS NO AUTHORITY TO CONSIDER OR ACT UPON THE 

EXEMPTION FROM THE 18 SCHOOL OPERATING MILLS FOR HOMEOWNER'S PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE PROPERTIES. 

Percent qualified agricultural exemption granted by assessor: (Enter 0 if exemption is denied) 

Percent qualified agricultural exemption requested by Owner: (Enter 100 if full 

exemption requested) 

REASON FOR PROTEST 

State reason(s) for protest of assessed value and/or the tentative taxable val:ie and/or taxable status and/or classification and/or qualified agricultural property exemption. 

Ragerd card Shows errors, Ruz comps show cleat 

DAK -fssesSmerdt 

CERTIFICATION 

~ 

Signature 

Date 

Phone 

03/12/2026 

2 

gu 

KL oul Ludi sa 

SER Za 

ress 

{305 

Pu rgound. (Kf 

~ww.michigan.gov/treasury

Page 2

.8, Page 2 

OR BOARD OF REVIEW USE ONLY 

INSTRUCTIONS: Incorporate a copy of this form and the assigned number in the Board of Review minutes. 

Petition Number 

Parcel Code 

15-0033-0001-01-3 

1. ASSESSED VALUE 

Disposition by Board of Review. The Board of Review must state the reason for its action below. 

[J] 

penied 

| 

Assessed Value Changed From: 

[ 

465,000 

ro. 

[ 

=< 20), [SIND] 

| 

Record of Vote - Board or Threg/merber committee of board 

a: 

Chairperson: ¢]YEs 

[] 

NO SX 

Member: 

Kl 

ves 

[J 

No 

Member: 

ves 

[] 

No DKG 

Initials 

# 

itials 

Initials 

Reason for Board Action: 

If you disagree with the decision of the Board of Review regarding tentative assessed value, you may appeal that decision by filing a petition with the Michigan Tax Tribunal at 

PO Box 30232, Lansing MI 48909. Commercial Real, Industrial Real, Developmental Real, Commercial Personal, Industrial Personal and Utility Personal Property may be 

appealed by May 31. Agricultural Real, Residential Real, Timber 

- Cut Over Real, and Agricultural Personal Property may be appealed by July 31. The petition must be filed on 

a Michigan Tax Tribunal form or a form approved by the Michigan Tax Tribunal. Michigan Tax Tribunal forms are available at www.michigan.gov/taxtrib. 

| 2. TENTATIVE TAXABLE VALUE 

Disposition by Board of Review. The Board of

Page 3

​Mi

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01._Property_Tax_Appeal_Petition_Form_Valuation_Poverty_Classification.6f930612-6a2e-488a-8609-026b2fa0ddf5.pdfRead complete document text →
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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

Rachel

M.I.

Last Name/Company Name

Ludwig

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

11305 Burgoyne Rd

City or Town

Berrien Springs

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

49103

Telephone Number

313-717-1948

Fax Number

E-mail Address

ludwig.rachel.n@gmail.com

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

First Name

M.I.

Last Name

Firm Name (if any)

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

City or Town

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

Fax Number

E-mail Address 

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]

11305 Burgoyne Rd

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

Berrien Springs

Michigan

49103

Taxing Authority (City or Township)

Township Of Oronoko (BERRIEN)

County 

Berrien

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

True Cash and Taxable Value

 

Section 5: Explain the Reason for this Appeal

We are appealing the Board of Review’s partial reduction of our 2026 SEV to $350,000. At the hearing, the Board requested the original 2018 appraisal. After 

reviewing it, we discovered that the appraisal valued the completed home at $400,000 true cash value (subject to completion per plans), implying an SEV of 

approximately $200,000. However, the assessor set the 2021 SEV at $302,300 — significantly higher.

This overassessment, combined with multiple record-card errors (overstated basement finish, jacuzzi tub, garbage disposal, and walk-out doors), caused our capped 

Taxable Value to rise far beyond what Proposal A caps should have allowed. We respectfully request the Tribunal reduce the 2026 SEV to $225,000 and 

review/correct prior years 2021–2025 for refunds.

Full details, calculations, tables, appraisal, and comparable sales are attached as the complete petition.

Section 6: Jurisdictional Issues

Year(s) you are appealing:

2021-2026

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

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

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: 15-0033-0001-01-3

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:

350000.00

Current Taxable Value as established by the BOR:

350000.00

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

450000.00 

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

225000.00

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:

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

Page 4

STATE

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