Record Finder / 26-002724-TT
Michigan
Shamus Oatis Petitioner V Township Of Grand Rapids Respondent
- Petitioner
- Shamus Oatis
- Respondent
- Township Of Grand Rapids
Case overview
- Docket number
- 26-002724-TT
- Status
- Disposed
- CaseType
- SC Property
- Division
- Small Claims Division
- County
- Kent
- 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 | 10/02/2026 | Not recorded | Download |
| 3 | Petition has been verified | PET | 1 | 10/02/2026 | Not recorded | Download |
| Not recorded | Not recorded | Not recorded | Not recorded | Not recorded | Not recorded | Download |
| 2 | Notice of Docket Number SC | Not recorded | Not recorded | 10/01/2026 | Not recorded | Download |
| 1 | A petition was received. | PET | Not recorded | 07/20/2026 | $0.00 | Download |
| Not recorded | Not recorded | Not recorded | Not recorded | Not recorded | Not recorded | Download |
Documents
Order_of_Dismissal.2026-10-02_10-12-16.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 Shamus Oatis, Petitioner, MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION v MTT Docket No. 26-002724 Township of Grand Rapids, Respondent. ORDER OF DISMISSAL The Tribunal has considered the file in this 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. 26-002724 Page 2 of 2 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: /s/ Patricia L. Halm Entered: October 2, 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 Shamus Oatis, Petitioner, MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION v MTT Docket No. 26-002724 Township of Grand Rapids, Respondent. ORDER OF DISMISSAL The Tribunal has considered the file in this 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. 26-002724 Page 2 of 2 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: /s/ Patricia L. Halm Entered: October 2, 2026 PROOF OF SERVICE I certify that a copy
Page 5
ST
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Michigan Departient of Troasury 1019 (Rev, 10-25) THIS IS NOT A TAX BILL Notice of Assessment, Taxable Valuation, and Property Classification This form is issued under the authority of Public Act 206 of 1893, Sec 211 24c and Sec 211 Jc, ns amended This is & Model assessment nolos 16 be — _— eee Llc. A hb, Laer] Bry thi local assess | FROM GRAND RAPIDS CHARTER TOWNSHIP NTI) IN PARCEL IDENTIFICATION \N JAGER PARCEL NUMBER 41-14-04-126-012 1 BELTLINE AVE NE PROPERTY ADDRESS RAPIDS, M| 49525 3560 VINEYARD AVE NE or GRAND RAPIDS. MI 49525 SCHOOL DISTRICT CODE DRESS/PERSON NAMED ON ASSESSMENT ROLL NET TE ITT . 41025 EXEMPTIONS BERECDIGIT 49505 Tia DY HEN % Exempt As "Homeowners Principal Residence™ AVE NE % Exempt As "Qualified Agricultural Property”: IDE, MI 49525-2834 % Exempt As "MBT Industrial Personal”: UU TT LD TRUER U LU LO TUE % Exempt As “MBT Commercial Personal” ee hoes "Disabled Veteran or Surviving C1 Yes No Exempt As "Qualified Forest Property”: Hn Yes [Xl No be Exempt As "Development Property”: | Yes rd! No rr ETON. SHSLER SUB ICL 211.34c THIS PROPERTY IS CLASSIFIED AS: 401 Residential ial nes SIFICATION IF DIFFERENT: 401 CURRENT CHANGE FROM TENTATIVE AMOUNT PRIOR YEAR TO YEAR: 20 CURRENT YEAR 127,600 127.600 185,400 esl 1é PRIOR NT YEAR: rtv Classification may be directed to the Following: E BJAGER@GRAN DRAPIDSTWP.ORG — TION ON LINE 5 ARE INCORRECT, YOU MAY 326 BY CALLING BRYAN JAGER, ASSESSOR. ¥ ALSO APPEAL DIRECTLY WITH THE D AT 1836 EAST BELTLINE NE, ON :ROM 9:00 AM — 3:00 PM. YOU MUST IP OFFICES AT (616) 361-7391 ALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY ED. ALL APPEALS MUST BE 3 AV LABLE AT
Page 2
GRAND RAPIDS CHARTER TOWNSHIP www.grandrapidstwp.org 026 Tax Bill 9/14/2026 3 Office can be reached at ady@grandrapidstwp.org. INFORMATION in Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to Kk are preferred. Cash payments must be JEenge amount. The township does ments. Credit cards are not accepted in ble » at the front of the building for after hour glosed with each tax bill mailing. If a led back, include the entire bill and a pe with your check. Xt thru BS&A Payments: 6-3 55-6208 for credit card or electronic n the processing company from | gh arged. 3 available. To obtain an or visit our website. Bi$6/26 through Mm month thru 2/16/27. ded. On 3/01/27, all i by th ge Kent County PROPERTY ASSESSED TO: OATIS SHAMUS & BROOKE 3569 VINEYARD AVE NE GRAND RAPIDS MI 49525 41-14-04-126-012 REAL 3569 VINEYARD AVE NE NORTHVIEW PUBLIC SCHOOL DIST Parcel #: Property Type: Property Address: School: serations for the TAX DETAIL Class: 401 Taxable Value: 185.400 State Equalized Value: 185,400 Principal Residence Exemption/MBT. 100% Princ. Residence Exemption Has Reduced Bill By: 3337.20 Taxes are based on Taxable Value and current millage rates. 1 mill equals $1.00 per $1,000 of Taxable Value Amounts with no millage are Special Assessments. TAX DESCRIPTION NORTHVIEW DEBT NORTHVIEW REC NORTHVIEW OPER KENT INTER SCH GR COMM COLLEGE STATE EDUCATION KENT CNTY - OPER AMOUNT 1,376.00 125.49 EXEMPT 980.87 307.81 1,112.40 744 23 MILLAGE 7.42180 0.67690 18.00000 5.29060 1.66030 6.00000 4.01420 Total Millage Rate 43.06380 Total Tax Interest and Penalty Total Due Less Previous Payments Total Due NED, THIS BILL IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY*** PLEASE RETURN THIS PORTIC This tax is due , 9114/2 2026. After 9/14/26 interest/penalty - applied. 3 +3 12026 a Parcel # 41-14-04-126-012 Property Address: 3509 VINEYARD AVE NE ar Ek Balance Due: 4,646.80
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scpetition_valuation.pdfRead complete document text →
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STATE OF MICHIGAN GRETCHEN WHITMER GOVERNOR DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS LANSING MARLON I. BROWN, DPA DIRECTOR 1 of 3 PROPERTY TAX APPEAL PETITION FORM VALUATION / UNCAPPING APPEAL MTT DOCKET NO. Petitioner’s Contact Information: Filer Type: Individual Local Unit of Government: First Name Shamus M.I. Last Name Oatis Mailing Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route) 3569 Vineyard Avenue NE City or Town Grand Rapids State Michigan ZIP Code 49525 Telephone Number 6162500387 E-mail Address shamusoatis33@gmail.com 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 parcel N/A Property Address (No., Street) 3569 Vineyard Avenue NE City or Town Grand Rapids County Kent State Michigan ZIP Code 49525 Taxing Authority (City or Township) Township of Grand Rapids (KENT) Check which of the following you are appealing: (check all that apply) Taxable Value Only (calculation) Please Explain the Reason for this Appeal:
Page 2
STATE OF MICHIGAN GRETCHEN WHITMER GOVERNOR DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS LANSING MARLON I. BROWN, DPA DIRECTOR 2 of 3 Hello, my name is Shamus Oatis and I live at 3569 Vineyard Avenue NE. Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525 in the Grand Rapids Charter Township. My wife and I are first time new homebuyers and we bought our home in January of 2025. I am writing to ask for your consideration to be able to appeal my assessed property tax amount for 2026. The assessor in Grand Rapids Charter Township, Bryan Jager, has informed me that he believes he was "overzealous" in his assessment of my property taxes for this year. To give some context, in January of 2025, I purchased the home for $299,000. The assessed value and taxable value for 2025, with a transfer of ownership resulting in a taxable value uncapping, was $127,600. Over the last year, I have not taken out any loans to remodel the home and in January of 2025, when I purchased the home, the appraisal I paid for came back at $306,000. I would have assumed my taxable value and assessed value for 2026 would have been in the ballpark of $155,000 to match with the approximate value of the home. However, Bryan assessed the home to be a taxable value and assessed value at $185,400 for 2026. This seems excessive. By this number, he assumes my house is worth $370,000 approximately. If I could sell my home today to Bryan for that price, I would do so. I know my home is no where near that worth considering the above details I mentioned. As I stated above, being a new first time homebuyer, I was not looking for "alarm bells" when I received my proposed taxable value letter from the township in the mail earlier this year. Due to my lack of knowledge in this area as a new homebuyer, I trusted what the township and escrow from my mortgage company were doing in the background to provide the tax amount and pay it from my escrow and review it when it was time to pay it. I was greatly disappointed when I found out today from the township that since I did not file an appeal during the approximate 3 week window in February before the March Board of Review meeting, I am out of luck and the extremely high tax value that Bryan input for my property is what I have to pay. I am writing to appeal this to you at the Michigan Tax Tribunal now, even though I have been informed that this is a waste of time because I did not "attend" the March Board of Review and that this was just be "dismissed". This certainly can't be the only time this ever happens where a resident in this state is unaware of the rules behind appealing a bad property tax assessment? I humbly come to you all here at this tribunal to ask for you to take this case and go to the Grand Rapids Charter Township to have my taxes reassessed for this year. I have a pregnant wife, we are expecting our first born in September, we will be only on one income, and to just give the township an extra $1,500+ dollars because of what one person assessed the property at and willingly said it was a mistake is very disappointing. I don't have this type of money to just give the township for no good reason. I understand that at the end of the day this is looked as "my fault" for not being educated into knowing about this three week window to make an appeal but I have never heard of anyone in my life having a bad property tax assessment. These are the things I wish were taught in our schools so that more people who are first time homebuyers know what to expect to be able to live and know what to look out for when these things happen. Your mission statement says that you all aspire to be an administrative tax court that inspires trust in the Michigan tax system through accessibility, transparency, and service to the public. Please, appeal to the public that need your support in matters that are extenuating like this one. Education and accessibility are just as important as the processes put into place and I would argue that if process is put into place but not adequate eduction, then what is the process really doing for those that have to abide by it? I plead with you all to please consider this appeal so that I can provide for my family. I really need this money and do not want to pay extra taxes based on one person's mistake of estimating my property taxes way too high. I appreciate your time and consideration to this request. Thank you very much. Jurisdictional Issues: Did you protest the assessment at a Board of Review? No If Yes, check which Board of Review you attended: If No, please check the applicable reason(s): Assessment Change Notice was not properly sent to Petitioner Year(s) Under Appeal: 0 Valuation Information for Each Parcel under Appeal: Parcel Number: 41-14-04-126-012 Classification of Property: Personal (check one)
Page 3
STATE OF MICHIGAN GRETCHEN WHITMER GOVERNOR DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY
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SC_Notice_of_Docket_Number.2026-10-01_10-47-58.pdfRead complete document text →
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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 Shamus Oatis, Petitioner, MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION v MTT Docket No. 26-002724 Township of Grand Rapids, 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 1, 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 Shamus Oatis, Petitioner, MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION v MTT Docket No. 26-002724 Township of Grand Rapids, 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 1, 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.
combined_tax_documents.pdfRead complete document text →
Read document text excerpt
Page 1
Michigan Departient of Troasury 1019 (Rev, 10-25) THIS IS NOT A TAX BILL Notice of Assessment, Taxable Valuation, and Property Classification This form is issued under the authority of Public Act 206 of 1893, Sec 211 24c and Sec 211 Jc, ns amended This is & Model assessment nolos 16 be — _— eee Llc. A hb, Laer] Bry thi local assess | FROM GRAND RAPIDS CHARTER TOWNSHIP NTI) IN PARCEL IDENTIFICATION \N JAGER PARCEL NUMBER 41-14-04-126-012 1 BELTLINE AVE NE PROPERTY ADDRESS RAPIDS, M| 49525 3560 VINEYARD AVE NE or GRAND RAPIDS. MI 49525 SCHOOL DISTRICT CODE DRESS/PERSON NAMED ON ASSESSMENT ROLL NET TE ITT . 41025 EXEMPTIONS BERECDIGIT 49505 Tia DY HEN % Exempt As "Homeowners Principal Residence™ AVE NE % Exempt As "Qualified Agricultural Property”: IDE, MI 49525-2834 % Exempt As "MBT Industrial Personal”: UU TT LD TRUER U LU LO TUE % Exempt As “MBT Commercial Personal” ee hoes "Disabled Veteran or Surviving C1 Yes No Exempt As "Qualified Forest Property”: Hn Yes [Xl No be Exempt As "Development Property”: | Yes rd! No rr ETON. SHSLER SUB ICL 211.34c THIS PROPERTY IS CLASSIFIED AS: 401 Residential ial nes SIFICATION IF DIFFERENT: 401 CURRENT CHANGE FROM TENTATIVE AMOUNT PRIOR YEAR TO YEAR: 20 CURRENT YEAR 127,600 127.600 185,400 esl 1é PRIOR NT YEAR: rtv Classification may be directed to the Following: E BJAGER@GRAN DRAPIDSTWP.ORG — TION ON LINE 5 ARE INCORRECT, YOU MAY 326 BY CALLING BRYAN JAGER, ASSESSOR. ¥ ALSO APPEAL DIRECTLY WITH THE D AT 1836 EAST BELTLINE NE, ON :ROM 9:00 AM — 3:00 PM. YOU MUST IP OFFICES AT (616) 361-7391 ALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY ED. ALL APPEALS MUST BE 3 AV LABLE AT
Page 2
GRAND RAPIDS CHARTER TOWNSHIP www.grandrapidstwp.org 026 Tax Bill 9/14/2026 3 Office can be reached at ady@grandrapidstwp.org. INFORMATION in Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to Kk are preferred. Cash payments must be JEenge amount. The township does ments. Credit cards are not accepted in ble » at the front of the building for after hour glosed with each tax bill mailing. If a led back, include the entire bill and a pe with your check. Xt thru BS&A Payments: 6-3 55-6208 for credit card or electronic n the processing company from | gh arged. 3 available. To obtain an or visit our website. Bi$6/26 through Mm month thru 2/16/27. ded. On 3/01/27, all i by th ge Kent County PROPERTY ASSESSED TO: OATIS SHAMUS & BROOKE 3569 VINEYARD AVE NE GRAND RAPIDS MI 49525 41-14-04-126-012 REAL 3569 VINEYARD AVE NE NORTHVIEW PUBLIC SCHOOL DIST Parcel #: Property Type: Property Address: School: serations for the TAX DETAIL Class: 401 Taxable Value: 185.400 State Equalized Value: 185,400 Principal Residence Exemption/MBT. 100% Princ. Residence Exemption Has Reduced Bill By: 3337.20 Taxes are based on Taxable Value and current millage rates. 1 mill equals $1.00 per $1,000 of Taxable Value Amounts with no millage are Special Assessments. TAX DESCRIPTION NORTHVIEW DEBT NORTHVIEW REC NORTHVIEW OPER KENT INTER SCH GR COMM COLLEGE STATE EDUCATION KENT CNTY - OPER AMOUNT 1,376.00 125.49 EXEMPT 980.87 307.81 1,112.40 744 23 MILLAGE 7.42180 0.67690 18.00000 5.29060 1.66030 6.00000 4.01420 Total Millage Rate 43.06380 Total Tax Interest and Penalty Total Due Less Previous Payments Total Due NED, THIS BILL IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY*** PLEASE RETURN THIS PORTIC This tax is due , 9114/2 2026. After 9/14/26 interest/penalty - applied. 3 +3 12026 a Parcel # 41-14-04-126-012 Property Address: 3509 VINEYARD AVE NE ar Ek Balance Due: 4,646.80
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scpetition_valuation.pdfRead complete document text →
Read document text excerpt
Page 1
STATE OF MICHIGAN GRETCHEN WHITMER GOVERNOR DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS LANSING MARLON I. BROWN, DPA DIRECTOR 1 of 3 PROPERTY TAX APPEAL PETITION FORM VALUATION / UNCAPPING APPEAL MTT DOCKET NO. Petitioner’s Contact Information: Filer Type: Individual Local Unit of Government: First Name Shamus M.I. Last Name Oatis Mailing Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route) 3569 Vineyard Avenue NE City or Town Grand Rapids State Michigan ZIP Code 49525 Telephone Number 6162500387 E-mail Address shamusoatis33@gmail.com 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 parcel N/A Property Address (No., Street) 3569 Vineyard Avenue NE City or Town Grand Rapids County Kent State Michigan ZIP Code 49525 Taxing Authority (City or Township) Township of Grand Rapids (KENT) Check which of the following you are appealing: (check all that apply) Taxable Value Only (calculation) Please Explain the Reason for this Appeal:
Page 2
STATE OF MICHIGAN GRETCHEN WHITMER GOVERNOR DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS LANSING MARLON I. BROWN, DPA DIRECTOR 2 of 3 Hello, my name is Shamus Oatis and I live at 3569 Vineyard Avenue NE. Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525 in the Grand Rapids Charter Township. My wife and I are first time new homebuyers and we bought our home in January of 2025. I am writing to ask for your consideration to be able to appeal my assessed property tax amount for 2026. The assessor in Grand Rapids Charter Township, Bryan Jager, has informed me that he believes he was "overzealous" in his assessment of my property taxes for this year. To give some context, in January of 2025, I purchased the home for $299,000. The assessed value and taxable value for 2025, with a transfer of ownership resulting in a taxable value uncapping, was $127,600. Over the last year, I have not taken out any loans to remodel the home and in January of 2025, when I purchased the home, the appraisal I paid for came back at $306,000. I would have assumed my taxable value and assessed value for 2026 would have been in the ballpark of $155,000 to match with the approximate value of the home. However, Bryan assessed the home to be a taxable value and assessed value at $185,400 for 2026. This seems excessive. By this number, he assumes my house is worth $370,000 approximately. If I could sell my home today to Bryan for that price, I would do so. I know my home is no where near that worth considering the above details I mentioned. As I stated above, being a new first time homebuyer, I was not looking for "alarm bells" when I received my proposed taxable value letter from the township in the mail earlier this year. Due to my lack of knowledge in this area as a new homebuyer, I trusted what the township and escrow from my mortgage company were doing in the background to provide the tax amount and pay it from my escrow and review it when it was time to pay it. I was greatly disappointed when I found out today from the township that since I did not file an appeal during the approximate 3 week window in February before the March Board of Review meeting, I am out of luck and the extremely high tax value that Bryan input for my property is what I have to pay. I am writing to appeal this to you at the Michigan Tax Tribunal now, even though I have been informed that this is a waste of time because I did not "attend" the March Board of Review and that this was just be "dismissed". This certainly can't be the only time this ever happens where a resident in this state is unaware of the rules behind appealing a bad property tax assessment? I humbly come to you all here at this tribunal to ask for you to take this case and go to the Grand Rapids Charter Township to have my taxes reassessed for this year. I have a pregnant wife, we are expecting our first born in September, we will be only on one income, and to just give the township an extra $1,500+ dollars because of what one person assessed the property at and willingly said it was a mistake is very disappointing. I don't have this type of money to just give the township for no good reason. I understand that at the end of the day this is looked as "my fault" for not being educated into knowing about this three week window to make an appeal but I have never heard of anyone in my life having a bad property tax assessment. These are the things I wish were taught in our schools so that more people who are first time homebuyers know what to expect to be able to live and know what to look out for when these things happen. Your mission statement says that you all aspire to be an administrative tax court that inspires trust in the Michigan tax system through accessibility, transparency, and service to the public. Please, appeal to the public that need your support in matters that are extenuating like this one. Education and accessibility are just as important as the processes put into place and I would argue that if process is put into place but not adequate eduction, then what is the process really doing for those that have to abide by it? I plead with you all to please consider this appeal so that I can provide for my family. I really need this money and do not want to pay extra taxes based on one person's mistake of estimating my property taxes way too high. I appreciate your time and consideration to this request. Thank you very much. Jurisdictional Issues: Did you protest the assessment at a Board of Review? No If Yes, check which Board of Review you attended: If No, please check the applicable reason(s): Assessment Change Notice was not properly sent to Petitioner Year(s) Under Appeal: 0 Valuation Information for Each Parcel under Appeal: Parcel Number: 41-14-04-126-012 Classification of Property: Personal (check one)
Page 3
STATE OF MICHIGAN GRETCHEN WHITMER GOVERNOR DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY
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.