Show All Answers

1. Property values in my neighborhood have been decreasing. Will my property valuation be decreasing as well?

Unfortunately, there isn't a yes or no answer to that question. If you've owned your property for a significant amount of time, more than likely your State Equalized Value (SEV) far exceeds your Taxable Value. If this is the case, a decrease in valuation, caused by a cooling real estate market, will be reflected in the SEV. The Taxable Value is required by the Michigan Constitution to increase each year by the rate of inflation or 5%, whichever is lower. In the case of a longtime property owner, the SEV could decrease, while the Taxable Value will increase.

2. Does that mean I would pay more property taxes instead of less?

In the previous scenario, yes you would. The Taxable Value will rise by the inflationary increase. This figure multiplied by the local unit's millage rate will determine your new property tax liability.

3. Why won't my taxes decrease if my property value is going down?

Proposal A allowed many residents to pay property taxes on less than half of their market value by "capping" the Taxable Value, while still allowing the assessor to determine the market value by adjusting the State Equalized Value (SEV). This has caused, for many property owners, a great disparity between the SEV figure and the Taxable Value figure. The assessor can reduce the SEV to reflect the change in property value, but if the Taxable Value is still well below the SEV, it will keep increasing until the two figures meet. Taxes are based on Taxable Value; therefore you will end up with a tax increase.

4. Will my taxes ever go down?

if a property's value decreases each year, the State Equalized Value (SEV) will eventually meet the Taxable Value. The Taxable Value cannot exceed the SEV. When this happens, decreases in SEV will cause decreases in Taxable Value, which will then lower your property tax liability. Due to the gap between the SEV and Taxable Value figures, it would take several years of depressed market conditions to make the SEV and Taxable Value equal. If you happen to be a property owner who purchased a property in the last few years and you have decreasing property value, the SEV and Taxable Value figures could meet sooner than someone who has owned the property for a long period of time.

Show All Answers

1. Why are people measuring and photographing my property?

The City of Romulus is conducting re-inspections for every property in the City over a period of five years. Part of updating the Department of Assessment records requires an exterior measurement of the home/building as well as measurements of any improvement on the property. A photograph is taken for City records and for informational purposes. The photo will be extremely beneficial not only to assist the Department of Assessment, but also as a reference for taxpayers, realtors, and appraisers. The State of Michigan requires the Department of Assessment records to be as detailed and up to date as possible.

2. Will everything on my property be measured and inspected?

Yes, some items will be picked up as informational items only, but the State of Michigan requires any improvements, big or small, to be inspected and measured.

3. When will the results of the inspections affect my tax bill?

If your property is inspected from April 15, 2020 to December 31, 2020, you will see the adjustment on your 2021 tax bills. Look for your notice of assessment which is mailed out every year at the end of February to see how your assessed value and the taxable value is impacted.

4. When will I be able to see the results of the re-inspection?

Due to the enormity of the project, one-fifth of the properties will be visited each year. If your property is visited in 2020, expect to see the results and obtain a copy of the record card by the end of February 2021 after you receive your notice of assessment.

5. Do you need to go in my backyard?

Our assessors are required to go into your backyard to complete the inspection. They will first knock at the door; if there is no answer they will begin to measure the front of the house/building and make their way around to the back of the property.

6. Do you need to come inside my home?

Our assessors do not need to be inside your home during the inspection. Everything we need to see will be reviewed on an exterior basis only. The assessors may have questions about the interior, so please cooperate as much as possible. If a card is left, please call our office.

Assessors' Staff Directory

7. How will I identify city employees?

The assessors will have clearly marked city-issued identification badges. They will typically be carrying a clipboard and tape measure. If further identification is needed, please don't hesitate to call the Department of Assessment at 734-942-7520 to verify their identity. 

8. What if I made no changes to the property since it was purchased?

Though you may not have made any changes to the property since you purchased it, our records may still require updating. Some of the properties have not been visited since they were originally built.

9. How can you assess for something that is not attached to my home?

It is commonly believed if a porch and/or deck are not touching the home, it cannot be taxed. This is a complete misconception. All structures need to be properly inspected and noted on the record card. A determination will be made as to whether they are contributing to the overall value and therefore included in the assessment.

10. What is going to add value to the assessment and what is not?

General maintenance items such as new gutters, roofs, windows, etc. are not assessable items. The leading contributors to an increased assessment include but are not limited to: 

discovery of air conditioning

• Additions
• Barns
• Carports
• Decks
• Garages
• Patios
• Porches
• Sheds

11. Does this have anything to do with my Principal Residence Exemption?

This inspection will in no way affect your Principal Residence status.

12. Is there any way to protest the inspection and/or what is found?

Every year at the end of February, a Notice of Assessment is mailed to every property in the City of Romulus. Once it is received, please review the information provided. A list of dates and times to protest at the local March Board of Review is included. Failure to receive the notice does not invalidate the assessed and taxable values. 

Please call our office by the end of February if you have not received your Notice of Assessment. The March Board of Review is the only time a taxpayer can appeal their residential home value. If it is missed the taxpayer forfeits their rights to appeal their values for the remainder of the year.

Assessors' Staff Directory

Show All Answers

1. What is an election worker?

Michigan has 83 counties, 274 cities, and 1,242 townships. During an election, each of these units of government requires a staff of paid workers to assist voters and help process ballots. Election workers, precinct inspectors, and election inspectors - are people who are paid to assist voters and count ballots on Election Day.

2. Am I qualified to sign up to be an election worker?

In order to serve as an election worker, you must be a registered voter of the state if you are 18+. You can also apply if you are a 16 or 17 year old resident of Michigan. Additionally, you cannot be a challenger, candidate, member of a candidate's immediate family, or a member of the local Board of Canvassers. Anyone convicted of a felony or an election crime may not serve.

3. What are the duties of an election/precinct inspector?

Precinct inspector must be able to:

• Assemble simple voting stations
• Attend an educational training program (mandatory prior to working an election)
• Follow instructions provided by the precinct chairperson
• Perform simple math calculations
• Possess computer skills and knowledge on how to operate a computer
• Possess inter-personal skills to work with a diverse community population
• Read and write legibly in the English language
• Work closely with others

4. Will I be trained?

Yes! Training will be provided to all available positions.

Show All Answers

1. Do I need to show identification in order to vote?

The answer is yes. In 2007, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that a provision of Michigan election law that requires voters to either present picture identification or sign an affidavit if they do not have picture identification with them is constitutional and enforceable.

2. Can I show my voter registration card in place of presenting a photo ID?

The answer is no. Your voter registration card is just for your reference, regarding your precinct and polling location.

3. What types of picture identification can I present to satisfy the photo ID requirement?

Voters can satisfy the picture identification requirement by showing a Michigan driver's license or a Michigan personal identification card. Voters who do not possess either document may show any of the following forms of picture identification as long as they are current:

• Driver's license or personal identification card issued by another state.
• Federal or state government-issued photo identification.
• U.S. passport.
• Military identification card with photo.
• Student identification with photo - from a high school or an accredited institution of higher education.
• Tribal identification card with photo.

4. What happens if I forget to bring my picture identification with me to the polls? Can I still vote?

The answer is yes. You can still be issued a ballot simply by signing an Affidavit of Voter Not in Possession of Picture Identification form, which is on the reverse side of the Application to Vote.

The affidavit can be used by:

• Voters who do not have an acceptable photo ID
• Voters who have photo ID but didn't bring it with them to the polls.

Once you sign the affidavit, you may cast your ballot.

5. What happens if a voter who does not possess a picture identification and refuses to signed the affidavit form? Would such a voter be an issued a ballot?

The answer is no. A voter not in possession of picture identification who refuses to sign the affidavit form cannot vote and should be referred to the local clerk. This is the same procedure used for voters who refuse to complete an Application to Vote: no ballot is issued.

6. what happens if a voter claims to have a picture identification but refuses to show it? Will such a voter be offered the opportunity to sign the affidavit form?

The answer is no. A voter who claims to have picture identification but refuses to show it cannot vote and should be referred to the local clerk. The voter does not have the option of signing the affidavit form as the affidavit is designed for voters not in possession of picture identification.

7. Can I vote a split ticket?

The answer is yes.  You can "split" your ticket when voting in the November general election. A voter participating in a November general election who wishes to cast a "split" ticket can vote for individual candidates of his or her choice under any party or can vote a "straight party" ticket and vote for individual candidates under any other party. The votes cast for individual candidates under the other parties will override the straight party vote in the races involved.

8. Does a “straight” ticket cover all candidates in that party?

The answer is yes. At the top of a General election ballot, there is an opportunity to vote "straight" party, which selects all candidates on that party's ticket with a single vote.

If you vote for a straight party ticket, there is no need to vote again for any individual candidate in the party column. However, if you do vote straight party and then vote for an individual candidate in that same party, it will not invalidate your vote for that candidate.

9. Must I vote the entire ballot?

The answer is no. You are not required to vote the entire ballot. You may pick and choose the races or ballot questions for which you want to vote. Skipping sections of the ballot does not invalidate your ballot.

Show All Answers

1. How does COVID-19 spread?

According to the CDC, it spreads through respiratory droplets from an infected person's cough or sneezes. It is also possible the virus is spread by touching a surface or object containing the virus and then touching one's mouth, nose or eyes.

2. What are symptoms of COVID-19?

According to the CDC, fever, cough, and shortness of breath are the symptoms of COVID-19. In severe cases, complications include pneumonia in both lungs, multi-organ failure, and in some cases death.

3. How can you help protect yourself?

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are unavailable.
• Wear a cloth face covering when in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.)

4. What do you do if you are sick?

If you are sick, please follow the recommendations of your health care provider. Health experts have advised individuals who are sick to stay home; cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue, then throw it in the trash; and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

5. Is the City of Romulus doing anything to prepare for coronavirus?

On Monday, March 16, 2020, Mayor LeRoy D. Burcroff officially declared a State of Emergency in the City of Romulus in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Due to the City's unique location with multiple forms of transportation and transient populations, declaring a State of Emergency allowed the city access to additional funding and resources to respond to its increased risk to the virus.

Governor Whitmer's "Stay Home, Stay Safe" Executive Order was lifted on June 1, 2020. As a result, Romulus City Hall reopened at 8 am. Monday, June 8, 2020. The Building and Public Works Departments are now open at full capacity. While walk-in traffic is permitted, appointments are still highly encouraged to help us schedule for capacity guidelines and screening for visitors. Residents are encouraged to visit the city's website with questions. If additional assistance is needed, residents can feel free to call any one of the city departments.

Romulus Senior Center and Romulus Animal Shelter are available by appointment only, and the Senior Center is continuing to provide services to older residents, including Meals on Wheels and commodities/Focus: HOPE distribution. Romulus Public Library and the Romulus Athletic Center remain closed at this time. All public events and activities will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

6. Many senior citizens in the community rely on services like Meals on Wheels. What nutrition resources will be available to them?

The Romulus Senior Center will be closed to the public but will continue providing services to older residents, including Meals on Wheels and commodities/focus hope distribution by appointment only. Please call the Center for more information at 734-955-4120.

7. Why did the City of Romulus declare a state of emergency?

Due to the City's unique location with multiple forms of transportation and transient populations, declaring a State of Emergency allows the city access to additional funding and resources to respond to its increased risk to the virus.

8. Where can I learn more about coronavirus?

Residents with questions regarding COVID-19 are encouraged to contact the State of Michigan's coronavirus hotline at 888-535-6136 or visit their website.

Show All Answers

1. What is the TIFA?

The TIFA is a municipal corporation created by the City of Romulus under Public Act 430 of 1980, as amended, to encourage economic development, neighborhood revitalization and historic preservation in certain development areas in the City. The TIFA is governed by a Board of 13 people appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. The Board members serve 4 year staggered terms.

2. What does the TIFA Do?

The TIFA is authorized to plan and propose the construction, renovation, repair, and improvements to public facilities in the development area. The TIFA does this through a Development Plan and Tax Increment Finance Plan that is approved by the TIFA Board and the City Council. The TIFA Plans sets forth the different types of activities and public facilities that the TIFA intends to pay for over the life of the Plan, which is usually 20 to 30 years.

The types of public facilities the TIFA can construct include a street, plaza, or pedestrian mall, and any improvements to a street, plaza, boulevard, alley or pedestrian mall, including street furniture and beautification, park, parking facility, recreation facility, playground, school, library, public institution or administration building, right-of-way, structure, waterway, bridge, lake, pond, canal, utility line or pipeline, and other similar facilities and necessary easements of these facilities designated and dedicated to use by the public generally or used by a public agency.

3. How does the TIFA pay for its activities?

The TIFA uses a tool called tax increment financing to generate revenues to pay for public improvements. Tax increment financing is used by several different kinds of municipal authorities, including Downtown Development Authorities (DDAs), Local Development Finance Authorities (LDFAs), and Brownfield Redevelopment Authorities (BRAs). The TIFA can pay for projects each year as it collects revenues to pay for the projects, or it can issue bonds and use the tax increment revenues to pay back the principal and interest on the bonds.

4. What is tax increment financing?

Tax increment financing is a tool for local economic development that authorizes a TIFA to capture a portion of the property taxes levied by other taxing units (the City, County, WCCC, HCMA, Wayne RESA, etc.) and use those revenues for economic development purposes.

Basically, once a tax increment financing plan has been approved by the City Council, the property values of the properties covered by the tax increment financing plan are, in effect, frozen for the other taxing units. The other taxing units continue to receive the same amount of tax revenues from those properties for the life of the TIFA Plan. The tax revenues received from those properties in future years which are in excess of the tax revenues on the base value are turned over to the TIFA in order to further implement the projects in the TIFA Plan. Thus, the TIFA gets to capture the incremental increase in the property tax revenues over the amount of revenues in the base year.

5. Can the TIFA levy taxes on property?

No. The TIFA does not have the power to tax. It can only capture certain tax revenues from other taxing units.

6. Do property owners in the TIFA pay more in taxes than property owners outside the TIFA?

No. Property owners in the TIFA are assessed and taxed in the same manner and at the same tax rates as any other property owner in the City. The difference is where the property tax revenues go (i.e. to the TIFA or the different taxing units) not how much is paid by the property owner.

7. Is the TIFA totally independent from the City?

No. The TIFA works with the City to implement its projects and plans. The TIFA Plan must be approved by City Council. The TIFAs annual budgets must be approved by City Council. In certain cases, the TIFA must also get City Council approval to borrow money.

8. Do other communities use TIFAs? What types of projects have been paid for by TIFAs?

Yes. There are over 100 TIFAs in Michigan and over 300 DDAs. TIFAs and Downtown Development Authorities (DDA) have been used to pay for all kinds of public improvements across the State, ranging from street and sidewalk improvements, water and sewer lines and street lighting to recreation centers, golf courses and stadiums.