Residents in the Inland Lakes School District will receive a reduced winter tax bill in 2012 following a clerical error which caused taxpayers to pay an extra 1.4425 mills on the school debt portion of their current winter tax bill.

Fred Osborn, Inland Lakes Superintendent, admits the mistake. Once it was discovered, Osborn sought legal advice and has taken measures to appropriately correct the error.

Osborn contacted numerous organizations and consultants to gather as much information as possible before making a decision about how to correct the situation. In order to fix this problem, Osborn has decided to lower the millage levied in the future to make up the difference. So, property owners are paying more this year, but will pay less in the future.

About 7,800 tax payers paid an additional 55% on the school bond portion of their winter tax bill. As an example, if you have a house valued at $100k and your state equalized value (SEV) is $50k, you would have been billed an extra $70 dollars this year. Next year your tax bill would be $90 dollars less (assuming property value stays the same).

If taxpayers sell their property before the winter 2012 tax levy, they are asked to contact Inland lakes Schools Business office, 231-238-6868.??

This should not have happened. After reviewing the process that was used, Osborn feels comfortable assuring our tax payers, there are better checks and balances in place now than in the past.

Superintendent Osborn, will also be hosting a community meeting on Thursday, January 12 at 7:00 PM in the Superintendent’s office to answer any questions. He will be joined by Kris Vizina, ILS Business Manager and Zach Skiera, ILS Board President. You could also call Mr. Osborn anytime: 231-238-6868.