State Tax Commission May Launch Detroit Probe
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - The State Tax Commission may launch an investigation into complaints that Detroit is overtaxing property owners through inflated assessments.
Doug Roberts, chairman of the three-member panel that oversees the state's property tax laws, said the commission is expected to begin the process of hiring a private firm to analyze city assessments next week.
Roberts said his action was prompted by a February series in The Detroit News that exposed widespread over-assessments, rampant tax delinquencies and dysfunction in the city's Assessment Division.
"I take it very seriously," Roberts said. "I am not saying there is a problem but I am concerned enough to have a second look."
Chief assessor Linda Bade said in an email that her office welcomes the review and pledged cooperation.
Results would be forwarded to state Treasurer Andy Dillon and Detroit emergency manager Kevyn Orr.
MORE: Half Of Detroit Property Owners Didn't Pay 2011 Taxes
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