Charter Township of Garfield: Treasurer's Department

Treasurer Duties

The Treasurer is responsible for the collection and authorized investment and disbursement of all township funds. The collection of funds would include property tax payments, special assessment payments and other revenue generated monies.

Our office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; we are closed between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. for the noon hour.

For your convenience, we installed a large after-hours drop box at the front of the building for the purposes of receiving your payments. We will mail you a receipt after collecting your payment.

Property Tax Bills

Property tax bills are mailed twice each year; July 1 and December 1. Summer Taxes are payable from July 1 through September 14 without interest. Winter Taxes are payable from December 1 through February 14 without penalty.

A closer look at your 2005 Summer Tax statement.

SET (State Education Tax)

The State Education Tax Act was one of several components of Proposal A of 1994 that changed the way in which elementary-secondary education is funded in Michigan. The State levies the state education tax statewide at a six (6)-mill rate on all real and tangible personal property not otherwise exempt from the property tax. The millage is collected and distributed by the township treasurer to the county treasurer who then forwards it to the State of Michigan.

School Debt

Special elections are held to enable schools to levy millage for such things as school construction or renovation. This line item could be a combination of several elections your school district has had over the years. Please contact your school district for more detailed information on their debt millage. This millage is collected and distributed directly to the school district by the township treasurer.

School Operating

This millage is another component of Proposal A of 1994. Under the proposal, a school district can levy eighteen (18) mills for school operating purposes. An exempt principal residence (P.R.E) is not subject to the levy of school operating millage. Businesses, rental properties and people owning multiple properties will pay the school operating millage. This millage is collected and distributed directly to the school district by the township treasurer.

College Debt

Special elections have been held and millage rates passed in which to support Northwestern Michigan College, this millage is used for buildings and renovations.

College Operating

This millage is used for the operation of Northwestern Michigan College.

Traverse Bay Intermediate School District

This millage supports the TBAISD.

Errors and Omissions

Please examine you statement closely to assure accuracy and notify us immediately regarding any errors.

Failure to receive your tax bill does not waive interest and/or penalties.

Interest Schedule for Taxes Paid after September 14

September 15th-30th.. 1% October 1st- 31st, . 2% November 1st-30th,. 3% December 1-31st,. 4% January 1st-31st,. 5% February 1st-14th,. 6%