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Assessor

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1. What is the process to appeal my property assessment?

To appeal the value of your property you MUST appear before the March Board of Review appeals sessions held:
Monday; March 13th (9:00 AM to Noon) (1:30 PM to 4:30 PM)
Tuesday; March 14th (9:00 AM to Noon) (1:30 PM to 4:30 PM)and (6:00 PM to 9:00 PM)

If you have an appeal other than value contact the assessing department to discuss the process that applies to your need.

2. What are the requirements for a PRE (Principal Residence Exemption)?

Property MUST be owner occupied No Later Than May 1st of any given year.

3. Will my multiple property all qualify for a PRE exemption?

Depends on the configuration of the property layout, contiguous or not, platted sites or metes and bounds site. Discussion with Assessor is necessary.

4. What are the requirements for the PRE qualification?

Where you “go home” to; address you have on your driver’s license; address on your voter registration; mailing address for your utility bills, checking account, etc.

5. What is the difference between assessed value and taxable value?

Assessed value is an estimate of market value multiplied by 50%
Taxable value is a value that has been calculated from 1994 with new structure value added, demolished structure value subtracted multiplied by the CPI (consumer price index) for each year.

6. What is fair market value?

Fair market value is the price that a willing and informed buyer and seller would agree upon under usual and ordinary circumstances. It is the most probable price a property would bring when exposed to the open market for a reasonable period on time.

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Cemetery FAQs

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1. How much does a lot cost?

$800 for residents/$1600 for non-residents

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City Council

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1. How do I contact my council representative?

You can find out which council person represents your neighborhood on the representation map. Council person contact information is provided on the City Council page. Map...

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City FAQs

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1. What are City Hall's hours of operation?

7:30am - 4:00pm Monday - Friday except for certain holidays.

2. I am new to Iron Mountain. Where can I find out more about the City?

Information about Iron Mountain can be found in the About our City main menu as well as by browsing the links in the community links list.

3. Where do I obtain a passport?

Passports can be obtained at the County Clerks office located in the Dickinson County Courthouse. The clerk can be reached at (906) 774-0988.

4. Where do I obtain a marriage license?

Marriage Licenses can be obtained at the Dickinson County Clerk's Office. You can reach the clerk at (906) 774-0988.

5. Can we get copies of birth certificates at City Hall?

No. Birth records are handled by the County Clerk's office at the Dickinson County Courthouse. Link to County Clerk...

6. Who do we call for Animal Control?

The Dickinson County Sheriff Department handles animal control. You can reach them at 906-774-6262.

7. How can I find things on the Website?

There are a number of ways.
Click the link below for information.
More...

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Clerk Treasurer

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1. What are the Clerk Treasurer's hours?

The Clerk Treasurer's office is open from 7:30am to 4:00pm M-F.

2. How can I receive a credit or have my property?

The credits available do not originate from the City. The State of Michigan has a homestead property tax credit that can be calculated annually as part of the state income tax filing. In addition, a separate calculation is available for senior citizens for their homestead property taxes. More information on these credits can be obtained at the web site www.treas.state.mi.us or by calling 1-800-482-7000. Information regarding principal residence exemptions and poverty exemptions are available from the City Assessor's Office, phone (906)774-8530.

3. When can I expect to receive a bill and when is it due?

The summer tax bills are mailed the first week of July and are due without penalty by August 10 unless it falls on a weekend in which case the due date is the next business day. The winter tax bills are mailed the first week of December and are due the following February 14 unless it falls on a weekend in which case the due date is the next business day. The due date will always be clearly indicated on your tax bill.

4. I didn't receive a bill, what should I do?

Call our office immediately (906) 774-8530. We will send you a duplicate bill. Please note, it is the taxpayers responsibility to pay the taxes by the due date regardless of whether a bill was received or not.

5. My bill has someone else's name on it, what should I do?

First make sure it is your bill, i.e. check the permanent parcel number. If it is your bill, most likely there has been a recent ownership change and the taxpayer information hasn't been updated. If this is the case, you may pay on the bill you received. Again, please note it is the taxpayers responsibility to pay the taxes by the due date.

6. Where can I pay my taxes and what payment options are available?

At our office - City Hall is located at 501 S. Stephenson Avenue
Mail - please include the payment DO NOT SEND CASH
Drop Box - There is a drop box (light blue) conveniently located at the main entrance of City Hall.

7. What are the penalties for late payment?

Summer taxes: 4% on unpaid principal. Unpaid real property taxes & penalties are turned over to the Dickinson County Treasurer as of March 1 of the succeeding year. Contact the Dickinson County Treasurer at (906) 774-8130 for payment information on taxes turned over delinquent.
Winter taxes: 4% collection fee is collected after the due date of and before March 1. Unpaid real property taxes are turned over to the Dickinson County Treasurer as of March 1 following the due date. Contact the Dickinson County Treasurer at (906) 774-8530 for payment information on taxes turned over delinquent.

8. The taxable value or principal residence exemption on my bill is incorrect, what should I do?

CONTACT THE CITY ASESSOR'S OFFICE IMMEDIATELY AT (906) 774-8530.
There are two opportunities each year for assessment corrections; at the July and December Boards of Review. However, the taxes billed reflect a legal assessment and are due by the due date and in the amount stated on the bill regardless of errors. Partial payments made in anticipation of an assessment correction are "at your own risk"; i.e., any residual balance due after corrections will bear penalties if delinquent.

9. The taxable value or principal residence exemption for my property is being corrected at the board of review, should I wait for the corrected bill before paying?

No. The bill you received is due and payable by the due date and in the amount stated on the bill. Partial payments made in anticipation of an assessment correction are "at your own risk"; i.e., any residual balance due after corrections will bear penalties if delinquent. The City Board of Review meets in July and December to correct errors to the tax roll for both the current and prior year only. PLEASE CONTACT THE CITY ASSESSOR’S OFFICE AT (906) 774-8530 FOR INQUIRIES.

If a change to your account by the Board of Review is necessary, it will be processed by the Treasurer’s Office within 30 days of receipt of the final report of adjustments from the Board. Until we receive a valid change to an account, the original billing remains as stated. Our office cannot adjust any accounts prior to receiving final authorization from the Board of Review.

10. How do I get a Vendor/Selling Permit?

Contact the City Clerk's Office at 906-774-8530 for information.

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DPW FAQs

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1. Where can I bring brush, leaves or grass clippings?

Compost items can be brought to the DPW garage located at 125 N. Stephenson Ave. until November 1st.

2. Who is responsible for my garbage pickup?

Currently, Great American Disposal has the contract with the city for garbage pickup. Their phone number is 774-9006.

3. Who do I contact if my sewer is backed up?

Contact DPW between 7:00 and 3:30 at 774-0722. After normal hours contact the Iron Mountain Police Department at 774-1234.

4. Who is responsible for sidewalk construction and maintenance?

Property owners are responsible for the construction and maintenance/repair of sidewalks abutting their property, including snow and ice removal during the winter months.

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Farmer's Market

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1. Who runs the Farmer's Market?

The market are run by the Downtown Development Authority and Mainstreet Project. Call them at 906-774-8530.

2. Where is the market located?

The Farmer's Market is held behind City Hall off of East A Street.

3. What are the days and times of the market?

Farmer's Markets start on June 23rd and end on October 13th. There are markets on each Saturday from 8am-Noon.

4. How much does it cost to participate in the market?

The Farmer's market is free to visitors. Registration is required to sell at the market. Vendor fees are $50 per season (15+ days) or $10 per market day. You can acquire an application at City Hall or from this website.

5. Can I just show up and get a spot?

Pre-registration with payment is required before setting up. All applications need review by the Mainstreet Promotions Committee prior to the first market the vendor plans to attend. Last minute "temporary" applications are at the discression of the Mainstreet manager.

6. Where can I get an application to participate in a market?

You can pick up a copy of the application at City Hall, 501 S. Stephenson Ave. Or download from this website.

7. What are the requirements for selling produce at the market?

All agricultural growers are welcome whether large farmer or backyard gardener. The vendor is responsible for inquiring of any needed licensing with the State for bedding plants, prepared food items, dairy produce or raw meats. Vendors are encouraged to supply their own tables for displaying their produce.

8. What can I sell at the market?

All fresh produce grown by you, whether large acreage farmer, hobby grower, or backyard gardener.

Dairy products or ready to eat prepared foods made by you (milk, eggs, fresh baked goods, jams, salsa, cheeses etc) It is the vendor's responsibility to check and procure any licensing needed from the State of Michigan. Copies of State forms are required to be attached to returned application.

Meat products require special handling. Check with the State of Michigan for requirements. Proof of state documents and provision of required equipment should be returned with application before approval by DDA.

Handcrafters, artists, and handy farmers who make goods using agricultural products they have produced themselves (gourds, soaps, wreaths, or wood) are also welcome. Re-sale, recycled products and flea market type items are not permitted. If you have further questions about your handcraft or artwork, contact City Hall for further details. There my be special event days for home based business (avon etc.), check event schedule.

9. Are there special requirements for ready-to-eat items?

Yes. Please inquire with local health departments and the State to find out what is needed by you to sell your items.

10. Can I share space with another vendor?

Each vendor is required to submit an individual application. Approval for sharing of space can be given by the DDA or by calling the office of the Mainstreet Coordinator at 906-774-8530.

11. Do I have to attend the market every week?

No. But consistent attendance is encouraged. Vendors should notify us with days they will not be attending by calling the Mainstreet Coordinator at 906-774-8530.

12. What will I need to bring to the market?

Sellers must furnish their own tables, chairs, drop cloths, displays and tents. Tablecloths are encouraged for all tables. Vendors should also supply a sign with at least their name, phone number, and address.

13. Are dogs allowed at the Market?

No dogs are allowed within the vendor area where produce is sold due to health regulations.

14. Who should I contact if I have a complaint about a vendor?

Vendors are independent contractors and complaints about products purchased from vendors should be directed to that vendor. General comments and suggestions about the Farmers Market should be directed to the Mainstreet Coordinator at 906-774-8530.

15. What if I lose something while at the market? Is there a lost and found?

No. The Market and the Vendors are not responsible for lost items.

16. When is the best time to come to the market?

The market is open Saturday mornings from 8am-Noon. Most events start between 9am-10am.

17. How can I find out about special programs?

Check this website often for special events.

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Fire FAQs

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1. How do I call the fire department?

For ALL emergencies call 911. This will ensure that all necessary personnel are dispatched to your emergency through the Dickinson County Sheriffs Department. Do NOT call the fire department directly for emergency service. Although we would certainly respond to your emergency if we received a call, if we are out of the station performing other duties, the notification to us will be delayed. Calling the department just takes more time. DIAL 911 For non-emergencies call the department at 774-0622.

2. How do I get a burn permit?

Iron Mountain city residents can obtain a burn permit at the Iron Mountain Fire Department during normal business hours. Before the permit is issued an inspection of the material to be burned may be inspected by fire department personnel. A permit will NOT be issued on any day that is deemed high risk by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The Iron Mountain Fire Department web page can be checked for status on fire risk. Permits are issued on a daily basis and are good for that day only! For additional information on open burning view the Code of Ordinances-Chapter 34, Sec. 34-110. Read more...

3. Do we have to pay if we call the fire department?

Currently the City of Iron Mountain does not charge for (per call) fire protection services. Fire Protection is paid for via your taxes.

4. Where is the best place to install a smoke detector?

Installing a smoke detector on every level of the home provides good all-around protection for the least investment. Install smoke detectors in according to manufacturers recommendation.Smoke detectors operate on one of two basic principles: ionization or photoelectric.
Ionization detectors respond to particles often smaller than can be seen with the human eye. Because the greatest number of these particles are produced by flaming fires, they respond slightly faster to the flaming fire than do photoelectric detectors.
Photoelectric detectors respond to larger particles than the ionization detector so they respond slightly faster to smoldering fires than ionization detectors. While there is a small variation in response times, both detectors will detect fire.

5. Who makes the best smoke detector?

The Iron Mountain Fire Department makes no recommendation as to a specific manufacturer of smoke detectors. We recommend you research online or through a consumer's guide. Your time and money will be well spent.

6. Why is my fire hydrant green?

There are over six hundred fire hydrants in the city. Each hydrant is inspected and tested by the fire department to determine the water flow capability in that particular area. The color of your hydrant indicates one of the following flow capabilities:
*red - less than 500 gpm
*orange - 500 - 999 gpm
*green - 1,000 - 1,499 gpm
*blue - 1,500 gpm or more

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How Do I...

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1. How do I receive emergency information to my mobile phone?

The City of Iron Mountain is offering the WISE Alert service free to residents of Iron Mountain and the entire surrounding community. Find out how to register here.

2. How do I contact my council representative?

You can find out which council person represents your neighborhood on the representation map. Council person contact information is provided. More...

3. How do I get a burn permit?

Iron Mountain city residents can obtain a burn permit at the Iron Mountain Fire Department during normal business hours. Before the permit is issued an inspection of the material to be burned may be inspected by fire department personnel. A permit will NOT be issued on any day that is deemed high risk by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The Iron Mountain Fire Department web page can be checked for status on fire risk. Permits are issued on a daily basis and are good for that day only! For additional information on open burning view the Code of Ordinances-Chapter 34, Sec. 34-110. Read more...

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Mainstreet

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1. What is the Mainstreet Program all about?

Answer

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Planning & Community Developement

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1. Does a new business in the city need any special permits or licenses?

Those starting businesses need to get zoning approval beforehand. The City does not issue business permits but all businesses must comply with all zoning and special use requirements.

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SMS FAQs

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1. What is the WISE Alert service?

Via SMS technology community residents can be notified by mobile phone text message in the event of an emergency, such as gas leaks or severe fires, Amber Alerts, road closures, water interruptions, Homeland Security/terrorist alerts, and more. Read more...

2. How does the WISE Alert service work?

In an emergency situation an alert will be sent by City of Iron Mountain authorized personnel and you will receive a text message on you mobile phone.

Additional updates or instructions may follow throughout the emergency situation. Even if the mobile phones are busy, the messages should still come through to your phone.

We will make every effort to update the City's website www.cityofironmountain.com in real time with more information about the emergency.

Other non-emergency SMS lists may be for informational notifications or time sensitive notices such as cancellation of a scheduled public meeting.

3. What is text-messaging and how do I sign-up for it?

Text messages are short messages sent to your phone, similar to receiving a page. Each message contains between 100 and 160 characters, or about 15 words, depending upon your carrier. An example of a text message is the notification you receive on your phone when you have new voicemail.

Most carriers activate the service automatically. You should check with your wireless service provider to make sure your text messaging is active.

4. What types of alerts will be sent?

What types of alerts will be sent?
Alert types may include life safety, weather cancellations, and accidents involving utilities or roadways, or disaster notification such as a terrorist attack. A few examples of the types of messages that can be sent are:

Homeland Security Advisory information
Amber Alerts
Crime Alerts
Road Closures
Severe Traffic Disruptions
Severe Fire Emergencies and Evacuations
Water Service Interruptions
City Government Closings/Schedule Change
and more

5. When is a message sent?

When a situation or event occurs designated, authorized personnel objectively decide whether a message should be broadcast. If a message is broadcast pertaining to a specific category such as Road Closures, then all subscribed users in that category will receive a short text message on their mobile phone, alpha pager or email alerting them of the situation.

When you receive a message, please read the messages promptly and follow the instructions within that message.

Additional instructions may follow throughout the emergency situation. We will make every effort to update the City’s web site with more information about the emergency. In addition, you should tune to local TV and radio.

6. How long does it take to receive an alert?

A message generally takes under 30 seconds after it is broadcast before it reaches the recipient's mobile phone, alpha pager or email. There are many factors that can influence the length of time before delivery, including the user's wireless carrier, location of the user, responsiveness of the mobile phone, internet traffic etc.

7. How long are these messages?

The City of Iron Mountain will exercise its discretion in keeping the message as short as possible. Different carriers have different limitations which could result in some messages being truncated.

8. Will my mobile phone work in a major emergency?

Alerts are delivered using the text messaging (SMS network) feature of your mobile phone. The alerts come across like a page on a pager. All cell phone carriers, and paging companies, offer text messaging. Nearly all phones purchased within the past few years are text messaging capable. If you are unsure, contact your wireless service provider to ask about your phone and text messaging.

9. What is the cost of this service?

The City of Iron Mountain is offering the WISE Alert service free to residents of Iron Mountain and the entire surrounding community. You may sign up free of charge to any of the WISE Alerts lists. Some wireless service providers may charge you a few pennies per text message received. Contact your wireless service provider to find out.

10. How can I find out if the e-mail address my service provider gave me will work?

You can test your phone by sending a plain text email to your own phone from your e-mail software. Make sure your e-mail is set up to send plain text only. In the To address use your 10 digit phone number and the email your provider gave you. (Example: 9061112222@yourcarrier.com) You should receive a text message within a few minutes or seconds. If you do not receive any message contact your service provider to troubleshoot the problem. We suggest you try this test before you sign up to any WISE Alerts list.

To change your settings in Outlook to send plain text:
On the top menu choose Tools then Options. Choose the Send Tab. Under "Mail Sending Format" choose "Plain Text" then click OK.

11. How do I Unsubscribe

Select the unsubscribe link in the notification you received or follow this link http://www.ci.ironmountain.mi.us/list.asp?mode=del
Enter your email address in the designated box and click on the Submit button. A new page will appear showing all of the lists you subscribed to under that email address. Place a check in the box next to the list you wish to unsubscribe and click on the Unsubscribe button.

12. What if I have a problem Subscribing or Unsubscribing?

Use the Contact Us button found in the page banner. Describe the problem. Provide us with information to contact you by email or phone

13. How do I read text messages on my phone?

If you are unfamiliar with reading text messages on your phone, try these links to learn more about your
particular phone, consult your mobile phone manual, or ask your service provider:

Nokia http://www.nokiahowto.com
Motorola http://commerce.motorola.com/consumer/QWhtml/manual.html
Ericsson http://www.ericsson.com/consumers/

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Utility Billing

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1. Why is my bill so high?

This could be caused by a leak. Most household leaks occur from faulty toilet apparatus. You may have been watering your lawn. Do you have a pool that you recently filled? Are there more people in the household? >>link to tips/troubleshooting page<<

2. My Neighbor’s bill is not as high as mine?

Not every household uses the same amount of water. The commonly accepted value for water usage for domestic populations is 100 gallons (13.37 cubic feet) per day per person.
**Approximate Amounts of Water Required for Typical Household Activities
( # of gallons X .1337 = cubic feet)
Laundry ……………20 to 45 gallons per load
Shower …………….20 to 30 gallons per shower
Tub bath …………...30 to 40 gallons per bath
Dishwasher ………..15 to 30 gallons per load
Toilet ………………..3.5 to 7 gallons per flush
Drinking water ……..1-2 qt/day/person
Garbage disposal ….5 gallons per minute use
Car washing ………..5 gallons per minute use
Lawn watering ……..7 to 43 gallons per 100 ft², depending on area of the country

3. Why don’t I have any water?

There are several things we may ask our customers: Has someone accidentally turned the main water valve off? It is is in the winter, have you checked fro frozen pipes? Have you checked with your neighbors to see if they have water? There may be a water main break that hasn’t been reported.

4. My Sewer is backing up. Who do I call?

During normal business hours of DPW 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, CST call 906-774-0722. After hours call the Police Department at 906-774-1234.

5. Why do I have to fix the pipes and/or leaks in my yard? Isn’t that the utilities’ responsibility?

We are responsible for the main line all the way to the curb stop. The customer is responsible from the curb stop to the residence and all problems that stem from there. We do service the water meter that is located at the residence.

6. Can I pay my bill with a credit card?

At present our software is not set up to receive credit cards, however, in the future this service may become available. You can choose to be notified if this becomes available by signing up on our Notify Me page. Notify me when available

7. Can I have my bills paid from my bank account automaticly?

We cannot process pre-authorized payments with our current software at this time, however, this service may be available in the future. Notify me when available

8. Who do I call if...my water has sediment, is cloudy, smells bad, is discolored?

Call the Water Department at Department of Public Works (906) 774-1794.