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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. Dates for appeals are set each year, please contact the Assessor for current dates.

Taxpayer will need documentation to support an appeal such as a professional appraisal or other. Contact the Assessor prior to the Board of Review dates for information.

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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1. How much does a lot cost?

Prices are set by City Council each year and may change or stay the same from year to year. Current fee schedules are available in the Document Center under Finance and Budget.

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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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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 Treasurer's office located in the Dickinson County Courthouse and also at the Kingsford Post Office

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...

8. Are political signs regulated by the City?

Content of political signs is not regulated by the City. Certain aspects such as size and placement may be regulated. Political signs may be placed on private property but NOT on the public right-of-way portion or boulevard (ie between sidewalk and curb) or where they interfere with clear vision. Political signs require the permission of the property owner before placement. Signs may be up to 8 square feet for residential areas and 12 square feet in commercial. Signs may be placed for election candidates or proposals once they are officially approved for an election cycle. Signs must be promptly removed after 10 days post General or Special election. Signs along State Highways are regulated by MDOT and may be viewed at the link below: Political Signs along State roads and highways

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1. How many people does the pavilion hold?

The occupancy rating inside the Pavilion is 150.

2. What amenities are included with the pavilion?

The pavilion includes a full kitchen with refrigerator freezer, electric range, sink, serving window and a double refrigerator/cooler in the main hall, 10 picnic tables for seating and two serving tables. The building is NOT air conditioned or heated. Four box fans are provided. Bathrooms are located in the Bocce Ball building next to the pavilion. Keys are provided for the bathrooms and bathrooms must be locked again at the end of the rental. A keg cooler and bar are available in the main area (please note: keg cooler is secured to the floor and not movable).

3. Are dishes or utensils provided?

The kitchen does not include pans, dishes, or utensils. Renter should bring their own if needed.

4. Can we decorate? Are there any restrictions on how we can decorate?

Renters can bring any decorations as long as their application does not cause damage to walls or other surfaces. Nails and screws are prohibited as they cause splits and damage the wood structure. Push pins are provided for securing decorations to walls. All pins must be removed and returned to the bin for the next renter. Clips are also proved to secure tablecloths to tables. If tape is used ALL fragments of tape must be removed and/or scrapped off tables and surfaces.

5. How early can we get in to the pavilion to decorate etc.? Can we get the keys early or decorate the night before?

Officially, your paid rental period begins on the morning of your rental at 7am. The City Manager may occasionally allow early access on a case-by-case basis if the pavilion is not rented. Early access is after 5pm the evening before the rental date. The renter is required to call on the day before their rental to request early access. Access to the pavilion prior to the paid rental period cannot be guaranteed. Renters who need to plan for preparation prior to their date are advised to add an extra rental day. Saturday rentals may add a Friday rental at a discounted midweek rate.

6. Where do we pick up the keys?

Keys can be picked up the morning of the rental at the Iron Mountain Police Department at 111 E Fleshiem St.

7. Can I send another person to pick up the keys?

Keys must be picked up by the person who signed the documents. The renter has the option to contact us with an alternative person at least one business day before the rental date so it can be noted with the Police Department. The renter or the alternative will be required to show picture ID to pick up keys.

8. Where and when do we return the keys?

Keys should be returned to the Police Department the night of the rental. If the window is closed use the phone at the entrance to call an officer to meet you for the keys.

9. When do we have to be out and cleaned up? Can we clean the next day?

The park officially closes at 11pm. The rental ends also at 11pm. Clean-up is generally required before the next day. Workers must inspect and have the facility clean and ready for the next renter prior to 6am the next day. If the inspection occurs before you have completed cleanup your refund may be retained.

10. What do we have to clean? Do we have to mop etc.?

The pavilion and surrounding grounds should be returned to a clean condition acceptable for the next renter. Floors should be swept and mopped if needed. If you should find unacceptable conditions or damaged items at the start of your rental please list and report such items so they will not affect your inspection and deposit release

11. Are garbage bags provided or do we bring our own? Where do we put the garbage?

Garbage bags are provided. Garbage must be placed in the large bins located outside of the pavilion and throughout the park.

12. When will I get my refund back?

The security deposit will be refunded to you once the Finance Department has been notified by the Public Works Department that the pavilion has been left in good condition/cleaned following your rental. Payment is usually made within seven to ten days following the date of rental. If you have not received your refund after ten (10) days, please contact Cheryl or Heather at 906-774-8530.

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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. 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.

3. 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, failure to receive a tax bill does not defer payment.

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

First make sure it is your bill, i.e. check the parcel number. If it is your bill, most likely there has been a recent ownership change and the buyer/seller has not informed the Assessor of the change. If this is the case, you can contact the Assessor to correct the address. Again, please note failure to receive a tax bill does not defer payment.

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

We are currently not set up for credit cards. We accept cash and check in-office, and checks by mail. There is a drop box (light blue) conveniently located at the main entrance of City Hall for after hours. Payment is also available online (credit cards require a fee).

6. 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.

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

CONTACT THE CITY ASSESSOR'S OFFICE IMMEDIATELY AT (906) 774-8530.
There are only certain opportunities each year for changes. 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 will bear penalties with the normal due dates.

8. 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.

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

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

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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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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. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. Can I have a campfire? And what can I burn?

GENERAL RULES

No open burning is permitted if it emits offensive or objectionable smoke or odors. State Burn Bans apply within City limits.

ALL open burning shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. On-site fire-extinguishing equipment shall be available for immediate utilization.

The Iron Mountain Fire Department is authorized to order the extinguishment by the person responsible or extinguishment by fire personnel of open burning that creates an unsafe, unapproved or objectionable situation.

Before any burning occurs all minimum distances provided below need to be assessed in all directions, including upward! You need to look for all items/objects that could pose a threat or be damaged from burning, such as fences, tree’s/tree canopies, shrubs/bushes, power lines, phone/cable lines, etc.

BURNING OF HOUSEHOLD TRASH

Public Act 102 of 2012 prohibits trash burning of household waste with the exception of untreated paper. Trash that contains plastic, rubber, foam, chemically treated wood, textiles, electronics, chemicals, or hazardous materials must not be burned.

Must be burned in an approved container constructed of metal or masonry with a metal covering device with openings no larger than ¾ inch.

Container Must be at least 15 feet from any structure or combustible material.

RECREATIONAL FIRES (Camp Fire)

Shall have a pile size no larger than 3 feet in diameter X 2 feet in height.

Shall Only consist of seasoned wood 2 inches in diameter or larger.

Must be conducted at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material.

Prohibited items include but not limited to: buildings or building materials, household items, electronics, flammable liquids, spray cans, grass clippings, leaves and other compostable materials.

BONFIRES

Fires considered larger than a camp fire but not extreme in size. Common sense and public safety are key factors in fire size.

Shall Only consist of seasoned wood 2 inches in diameter or larger.

Must be conducted at least 50 feet from any structure or combustible material.

Prohibited items include but not limited to: buildings or building materials, household items, electronics, flammable liquids, spray cans, grass clippings, leaves and other compostable materials.

Think Safety Before Open Burning! Consider Weather Conditions.

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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...

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1. I'm a taxpayer in the City of Iron Mountain. Why should I have to pay?

You don't! If you own properties in the City of Iron Mountain you have free access to all properties you currently own.

2. How do I set up my free account for the first time?

Go to the site and search for your property as usual. During your first lookup, you'll get a screen to confirm that the property is yours, and you will then create a login name and password. A conformation will be sent to your email address. Open your email and click on the link in the message to finish setting up your login. After confirming, the website will limit free access to properties which have the same identical owner’s name as the property you confirm. Once you login with your user name and password you will be able to view your property and tax information at any time free of charge. More Information

3. I created a user account. How do I log in?

After you have created your free user login account, click on the ‘Login’ button in the upper right hand corner. A new screen will appear so you can enter in your account information.

4. What if I own multiple properties? Do I have free lookup to all of them?

Yes, however, the owner name we have listed in our database must appear identical on each property. Your user login will only give you free access to properties with the same spelling of owner’s name. If you have multiple properties that appear under different combinations of names, spouses names, or spellings please contact the City Assessor’s office to correct any inconsistencies that may prevent access.

5. I am a landlord. Will I have free access to properties I own under my rental business name?

Yes. You must logout of any other user login first (upper right of screen). Search for your rental property. During your first lookup, you'll get a screen to confirm that the property is yours. After confirming, you will set up a user login and the website will assign free access to all properties with that identical business name to the user login you just created. Please contact the City Assessor’s office if each of your property names are not identical. If you have properties under multiple rental business names repeat the process for each group of properties, confirming a property with that name and creating a different user login for each group.

6. How do I change my password?

Once you are logged in, click on ‘Profile’ in the upper-right corner, and click the ‘Change Password’ tab to change your password.

7. I have an account but I forgot my password.

At the Login Screen, click the ‘Forgot Password’ link. On the next screen, enter your username and email address, then click ‘Reset Password’. This will send a message to your email address that was registered with your username. Use the new password in the email to log in.

8. How do I look up information?

From the navigation menu on the left, click on ‘Tax Information Search’ or ‘Property and Land Search’. From there you can search by Address, Parcel Number, or Owner Name. Once your results have been returned, you can view any tax information by clicking on the Parcel Number. Remember that you can only view your OWN account for free; you will be charged a $2.00 fee for any other parcel where the owner name is different from yours.

9. Who should I contact if I have other questions?

If you have questions pertaining to owners names or record data contact City Hall at 906-774-8530.

If you have technical questions or problems related to using the service such as accessing records or creating user accounts please contact the service provider directly by calling BS&A Internet Services 517-641-8900 for technical assistance.

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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/