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1. When do assessments occur?

Assessments of each property are reviewed annually. The assessed values are calculated as of tax day each year, which is December 31.

2. How much revenue is generated by the property tax?

Property tax generates approximately 37% of the city's operating revenue.

3. What is the difference between an assessment and market value?

An assessment is 50% of the appraised value done by an appraiser using "mass appraisal methods", and is limited by the current State Standards for Mass Appraisal and the amount of funding provided for government assessment work. Market value, determined by fee appraisals, is completed by using the most current sales to arrive at a "current market value". The intended purpose of this type of appraisal may require a much more detailed review of various elements of the appraisal process and methods and how those impact value.

4. Are taxable value and assessed value the same?

No. Taxable value, once established, can only rise by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to a maximum of 5% per year, except in the year following a sale. Assessed values may experience a gain greater or less than the CPI or 5% because they are not at 50% of the true cash value/market value.

5. If I do not like my assessment what can I do?

Appeals can be started with the Assessment Office, then the Board of Review and finally with the Michigan Tax Tribunal. Proceeding in this order is critical for advancement to the next level, and in many cases, the next level is more formal and farther away. See the calendar of events and contact our office for more details. Calendar

6. Am I required to file a Property Transfer Affidavit?

Yes. All property transfers of ownership occurring in the State of Michigan since 1994 must be reported on a Property Transfer Affidavit form to the local Assessing Office within 45 days of sale or transfer to avoid penalties.

7. What are Personal Residence Exemptions?

Personal residences are properties that serve as your principal home. They are not cottages, summer homes, etc. Homesteads are the property at which you reside, receive your mail, etc., for the majority of the year. The local Ludington Area School tax is removed on these properties when you declare them to be your "personal residence" and therefore your property taxes are reduced. You may not have more than one "personal residence".

8. When can I receive a Personal Residence Exemption?

You must file the personal residence exemption with the local Assessor and meet the "Own and Occupy by June 1st " standard test. If you do, the tax reduction will occur with the summer billing of the next year.

9. What if I didn't file? Can I file now?

Yes. Submit a completed form immediately. Some people may not qualify for the current year, but may in the next. Each case is reviewed individually and may have circumstances that allow for previous years to be corrected. Without an application, no action is taken.

10. Can I take the house in town as my homestead and my wife take the cottage as hers?

No. This attempt to receive a dual benefit can result in full taxes being levied on both properties for all previous years, due and payable immediately, a severe penalty and shock to one's budget.

11. We move to Florida in the winter; can I still have a Michigan Homestead Exemption?

Yes. However, if at some point you declare yourself a Florida resident and/or are spending more than 6 months there, then you may no longer qualify for the Michigan Exemption.

12. What is a Poverty/Hardship Exemption? How do I qualify? And when do I file?

Poverty/Hardship Exemption Forms are for 1-year exemptions from a portion of property taxes and must be requested annually. To be considered for this exemption, you must have an income less than or equal to the Federal Guidelines for the Poverty Income Level, then you need to complete a form requesting this exemption and supply the necessary documents to support your request.

Some of the documents required are State and Federal Income Tax Returns, income and expense statements, and their supporting verification documents.

Some people may only qualify 1 year and not the next, but in order to be considered they must reapply annually in the month of December.

13. How are street addresses assigned?

All addresses are assigned by the City Assessor's Office. Contact the office by phone at 231-843-2956.

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1. Where are boat launch facilities located?

The Loomis Street Boat Launch is at the west end of Loomis Street.
The Copeyon Park Boat Launch is on South Washington Avenue.

Fish cleaning and restroom facilities available at each location.

2. What are the launch parking fees?

Access the city's resource on parking fees for more information. Fees Resource

3. Where can I park a boat trailer if I am leaving for a few days?

There is no overnight parking allowed in any City parking lots. You may call the private storage facility of your choice to make arrangements.

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1. What are the millage rates for the city taxes?

Property tax millage rates are attached through Quick Links. Property Tax Millage Rates (PDF)

2. When are winter tax amounts available?

Winter tax bills are issued December 1st each year. 

3. What is the last day to pay Winter taxes?

Due date is February 14th. After February 14th, a 3 % penalty applies to the balance. March 1st, any remaining balance is collected by Mason County Treasurer.

4. When are summer tax amounts available?

Summer tax bills are issued September 1st each year.

5. What is the last day to pay summer taxes?

Due date is October 9th.
After October 9th, a 4% fee applies to the balance. March 1st, any remaining balance is collected by Mason County Treasurer.

6. What is the current water rate?

Water and Sewer Rates available through Quick Links.

Water and Sewer Rates (PDF)

7. When is my water bill due?

Water & sewage usage is billed 4 times each year, and is due on 20th of month billed.
After 20th of month, a 10% penalty is applied to current balance.

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1. How can I found out if I am registered to vote?

You can check your status online at the Michigan Secretary of State website. Michigan Secretary of State

2. If I move to a new address between addresses, am I still registered to vote?

In the State of Michigan, your voter registration follows your drivers' license: if you move and notify the Michigan Secretary of State's office of your new address, your voter's registration will also be changed to reflect your new address.

3. If I didn't vote in the last election, am I still eligible to vote?

Once you register to vote, you are always registered to vote. In the State of Michigan, your voter registration follows your drivers' license: if you move and notify the Michigan Secretary of State's office of your new address, your voter's registration will also be changed to reflect your new address.

4. What are the hours during which I can vote on Election Day?

Polling locations in Midland are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

5. What's my polling location for Election Day voting?

Your polling location, as well as other voter information specific to you, can be found through the Michigan Secretary of State website. Michigan Secretary of State

6. How can I find out if I'm eligible to vote absentee?

Those eligible to vote absentee must meet certain requirements. Visit our Absentee Voting page to find out more.

7. How do I change my voter registration address?

There are several ways to process a change of address:
1) Visit the Secretary of State's Office
2) Visit the City/Township Clerk's Office (in which you reside)
3) A change of address within the same jurisdiction can be made in writing and mailed to the appropriate Clerk.

8. Where do I vote?

1st Ward - Lakeview School
2nd Ward - Ludington High School- Peterson Auditorium
3rd Ward - Ludington City Hall
4th Ward - Danish Brotherhood Hall
5th Ward - Lakeshore Resource Network
6th Ward - Emanuel Lutheran Church

For more information, access the city's resource on elections.

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1. What are the phone numbers for the Offices of Mason County?

Animal Control - 231-843-8644
Building Department - 231-757-9345
County Clerk - 231-843-8202
County Treasurer - 231-843-8411
Friend of the Court - 231-843-4791
Library - 231-843-8465
Magistrate - 231-843-9717
Prosecutor - 231-845-7377
Register of Deeds - 231-843-4466

For additional contact information, access the staff directory. Staff Directory

2. What is the phone number for the Secretary of State?

You can reach the Office of the Secretary of State at 231-843-4353.

3. What are the phone numbers for the local parks?

Cartier Park - 231-845-1522
Ludington State Park - 231-843-8671
Memorial Tree Park - 231-843-9361

4. What is the phone number for the Post Office?

You can reach the Post Office at 231-843-8646.

5. What is the phone number for the Social Security Office?

Call 231-843-3377 to reach the Social Security Office.

6. Where do I obtain a burning permit?

Call 231-745-3111, and follow the pre-recorded instructions.

7. Where do I obtain information about voting?

Access the Secretary of State's website. Secretary of State's Online Resource

8. Who is my City Council ward representative?

1st Ward - Dick Rathsack
2nd Ward - Wally Taranko
3rd Ward - Les Johnson
4th Ward - Mike Krauch
5th Ward - Nick Tykoski
6th Ward - Gary Castonia
Councilor-At-Large - Kaye Ferguson-Holman

For more information access the City Council page. City Council Page

9. Where do I vote?

1st Ward - Lakeview School
2nd Ward - Ludington High School- Peterson Auditorium
3rd Ward - Ludington City Hall
4th Ward - Danish Brotherhood Hall
5th Ward - Lakeshore Resource Network
6th Ward - Emanuel Lutheran Church

For more information, access the city's resource on elections.

City Elections

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1. Where is the marina located?

Ludington Municipal Marina is located on Pere Marquette Lake, just 2 blocks from Lake Michigan, within the city limits of Ludington, Michigan. Easy access to and from Lake Michigan and close proximity to the downtown Ludington business district make this deep water protected harbor an ideal location for boaters. The marina is situated 1 block south of U.S. 10 (the main street in Ludington) on the west side of town, at Loomis and William Streets.

Coming into the Ludington Harbor from Lake Michigan, the marina is located on the north side of the channel, just past the U.S. Coast Guard Station.

2. What are the marina hours and days of operation?

The marina is open 7 days a week from April 15 through October 15. Operating hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the summer months. Spring and fall hours are varied based upon boating activity, weather conditions etc., but generally are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and slightly longer hours on weekends.

3. How many slips does the Ludington Municipal Marina offer?

The marina offers 174 slips, with floating pier, permanent pier, and broadside dockage available. We have 86 seasonal slips and 88 transient slips available. Docks range from 30 to 60 feet in length with broadside accommodation for vessels up to 125 feet in length. All docks have 30 amp power, water and cable TV hook-ups, with some docks equipped with 50 amp electrical service.

4. What services and amenities are provided at the Ludington Municipal Marina?

Ludington Municipal Marina offers many amenities for your boating pleasure. Please access the amenities resource for a complete list. There are no mechanics or haul-out services at the marina. Ludington Municipal Marina

5. What are slip rates?

The State of Michigan DNRE Waterways Commission sets the seasonal and transient rates for the Ludington Municipal Marina. Access the rates resource for the current dockage rate schedule. Sorry, but weekly, monthly and half-season rates are not available at this time. Marina Rates

6. Do you take reservations at the marina?

Yes. For seasonal slip reservations, please call Marina Manager Jim Christensen at 231-843-9611 from April 15 through October 15, or contact the off-season contact at 231-845-6237. Presently, there is a waiting list for seasonal slips. For transient slip reservations, please call the marina after April 15 at 231-843-9611. Transient reservations are not taken during our off-season and are not taken via the Internet. Also, specific slips cannot be reserved, but we will try to accommodate your needs.

7. How long can I stay at the marina?

Transient boaters can stay up to 14 days. Based upon boating activity, extensions may be allowed with approval of the marina manager.

8. What radio channels do you monitor?

Channels 9 and 16 are scanned and continuously monitored. Channel 16 is used only as a distress channel. Please contact the marina on channel 9 for information.

9. Where can I launch my boat?

A public boat launch is located just 2 blocks from the marina at the west end of Loomis Street, on Lake Michigan. Another public launch site is located on Pere Marquette Lake, off Washington Avenue, about 1/2 mile from the marina.

10. Where can I park my boat trailer?

Due to limited parking, trailers of any type are not allowed in marina parking lots. We will provide directions to a public trailer parking area upon your arrival.

11. Can we camp at the marina?

Sorry! City ordinance does not allow camping or any overnight occupancy of a vehicle within the marina premises. There are several public and private campgrounds nearby. Also, motor homes and camper trailers are not allowed to park in the marina parking lots.

12. What is the water depth at the marina?

Currently, the marina has about 7 feet of water at the entrance. Inside the marina, the water depth is great enough to accommodate most watercraft. If in doubt, call the marina office at 231-843-9611.

13. What is "check-out" time?

In fairness to other boaters awaiting dockage, we must ask all boaters to either re-register or vacate their slip by noon.

14. Does the marina offer boat rentals?

No, but Ludington Municipal Marina has top notch charter-boat captains that offer their services for hire. They really know how to catch fish!

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1. Where can an outdoor dining area be located?

Outdoor dining areas are permitted on the same lot as the eating establishment. If a sidewalk is used for outdoor dining, it shall be immediately adjacent to and abutting the eating establishment with the exception of those establishments on corners that do not have parallel parking spaces. Egress from the building must be maintained free of obstruction per the Michigan Building Code and the National Fire Prevention Code.

2. How much of the sidewalk can be used for a dining area?

A minimum of 5 feet must be allowed for the pedestrian right of way. This includes sidewalk areas with streetlights and tree wells.

3. What if there is not a 5-foot right of way?

An authorized "bump-out" must be obtained at the owner's expense. A copy of the "bump-out" plan can be picked up from the Zoning Department. An inspection must be made upon installation by the City Building Inspector. The City Department of Public Works will store the "bump-out" in the off season (no furniture, barriers or umbrellas). The City will not be responsible for any damage that may occur. Planning & Zoning Department

4. Are there any permits and fees required for the outdoor dining area?

The City of Ludington requires that an outdoor dining application along with a site plan of the area be submitted. An initial fee of $50 is required. There will be a renewal fee each year of $25.

The applicant must also comply with all requirements of the Michigan Department of Transportation (Sidewalk Café Permit) and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (if alcohol will be served). Copies of the approved permits must be submitted to the City.

5. Is insurance required?

The permit holder is required to produce, at the time of submission, and maintain liability insurance coverage in an amount of $1,000,000/53,000,000 naming the City as an additional insured thereon.

6. Can an outdoor dining area serve alcohol?

Alcohol can be served with the approval of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. A removable 36-inch barrier designating the service area must be used as required by Liquor Control.

7. What type of furniture can be used in the dining area?

All tables, chairs, barriers and umbrellas must be compatible with he standards set forth in the Downtown Ludington Outdoor Dining Design Guideline, and cannot extend into the pedestrian right of way. All furniture, barriers and umbrellas must be removed and stored off the sidewalk inside the establishment for extended periods of non-use and during the off season. A copy of the Design Guidelines can be obtained from he City of Ludington Zoning Department or online. Planning & Zoning Department

8. Can food be prepared outdoors within the dining area?

No food preparation or food preparation equipment will be allowed in the outside dining area with the exception of rooftop dining areas. This includes heating or cooking on open flames.

9. When will outdoor dining be allowed?

Outdoor dinging will be allowed during the hours of operation of the establishment from May 1st through November 1st for establishments using a pedestrian right of way.

10. Where can questions or concerns be addressed?

Contact the City Zoning Administrator at 231-843-2956 or by email with any questions or concerns regarding outdoor dining areas. Planning & Zoning Department

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1. How do I dispose of large branches that I have trimmed from my trees?

The City will pick branches up in 10-foot lengths or less at no extra cost to residents. We ask that you stack the brush in the right of way off the street or alley at your property edge (between curb and sidewalk, or just off the roadside on grass) and call the Department of Public Works at 231-843-2873 to submit a pick-up order. Brush will be picked up within 10 working days, (weather permitting). Please do not block roadways or impede traffic with your brush placement. Please do not mix brush and loose material, such as leaves or grass clippings. Loose yard waste material must be separated for yard waste pick up.

2. The tree that is located in the right of way has died, what do I do?

Call the Department of Public Works at 231-843-2873, and the tree will be inspected to see if it needs to be cut down or trimmed. If determined the tree needs to be cut down a yellow paint mark will be placed on the trunk of the tree, and it will be cut down in the winter when the ground is hard. The stump will be ground in early spring. The Department of Public Works and the City of Ludington Tree Advisory Committee work together to determine if your tree will be replaced later that same spring.

Please note: The City of Ludington will only cut trees in the right of way that are dead or diseased.

The City of Ludington The Tree Advisory Board meets at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall on the first Tuesday of each month.

3. I have large items to dispose of, where can I take them?

You have 2 choices to dispose of your Bulk Items:

1. You can purchase the appropriate sticker at City Hall and place it on the item(s), and Republic Services will pick the item up at curbside on your normal refuse pick up day. Bulk Item stickers are $5.00, Extra Trash Stickers are $2.00, NON-Freon Appliance Stickers are $20.00, and Freon Appliance Stickers are $40.00

2. The Bulk Item program allows you the opportunity to dispose of up to two Bulk Items (or six bags of extra trash) at no extra cost to you on your first refuse pick up day of each month. Some restrictions apply for apartments, Condos, and Commercial properties - please check the Department of Public Works web page for more info or call 231-843-2873.

4. My streetlight is out, what do I do?

Report the outage to the Department of Public Works at 231-843-2873, and it will be forwarded onto Consumers Energy.

5. How do I have my hazardous sidewalk replaced?

The City of Ludington has a 50/50 sidewalk replacement program which provides for the City of Ludington to pay half of the cost for replacing damaged or hazardous sidewalks. Please access the sidewalk replacement page for further information or call 231-843-2873

Sidewalk Replacement Resource

6. There is a dead animal in front of my home, what can I do?

The City of Ludington will pick up dead animals that are in the right of way or street. Report them to the Department of Public Works at 231-843-2873.

7. Is the garbage running late because of the holiday?

Refuse collection will be delayed 1 working day after the following holidays:
New Years’ Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day

8. My garbage wasn’t picked up, what do I do?

Garbage must be placed at the curb before 7 a.m. on the day of your scheduled pickup. It can be placed at the curb as early as 5:00 pm the night before. If your garbage was placed at the curb as instructed, call the Deptartment of Public Works at 231-843-2873.

9. When will my leaves be picked up?

You can access the fall leaf-pickup page for further information. Please be patient. The Department of Public Works will have several crews out every day all day, however inclement weather and excessive leaf fall, may cause delays. There will not be a set schedule for the curbside pick up routes - crews continuously make their way through the city streets and will continue until all leaves are collected or until the first snow fall.  

Fall Leaf Pick-Up Program

10. Will there be a Spring curbside leaf pickup?

The City of Ludington does not do a Spring leaf pickup at the curb, however the Leaf Corral located on Bryant Road, off of Beechwood, is available and open for limited hours for drop-off. This area is for leaves only, and we ask that they be loose, so please remove leaves from bags when dropping them off. The Leaf Corral will be open on Saturdays only from 1pm to 5pm on posted dates in the Fall and Spring. Open dates will be posted on the Leaf Corral gate, at City Hall, and on the City's Facebook page. Or call the DPW office at 231-843-2873.

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1. What do I do if I am experiencing a sewer backup?

Call City Hall Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 231-845-6237; after hours, weekends and holidays call Central Dispatch at 231-869-5858.