Equalization

Under the general direction of the County Administrator, the Equalization Department is operated and staffed under contract with V&V Assessing, LLC. Edward K. VanderVries is the CEO.  The department carries out the statutory duties of County Equalization by conducting Sales and/or Appraisal studies in each classification of property among the various taxing jurisdictions within Oceana County.

The department is responsible for the maintenance of the assessment and tax rolls and all other tax-related data for all units of government. Other responsibilities include:

• Ensures that millages and tax levies are reduced when mandated by the Headlee Amendment.
• Provides customer services by explaining departmental procedures, tax laws, and the assessment process to the public.
• Provides information on property ownership, property descriptions, and assessments.
• Prepares and files all required reports with the State Tax Commission and other units of government.
• Issuance and verification of permanent addresses for all municipalities except Hart City and the villages of Pentwater, Hesperia, New Era, Shelby, and Walkerville.