HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2013.07.17 - 20897MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTION #13177 July 17, 2013
BY: Finance Committee, Tom Middleton, Chairperson
IN RE: DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET/EQUALIZATION DIVISION —
APPROVAL OF CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION
ASSISTANCE SERVICES WITH THE TOWNSHIPS OF NOVI AND SOUTHFIELD AND THE
CHARTER TOWNSHIPS OF COMMERCE, MILFORD, OAKLAND, ORION AND OXFORD AND
THE CITIES OF THE VILLAGE OF CLARKSTON, FARMINGTON, FERNDALE, HAZEL PARK,
NOVI, ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE, ROYAL OAK, SOUTH LYON AND WALLED LAKE
TO THE OAKLAND COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS the Equalization Division provides a number of services to local units of
government including original assessments, reappraisals, and file maintenance; and
WHEREAS these services are provided under contract with the local units as approved
by the Board of Commissioners; and
WHEREAS revenues and expenditures associated with the services for this contract are
included in the FY 2013 through FY 2015 Adopted Budget; therefore, no budget amendment is
recommended.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners hereby approves entering into the attached Contract for Oakland County
Equalization Division Assistance Services covering the term July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2016
with the Townships of Novi and Southfield and the Charter Townships of Commerce, Milford,
Oakland, Orion and Oxford and the Cities of The Village of Clarkston, Farmington, Ferndale,
Hazel Park, Novi, Orchard Lake Village, Royal Oak, South Lyon and Walled Lake, which have
been signed by their authorized signatories.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners' Chairperson is
authorized to sign this contract.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Clerk shall receive and file the
executed contract with the concerned unit of government as required by law.
Chairperson, on behalf of the Finance Committee, I move the adoption of the foregoing
resolution.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE:
Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY
EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF NOVI
(real and personal property services)
This CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE
SERVICES WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF NOVI, (hereafter, this "Contract") is made and entered
into between the COUNTY OF OAKLAND, a Michigan Constitutional and Municipal Corporation,
whose address is 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, Michigan 48341(hereafter, the
"County"), and the Township of Novi, a Michigan Constitutional and Municipal Corporation
whose address is 44020 Cottisford Road, Northville, Michigan, 48167 (hereafter, the
"Municipality"). In this Contract, either the County and/or the Municipality may also be referred
to individually as a "Party" or jointly as "Parties."
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENTS
A. The Municipality, pursuant to the laws of the State of Michigan (hereafter, the "State"),
including, but not limited to, the Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.1, et seq.)
is required to perform real and personal property tax appraisals and assessments for all
nonexempt real and personal property located within the geographic boundaries of the
Municipality for the purpose of levying State and local property taxes.
B. The Parties recognize and agree that absent an agreement such as this, or pursuant to
an order of the State Tax Commission mandating the County to perform all or some of
the property tax appraisal and tax assessment responsibilities for real and/or personal
property located within the Municipality's geographic boundaries (MCL 211.10(0). the
County, has no obligation to provide these Services to or for the Municipality.
C. The Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.34(3) provides that the County Board
of Commissioners, through the Equalization Division may furnish assistance to local
assessing officers in the performance of certain of these legally mandated, Municipality,
property appraisal and assessment responsibilities.
D. The Municipality has requested the County's Equalization Division assistance in
performing the "Equalization Division Assistance Services" (as described and defined in
this Contract) and has agreed in return to reimburse the County as provided for in this
Contract.
E. The County has determined that it has sufficient "Equalization Division Personnel," as
defined herein, possessing the requisite knowledge and expertise and is agreeable to
assisting the Municipality by providing the requested "Equalization Division Assistance
Services" under the terms and conditions of this Contract.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and the mutual promises,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the County and the
Municipality mutually agree as follows:
§1. DEFINED TERMS. In addition to the above defined terms (i.e., "Contract", "County",
"Municipality", "Party" and "Parties", and "State"), the Parties agree that the following
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
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words and expressions when printed with the first letter capitalized as shown herein,
whether used in the singular or plural, possessive or nonpossessive, and/or either within
or without quotation marks, shall, be defined and interpreted as follows:
1.1. "County Agent" or "County Agents" shall be defined as any and all Oakland
County elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board members, council
members, commissioners, authorities, other boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal representative or official capacities), and/or any persons acting by,
through, under, or in concert with any of them, excluding the Municipality and/or
any Municipality Agents, as defined herein. "County Agent" and/or "County
Agents" shall also include any person who was a County Agent anytime during
the term of this Contract but, for any reason, is no longer employed, appointed,
or elected and serving as a County Agent.
"Equalization Division Personnel" as used in this Contract shall be defined as a
specific subset of, and included as part of the larger group of County Agents as
defined above, and shall be further defined as any and all County Agents
specifically employed and assigned by the County to work in the Equalization
Division of the County's Department of Management and Budget as shown in the
current County budget and/or personnel records of the County. For any and all
purposes in this Contract, any reference to County Agents shall also include
within that term any and all Equalization Division Personnel, but any reference in
this Contract to Equalization Division Personnel shall not include any County
Agent employed by the County in any other function, capacity or organizational
unit of the County other than the Equalization Division of the Department of
Management and Budget.
1.3. "Municipality Agent" or "Municipality Agents" shall be defined to include any and
all Municipality officers, elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board
members, council members, authorities, boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal, representative, or official capacities), and/or any and all persons acting
by, through, under, or in concert with any of them, except that no County Agent
shall be deemed a Municipality Agent and conversely, no Municipality Agent shall
be deemed a County Agent. "Municipality Agent' shall also include any person
who was a Municipality Agent at any time during this Contract but for any reason
is no longer employed, appointed, or elected in that capacity.
1.4. "Claim(s)" shall be defined to include any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes of action, proceedings,
judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs and expenses,
inciuding, but not limited to any reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees,
witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses, any amounts
paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities or Claim(s) of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against either the
County and/or any County Agent, as defined herein, or any Claim(s) for which
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the County and/or any County Agent may become legally and/or contractually
obligated to pay or defend against, or any other liabilities of any kind whatsoever,
whether direct, indirect or consequential, whether based upon any alleged
violation of the constitution (Federal or State), any statute, rule, regulation or the
common law, whether in law or equity, tort, contract, or otherwise, and/or
whether commenced or threatened and arising out of any alleged breach of any
duty by the County and/or any County Agent to any third-person, the
Municipality, including any Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer under
or in connection with this Contract or are based on or result in any way from the
County's and/or any County Agent's participation in this Contract.
1.5. "Municipality Taxpayer" shall be defined as any and all residents, property
owners, persons, or taxable entities within the Municipality, or their
representatives or agents, who may be liable or responsible for any property
taxes assessed by the Municipality pursuant to any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
1.6. "State" shall be defined as the "State of Michigan." a sovereign governmental
entity of the United States, and shall also include within its definition any and all
departments or agencies of State government including specifically, but not
limited to, the State Tax Commission, the State Tax Tribunal, and/or the State
Department of Treasury.
§2. COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES. The Parties agree that
the full and complete scope of any and all County Equalization Division Assistance
Services shall be as described and limited in the following subsections (hereinafter
defined and referred to as either "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or
"Services").
2.1. "EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES" OR "SERVICES" TO BE
PROVIDED. "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services", to be
performed by County for the Municipality as those terms are defined in this
Contract, shall only include and shall be limited to the following activities:
2.1.1. This Contract is to provide for annual assessment of real and personal
property from July 1,2013 to June 30, 2016 as required by laws of the
State of Michigan. The County agrees to make assessments of real and
personal property within the Municipality pursuant to MCL 211.10d.
2.1.2. The Equalization Division personnel will appraise all property, process all
real and personal property description changes, prepare the assessment
roll for real and personal property in the Municipality; attend March, July
and December Boards of Review and other such duties as required by
the State General Property Tax Laws. The Equalization Division
personnel will also be available for consultation on all Michigan Tax
Tribunal real and personal property and special assessment appeals and
will assist the Municipality in the preparation of both the oral and written
defense of appeals, as long as there is a current Contract in effect.
2.2. PURPOSE OF COUNTY "SERVICES". The Parties agree that the purpose of
any and all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be
performed under this Contract shall be to assist (e.g., to help, aid, lend support,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
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and/or participate in as an auxiliary, to contribute effort toward completion of a
goal, etc.) the Municipality in the performance of that Municipality's official
functions, obligations, and Municipality's legal responsibilities for property tax
appraisal and assessment pursuant to the applicable State Property Tax Laws.
2.3. MANNER COUNTY TO PROVIDE SERVICES. The Parties agree that any and
all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be provided by
the County for the Municipality under this Contract shall be performed solely and
exclusively by the County's "Equalization Division Personnel" as defined herein.
2.3.1. Equalization Division Personnel, including those certified as MMAO, shall
be employed and assigned by the County in such numbers and based on
such appropriate qualifications and other factors as decided solely by the
County.
2.3.2. The Parties agree that the County shall be solely and exclusively
responsible for furnishing all Equalization Division Personnel with all job
instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall in all
circumstances control, supervise, train or direct all Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of any and all Services under this
Contract.
2.3.3. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, the Parties agree and
warrant that. at all times and for all purposes relevant to this Contract,
the County shall remain the sole and exclusive employer of all County
Agents and Equalization Division Personnel and that the County shall
remain solely and completely liable for any and all County Agents' past,
present, or future wages, compensation, overtime wages, expenses,
fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel expenses, mileage
allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or other
allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation,
Social Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes,
and/or any other statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in
any way related to any County Agent's employment status,
2.3.4. This Contract is neither intended, nor shall it be interpreted, to create,
change, grant, modify, supplement, supersede, alter, or otherwise affect
or control, in any manner, form, or at any time, any right, privilege,
benefit. or any other term or condition of employment, of any kind or
nature whatsoever, in, upon, or for any County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel with the County, any applicable County employment
and/or union contract, and/or any County rule(s), regulation(s), hours of
work, shift assignment, order(s), policy(ies), procedure(s), directive(s),
ethical guideline(s), etc., which shall, solely and exclusively, govern and
control the employment relationship between the County and any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel and/or the conduct and actions
of any County Agent or any Equalization Division Personnel. To
illustrate, but not otherwise limit, this Contract does not and shall not be
interpreted to limit, modify, control, or otherwise affect, in any manner:
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2.3.4.1. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation,
responsibility, and discretion to employ, compensate, assign,
reassign, transfer, promote, reclassify, discipline, demote,
layoff, furlough, discharge any Equalization Division Personnel
and/or pay any and all Equalization Division Personnel's
wages, salaries, allowances, reimbursements, compensation,
fringe benefits, or otherwise decide any and all such terms and
conditions of employment and make any and all employment
decisions that affect, in any way, the employment of any
Equalization Division Personnel with the County, subject only
to its applicable collective bargaining Contracts.
23.4.2. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation, and
responsibility to determine, establish, modify, or implement
any and all operational policies, procedures, orders, rules,
regulations, ethical guidelines, and/or any other judgment,
policy or directive which, in any way, governs or controls any
activity of any County Agent or Equalization Division
Personnel, any necessary County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel's training standards or proficiency(ies), any
level or amount of required supervision, any and all standards
of performance, any sequence or manner of performance, and
any level(s) of experience, training, or education required for
any Equalization Division Personnel performing any County
duty or obligation under the terms of this Contract.
2.3.5 The Municipality agrees that except as expressly provided for under the
terms of this Contract and/or laws of this State, no County Agent or
Equalization Division Personnel, while such person is currently and/or
actively employed or otherwise remains on the payroll of the County as a
County Agent shall be employed, utilized, or perform any other services,
of any kind, directly or indirectly, in any manner or capacity, or otherwise
be available to perform any other work or assignments by or for the
Municipality during the term of this Contract. This section shall not
prohibit the Municipality from employing any person who was a former
County Agent but is no longer employed in that capacity by the County.
2.3.6. Except as otherwise expressly provided by the Contract and/or
applicable State law, the Parties agree and warrant that neither the
County, nor any County Agent, nor any Equalization Division Personnel,
by virtue of this Contract or otherwise, shall be deemed, considered or
claimed to be an employee of the Municipality and/or a Municipality
Agent.
2.3.7. The Municipality shall not otherwise provide, furnish or assign any
Equalization Division Personnel with any job instructions, job
descriptions, job specifications, or job duties, or in any manner attempt to
control, supervise, train, or direct any Personnel in the performance of
any County's Equalization Division Assistance Services duty or obligation
under the terms of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
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2A. LIMITS AND EXCLUSIONS ON COUNTY "SERVICES". Except as otherwise
expressly provided for within this Contract, neither the County nor any County
Agents shall be responsible for assisting or providing any other "Services '' or
assistance to the Municipality or assume any additional responsibility for
assisting the Municipality in any other way or manner with any Municipality
obligations under any and all State Property Tax Laws, including, but not limited
to, providing any attorney or legal representation to the Municipality or any
Municipality Agent at any proceeding before the Michigan Tax Tribunal or any
other adjudicative body or court, except as expressly provided for in this
Contract.
2.4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain
solely liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities
associated with or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or
assessment functions or any other Municipality legal obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws. The Municipality shall employ
and retain its own Municipality legal representation, as necessary, to
defend any such claim or challenge before the State Tax Tribunal or any
other court or review body.
2.4.2. Except for those express statutory and/or regulatory obligations
incumbent only upon licensed Equalization Division Personnel (i.e., State
Licensed and Certified Real and/or Personal Property Tax Assessors) to
defend property tax appraisals and assessments that they either
performed, or were otherwise performed under their supervision, before
the Michigan Tax Tribunal, the Parties agree that no other County
Agents, including any County attorneys shall be authorized, required
and/or otherwise obligated under this Contract or pursuant to any other
agreement between the Parties to provide any legal representation to or
for the Municipality and/or otherwise defend, challenge, contest, appeal,
or argue on behalf of the Municipality before the Michigan Tax Tribunal
or any other review body or court.
§3. TERM OF CONTRACT. The Parties agree that the term of this Contract shall begin on
the effective date of this Contract, as otherwise provided herein, and shall end on
June 30, 2016, without any further act or notice from either Party being required. Any
and all County Services otherwise provided to the Municipality prior to the effective date
of this Contract, shall be subject to the terms and conditions provided for herein.
NO TRANSFER OF MUNICIPALITY LEGAL OBLIGATIONS TO COUNTY. Except as
expressly provided for in this Contract, the Municipality agrees that this Contract does
not, and is not intended to, transfer, delegate, or assign to the County, and/or any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel any civil or legal responsibility, duty, obligation,
duty of care, cost, legal obligation, or liability associated with any governmental function
delegated and/or entrusted to the Municipality under any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain solely
liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities associated with
or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or assessment functions or
any other Municipality legal obligation. The Municipality agrees that under no
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circumstances shall the County be responsible for any costs, obligations, and/or
civil liabilities associated with its Municipality function or any responsibility under
any State Property Tax Law.
4.2. The Municipality shall not incur or create any debts, liens, liabilities or obligations
for the County and shall take all necessary steps to ensure that any debts, liens,
liabilities or obligations that the Municipality may incur shall not become a debt,
liability, obligation or Claim(s) against the County.
4.3. The Parties agree that the Municipality shall at all times remain responsible for
the ultimate completion of any and all Municipality duties or obligations under any
and all applicable State Property Tax Laws. Nothing in this Contract shall relieve
the Municipality of any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
4.4. The Municipality and Municipality Agents shall be and remain responsible for
compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and
agency requirements in any manner affecting any work or performance of this
Contract or with any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
§5. NO DELEGATION OR DIMINUTION OF ANY GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY, The
Parties reserve to themselves any rights and obligations related to the provision of any
and all of each Party's respective governmental services, authority, responsibilities, and
obligations. Except as expressly provided otherwise herein, this Contract does not, and
is not intended to, create, diminish, delegate, transfer, assign, divest, impair, or
contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege, power, civil or
legal responsibility, obligation, duty of care, liability, capacity, immunity, authority or
character of office of either Party to any other person or Party.
5.1. The Parties further agree, notwithstanding any other term or condition in this
Contract, that no provision in this Contract is intended, nor shall it be construed,
as a waiver of any governmental immunity, as provided by statute or applicable
court decisions, by either Party, either for that Party and/or any of that Party's
County or Municipal Agents.
5.2. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, nothing in this Contract shall
be deemed to, in any way, limit or prohibit the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners statutory rights and obligations to review and/or further equalize
Municipality property values or tax assessments and/or further act upon any
Municipality assessment(s) of property taxes under any applicable State Property
Tax Laws, including, but not limited to challenging any Municipality assessment
before the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
§6. PAYMENT SCHEDULE. In consideration of the promises set forth in this Contract, the
Municipality agrees to pay to the County: For the contract years 2013-2014, 2014-2015,
and 2015-2016 the sum of $14.40 each year for each real property description and
$14.40 each year for each personal property description rendered during the life of this
Contract. Payment for the contract year 2013-2014 is payable on or before July 1, 2014,
payment for the contract year 2014-2015 is payable on or before July 1,2015 and
payment for the contract year 2015-2016 is payable on or before July 1, 2016.
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In the event that, pursuant to Public Act 408 of 2012, a majority of the qualified electors of
this state voting in August of 2014 on the question:
"APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF THE AMENDATORY ACT DEDICATING A
PORTION OF USE TAX REVENUE TO BENEFIT METROPOLITAN AREAS
THROUGHOUT THIS STATE
The amendatory act adopted by the Legislature would:
1. Dedicate a portion of the existing state use tax as a local tax levied by a new
metropolitan areas authority.
2. Distribute revenue from that local tax throughout the state for local purposes, including
police and fire protection.
3. Increase that portion of the state use tax currently dedicated for aid to schools.
4. Prohibit the total use tax rate from exceeding the constitutional limit of 6%.
Should this amendatory act be approved?
YES [I
NO [1"."
vote for approval, the Parties agree that the charge for each personal property
description rendered for the contract years 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 will be
renegotiated by the Parties.
If during the term of this Contract, there are additional services requested of the County,
the Parties shall negotiate additional fees to be paid by the Municipality.
6.1. All time incurred for Board of Review dates beyond the regular County working
hours to be billed at the applicable Equalization Division personnel's overtime
rate and charged to the Municipality over and above any other fees described in
this Contract, with the following exceptions:
6.1.1. One evening meeting as required by law under MCL § 211.30(3).
6.1.2. Dates requiring overtime set by the Municipality Charter.
6.2. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for postage on all personal property
statements and personal property notices mailed relating to work performed
under this Contract. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for all
photographic supplies.
6.3. If the Municipality fails, for any reason, to pay the County any monies when and
as due under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that unless expressly
prohibited by law, the County or the County Treasurer, at their sole option, shall
be entitled to a setoff from any other Municipality funds that are in the County's
possession for any reason. Funds include but are not limited to the Delinquent
Tax Revolving Fund ("DTRF"). Any setoff or retention of funds by the County
shall be deemed a voluntary assignment of the amount by the Municipality to the
County. The Municipality waives any claims against the County or its Officials for
any acts related specifically to the County's offsetting or retaining such amounts.
This paragraph shall not limit the Municipality's legal right to dispute whether the
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underlying amount retained by the County was actually due and owing under this
Contract.
6.4. If the County chooses not to exercise its right to setoff or if any setoff is
insufficient to fully pay the County any amounts due and owing the County under
this Contract, the County shall have the right to charge up to the then-maximum
legal interest on any unpaid amount. Interest charges shall be in addition to any
other amounts due to the County under this Contract. Interest charges shall be
calculated using the daily unpaid balance method and accumulate until all
outstanding amounts and accumulated interest are fully paid.
6.5. Nothing in this Section shall operate to limit the County's right to pursue or
exercise any other legal rights or remedies under this Contract against the
Municipality to secure reimbursement of amounts due the County under this
Contract. The remedies in this Section shall be available to the County on an
ongoing and successive basis if Municipality at any time becomes delinquent in
its payment. Notwithstanding any other term and condition in this Contract, if the
County pursues any legal action in any court to secure its payment under this
Contract, the Municipality agrees to pay all costs and expenses, including
attorney's fees and court costs, incurred by the County in the collection of any
amount owed by the Municipality.
6.6. Notwithstanding any other term or condition in this Contract, should the
Municipality fail for any reason to timely pay the County the amounts required
under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that the County may discontinue,
upon thirty (30) days written notice to the Municipality, without any penalty or
liability whatsoever, any County services or performance obligations under this
Contract.
§7. LIABILITY. The Municipality further agrees that the County shall not be liable to the
Municipality for any and all Claim(s), except as otherwise expressly provided for in this
Contract.
7.1. The Parties agree that this Contract does not and is not intended to create or
include any County warranty, promise, covenant or guaranty, either express or
implied, of any kind or nature whatsoever in favor of the other Municipality,
and/or any Municipality Agents, or any Municipality Taxpayer or any other person
or entity, or that the County's efforts in the performance of any obligation under
this Contract will result in any specific monetary benefit or efficiency. or increase
in any tax revenue for the Municipality, or will result in any specific reduction or
increase in any property assessment, or guarantee that any County services
provided under this Contract will withstand any challenge before the State Tax
Tribunal or any court or review body, or any other such performance-based
outcome.
7.2. In the event of any alleged breach, wrongful termination, and/or any default of
any term or condition of this Contract by either the County or any County Agent,
the County and/or any County Agent shall not be liable to the Municipality for any
indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages including, but not limited
to any replacement costs for County Services, any loss of income or revenue,
and/or any failure by the Municipality to meet any Municipality obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws, or any other economic benefit or harm
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that the Municipality may have realized, but for any alleged breach, wrongful
termination, default and/or cancellation of this Contract, or damages beyond or in
excess of the amount(s) of any amount paid to, received or retained by the
County at the time of the alleged breach or default in connection with or under
the terms of this Contract, whether such alleged breach or default is alleged in an
action in contract or tort and/or whether or not the Municipality has been advised
of the possibility of such damages. This provision and this Contract is intended
by the Parties to allocate the risks between the Parties, and the Parties agree
that the allocation of each Party's efforts, costs, and obligations under this
Contract reflect this allocation of each Party's risk and the limitations of liability as
specified herein.
7.3. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, with regard to any and all
alleged losses, claims, complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes
of action, proceedings, judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs
and expenses, including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable
attorney fees, witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses,
any amounts paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the
Municipality or any Municipality Agent by any third person, including but not
limited to any Municipality Agent or Municipality Taxpayer, arising out of any
activities or Services to be carried out by any County Agent in the performance of
this Contract, the Municipality hereby agrees that it shall have no rights pursuant
to or under this Contract against the County and/or any County Agents to or for
any indemnification (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by implication)
contribution, subrogation, or other right to be reimbursed by the County and/or
any of County Agents based upon any and all legal theories or alleged rights of
any kind, whether known or unknown, for any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, judgments, deficiencies, liability,
penalties, litigation costs and expenses of any kind whatsoever which are
imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Municipality and which are
alleged to have arisen under or are in any way based or predicated upon this
Contract.
7.4. If the Municipality requests and the County agrees, the County may prepare the
actual tax statement for mailing by the Municipality to Municipality residents. In
preparing any such tax statement the County shall rely upon certain data
provided by the Municipality beyond the data gathered by the County under this
Contract, including, but not limited to, the applicable millage rate. The parties
agree that under no circumstances shall the County be held liable to the
Municipality or any third party based upon any error in any tax statement due to
information supplied by the Municipality to the County for such purposes.
§8. MUNICIPALITY AGENTS AND COOPERATION WITH THE COUNTY. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this Contract,
for guaranteeing that all Municipality Agents fully cooperate with Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of all County Services under this Contract. Likewise, the
County agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this
Contract, for guaranteeing that all Equalization Division personnel fully cooperate with
Municipality agents in the performance of all County Services under this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF NOVI
Page le
8.1. Municipality Agents shall be employed and assigned based on appropriate
qualifications and other factors as decided by the Municipality. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely responsible for furnishing all Municipality Agents
with all job instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall solely
control, direct, and supervise all Municipality Agents and shall be solely
responsible for the means and manner in which Municipality's duties or
obligations under any applicable State Property Tax Laws are satisfied.
8.2. The Municipality agrees that it shall be solely and completely liable for any and
all Municipality Agents' past, present, or future wages, compensation, overtime
wages, expenses, fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel
expenses, mileage allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or
other allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation, Social
Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes, and/or any other
statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in any way related to any
Municipality Agent's employment status or any alleged violation of any
Municipality Agent's statutory, contractual (e.g., union, employment, or labor
contract), constitutional, common law employment right, and/or civil rights by the
Municipality. The Municipality agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County
from and against any and all Claim(s) which are imposed upon, incurred by, or
asserted against the County or any County Agent by any Municipality Agent
and/or which are based upon, result from, or arise from. or are in any way related
to any Municipality Agent's wages. compensation, benefits, or other employment-
related or based rights, including, but not limited to, those described in this
section. _
8.3. The Municipality agrees that no Municipality Agent shall, by virtue of this Contract
or otherwise, be considered or claimed to be an employee of the County and/or a
County Agent. This Contract does not grant or confer, and shall not be
interpreted to grant or confer, upon any Municipality Agents or any other
individual any status, privilege, right, or benefit of County employment or that of a
County Agent.
8.4. The Municipality agrees to provide the County Agents with information regarding
any activity affecting the tax status of a parcel. This shall include both Ad
Valorem and Special Act Property Abatements and/or Exemptions (e.g. Including
though not limited to Alternative Energy or New Personal Property, Renaissance
Zones, Senior/Disabled Housing Facilities, Obsolete Property and Plant
Rehabilitation & Industrial Development Districts), inclusive of the establishment
of the related district. Additionally, the Municipality agrees to provide the County
Agents with information regarding the establishment/amendment of an Authority
and/or the approval/amendment of any related Development and/or Tax
Increment Finance Plan(s). The County shall be informed of these proposed
changes prior to approval by the governing body of the municipality.
8.5. The Municipality agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any increase in
taxation which is governed by the Truth in Taxation Act. Further, the Municipality
agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any millage increase (new) or
renewal.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF NOVI
Page ii
8.6. The Municipality will be responsible for Special Assessment billings, maintaining
a paper trail of roll changes, maintaining the rolls in balance, and providing the
Oakland County Equalization Division with the information necessary to prepare
the warrant.
8.7, The Municipality agrees that its agents will perform the following functions:
8.7.1. Mechanically make name changes to Sidwell numbers on a monthly
basis using the County's Computer terminals.
8.7.2. Provide a copy of all building permits with Sidwell numbers to the
County's Equalization Division on a monthly basis.
8.7.3. Be responsible for the establishment, accuracy and compilation of all
Special Assessment rolls in the Municipality.
8.7.4. Forward all exemption applications, transfer affidavits, personal property
statements and any and all other documents affecting the status or value
of property located within the Municipality to the County's Equalization
Division in a timely manner.
8.7.5. Forward all information on splits and combinations after approval by the
Municipality to the County's Equalization Division.
8.8. In the event that Municipality Agents, for whatever reason, fail or neglect to
undertake the tasks in Section 8.7 above, the County's Equalization Division may
perform these tasks and they shall be paid on.a time and material basis. Such
rate shall be based upon the wages plus benefits of the person or persons
performing said tasks.
§9. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The Parties agree that at all times and for all purposes
under the terms of this Contract, the County's and/or any and all County Agents' legal
status and relationship to the Municipality shall be that of an Independent Contractor.
Except as expressly provided herein, each Party will be solely responsible for the acts of
its own employees, Agents, and servants during the term of this Contract. No liability,
right or benefits arising out of an employer/employee relationship, either express or
implied, shall arise or accrue to either Party as a result of this Contract,
§10. COUNTY PRIORITIZATION OF COUNTY RESOURCES. The Municipality
acknowledges and agrees that this Contract does not, and is not intended to, create
either any absolute right in favor of the Municipality, or any correspondent absolute duty
or obligation upon the County, to guarantee that any specific number(s) or classification
of County Agents will be present on any given day to provide County services to the
Municipality.
§11. INDEMNIFICATION. Each Party shall be responsible for any Claims made against that
Party and for the acts of its Employees or Agents. In any Claims that may arise from the
performance of this Contract, each Party shall seek its own legal representation and bear
the costs associated with such representation including any attorney fees. Except as
otherwise provided in this Contract, neither Party shall have any right under any legal
principle to be indemnified by the other Party or any of its Employees or Agents in
connection with any Claim. This Contract does not, and is not intended to, impair, divest,
delegate or contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF NOVI
Page 12
power, obligation, duty, or immunity of the Parties. Nothing in this Contract shall be
construed as a waiver of governmental immunity for either Party.
§12. CANCELLATION OR TERMINATION OF THIS CONTRACT. Except as follows, and
notwithstanding any other term or provision in any other section of this Contract, either
Party, upon a minimum of ninety (90) calendar days written notice to the other Party, may
cancel and/or completely terminate this Contract for any reason, including convenience,
without incurring any penalty, expense, or liability to the other Party. The effective date
for any such termination is to be clearly stated in the notice.
12.1. At 5:00 p.m. on the effective date of the cancellation of this Contract all
Municipality and/or County obligations under this Contract, except those rights
and obligations expressly surviving cancellation as provided for in this Contract,
shall end.
12.2. The Municipality agrees that any and all Municipality obligations, including, but
not limited to, any and all indemnification and hold harmless promises, waivers of
liability, record-keeping requirements, any Municipality payment obligations to the
County, and/or any other related obligations provided for in this Contract with
regard to any acts, occurrences, events, transactions, or Claim(s) either
occurring or having their basis in any events or transactions that occurred before
the cancellation or completion of this Contract, shall survive the cancellation or
completion of this Contract.
§13. EFFECTIVE DATE. CONTRACT APPROVAL, AND AMENDMENT, The Parties agree
that this Contract, and/or any subsequent amendments thereto, shall not become
effective prior to the approval by concurrent resolutions of both the Oakland County
Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the Township of Novi. The approval
and terms of this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments thereto, shall be
entered in the official minutes and proceedings of both the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners and the Governing Body of the Township of Novi and shall also be filed
with the office of the Clerk of the County and the Clerk for the Township of Novi.
§14. The Parties agree that this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments, shall
be filed with the Michigan Secretary of State and this Contract, and/or any possible
subsequent amendments, shall not become effective prior to this required filing with the
Secretary of State.
14.1. The Parties agree that except as expressly provided herein, this Contract shall
not be changed, supplemented, or amended, in any manner, except as provided
for herein, and no other act, verbal representation, document, usage or custom
shall be deemed to amend or modify this Contract in any manner.
§15. NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES. Except as expressly provided herein for the
benefit of the Parties (i.e., County or Municipality), this Contract does not, and is not
intended to, create, by implication or otherwise, any direct or indirect obligation, duty,
promise, benefit, right to be indemnified (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably. or by
implication) and/or any right to be subrogated to any Party's rights in this Contract, and/or
any other right of any kind, in favor of any person, including, but not limited to, any
County Agent or Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer, any Taxpayer's legal
representative, any organization, any alleged unnamed beneficiary or assignee, and/or
any other person.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF NOVI
Page 12
§16. CONSTRUED AS A WHOLE. The language of all parts of this Contract is intended to
and, in all cases, shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning, and not
construed strictly for or against any Party. As used in this Contract, the singular or plural
number, possessive or nonpossessive shall be deemed to include the other whenever
the context so suggests or requires.
§17. CAPTIONS. The section headings or titles and/or all section numbers contained in this
Contract are intended for the convenience of the reader and not intended to have any
substantive nleaning and are not to be interpreted as part of this Contract.
§18. NOTICES. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, any and all
correspondence, invoices, and/or any other written notices required, permitted or
provided for under this Contract to be delivered to either Party shall be sent to that Party
by first class mail. All such written notices, including any notice canceling or terminating
this Contract as provided for herein, shall be sent to the other Party's signatory to this
Contract, or that signatory's successor in office, at the addresses shown in this Contract.
All correspondence or written notices shall be considered delivered to a Party as of the
date that such notice is deposited with sufficient postage with the U.S. Postal Service.
§19. WAIVER OF BREACH. The waiver of a breach of any provision of this Contract shall not
operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Each and every right,
remedy and power granted to either Party or allowed it by law shall be cumulative and not
exclusive of any other.
§20. ENTIRE CONTRACT. This Contract, consisting of a total of fifteen (15) pages, sets forth
the entire agreement between the County and the Municipality and fully supersedes any
and all prior agreements or understandings between them in any way related to the
subject matter hereof. It is further understood and agreed that the terms and conditions
herein are contractual and are not a mere recital and that there are no other agreements,
understandings, contracts, or representations between the County and the Municipality in
any way related to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly stated herein. This
Contract shall not be changed or supplemented orally and may be amended only as
otherwise provided herein.
For and in consideration of the mutual assurances, promises, acknowledgments, warrants,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned
hereby execute this Contract on behalf of the Parties, and by doing so legally obligate and bind
the Parties to the terms and conditions of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF NOVI
Page 14
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, John Juntunen, Supervisor of the Township of Novi hereby
acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the Governing Body of the
Township of Novi, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this Contract on behalf of the
Municipality and hereby accepts and binds the Township of Novi to the terms and conditions of
this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
John Juntunen, Supervisor
Township of Novi
WITNESSED: DATE:
Derwood Haines, Clerk
Township of Novi
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson, Oakland County Board of
Commissioners, hereby acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the
Oakland County Board of Commissioners, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this
Contract on behalf of the Oakland County, and hereby accepts and binds Oakland County to the
terms and conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson
Oakland County Board of Commissioners
WITNESSED:
DATE:
(Print Name)
DATE:
County of Oakland
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF NOVI
Page 15
CONTRAcT FOR OAKLAI'413 COUNTY
EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF SOUTHFIELD
(real and personal property services)
This CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE
SERVICES WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF SOUTHFIELD, (hereafter, this "Contract") is made and
entered into between the COUNTY OF OAKLAND, a Michigan Constitutional and Municipal
Corporation, whose address is 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, Michigan 48341
(hereafter, the "County"), and the Township of Southfield, a Michigan Constitutional and
Municipal Corporation whose address is 18550 W. Thirteen Mile Rd., Southfield, Michigan,
48025-5262 (hereafter, the "Municipality"). In this Contract, either the County and/or the
Municipality may also be referred to individually as a "Party" or jointly as "Parties."
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENTS
A. The Municipality, pursuant to the laws of the State of Michigan (hereafter, the "State"),
including, but not limited to, the Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.1, et seq.)
is required to perform real and personal property tax appraisals and assessments for all
nonexempt real and personal property located within the geographic boundaries of the
Municipality for the purpose of levying State and local property taxes.
B. The Parties recognize and agree that absent an agreement such as this, or pursuant to
an order of the State Tax Commission mandating the County to perform all or some of
the property tax appraisal and tax assessment responsibilities for real and/or personal
property located within the Municipality's geographic boundaries (MCL 211.10(f)), the
County, has no obligation to provide these Services to or for the Municipality.
C. The Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.34(3) provides that the County Board
of Commissioners, through the Equalization Division may furnish assistance to local
assessing officers in the performance of certain of these legally mandated, Municipality,
property appraisal and assessment responsibilities.
D. The Municipality has requested the County's Equalization Division assistance in
performing the "Equalization Division Assistance Services" (as described and defined in
this Contract) and has agreed in return to reimburse the County as provided for in this
Contract.
E. The County has determined that it has sufficient "Equalization Division Personnel," as
defined herein, possessing the requisite knowledge and expertise and is agreeable to
assisting the Municipality by providing the requested "Equalization Division Assistance
Services" under the terms and conditions of this Contract.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and the mutual promises,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the County and the
Municipality mutually agree as follows:
§1. DEFINED TERMS. In addition to the above defined terms (i.e., "Contract", "County",
"Municipality", "Party" and "Parties", and "State"), the Parties agree that the following
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF SOUTHFIELD
Page 1
words and expressions when printed with the first letter capitalized as shown herein,
whether used in the singular or plural, possessive or nonpossessive, and/or either within
or without quotation marks, shall, be defined and interpreted as follows:
"County Agent" or "County Agents" shall be defined as any and all Oakland
County elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board members, council
members, commissioners, authorities, other boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal representative or official capacities), and/or any persons acting by,
through, under, or in concert with any of them, excluding the Municipality and/or
any Municipality Agents, as defined herein. "County Agent" and/or "County
Agents" shall also include any person who was a County Agent anytime during
the term of this Contract but, for any reason, is no longer employed, appointed,
or elected and serving as a County Agent.
1.2. "Equalization Division Personnel" as used in this Contract shall be defined as a
specific subset of, and included as part of the larger group of County Agents as
defined above, and shall be further defined as any and all County Agents
specifically employed and assigned by the County to work in the Equalization
Division of the County's Department of Management and Budget as shown in the
current County budget and/or personnel records of the County. For any and all
purposes in this Contract, any reference to County Agents shall also include
within that term any and all Equalization Division Personnel, but any reference in
this Contract to Equalization Division Personnel shall not include any County
Agent employed by the County in any other function, capacity or organizational
unit of the County other than the Equalization Division of the Department of
Management and Budget.
1.3. "Municipality Agent" or "Municipality Agents" shall be defined to include any and
all Municipality officers, elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board
members, council members, authorities, boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal, representative, or official capacities), and/or any and all persons acting
by, through, under, or in concert with any of them, except that no County Agent
shall be deemed a Municipality Agent and conversely, no Municipality Agent shall
be deemed a County Agent. "Municipality Agent" shall also include any person
who was a Municipality Agent at any time during this Contract but for any reason
is no longer employed, appointed, or elected in that capacity.
1.4. "Claim(s)" shall be defined to include any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes of action, proceedings,
judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs and expenses,
including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees,
witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses, any amounts
paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities or Claim(s) of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against either the
County and/or any County Agent, as defined herein, or any Claim(s) for which
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF SOUTHFIELD
Page 2
the County and/or any County Agent may become legally and/or contractually
obligated to pay or defend against, or any other liabilities of any kind whatsoever,
whether direct, indirect or consequential, whether based upon any alleged
violation of the constitution (Federal or State), any statute, rule, regulation or the
common law, whether in law or equity, tort, contract, or otherwise, and/or
whether commenced or threatened and arising out of any alleged breach of any
duty by the County and/or any County Agent to any third-person, the
Municipality, including any Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer under
or in connection with this Contract or are based on or result in any way from the
County's and/or any County Agent's participation in this Contract.
1.5. "Municipality Taxpayer" shall be defined as any and all residents, property
owners, persons, or taxable entities within the Municipality, or their
representatives or agents, who may be liable or responsible for any property
taxes assessed by the Municipality pursuant to any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
1.6. "State" shall be defined as the "State of Michigan," a sovereign governmental
entity of the United States, and shall also include within its definition any and all
departments or agencies of State government including specifically, but not
limited to, the State Tax Commission, the State Tax Tribunal, and/or the State
Department of Treasury.
§2. COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES. The Parties agree that
the full and complete scope of any and all County Equalization Division Assistance
Services shall be as described and limited in the following subsections (hereinafter
defined and referred to as either "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or
"Services").
2.1. "EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES" OR "SERVICES" TO BE
PROVIDED. "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services", to be
performed by County for the Municipality as those terms are defined in this
Contract, shall only include and shall be limited to the following activities:
2.1.1. This Contract is to provide for annual assessment of real and personal
property from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2016 as required by laws of the
State of Michigan. The County agrees to make assessments of real and
personal property within the Municipality pursuant to MCL 211.10d.
2.1.2. The Equalization Division personnel will appraise all property, process all
real and personal property description changes, prepare the assessment
roll for real and personal property in the Municipality; attend March, July
and December Boards of Review and other such duties as required by
the State General Property Tax Laws. The Equalization Division
personnel will also be available for consultation on all Michigan Tax
Tribunal real and personal property and special assessment appeals and
will assist the Municipality in the preparation of both the oral and written
defense of appeals, as long as there is a current Contract in effect.
2.2. PURPOSE OF COUNTY "SERVICES". The Parties agree that the purpose of
any and all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be
performed under this Contract shall be to assist (e.g., to help, aid, lend support,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF SOUTHFIELD
Page 3
and/or participate in as an auxiliary, to contribute effort toward completion of a
goal, etc.) the Municipality in the performance of that Municipality's official
functions, obligations, and Municipality's legal responsibilities for property tax
appraisal and assessment pursuant to the applicable State Property Tax Laws.
2.3. MANNER COUNTY TO PROVIDE SERVICES. The Parties agree that any and
all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be provided by
the County for the Municipality under this Contract shall be performed solely and
exclusively by the County's "Equalization Division Personnel" as defined herein.
2.3.1. Equalization Division Personnel, including those certified as MMAO, shall
be employed and assigned by the County in such numbers and based on
such appropriate qualifications and other factors as decided solely by the
County.
2.3.2. The Parties agree that the County shall be solely and exclusively
responsible for furnishing all Equalization Division Personnel with all job
instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall in all
circumstances control, supervise, train or direct all Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of any and all Services under this
Contract.
2.3.3. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, the Parties agree and
warrant that, at all times and for all purposes relevant to this Contract,
the County shall remain the sole and exclusive employer of all County
Agents and Equalization Division Personnel and that the County shall
remain solely and completely liable for any and all County Agents' past,
present, or future wages, compensation, overtime wages, expenses,
fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel expenses, mileage
allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or other
allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation,
Social Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes,
and/or any other statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in
any way related to any County Agent's employment status.
2.3.4. This Contract is neither intended, nor shall it be interpreted, to create,
change, grant, modify, supplement, supersede, alter, or otherwise affect
or control, in any manner, form, or at any time, any right, privilege,
benefit, or any other term or condition of employment, of any kind or
nature whatsoever, in, upon, or for any County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel with the County, any applicable County employment
and/or union contract, and/or any County rule(s), regulation(s), hours of
work, shift assignment, order(s), policy(ies), procedure(s), directive(s),
ethical guideline(s), etc., which shall, solely and exclusively, govern and
control the employment relationship between the County and any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel and/or the conduct and actions
of any County Agent or any Equalization Division Personnel. To
illustrate, but not otherwise limit, this Contract does not and shall not be
interpreted to limit, modify, control, or otherwise affect, in any manner:
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF SOUTHFIELD
Page 4
2.3.4.1. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation,
responsibility, and discretion to employ, compensate, assign,
reassign, transfer, promote, reclassify, discipline, demote,
layoff, furlough, discharge any Equalization Division Personnel
and/or pay any and all Equalization Division Personnel's
wages, salaries, allowances, reimbursements, compensation,
fringe benefits, or otherwise decide any and all such terms and
conditions of employment and make any and all employment
decisions that affect, in any way, the employment of any
Equalization Division Personnel with the County, subject only
to its applicable collective bargaining Contracts.
2.3.4.2. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation, and
responsibility to determine, establish, modify, or implement
any and all operational policies, procedures, orders, rules,
regulations, ethical guidelines, and/or any other judgment,
policy or directive which, in any way, governs or controls any
activity of any County Agent or Equalization Division
Personnel, any necessary County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel's training standards or proficiency(ies), any
level or amount of required supervision, any and all standards
of performance, any sequence or manner of performance, and
any level(s) of experience, training, or education required for
any Equalization Division Personnel performing any County
duty or obligation under the terms of this Contract.
2.3.5. The Municipality agrees that except as expressly provided for under the
terms of this Contract and/or laws of this State, no County Agent or
Equalization Division Personnel, while such person is currently and/or
actively employed or otherwise remains on the payroll of the County as a
County Agent shall be employed, utilized, or perform any other services,
of any kind, directly or indirectly, in any manner or capacity, or otherwise
be available to perform any other work or assignments by or for the
Municipality during the term of this Contract. This section shall not
prohibit the Municipality from employing any person who was a former
County Agent but is no longer employed in that capacity by the County.
2.3.6. Except as otherwise expressly provided by the Contract and/or
applicable State law, the Parties agree and warrant that neither the
County, nor any County Agent, nor any Equalization Division Personnel,
by virtue of this Contract or otherwise, shall be deemed, considered or
claimed to be an employee of the Municipality and/or a Municipality
Agent.
2.3.7. The Municipality shall not otherwise provide, furnish or assign any
Equalization Division Personnel with any job instructions, job
descriptions, job specifications, or job duties, or in any manner attempt to
control, supervise, train, or direct any Personnel in the performance of
any County's Equalization Division Assistance Services duty or obligation
under the terms of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF SOUTHFIELD
Page 5
2A. LIMITS AND EXCLUSIONS ON COUNTY "SERVICES". Except as otherwise
expressly provided for within this Contract, neither the County nor any County
Agents shall be responsible for assisting or providing any other 'Services" or
assistance to the Municipality or assume any additional responsibility for
assisting the Municipality in any other way or manner with any Municipality
obligations under any and all State Property Tax Laws, including, but not limited
to, providing any attorney or legal representation to the Municipality or any
Municipality Agent at any proceeding before the Michigan Tax Tribunal or any
other adjudicative body or court, except as expressly provided for in this
Contract.
2.4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain
solely liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities
associated with or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or
assessment functions or any other Municipality legal obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws. The Municipality shall employ
and retain its own Municipality legal representation, as necessary, to
defend any such claim or challenge before the State Tax Tribunal or any
other court or review body.
2.4.2. Except for those express statutory and/or regulatory obligations
incumbent only upon licensed Equalization Division Personnel (i.e., State
Licensed and Certified Real and/or Personal Property Tax Assessors) to
defend property tax appraisals and assessments that they either
performed, or were otherwise performed under their supervision, before
the Michigan Tax Tribunal, the Parties agree that no other County
Agents, including any County attorneys shall be authorized, required
and/or otherwise obligated under this Contract or pursuant to any other
agreement between the Parties to provide any legal representation to or
for the Municipality and/or otherwise defend, challenge, contest, appeal,
or argue on behalf of the Municipality before the Michigan Tax Tribunal
or any other review body or court.
§3. TERM OF CONTRACT. The Parties agree that the term of this Contract shall begin on
the effective date of this Contract, as otherwise provided herein, and shall end on
June 30, 2016, without any further act or notice from either Party being required. Any
and all County Services otherwise provided to the Municipality prior to the effective date
of this Contract, shall be subject to the terms and conditions provided for herein.
§4. NO TRANSFER OF MUNICIPALITY LEGAL OBLIGATIONS TO COUNTY. Except as
expressly provided for in this Contract, the Municipality agrees that this Contract does
not, and is not intended to, transfer, delegate, or assign to the County, and/or any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel any civil or legal responsibility, duty, obligation,
duty of care, cost, legal obligation, or liability associated with any governmental function
delegated and/or entrusted to the Municipality under any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain solely
liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities associated with
or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or assessment functions or
any other Municipality legal obligation. The Municipality agrees that under no
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF SOUTHFIELD
Page 6
circumstances shall the County be responsible for any costs, obligations, and/or
civil liabilities associated with its Municipality function or any responsibility under
any State Property Tax Law.
4.2. The Municipality shall not incur or create any debts, liens, liabilities or obligations
for the County and shall take all necessary steps to ensure that any debts, liens,
liabilities or obligations that the Municipality may incur shall not become a debt,
liability, obligation or Claim(s) against the County.
4.3. The Parties agree that the Municipality shall at all times remain responsible for
the ultimate completion of any and all Municipality duties or obligations under any
and all applicable State Property Tax Laws. Nothing in this Contract shall relieve
the Municipality of any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
4.4. The Municipality and Municipality Agents shall be and remain responsible for
compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and
agency requirements in any manner affecting any work or performance of this
Contract or with any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
§5. NO DELEGATION OR DIMINUTION OF ANY GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY. The
Parties reserve to themselves any rights and obligations related to the provision of any
and all of each Party's respective governmental services, authority, responsibilities, and
obligations. Except as expressly provided otherwise herein, this Contract does not, and
is not intended to, create, diminish, delegate, transfer, assign, divest, impair, or
contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege, power, civil or
legal responsibility, obligation, duty of care, liability, capacity, immunity, authority or
character of office of either Party to any other person or Party.
5.1. The Parties further agree, notwithstanding any other term or condition in this
Contract, that no provision in this Contract is intended, nor shall it be construed,
as a waiver of any governmental immunity, as provided by statute or applicable
court decisions, by either Party, either for that Party and/or any of that Party's
County or Municipal Agents.
5.2. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, nothing in this Contract shall
be deemed to, in any way, limit or prohibit the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners statutory rights and obligations to review and/or further equalize
Municipality property values or tax assessments and/or further act upon any
Municipality assessment(s) of property taxes under any applicable State Property
Tax Laws, including, but not limited to challenging any Municipality assessment
before the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
§6. PAYMENT SCHEDULE. In consideration of the promises set forth in this Contract, the
Municipality agrees to pay to the County: For the contract years 2013-2014, 2014-2015,
and 2015-2016 the sum of $14.70 each year for each real property description and
$12.40 each year for each personal property description rendered during the life of this
Contract. Payment for the contract year 2013-2014 is payable on or before July 1, 2014,
payment for the contract year 2014-2015 is payable on or before July 1, 2015 and
payment for the contract year 2015-2016 is payable on or before July 1, 2016.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF SOUTHFIELD
Page 7
In the event that, pursuant to Public Act 408 of 2012, a majority of the qualified electors of
this state voting in August of 2014 on the question:
"APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF THE AMENDATORY ACT DEDICATING A
PORTION OF USE TAX REVENUE TO BENEFIT METROPOLITAN AREAS
THROUGHOUT THIS STATE
The amendatory act adopted by the Legislature would:
1. Dedicate a portion of the existing state use tax as a local tax levied by a new
metropolitan areas authority.
2. Distribute revenue from that local tax throughout the state for local purposes, including
police and fire protection.
3. Increase that portion of the state use tax currently dedicated for aid to schools.
4. Prohibit the total use tax rate from exceeding the constitutional limit of 6%.
Should this amendatory act be approved?
YES [ ]
NO [1"."
vote for approval, the Parties agree that the charge for each personal property
description rendered for the contract years 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 will be
renegotiated by the Parties.
If during the term of this Contract, there are additional services requested of the County,
the Parties shall negotiate additional fees to be paid by the Municipality.
6.1. All time incurred for Board of Review dates beyond the regular County working
hours to be billed at the applicable Equalization Division personnel's overtime
rate and charged to the Municipality over and above any other fees described in
this Contract, with the following exceptions:
6.1.1. One evening meeting as required by law under MCL § 211.30(3).
6.1.2. Dates requiring overtime set by the Municipality Charter.
6.2. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for postage on all personal property
statements and personal property notices mailed relating to work performed
under this Contract. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for all
photographic supplies.
6.3. If the Municipality fails, for any reason, to pay the County any monies when and
as due under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that unless expressly
prohibited by law, the County or the County Treasurer, at their sole option, shall
be entitled to a setoff from any other Municipality funds that are in the County's
possession for any reason. Funds include but are not limited to the Delinquent
Tax Revolving Fund ("DTRF"). Any setoff or retention of funds by the County
shall be deemed a voluntary assignment of the amount by the Municipality to the
County. The Municipality waives any claims against the County or its Officials for
any acts related specifically to the County's offsetting or retaining such amounts.
This paragraph shall not limit the Municipality's legal right to dispute whether the
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF SOUTHFIELD
Page 8
underlying amount retained by the County was actually due and owing under this
Contract.
6.4. If the County chooses not to exercise its right to setoff or if any setoff is
insufficient to fully pay the County any amounts due and owing the County under
this Contract, the County shall have the right to charge up to the then-maximum
legal interest on any unpaid amount. Interest charges shall be in addition to any
other amounts due to the County under this Contract. Interest charges shall be
calculated using the daily unpaid balance method and accumulate until all
outstanding amounts and accumulated interest are fully paid.
6.5. Nothing in this Section shall operate to limit the County's right to pursue or
exercise any other legal rights or remedies under this Contract against the
Municipality to secure reimbursement of amounts due the County under this
Contract. The remedies in this Section shall be available to the County on an
ongoing and successive basis if Municipality at any time becomes delinquent in
its payment. Notwithstanding any other term and condition in this Contract, if the
County pursues any legal action in any court to secure its payment under this
Contract, the Municipality agrees to pay all costs and expenses, including
attorney's fees and court costs, incurred by the County in the collection of any
amount owed by the Municipality.
6.6. Notwithstanding any other term or condition in this Contract, should the
Municipality fail for any reason to timely pay the County the amounts required
under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that the County may discontinue,
upon thirty (30) days written notice to the Municipality, without any penalty or
liability whatsoever, any County services or performance obligations under this
Contract.
§7. LIABILITY. The Municipality further agrees that the County shall not be liable to the
Municipality for any and all Claim(s), except as otherwise expressly provided for in this
Contract.
7.1. The Parties agree that this Contract does not and is not intended to create or
include any County warranty, promise, covenant or guaranty, either express or
implied, of any kind or nature whatsoever in favor of the other Municipality,
and/or any Municipality Agents, or any Municipality Taxpayer or any other person
or entity, or that the County's efforts in the performance of any obligation under
this Contract will result in any specific monetary benefit or efficiency, or increase
in any tax revenue for the Municipality, or will result in any specific reduction or
increase in any property assessment, or guarantee that any County services
provided under this Contract will withstand any challenge before the State Tax
Tribunal or any court or review body, or any other such performance-based
outcome.
7.2. In the event of any alleged breach, wrongful termination, and/or any default of
any term or condition of this Contract by either the County or any County Agent,
the County and/or any County Agent shall not be liable to the Municipality for any
indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, including, but not limited
to any replacement costs for County Services, any loss of income or revenue,
and/or any failure by the Municipality to meet any Municipality obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws, or any other economic benefit or harm
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF SOUTHFIELD
Page 9
that the Municipality may have realized, but for any alleged breach, wrongful
termination, default and/or cancellation of this Contract, or damages beyond or in
excess of the amount(s) of any amount paid to, received or retained by the
County at the time of the alleged breach or default in connection with or under
the terms of this Contract, whether such alleged breach or default is alleged in an
action in contract or tort and/or whether or not the Municipality has been advised
of the possibility of such damages. This provision and this Contract is intended
by the Parties to allocate the risks between the Parties, and the Parties agree
that the allocation of each Party's efforts, costs, and obligations under this
Contract reflect this allocation of each Party's risk and the limitations of liability as
specified herein.
7.3. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, with regard to any and all
alleged losses, claims, complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes
of action, proceedings, judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs
and expenses, including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable
attorney fees, witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses,
any amounts paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the
Municipality or any Municipality Agent by any third person, including but not
limited to any Municipality Agent or Municipality Taxpayer, arising out of any
activities or Services to be carried out by any County Agent in the performance of
this Contract. the Municipality hereby agrees that it shall have no rights pursuant
to or under this Contract against the County and/or any County Agents to or for
any indemnification (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by implication)
contribution, subrogation, or other right to be reimbursed by the County and/or
any of County Agents based upon any and all legal theories or alleged rights of
any kind, whether known or unknown, for any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, judgments, deficiencies, liability,
penalties, litigation costs and expenses of any kind whatsoever which are
imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Municipality and which are
alleged to have arisen under or are in any way based or predicated upon this
Contract.
7.4. If the Municipality requests and the County agrees, the County may prepare the
actual tax statement for mailing by the Municipality to Municipality residents. In
preparing any such tax statement the County shall rely upon certain data
provided by the Municipality beyond the data gathered by the County under this
Contract, including, but not limited to, the applicable miliage rate. The parties
agree that under no circumstances shall the County be held liable to the
Municipality or any third party based upon any error in any tax statement due to
information supplied by the Municipality to the County for such purposes.
§8. MUNICIPALITY AGENTS AND COOPERATION WITH THE COUNTY. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this Contract,
for guaranteeing that all Municipality Agents fully cooperate with Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of all County Services under this Contract. Likewise, the
County agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this
Contract, for guaranteeing that all Equalization Division personnel fully cooperate with
Municipality agents in the performance of all County Services under this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF SOUTHFIELD
Page 10
8.1. Municipality Agents shall be employed and assigned based on appropriate
qualifications and other factors as decided by the Municipality. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely responsible for furnishing all Municipality Agents
with all job instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall solely
control, direct, and supervise all Municipality Agents and shall be solely
responsible for the means and manner in which Municipality's duties or
obligations under any applicable State Property Tax Laws are satisfied.
8.2. The Municipality agrees that it shall be solely and completely liable for any and
all Municipality Agents' past, present, or future wages, compensation, overtime
wages, expenses, fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel
expenses, mileage allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or
other allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation, Social
Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes, and/or any other
statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in any way related to any
Municipality Agent's employment status or any alleged violation of any
Municipality Agent's statutory, contractual (e.g., union, employment, or labor
contract), constitutional, common law employment right, and/or civil rights by the
Municipality. The Municipality agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County
from and against any and all Claim(s) which are imposed upon, incurred by, or
asserted against the County or any County Agent by any Municipality Agent
and/or which are based upon, result from, or arise from, or are in any way related
to any Municipality Agent's wages, compensation, benefits, or other employment-
related or based rights, including, but not limited to, those described in this
section.
8.3. The Municipality agrees that no Municipality Agent shall, by virtue of this Contract
or otherwise, be considered or claimed to be an employee of the County and/or a
County Agent. This Contract does not grant or confer, and shall not be
interpreted to grant or confer, upon any Municipality Agents or any other
individual any status, privilege, right, or benefit of County employment or that of a
County Agent.
8_4. The Municipality agrees to provide the County Agents with information regarding
any activity affecting the tax status of a parcel. This shall include both Ad
Valorem and Special Act Property Abatements and/or Exemptions (e.g. Including
though not limited to Alternative Energy or New Personal Property, Renaissance
Zones, Senior/Disabled Housing Facilities, Obsolete Property and Plant
Rehabilitation & Industrial Development Districts), inclusive of the establishment
of the related district. Additionally, the Municipality agrees to provide the County
Agents with information regarding the establishment/amendment of an Authority
and/or the approval/amendment of any related Development and/or Tax
Increment Finance Plan(s). The County shall be informed of these proposed
changes prior to approval by the governing body of the municipality.
8.5. The Municipality agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any increase in
taxation which is governed by the Truth in Taxation Act. Further, the Municipality
agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any millage increase (new) or
renewal.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF SOUTHFIELD
Page 11
8.6. The Municipality will be responsible for Special Assessment billings, maintaining
a paper trail of roll changes, maintaining the rolls in balance, and providing the
Oakland County Equalization Division with the information necessary to prepare
the warrant.
8.7. The Municipality agrees that its agents will perform the following functions:
8.7.1. Mechanically make name changes to Sidwell numbers on a monthly
basis using the County's Computer terminals.
8.7.2. Provide a copy of all building permits with Sidwell numbers to the
County's Equalization Division on a monthly basis.
8.7.3. Be responsible for the establishment, accuracy and compilation of all
Special Assessment rolls in the Municipality.
8.7.4. Forward all exemption applications, transfer affidavits, personal property
statements and any and all other documents affecting the status or value
of property located within the Municipality to the County's Equalization
Division in a timely manner.
8.7.5. Forward all information on splits and combinations after approval by the
Municipality to the County's Equalization Division.
8.8. In the event that Municipality Agents, for whatever reason, fail or neglect to
undertake the tasks in Section 8.7 above, the County's Equalization Division may
perform these tasks and they shall be paid on a time and material basis. Such
rate shall be based upon the wages plus benefits of the person or persons
performing said tasks.
§9. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The Parties agree that at all times and for all purposes
under the terms of this Contract, the County's and/or any and all County Agents' legal
status and relationship to the Municipality shall be that of an Independent Contractor.
Except as expressly provided herein, each Party will be solely responsible for the acts of
its own employees, Agents, and servants during the term of this Contract. No liability,
right or benefits arising out of an employer/employee relationship, either express or
implied, shall arise or accrue to either Party as a result of this Contract.
§10. COUNTY PRIORITIZATION OF COUNTY RESOURCES. The Municipality
acknowledges and agrees that this Contract does not, and is not intended to, create
either any absolute right in favor of the Municipality, or any correspondent absolute duty
Or obligation upon the County, to guarantee that any specific number(s) or classification
of County Agents will be present on any given day to provide County services to the
Municipality.
§11. INDEMNIFICATION. Each Party shall be responsible for any Claims made against that
Party and for the acts of its Employees or Agents. In any Claims that may arise from the
performance of this Contract, each Party shall seek its own legal representation and bear
the costs associated with such representation including any attorney fees. Except as
otherwise provided in this Contract, neither Party shall have any right under any legal
principle to be indemnified by the other Party or any of its Employees or Agents in
connection with any Claim. This Contract does not, and is not intended to, impair, divest,
delegate or contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF SOUTHFIELD
Page 12
power, obligation, duty, or immunity of the Parties. Nothing in this Contract shall be
construed as a waiver of governmental immunity for either Party.
§12. CANCELLATION OR TERMINATION OF THIS CONTRACT. Except as follows, and
notvvithstanding any other term or provision in any other section of this Contract, either
Party, upon a minimum of ninety (90) calendar days written notice to the other Party, may
cancel and/or completely terminate this Contract for any reason, including convenience,
without incurring any penalty, expense, or liability to the other Party. The effective date
for any such termination is to be clearly stated in the notice.
12.1. At 5:00 p.m. on the effective date of the cancellation of this Contract all
Municipality and/or County obligations under this Contract, except those rights
and obligations expressly surviving cancellation as provided for in this Contract,
shall end.
12.2. The Municipality agrees that any and all Municipality obligations, including, but
not limited to, any and all indemnification and hold harmless promises, waivers of
liability, record-keeping requirements, any Municipality payment obligations to the
County, and/or any other related obligations provided for in this Contract with
regard to any acts, occurrences, events, transactions, or Claim(s) either
occurring or having their basis in any events or transactions that occurred before
the cancellation or completion of this Contract, shall survive the cancellation or
completion of this Contract.
§13. EFFECTIVE DATE, CONTRACT APPROVAL, AND AMENDMENT. The Parties agree
that this Contract, and/or any subsequent amendments thereto, shall not become
effective prior to the approval by concurrent resolutions of both the Oakland County
Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the Township of Southfield. The
approval and terms of this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments
thereto, shall be entered in the official minutes and proceedings of both the Oakland
County Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the Township of Southfield
and shall also be filed with the office of the Clerk of the County and the Clerk for the
Township of Southfield.
§14. The Parties agree that this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments, shall
be filed with the Michigan Secretary of State and this Contract, and/or any possible
subsequent amendments, shall not become effective prior to this required filing with the
Secretary of State.
14.1. The Parties agree that except as expressly provided herein, this Contract shall
not be changed, supplemented, or amended, in any manner, except as provided
for herein, and no other act, verbal representation, document, usage or custom
shall be deemed to amend or modify this Contract in any manner.
§15. NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES. Except as expressly provided herein for the
benefit of the Parties (i.e., County or Municipality), this Contract does not, and is not
intended to, create, by implication or otherwise, any direct or indirect obligation, duty,
promise, benefit, right to be indemnified (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by
implication) and/or any right to be subrogated to any Party's rights in this Contract, and/or
any other right of any kind, in favor of any person, including, but not limited to, any
County Agent or Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer, any Taxpayer's legal
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF SOUTHFIELD
Page 13
representative, any organization, any alleged unnamed beneficiary or assignee, and/or
any other person.
§16. CONSTRUED AS A WHOLE. The language of all parts of this Contract is intended to
and, in all cases, shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning, and not
construed strictly for or against any Party. As used in this Contract, the singular or plural
number, possessive or nonpossessive shall be deemed to include the other whenever
the context so suggests or requires.
§17. CAPTIONS. The section headings or titles and/or all section numbers contained in this
Contract are intended for the convenience of the reader and not intended to have any
substantive meaning and are not to be interpreted as part of this Contract.
§18. NOTICES. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, any and all
correspondence, invoices, and/or any other written notices required, permitted or
provided for under this Contract to be delivered to either Party shall be sent to that Party
by first class mail. All such written notices, including any notice canceling or terminating
this Contract as provided for herein, shall be sent to the other Party's signatory to this
Contract, or that signatory's successor in office, at the addresses shown in this Contract.
All correspondence or written notices shall be considered delivered to a Party as of the
date that such notice is deposited with sufficient postage with the U.S. Postal Service.
§19. WAIVER OF BREACH. The waiver of a breach of any provision of this Contract shall not
operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Each and every right,
remedy and power granted to either Party or allowed it by law shall be cumulative and not
exclusive of any other.
§20. ENTIRE CONTRACT. This Contract, consisting of a total of fifteen (15) pages, sets forth
the entire agreement between the County and the Municipality and fully supersedes any
and all prior agreements or understandings between them in any way related to the
subject matter hereof. It is further understood and agreed that the terms and conditions
herein are contractual and are not a mere recital and that there are no other agreements,
understandings, contracts, or representations between the County and the Municipality in
any way related to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly stated herein. This
Contract shall not be changed or supplemented orally and may be amended only as
otherwise provided herein.
For and in consideration of the mutual assurances, promises, acknowledgments, warrants,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned
hereby execute this Contract on behalf of the Parties, and by doing so legally obligate and bind
the Parties to the terms and conditions of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF SOUTHFIELD
Page 14
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Phillip Schmitt, Supervisor of the Township of Southfield hereby
acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the Governing Body of the
Township of Southfield, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this Contract on behalf
of the Municipality and hereby accepts and binds the Township of Southfield to the terms and
conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
Phillip Schmitt, Supervisor
Township of Southfield
WITNESSED: DATE:
Sharon Tischler, Clerk
Township of Southfield
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson, Oakland County Board of
Commissioners, hereby acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the
Oakland County Board of Commissioners, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this
Contract on behalf of the Oakland County, and hereby accepts and binds Oakland County to the
terms and conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson
Oakland County Board of Commissioners
WITNESSED:
(Print Name)
DATE:
DATE:
County of Oakland
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF SOUTHFIELD
Page 15
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY
EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE
(real and personal property services)
This CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE
SERVICES WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE, (hereafter, this "Contract") is
made and entered into between the COUNTY OF OAKLAND, a Michigan Constitutional and
Municipal Corporation ; whose address is 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, Michigan
48341(hereafter, the "County"), and the Charter Township of Commerce, a Michigan
Constitutional and Municipal Corporation whose address is 2009 Township Dr., Commerce
Twp., Michigan, 48390 (hereafter, the "Municipality"). In this Contract, either the County and/or
the Municipality may also be referred to individually as a "Party" or jointly as "Parties."
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENTS
A. The Municipality, pursuant to the laws of the State of Michigan (hereafter, the "State"),
including, but not limited to, the Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.1, et seq.)
is required to perform real and personal property tax appraisals and assessments for all
nonexempt real and personal property located within the geographic boundaries of the
Municipality for the purpose of levying State and local property taxes.
B. The Parties recognize and agree that absent an agreement such as this, or pursuant to
an order of the State Tax Commission mandating the County to perform all or some of
the property tax appraisal and tax assessment responsibilities for real and/or personal
property located within the Municipality's geographic boundaries (MCL 211.10(f)), the
County, has no obligation to provide these Services to or for the Municipality.
C. The Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.34(3) provides that the County Board
of Commissioners, through the Equalization Division may furnish assistance to local
assessing officers in the performance of certain of these legally mandated, Municipality,
property appraisal and assessment responsibilities.
D. The Municipality has requested the County's Equalization Division assistance in
performing the "Equalization Division Assistance Services" (as described and defined in
this Contract) and has agreed in return to reimburse the County as provided for in this
Contract.
The County has determined that it has sufficient "Equalization Division Personnel," as
defined herein, possessing the requisite knowledge and expertise and is agreeable to
assisting the Municipality by providing the requested "Equalization Division Assistance
Services" under the terms and conditions of this Contract.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and the mutual promises,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the County and the
Municipality mutually agree as follows:
§1. DEFINED TERMS. In addition to the above defined terms (i.e., "Contract", "County",
"Municipality", "Party" and "Parties", and "State"), the Parties agree that the following
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE
Page 1
words and expressions when printed with the first letter capitalized as shown herein,
whether used in the singular or plural, possessive or nonpossessive, and/or either within
or without quotation marks, shall, be defined and interpreted as follows:
1.1. "County Agent" or "County Agents" shall be defined as any and all Oakland
County elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board members, council
members, commissioners, authorities, other boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal representative or official capacities), and/or any persons acting by,
through, under, or in concert with any of them, excluding the Municipality and/or
any Municipality Agents, as defined herein. "County Agent" and/or "County
Agents" shall also include any person who was a County Agent anytime during
the term of this Contract but, for any reason, is no longer employed, appointed,
or elected and serving as a County Agent.
1.2. "Equalization Division Personnel" as used in this Contract shall be defined as a
specific subset of, and included as part of the larger group of County Agents as
defined above, and shall be further defined as any and all County Agents
specifically employed and assigned by the County to work in the Equalization
Division of the County's Department of Management and Budget as shown in the
current County budget and/or personnel records of the County. For any and all
purposes in this Contract, any reference to County Agents shall also include
within that term any and all Equalization Division Personnel, but any reference in
this Contract to Equalization Division Personnel shall not include any County
Agent employed by the County in any other function, capacity or organizational
unit of the County other than the Equalization Division of the Department of
Management and Budget.
1.3. "Municipality Agent" or "Municipality Agents" shall be defined to include any and
all Municipality officers, elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board
members, council members, authorities, boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal, representative, or official capacities), and/or any and all persons acting
by, through, under, or in concert with any of them, except that no County Agent
shall be deemed a Municipality Agent and conversely, no Municipality Agent shall
be deemed a County Agent. "Municipality Agent" shall also include any person
who was a Municipality Agent at any time during this Contract but for any reason
is no longer employed, appointed, or elected in that capacity.
1.4. "Claim(s)" shall be defined to include any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes of action, proceedings,
judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs and expenses,
including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees,
witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses, any amounts
paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities or Claim(s) of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against either the
County and/or any County Agent, as defined herein, or any Claim(s) for which
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the County and/or any County Agent may become legally and/or contractually
obligated to pay or defend against, or any other liabilities of any kind whatsoever,
whether direct, indirect or consequential, whether based upon any alleged
violation of the constitution (Federal or State), any statute, rule, regulation or the
common law, whether in law or equity, tort, contract, or otherwise, and/or
whether commenced or threatened and arising out of any alleged breach of any
duty by the County and/or any County Agent to any third-person, the
Municipality, including any Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer under
or in connection with this Contract or are based on or result in any way from the
County's and/or any County Agent's participation in this Contract.
1.5. "Municipality Taxpayer" shall be defined as any and all residents, property
owners, persons, or taxable entities within the Municipality, or their
representatives or agents, who may be liable or responsible for any property
taxes assessed by the Municipality pursuant to any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
1.6. "State" shall be defined as the "State of Michigan," a sovereign governmental
entity of the United States, and shall also include within its definition any and all
departments or agencies of State government including specifically, but not
limited to, the State Tax Commission, the State Tax Tribunal, and/or the State
Department of Treasury.
§2. COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES. The Parties agree that
the full and complete scope of any and all County Equalization Division Assistance
Services shall be as described and limited in the following subsections (hereinafter
defined and referred to as either "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or
"Services").
2.1. "EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES" OR "SERVICES" TO BE
PROVIDED. "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services", to be
performed by County for the Municipality as those terms are defined in this
Contract, shall only include and shall be limited to the following activities:
2.1.1. This Contract is to provide for annual assessment of real and personal
property from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2016 as required by laws of the
State of Michigan. The County agrees to make assessments of real and
personal property within the Municipality pursuant to MCL 211.10d.
2.1.2. The Equalization Division personnel will appraise all property, process all
real and personal property description changes, prepare the assessment
roll for real and personal property in the Municipality; attend March, July
and December Boards of Review and other such duties as required by
the State General Property Tax Laws. The Equalization Division
personnel will also be available for consultation on all Michigan Tax
Tribunal real and personal property and special assessment appeals and
will assist the Municipality in the preparation of both the oral and written
defense of appeals, as long as there is a current Contract in effect.
2.2. PURPOSE OF COUNTY "SERVICES". The Parties agree that the purpose of
any and all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be
performed under this Contract shall be to assist (e.g., to help, aid, lend support,
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and/or participate in as an auxiliary, to contribute effort toward completion of a
goal, etc.) the Municipality in the performance of that Municipality's official
functions, obligations, and Municipality's legal responsibilities for property tax
appraisal and assessment pursuant to the applicable State Property Tax Laws.
2.3. MANNER COUNTY TO PROVIDE SERVICES. The Parties agree that any and
all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be provided by
the County for the Municipality under this Contract shall be performed solely and
exclusively by the County's "Equalization Division Personnel" as defined herein.
2.3.1. Equalization Division Personnel, including those certified as MMAO, shall
be employed and assigned by the County in such numbers and based on
such appropriate qualifications and other factors as decided solely by the
County.
2.3.2. The Parties agree that the County shall be solely and exclusively
responsible for furnishing all Equalization Division Personnel with all job
instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall in all
circumstances control, supervise, train or direct all Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of any and all Services under this
Contract.
2„3.3. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, the Parties agree and
warrant that. at all times and for all purposes relevant to this Contract,
the County shall remain the sole and exclusive employer of all County
Agents and Equalization Division Personnel and that the County shall
remain solely and completely liable for any and all County Agents' past,
present, or future wages, compensation, overtime wages, expenses,
fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel expenses, mileage
allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or other
allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation,
Social Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes,
and/or any other statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in
any way related to any County Agent's employment status.
2.3.4. This Contract is neither intended, nor shall it be interpreted, to create,
change, grant, modify, supplement, supersede, alter, or otherwise affect
or control, in any manner, form, or at any time, any right, privilege,
benefit, or any other term or condition of employment, of any kind or
nature whatsoever, in, upon, or for any County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel with the County, any applicable County employment
and/or union contract, and/or any County rule(s), regulation(s), hours of
work, shift assignment, order(s), poiicy(ies), procedure(s), directive(s),
ethical guideline(s), etc., which shall, solely and exclusively, govern and
control the employment relationship between the County and any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel and/or the conduct and actions
of any County Agent or any Equalization Division Personnel. To
illustrate, but not otherwise limit, this Contract does not and shall not be
interpreted to limit, modify, control, or otherwise affect, in any manner:
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2.3.4.1. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation,
responsibility, and discretion to employ, compensate, assign,
reassign, transfer, promote, reclassify, discipline, demote,
layoff, furlough, discharge any Equalization Division Personnel
and/or pay any and all Equalization Division Personnel's
wages, salaries, allowances, reimbursements, compensation,
fringe benefits, or otherwise decide any and all such terms and
conditions of employment and make any and all employment
decisions that affect, in any way, the employment of any
Equalization Division Personnel with the County, subject only
to its applicable collective bargaining Contracts.
2.3.4.2. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation, and
responsibility to determine, establish, modify, or implement
any and all operational policies, procedures, orders, rules,
regulations, ethical guidelines, and/or any other judgment,
policy or directive which, in any way, governs or controls any
activity of any County Agent or Equalization Division
Personnel, any necessary County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel's training standards or proficiency(ies), any
level or amount of required supervision, any and all standards
of performance, any sequence or manner of performance, and
any level(s) of experience, training, or education required for
any Equalization Division Personnel performing any County
duty or obligation under the terms of this Contract.
2.3.5. The Municipality agrees that except as expressly provided for under the
terms of this Contract and/or laws of this State, no County Agent or
Equalization Division Personnel, while such person is currently and/or
actively employed or otherwise remains on the payroll of the County as a
County Agent shall be employed, utilized, or perform any other services,
of any kind, directly or indirectly, in any manner or capacity, or otherwise
be available to perform any other work or assignments by or for the
Municipality during the term of this Contract. This section shall not
prohibit the Municipality from employing any person who was a former
County Agent but is no longer employed in that capacity by the County.
2.3.6. Except as otherwise expressly provided by the Contract and/or
applicable State law, the Parties agree and warrant that neither the
County, nor any County Agent, nor any Equalization Division Personnel,
by virtue of this Contract or otherwise, shall be deemed, considered or
claimed to be an employee of the Municipality and/or a Municipality
Agent.
2.3.7. The Municipality shall not otherwise provide, furnish or assign any
Equalization Division Personnel with any job instructions, job
descriptions, job specifications, or job duties, or in any manner attempt to
control, supervise, train, or direct any Personnel in the performance of
any County's Equalization Division Assistance Services duty or obligation
under the terms of this Contract.
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2.4. LIMITS AND EXCLUSIONS ON COUNTY "SERVICES". Except as otherwise
expressly provided for within this Contract, neither the County nor any County
Agents shall be responsible for assisting or providing any other "Services " or
assistance to the Municipality or assume any additional responsibility for
assisting the Municipality in any other way or manner with any Municipality
obligations under any and all State Property Tax Laws, including, but not limited
to, providing any attorney or legal representation to the Municipality or any
Municipality Agent at any proceeding before the Michigan Tax Tribunal or any
other adjudicative body or court, except as expressly provided for in this
Contract.
2.4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain
solely liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities
associated with or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or
assessment functions or any other Municipality legal obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws. The Municipality shall employ
and retain its own Municipality legal representation, as necessary, to
defend any such claim or challenge before the State Tax Tribunal or any
other court or review body.
2.4.2. Except for those express statutory and/or regulatory obligations
incumbent only upon licensed Equalization Division Personnel (i.e., State
Licensed and Certified Real and/or Personal Property Tax Assessors) to
defend property tax appraisals and assessments that they either
performed, or were otherwise performed under their supervision, before
the Michigan Tax Tribunal, the Parties agree that no other County
Agents, including any County attorneys shall be authorized, required
and/or otherwise obligated under this Contract or pursuant to any other
agreement between the Parties to provide any legal representation to or
for the Municipality and/or otherwise defend, challenge, contest, appeal,
or argue on behalf of the Municipality before the Michigan Tax Tribunal
or any other review body or court.
§3. TERM OF CONTRACT. The Parties agree that the term of this Contract shall begin on
the effective date of this Contract, as otherwise provided herein, and shall end on
June 30, 2016, without any further act or notice from either Party being required. Any
and all County Services otherwise provided to the Municipality prior to the effective date
of this Contract, shall be subject to the terms and conditions provided for herein.
§4, NO TRANSFER OF MUNICIPALITY LEGAL OBLIGATIONS TO COUNTY. Except as
expressly provided for in this Contract, the Municipality agrees that this Contract does
not, and is not intended to, transfer, delegate, or assign to the County, and/or any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel any civil or legal responsibility, duty, obligation,
duty of care, cost, legal obligation, or liability associated with any governmental function
delegated and/or entrusted to the Municipality under any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain solely
liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities associated with
or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or assessment functions or
any other Municipality legal obligation. The Municipality agrees that under no
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Page 6
circumstances shall the County be responsible for any costs, obligations, and/or
civil liabilities associated with its Municipality function or any responsibility under
any State Property Tax Law.
A ')
The Municipality shall not incur or create any debts, liens, liabilities or obligations
for the County and shall take all necessary steps to ensure that any debts, liens,
liabilities or obligations that the Municipality may incur shall not become a debt,
liability, obligation or Claim(s) against the County.
4.3. The Parties agree that the Municipality shall at all times remain responsible for
the ultimate completion of any and all Municipality duties or obligations under any
and all applicable State Property Tax Laws. Nothing in this Contract shall relieve
the Municipality of any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
4.4. The Municipality and Municipality Agents shall be and remain responsible for
compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and
agency requirements in any manner affecting any work or performance of this
Contract or with any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
§5. NO DELEGATION OR DIMINUTION OF ANY GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY. The
Parties reserve to themselves any rights and obligations related to the provision of any
and all of each Party's respective governmental services, authority, responsibilities, and
obligations. Except as expressly provided otherwise herein, this Contract does not, and
is not intended to, create, diminish, delegate, transfer, assign, divest, impair, or
contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege, power, civil or
legal responsibility, obligation, duty of care, liability, capacity, immunity, authority or
character of office of either Party to any other person or Party.
5.1 The Parties further agree, notwithstanding any other term or condition in this
Contract, that no provision in this Contract is intended, nor shall it be construed,
as a waiver of any governmental immunity, as provided by statute or applicable
court decisions, by either Party, either for that Party and/or any of that Party's
County or Municipal Agents.
5.2. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, nothing in this Contract shall
be deemed to, in any way, limit or prohibit the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners statutory rights and obligations to review and/or further equalize
Municipality property values or tax assessments and/or further act upon any
Municipality assessment(s) of property taxes under any applicable State Property
Tax Laws, including, but not limited to challenging any Municipality assessment
before the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
§6. PAYMENT SCHEDULE. In consideration of the promises set forth in this Contract, the
Municipality agrees to pay to the County: For the contract years 2013-2014, 2014-2015,
and 2015-2016 the sum of $17.50 each year for each real property description and
$12.80 each year for each personal property description rendered during the life of this
Contract. Payment for the contract year 2013-2014 is payable on or before July 1, 2014,
payment for the contract year 2014-2015 is payable on or before July 1, 2015 and
payment for the contract year 2015-2016 is payable on or before July 1, 2016.
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Page 7
In the event that, pursuant to Public Act 408 of 2012, a majority of the qualified electors of
this state voting in August of 2014 on the question:
"APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF THE AMENDATORY ACT DEDICATING A
PORTION OF USE TAX REVENUE TO BENEFIT METROPOLITAN AREAS
THROUGHOUT THIS STATE
The amendatory act adopted by the Legislature would:
1. Dedicate a portion of the existing state use tax as a local tax levied by a new
metropolitan areas authority.
2. Distribute revenue from that local tax throughout the state for local purposes, including
police and fire protection.
3. Increase that portion of the state use tax currently dedicated for aid to schools.
4. Prohibit the total use tax rate from exceeding the constitutional limit of 6%.
Should this amendatory act be approved?
YES[]
NO [ ]"."
vote for approval, the Parties agree that the charge for each personal property
description rendered for the contract years 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 will be
renegotiated by the Parties.
If during the term of this Contract, there are additional services requested of the County,
the Parties shall negotiate additional fees to be paid by the Municipality.
6.1. All time incurred for Board of Review dates beyond the regular County working
hours to be billed at the applicable Equalization Division personnel's overtime
rate and charged to the Municipality over and above any other fees described in
this Contract, with the following exceptions:
6.1.1. One evening meeting as required by law under MCL § 211.30(3).
6.1.2. Dates requiring overtime set by the Municipality Charter.
6.2. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for postage on all personal property
statements and personal property notices mailed relating to work performed
under this Contract. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for all
photographic supplies.
6.3. If the Municipality fails, for any reason, to pay the County any monies when and
as due under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that unless expressly
prohibited by law, the County or the County Treasurer, at their sole option, shall
be entitled to a setoff from any other Municipality funds that are in the County's
possession for any reason. Funds include but are not limited to the Delinquent
Tax Revolving Fund ("DTRF"). Any setoff or retention of funds by the County
shall be deemed a voluntary assignment of the amount by the Municipality to the
County. The Municipality waives any claims against the County or its Officials for
any acts related specifically to the County's offsetting or retaining such amounts.
This paragraph shall not limit the Municipality's legal right to dispute whether the
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underlying amount retained by the County was actually due and owing under this
Contract.
6.4. If the County chooses not to exercise its right to setoff or if any setoff is
insufficient to fully pay the County any amounts due and owing the County under
this Contract, the County shall have the right to charge up to the then-maximum
legal interest on any unpaid amount. Interest charges shall be in addition to any
other amounts due to the County under this Contract. Interest charges shall be
calculated using the daily unpaid balance method and accumulate until all
outstanding amounts and accumulated interest are fully paid.
6.5. Nothing in this Section shall operate to limit the County's right to pursue or
exercise any other legal rights or remedies under this Contract against the
Municipality to secure reimbursement of amounts due the County under this
Contract. The remedies in this Section shall be available to the County on an
ongoing and successive basis if Municipality at any time becomes delinquent in
its payment. Notwithstanding any other term and condition in this Contract, if the
County pursues any legal action in any court to secure its payment under this
Contract, the Municipality agrees to pay all costs and expenses, including
attorney's fees and court costs, incurred by the County in the collection of any
amount owed by the Municipality.
6.6. Notwithstanding any other term or condition in this Contract, should the
Municipality fail for any reason to timely pay the County the amounts required
under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that the County may discontinue,
upon thirty (30) days written notice to the Municipality, without any penalty or
liability whatsoever, any County services or performance obligations under this
Contract.
§7. LIABILITY. The Municipality further agrees that the County shall not be liable to the
Municipality for any and all Claim(s), except as otherwise expressly provided for in this
Contract.
7.1. The Parties agree that this Contract does not and is not intended to create or
include any County warranty, promise, covenant or guaranty, either express or
implied, of any kind or nature whatsoever in favor of the other Municipality,
and/or any Municipality Agents, or any Municipality Taxpayer or any other person
or entity, or that the County's efforts in the performance of any obligation under
this Contract will result in any specific monetary benefit or efficiency, or increase
in any tax revenue for the Municipality, or will result in any specific reduction or
increase in any property assessment, or guarantee that any County services
provided under this Contract will withstand any challenge before the State Tax
Tribunal or any court or review body, or any other such performance-based
outcome.
7.2. In the event of any alleged breach, wrongful termination, and/or any default of
any term or condition of this Contract by either the County or any County Agent,
the County and/or any County Agent shall not be liable to the Municipality for any
indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, including, but not limited
to any replacement costs for County Services, any loss of income or revenue,
and/or any failure by the Municipality to meet any Municipality obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws, or any other economic benefit or harm
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that the Municipality may have realized, but for any alleged breach, wrongful
termination, default and/or cancellation of this Contract, or damages beyond or in
excess of the amount(s) of any amount paid to, received or retained by the
County at the time of the alleged breach or default in connection with or under
the terms of this Contract, whether such alleged breach or default is alleged in an
action in contract or tort and/or whether or not the Municipality has been advised
of the possibility of such damages. This provision and this Contract is intended
by the Parties to allocate the risks between the Parties, and the Parties agree
that the allocation of each Party's efforts, costs, and obligations under this
Contract reflect this allocation of each Party's risk and the limitations of liability as
specified herein.
7.3. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, with regard to any and all
alleged losses, claims, complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes
of action, proceedings, judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs
and expenses, including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable
attorney fees, witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses,
any amounts paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the
Municipality or any Municipality Agent by any third person, including but not
limited to any Municipality Agent or Municipality Taxpayer, arising out of any
activities or Services to be carried out by any County Agent in the performance of
this Contract, the Municipality hereby agrees that it shall have no rights pursuant
to or under this Contract against the County and/or any County Agents to or for
any indemnification (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by implication)
contribution, subrogation, or other right to be reimbursed by the County and/or
any of County Agents based upon any and all legal theories or alleged rights of
any kind, whether known or unknown, for any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, judgments, deficiencies, liability,
penalties, litigation costs and expenses of any kind whatsoever which are
imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Municipality and which are
alleged to have arisen under or are in any way based or predicated upon this
Contract.
7.4. If the Municipality requests and the County agrees, the County may prepare the
actual tax statement for mailing by the Municipality to Municipality residents. In
preparing any such tax statement the County shall rely upon certain data
provided by the Municipality beyond the data gathered by the County under this
Contract, including, but not limited to, the applicable millage rate. The parties
agree that under no circumstances shall the County be held liable to the
Municipality or any third party based upon any error in any tax statement due to
information supplied by the Municipality to the County for such purposes.
§8. MUNICIPALITY AGENTS AND COOPERATION WITH THE COUNTY. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this Contract,
for guaranteeing that all Municipality Agents fully cooperate with Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of all County Services under this Contract. Likewise, the
County agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this
Contract, for guaranteeing that all Equalization Division personnel fully cooperate with
Municipality agents in the performance of all County Services under this Contract.
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8.1. Municipality Agents shall be employed and assigned based on appropriate
qualifications and other factors as decided by the Municipality. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely responsible for furnishing all Municipality Agents
with all job instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall solely
control, direct, and supervise all Municipality Agents and shall be solely
responsible for the means and manner in which Municipality's duties or
obligations under any applicable State Property Tax Laws are satisfied.
0 n The Municipality agrees that it shall be solely and completely liable for any and
all Municipality Agents' past, present, or future wages, compensation, overtime
wages, expenses, fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel
expenses, mileage allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or
other allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation, Social
Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes, and/or any other
statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in any way related to any
Municipality Agent's employment status or any alleged violation of any
Municipality Agent's statutory, contractual (e.g., union, employment, or labor
contract), constitutional, common law employment right, and/or civil rights by the
Municipality. The Municipality agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County
from and against any and all Claim(s) which are imposed upon, incurred by, or
asserted against the County or any County Agent by any Municipality Agent
and/or which are based upon, result from, or arise from, or are in any way related
to any Municipality Agent's wages, compensation, benefits, or other employment-
related or based rights, including, but not limited to, those described in this
section.
8.3. The Municipality agrees that no Municipality Agent shall, by virtue of this Contract
or otherwise, be considered or claimed to be an employee of the County and/or a
County Agent. This Contract does not grant or confer, and shall not be
interpreted to grant or confer, upon any Municipality Agents or any other
individual any status, privilege, right, or benefit of County employment or that of a
County Agent.
8.4. The Municipality agrees to provide the County Agents with information regarding
any activity affecting the tax status of a parcel. This shall include both Ad
Valorem and Special Act Property Abatements and/or Exemptions (e.g. Including
though not limited to Alternative Energy or New Personal Property, Renaissance
Zones, Senior/Disabled Housing Facilities, Obsolete Property and Plant
Rehabilitation & Industrial Development Districts), inclusive of the establishment
of the related district. Additionally, the Municipality agrees to provide the County
Agents with information regarding the establishment/amendment of an Authority
and/or the approval/amendment of any related Development and/or Tax
Increment Finance Plan(s). The County shall be informed of these proposed
changes prior to approval by the governing body of the municipality.
8.5. The Municipality agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any increase in
taxation which is governed by the Truth in Taxation Act. Further, the Municipality
agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any millage increase (new) or
renewal.
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8.6. The Municipality will be responsible for Special Assessment billings, maintaining
a paper trail of roll changes, maintaining the rolls in balance, and providing the
Oakland County Equalization Division with the information necessary to prepare
the warrant.
8.7. The Municipality agrees that its agents will perform the following functions:
8.7.1. Mechanically make name changes to Sidwell numbers on a monthly
basis using the County's Computer terminals.
8.7.2. Provide a copy of all building permits with Sidwell numbers to the
County's Equalization Division on a monthly basis.
8.7.3. Be responsible for the establishment, accuracy and compilation of all
Special Assessment rolls in the Municipality.
8.7.4. Forward all exemption applications, transfer affidavits, personal property
statements and any and all other documents affecting the status or value
of property located within the Municipality to the County's Equalization
Division in a timely manner.
8.7.5. Forward all information on splits and combinations after approval by the
Municipality to the County's Equalization Division.
8.8. In the event that Municipality Agents, for whatever reason, fail or neglect to
undertake the tasks in Section 8.7 above, the County's Equalization Division may
perform these tasks and they shall be paid on a time and material basis. Such
rate shall be based upon the wages plus benefits of the person or persons
performing said tasks.
§9. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The Parties agree that at all times and for all purposes
under the terms of this Contract, the County's and/or any and all County Agents' legal
status and relationship to the Municipality shall be that of an Independent Contractor.
Except as expressly provided herein, each Party will be solely responsible for the acts of
its own employees, Agents, and servants during the term of this Contract. No liability,
right or benefits arising out of an employer/employee relationship, either express or
implied, shall arise or accrue to either Party as a result of this Contract.
§10. COUNTY PRIORITIZATION OF COUNTY RESOURCES. The Municipality
acknowledges and agrees that this Contract does not, and is not intended to, create
either any absolute right in favor of the Municipality, or any correspondent absolute duty
or obligation upon the County, to guarantee that any specific number(s) or classification
of County Agents will be present on any given day to provide County services to the
Municipality.
§11. INDEMNIFICATION. Each Party shall be responsible for any Claims made against that
Party and for the acts of its Employees or Agents. In any Claims that may arise from the
performance of this Contract, each Party shall seek its own legal representation and bear
the costs associated with such representation including any attorney fees. Except as
otherwise provided in this Contract, neither Party shall have any right under any legal
principle to be indemnified by the other Party or any of its Employees or Agents in
connection with any Claim. This Contract does not, and is not intended to, impair, divest,
delegate or contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DWISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
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Page 12
power, obligation, duty, or immunity of the Parties. Nothing in this Contract shall be
construed as a waiver of governmental immunity for either Party.
§12. CANCELLATION OR TERMINATION OF THIS CONTRACT. Except as follows, and
notwithstanding any other term or provision in any other section of this Contract, either
Party, upon a minimum of ninety (90) calendar days written notice to the other Party, may
cancel and/or completely terminate this Contract for any reason, including convenience,
without incurring any penalty, expense, or liability to the other Party. The effective date
for any such termination is to be clearly stated in the notice.
12.1. At 5:00 p.m. on the effective date of the cancellation of this Contract all
Municipality and/or County obligations under this Contract, except those rights
and obligations expressly surviving cancellation as provided for in this Contract,
shall end.
12.2. The Municipality agrees that any and all Municipality obligations, including, but
not limited to, any and all indemnification and hold harmless promises, waivers of
liability, record-keeping requirements, any Municipality payment obligations to the
County, and/or any other related obligations provided for in this Contract with
regard to any acts, occurrences, events, transactions, or Claim(s) either
occurring or having their basis in any events or transactions that occurred before
the cancellation or completion of this Contract, shall survive the cancellation or
completion of this Contract.
§13. EFFECTIVE DATE, CONTRACT APPROVAL, AND AMENDMENT. The Parties agree
that this Contract, and/or any subsequent amendments thereto, shall not become
effective prior to the approval by concurrent resolutions of both the Oakland County
Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the Charter Township of Commerce.
The approval and terms of this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments
thereto, shall be entered in the official minutes and proceedings of both the Oakland
County Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the Charter Township of
Commerce and shall also be filed with the office of the Clerk of the County and the Clerk
for the Charter Township of Commerce.
§14. The Parties agree that this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments, shall
be filed with the Michigan Secretary of State and this Contract, and/or any possible
subsequent amendments, shall not become effective prior to this required filing with the
Secretary of State.
14.1. The Parties agree that except as expressly provided herein, this Contract shall
not be changed, supplemented, or amended, in any manner, except as provided
for herein, and no other act, verbal representation, document, usage or custom
shall be deemed to amend or modify this Contract in any manner.
§15. NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES. Except as expressly provided herein for the
benefit of the Parties (i.e., County or Municipality), this Contract does not, and is not
intended to, create, by implication or otherwise, any direct or indirect obligation, duty,
promise, benefit, right to be indemnified (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by
implication) and/or any right to be subrogated to any Party's rights in this Contract, and/or
any other right of any kind, in favor of any person, including, but not limited to, any
County Agent or Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer, any Taxpayer's legal
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE
Page 13
representative, any organization, any alleged unnamed beneficiary or assignee, and/or
any other person.
§16. CONSTRUED AS A WHOLE. The language of all parts of this Contract is intended to
and, in all cases, shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning, and not
construed strictly for or against any Party. As used in this Contract, the singular or plural
number, possessive or nonpossessive shall be deemed to include the other whenever
the context so suggests or requires.
§17. CAPTIONS. The section headings or titles and/or all section numbers contained in this
Contract are intended for the convenience of the reader and not intended to have any
substantive meaning and are not to be interpreted as part of this Contract.
§18. NOTICES. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, any and all
correspondence, invoices, and/or any other written notices required, permitted or
provided for under this Contract to be delivered to either Party shall be sent to that Party
by first class mail. All such written notices, including any notice canceling or terminating
this Contract as provided for herein, shall be sent to the other Party's signatory to this
Contract, or that signatory's successor in office, at the addresses shown in this Contract.
All correspondence or written notices shall be considered delivered to a Party as of the
date that such notice is deposited with sufficient postage with the U.S. Postal Service.
§19. WAIVER OF BREACH. The waiver of a breach of any provision of this Contract shall not
operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Each and every right,
remedy and power granted to either Party or allowed it by law shall be cumulative and not
exclusive of any other.
§20. ENTIRE CONTRACT. This Contract, consisting of a total of fifteen (15) pages, sets forth
the entire agreement between the County and the Municipality and fully supersedes any
and all prior agreements or understandings between them in any way related to the
subject matter hereof. It is further understood and agreed that the terms and conditions
herein are contractual and are not a mere recital and that there are no other agreements,
understandings, contracts, or representations between the County and the Municipality in
any way related to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly stated herein. This
Contract shall not be changed or supplemented orally and may be amended only as
otherwise provided herein.
For and in consideration of the mutual assurances, promises, acknowledgments, warrants,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned
hereby execute this Contract on behalf of the Parties, and by doing so legally obligate and bind
the Parties to the terms and conditions of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE
Page 14
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Thomas K. Zoner, Supervisor of the Charter Township of Commerce
hereby acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the Governing Body of the
Charter Township of Commerce, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this Contract
on behalf of the Municipality and hereby accepts and binds the Charter Township of Commerce
to the terms and conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
Thomas K. Zoner, Supervisor
Charter Township of Commerce
WITNESSED: DATE:
Vanessa Magner, Clerk
Charter Township of Commerce
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson, Oakland County Board of
Commissioners, hereby acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the
Oakland County Board of Commissioners, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this
Contract on behalf of the Oakland County, and hereby accepts and binds Oakland County to the
terms and conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson
Oakland County Board of Commissioners
WITNESSED: DATE:
(Print Name) DATE:
County of Oakland
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE
Page 15
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY
EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD
(real and personal property services)
This CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE
SERVICES WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD, (hereafter, this "Contract") is
made and entered into between the COUNTY OF OAKLAND, a Michigan Constitutional and
Municipal Corporation, whose address is 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, Michigan
48341(hereafter, the "County"), and the Charter Township of Milford, a Michigan Constitutional
and Municipal Corporation whose address is 1100 Atlantic, Milford, Michigan, 48381-2000
(hereafter, the "Municipality"). In this Contract, either the County and/or the Municipality may
also be referred to individually as a "Party" or jointly as "Parties."
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENTS
A. The Municipality, pursuant to the laws of the State of Michigan (hereafter, the "State"),
including, but not limited to, the Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.1, et seq.)
is required to perform real and personal property tax appraisals and assessments for all
nonexempt real and personal property located within the geographic boundaries of the
Municipality for the purpose of levying State and local property taxes.
B. The Parties recognize and agree that absent an agreement such as this, or pursuant to
an order of the State Tax Commission mandating the County to perform all or some of
the property tax appraisal and tax assessment responsibilities for real and/or personal
property located within the Municipality's geographic boundaries (MCL 211.10(f)), the
County, has no obligation to provide these Services to or for the Municipality.
C. The Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.34(3) provides that the County Board
of Commissioners, through the Equalization Division may furnish assistance to local
assessing officers in the performance of certain of these legally mandated, Municipality,
property appraisal and assessment responsibilities.
D. The Municipality has requested the County's Equalization Division assistance in
performing the "Equalization Division Assistance Services' (as described and defined in
this Contract) and has agreed in return to reimburse the County as provided for in this
Contract.
E. The County has determined that it has sufficient "Equalization Division Personnel," as
defined herein, possessing the requisite knowledge and expertise and is agreeable to
assisting the Municipality by providing the requested "Equalization Division Assistance
Services" under the terms and conditions of this Contract.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and the mutual promises,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the County and the
Municipality mutually agree as follows:
§1. DEFINED TERMS. In addition to the above defined terms (i.e., "Contract", "County",
"Municipality", "Party" and "Parties", and "State"), the Parties agree that the following
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD
Page 1
words and expressions when printed with the first letter capitalized as shown herein,
whether used in the singular or plural, possessive or nonpossessive, and/or either within
or without quotation marks, shall, be defined and interpreted as follows:
1.1. "County Agent" or "County Agents" shall be defined as any and all Oakland
County elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board members, council
members, commissioners, authorities, other boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal representative or official capacities), and/or any persons acting by,
through, under, or in concert with any of them, excluding the Municipality and/or
any Municipality Agents, as defined herein. "County Agent" and/or "County
Agents" shall also include any person who was a County Agent anytime during
the term of this Contract but, for any reason, is no longer employed, appointed,
or elected and serving as a County Agent.
1.2. "Equalization Division Personnel" as used in this Contract shall be defined as a
specific subset of, and included as part of the larger group of County Agents as
defined above, and shall be further defined as any and all County Agents
specifically employed and assigned by the County to work in the Equalization
Division of the County's Department of Management and Budget as shown in the
current County budget and/or personnel records of the County. For any and all
purposes in this Contract, any reference to County Agents shall also include
within that term any and all Equalization Division Personnel, but any reference in
this Contract to Equalization Division Personnel shall not include any County
Agent employed by the County in any other function, capacity or organizational
unit of the County other than the Equalization Division of the Department of
Management and Budget.
1.3. "Municipality Agent" or "Municipality Agents" shall be defined to include any and
all Municipality officers, elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board
members, council members, authorities, boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal, representative, or official capacities), and/or any and all persons acting
by, through, under, or in concert with any of them, except that no County Agent
shall be deemed a Municipality Agent and conversely, no Municipality Agent shall
be deemed a County Agent. "Municipality Agent" shall also include any person
who was a Municipality Agent at any time during this Contract but for any reason
is no longer employed, appointed, or elected in that capacity.
1.4. "Claim(s)" shall be defined to include any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes of action, proceedings,
judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs and expenses,
including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees,
witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses, any amounts
paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities or Claim(s) of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against either the
County and/or any County Agent, as defined herein, or any Claim(s) for which
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD
Page 2
the County and/or any County Agent may become legally and/or contractually
obligated to pay or defend against, or any other liabilities of any kind whatsoever,
whether direct, indirect or consequential, whether based upon any alleged
violation of the constitution (Federal or State), any statute, rule, regulation or the
common law, whether in law or equity, tort, contract, or otherwise, and/or
whether commenced or threatened and arising out of any alleged breach of any
duty by the County and/or any County Agent to any third-person, the
Municipality, including any Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer under
or in connection with this Contract or are based on or result in any way from the
County's and/or any County Agent's participation in this Contract.
1.5. "Municipality Taxpayer" shall be defined as any and all residents, property
owners, persons, or taxable entities within the Municipality, or their
representatives or agents, who may be liable or responsible for any property
taxes assessed by the Municipality pursuant to any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
1.6. "State" shall be defined as the "State of Michigan," a sovereign governmental
entity of the United States, and shall also include within its definition any and all
departments or agencies of State government including specifically, but not
limited to, the State Tax Commission, the State Tax Tribunal, and/or the State
Department of Treasury.
§2. COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES. The Parties agree that
the full and complete scope of any and all County Equalization Division Assistance
Services shall be as described and limited in the following subsections (hereinafter
defined and referred to as either "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or
"Services").
2.1. "EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES" OR "SERVICES" TO BE
PROVIDED. "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services", to be
performed by County for the Municipality as those terms are defined in this
Contract, shall only include and shall be limited to the following activities:
2.1.1. This Contract is to provide for annual assessment of real and personal
property from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2016 as required by laws of the
State of Michigan. The County agrees to make assessments of real and
personal property within the Municipality pursuant to MCL 211.10d.
2.1.2. The Equalization Division personnel will appraise all property, process all
real and personal property description changes, prepare the assessment
roll for real and personal property in the Municipality; attend March, July
and December Boards of Review and other such duties as required by
the State General Property Tax Laws. The Equalization Division
personnel will also be available for consultation on all Michigan Tax
Tribunal real and personal property and special assessment appeals and
will assist the Municipality in the preparation of both the oral and written
defense of appeals, as long as there is a current Contract in effect.
2.2. PURPOSE OF COUNTY "SERVICES". The Parties agree that the purpose of
any and all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be
performed under this Contract shall be to assist (e.g., to help, aid, lend support,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD
Page 3
and/or participate in as an auxiliary, to contribute effort toward completion of a
goal, etc.) the Municipality in the performance of that Municipality's official
functions, obligations, and Municipality's legal responsibilities for property tax
appraisal and assessment pursuant to the applicable State Property Tax Laws.
2.3. MANNER COUNTY TO PROVIDE SERVICES. The Parties agree that any and
all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be provided by
the County for the Municipality under this Contract shall be performed solely and
exclusively by the County's "Equalization Division Personnel" as defined herein.
2.3.1. Equalization Division Personnel, including those certified as MMAO, shall
be employed and assigned by the County in such numbers and based on
such appropriate qualifications and other factors as decided solely by the
County.
2.3.2. The Parties agree that the County shall be solely and exclusively
responsible for furnishing all Equalization Division Personnel with all job
instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall in all
circumstances control, supervise, train or direct all Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of any and all Services under this
Contract.
2.3,3 Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, the Parties agree and
warrant that, at all times and for all purposes relevant to this Contract,
the County shall remain the sole and exclusive employer of all County
Agents and Equalization Division Personnel and that the County shall
remain solely and completely liable for any and all County Agents' past,
present, or future wages, compensation, overtime wages, expenses,
fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel expenses, mileage
allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or other
allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation,
Social Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes,
and/or any other statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in
any way related to any County Agent's employment status.
2.3.4. This Contract is neither intended, nor shall it be interpreted, to create,
change, grant, modify, supplement, supersede, alter, or otherwise affect
or control, in any manner, form, or at any time, any right, privilege,
benefit, or any other term or condition of employment, of any kind or
nature whatsoever, in, upon, or for any County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel with the County, any applicable County employment
and/or union contract, and/or any County rule(s), regulation(s), hours of
work, shift assignment, order(s), policy(ies), procedure(s), directive(s),
ethical guideline(s), etc., which shall, solely and exclusively, govern and
control the employment relationship between the County and any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel and/or the conduct and actions
of any County Agent or any Equalization Division Personnel. To
illustrate, but not otherwise limit, this Contract does not and shall not be
interpreted to limit, modify, control, or otherwise affect, in any manner:
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD
Page 4
2.3.4.1. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation,
responsibility, and discretion to employ, compensate, assign,
reassign, transfer, promote, reclassify, discipline, demote,
layoff, furlough, discharge any Equalization Division Personnel
and/or pay any and all Equalization Division Personnel's
wages, salaries, allowances, reimbursements, compensation,
fringe benefits, or otherwise decide any and all such terms and
conditions of employment and make any and all employment
decisions that affect, in any way, the employment of any
Equalization Division Personnel with the County, subject only
to its applicable collective bargaining Contracts.
2.3.4.2. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation, and
responsibility to determine, establish, modify, or implement
any and all operational policies, procedures, orders, rules,
regulations, ethical guidelines, and/or any other judgment,
policy or directive which, in any way, governs or controls any
activity of any County Agent or Equalization Division
Personnel, any necessary County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel's training standards or proficiency(ies), any
level or amount of required supervision, any and all standards
of performance, any sequence or manner of performance, and
any level(s) of experience, training, or education required for
any Equalization Division Personnel performing any County
duty or obligation under the terms of this Contract.
2.3.5. The Municipality agrees that except as expressly provided for under the
terms of this Contract and/or laws of this State, no County Agent or
Equalization Division Personnel, while such person is currently and/or
actively employed or otherwise remains on the payroll of the County as a
County Agent shall be employed, utilized, or perform any other services,
of any kind, directly or indirectly, in any manner or capacity, or otherwise
be available to perform any other work or assignments by or for the
Municipality during the term of this Contract. This section shall not
prohibit the Municipality from employing any person who was a former
County Agent but is no longer employed in that capacity by the County.
2.3.6. Except as otherwise expressly provided by the Contract and/or
applicable State law, the Parties agree and warrant that neither the
County, nor any County Agent, nor any Equalization Division Personnel,
by virtue of this Contract or otherwise, shall be deemed, considered or
claimed to be an employee of the Municipality and/or a Municipality
Agent.
2.3.7. The Municipality shall not otherwise provide, furnish or assign any
Equalization Division Personnel with any job instructions, job
descriptions, job specifications, or job duties, or in any manner attempt to
control, supervise, train, or direct any Personnel in the performance of
any County's Equalization Division Assistance Services duty or obligation
under the terms of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD
Page 5
2.4. LIMITS AND EXCLUSIONS ON COUNTY "SERVICES". Except as otherwise
expressly provided for within this Contract, neither the County nor any County
Agents shall be responsible for assisting or providing any other "Services " or
assistance to the Municipality or assume any additional responsibility for
assisting the Municipality in any other way or manner with any Municipality
obligations under any and all State Property Tax Laws, including, but not limited
to, providing any attorney or legal representation to the Municipality or any
Municipality Agent at any proceeding before the Michigan Tax Tribunal or any
other adjudicative body or court, except as expressly provided for in this
Contract.
2.4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain
solely liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities
associated with or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or
assessment functions or any other Municipality legal obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws. The Municipality shall employ
and retain its own Municipality legal representation, as necessary, to
defend any such claim or challenge before the State Tax Tribunal or any
other court or review body.
2.4.2. Except for those express statutory and/or regulatory obligations
incumbent only upon licensed Equalization Division Personnel (i.e., State
Licensed and Certified Real and/or Personal Property Tax Assessors) to
defend property tax appraisals and assessments that they either
performed, or were otherwise performed under their supervision, before
the Michigan Tax Tribunal, the Parties agree that no other County
Agents, including any County attorneys shall be authorized, required
and/or otherwise obligated under this Contract or pursuant to any other
agreement between the Parties to provide any legal representation to or
for the Municipality and/or otherwise defend, challenge, contest, appeal,
or argue on behalf of the Municipality before the Michigan Tax Tribunal
or any other review body or court.
§3. TERM OF CONTRACT. The Parties agree that the term of this Contract shall begin on
the effective date of this Contract, as otherwise provided herein, and shall end on
June 30, 2016, without any further act or notice from either Party being required. Any
and all County Services otherwise provided to the Municipality prior to the effective date
of this Contract, shall be subject to the terms and conditions provided for herein.
§4. NO TRANSFER OF MUNICIPALITY LEGAL OBLIGATIONS TO COUNTY. Except as
expressly provided for in this Contract, the Municipality agrees that this Contract does
not, and is not intended to, transfer, delegate, or assign to the County, and/or any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel any civil or legal responsibility, duty, obligation,
duty of care, cost, legal obligation, or liability associated with any governmental function
delegated and/or entrusted to the Municipality under any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain solely
liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities associated with
or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or assessment functions or
any other Municipality legal obligation. The Municipality agrees that under no
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD
Page 6
circumstances shall the County be responsible for any costs, obligations, and/or
civil liabilities associated with its Municipality function or any responsibility under
any State Property Tax Law.
4.2. The Municipality shall not incur or create any debts, liens, liabilities or obligations
for the County and shall take all necessary steps to ensure that any debts, liens,
liabilities or obligations that the Municipality may incur shall not become a debt,
liability, obligation or Claim(s) against the County.
4.3. The Parties agree that the Municipality shall at all times remain responsible for
the ultimate completion of any and all Municipality duties or obligations under any
and all applicable State Property Tax Laws. Nothing in this Contract shall relieve
the Municipality of any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
4.4. The Municipality and Municipality Agents shall be and remain responsible for
compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and
agency requirements in any manner affecting any work or performance of this
Contract or with any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
§5. NO DELEGATION OR DIMINUTION OF ANY GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY. The
Parties reserve to themselves any rights and obligations related to the provision of any
and all of each Party's respective governmental services, authority, responsibilities, and
obligations. Except as expressly provided otherwise herein, this Contract does not, and
is not intended to, create, diminish, delegate, transfer, assign, divest, impair, or
contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege, power, civil or
legal responsibility, obligation, duty of care, liability, capacity, immunity, authority or
character of office of either Party to any other person or Party.
5.1. The Parties further agree, notwithstanding any other term or condition in this
Contract, that no provision in this Contract is intended, nor shall it be construed,
as a waiver of any governmental immunity, as provided by statute or applicable
court decisions, by either Party, either for that Party and/or any of that Party's
County or Municipal Agents.
5.2. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, nothing in this Contract shall
be deemed to, in any way, limit or prohibit the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners statutory rights and obligations to review and/or further equalize
Municipality property values or tax assessments and/or further act upon any
Municipality assessment(s) of property taxes under any applicable State Property
Tax Laws, including, but not limited to challenging any Municipality assessment
before the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
§6. PAYMENT SCHEDULE. In consideration of the promises set forth in this Contract, the
Municipality agrees to pay to the County: For the contract years 2013-2014, 2014-2015,
and 2015-2016 the sum of $14.70 each year for each real property description and
$12.40 each year for each personal property description rendered during the life of this
Contract. Payment for the contract year 2013-2014 is payable on or before July 1, 2014,
payment for the contract year 2014-2015 is payable on or before July 1, 2015 and
payment for the contract year 2015-2016 is payable on or before July 1, 2016.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD
Page 7
In the event that, pursuant to Public Act 408 of 2012, a majority of the qualified electors of
this state voting in August of 2014 on the question:
"APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF THE AMENDATORY ACT DEDICATING A
PORTION 01= 'USE -FAX REVENUE -1-'0 BENEFIT METrROPOLITAN AFREAS
THROUGHOUT THIS STATE
The amendatory act adopted by the Legislature would:
1. Dedicate a portion of the existing state use tax as a local tax levied by a new
metropolitan areas authority.
2. Distribute revenue from that local tax throughout the state for local purposes, including
police and fire protection.
3. Increase that portion of the state use tax currently dedicated for aid to schools.
4. Prohibit the total use tax rate from exceeding the constitutional limit of 6%.
Should this amendatory act be approved?
YES [ ]
NO [17
vote for approval, the Parties agree that the charge for each personal property
description rendered for the contract years 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 will be
renegotiated by the Parties.
If during the term of this Contract, there are additional services requested of the County,
the Parties shall negotiate additional fees to be paid by the Municipality.
6.1. All time incurred for Board of Review dates beyond the regular County working
hours to be billed at the applicable Equalization Division personnel's overtime
rate and charged to the Municipality over and above any other fees described in
this Contract, with the following exceptions:
6.1.1. One evening meeting as required by law under MCL § 211.30(3).
6.1.2. Dates requiring overtime set by the Municipality Charter.
6.2. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for postage on all personal property
statements and personal property notices mailed relating to work performed
under this Contract. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for all
photographic supplies.
6.3. If the Municipality fails, for any reason, to pay the County any monies when and
as due under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that unless expressly
prohibited by law, the County or the County Treasurer, at their sole option, shall
be entitled to a setoff from any other Municipality funds that are in the County's
possession for any reason. Funds include but are not limited to the Delinquent
Tax Revolving Fund ("DTRF"). Any setoff or retention of funds by the County
shall be deemed a voluntary assignment of the amount by the Municipality to the
County. The Municipality waives any claims against the County or its Officials for
any acts related specifically to the County's offsetting or retaining such amounts.
This paragraph shall not limit the Municipality's legal right to dispute whether the
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD
Page 8
underlying amount retained by the County was actually due and owing under this
Contract.
6.4. If the County chooses not to exercise its right to setoff or if any setoff is
insufficient to fully pay the County any amounts due and owing the County under
this Contract, the County shall have the right to charge up to the then-maximum
legal interest on any unpaid amount. Interest charges shall be in addition to any
other amounts due to the County under this Contract. Interest charges shall be
calculated using the daily unpaid balance method and accumulate until all
outstanding amounts and accumulated interest are fully paid.
6.5. Nothing in this Section shall operate to limit the County's right to pursue or
exercise any other legal rights or remedies under this Contract against the
Municipality to secure reimbursement of amounts due the County under this
Contract. The remedies in this Section shall be available to the County on an
ongoing and successive basis if Municipality at any time becomes delinquent in
its payment. Notwithstanding any other term and condition in this Contract, if the
County pursues any legal action in any court to secure its payment under this
Contract, the Municipality agrees to pay all costs and expenses, including
attorney's fees and court costs, incurred by the County in the collection of any
amount owed by the Municipality.
6.6. Notwithstanding any other term or condition in this Contract, should the
Municipality fail for any reason to timely pay the County the amounts required
under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that the County may discontinue,
upon thirty (30) days written notice to the Municipality, without any penalty or
liability whatsoever, any County services or performance obligations under this
Contract.
§7. LIABILITY. The Municipality further agrees that the County shall not be liable to the
Municipality for any and all Claim(s), except as otherwise expressly provided for in this
Contract.
7.1. The Parties agree that this Contract does not and is not intended to create or
include any County warranty, promise, covenant or guaranty, either express or
implied, of any kind or nature whatsoever in favor of the other Municipality,
and/or any Municipality Agents, or any Municipality Taxpayer or any other person
or entity, or that the County's efforts in the performance of any obligation under
this Contract will result in any specific monetary benefit or efficiency, or increase
in any tax revenue for the Municipality, or will result in any specific reduction or
increase in any property assessment, or guarantee that any County services
provided under this Contract will withstand any challenge before the State Tax
Tribunal or any court or review body, or any other such performance-based
outcome,
7.2. In the event of any alleged breach, wrongful termination, and/or any default of
any term or condition of this Contract by either the County or any County Agent,
the County and/or any County Agent shall not be liable to the Municipality for any
indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, including, but not limited
to any replacement costs for County Services, any loss of income or revenue,
and/or any failure by the Municipality to meet any Municipality obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws, or any other economic benefit or harm
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD
Page 9
that the Municipality may have realized, but for any alleged breach, wrongful
termination, default and/or cancellation of this Contract, or damages beyond or in
excess of the amount(s) of any amount paid to, received or retained by the
County at the time of the alleged breach or default in connection with or under
the terms of this Contract, whether such alleged breach or default is alleged in an
action in contract or tort and/or whether or not the Municipality has been advised
of the possibility of such damages. This provision and this Contract is intended
by the Parties to allocate the risks between the Parties, and the Parties agree
that the allocation of each Party's efforts, costs, and obligations under this
Contract reflect this allocation of each Party's risk and the limitations of liability as
specified herein.
7.3. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, with regard to any and all
alleged losses, claims, complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes
of action, proceedings, judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs
and expenses, including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable
attorney fees, witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses,
any amounts paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the
Municipality or any Municipality Agent by any third person, including but not
limited to any Municipality Agent or Municipality Taxpayer, arising out of any
activities or Services to be carried out by any County Agent in the performance of
this Contract, the Municipality hereby agrees that it shall have no rights pursuant
to or under this Contract against the County and/or any County Agents to or for
any indemnification (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by implication)
contribution, subrogation, or other right to be reimbursed by the County and/or
any of County Agents based upon any and all legal theories or alleged rights of
any kind, whether known or unknown, for any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, judgments, deficiencies, liability,
penalties, litigation costs and expenses of any kind whatsoever which are
imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Municipality and which are
alleged to have arisen under or are in any way based or predicated upon this
Contract,
7.4. If the Municipality requests and the County agrees, the County may prepare the
actual tax statement for mailing by the Municipality to Municipality residents. In
preparing any such tax statement the County shall rely upon certain data
provided by the Municipality beyond the data gathered by the County under this
Contract, including, but not limited to, the applicable millage rate. The parties
agree that under no circumstances shall the County be held liable to the
Municipality or any third party based upon any error in any tax statement due to
information supplied by the Municipality to the County for such purposes.
§8. MUNICIPALITY AGENTS AND COOPERATION WITH THE COUNTY. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this Contract,
for guaranteeing that all Municipality Agents fully cooperate with Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of all County Services under this Contract. Likewise, the
County agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this
Contract, for guaranteeing that all Equalization Division personnel fully cooperate with
Municipality agents in the performance of all County Services under this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD
Page 10
8.1. Municipality Agents shall be employed and assigned based on appropriate
qualifications and other factors as decided by the Municipality. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely responsible for furnishing all Municipality Agents
with all job instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall solely
control, direct, and supervise all Municipality Agents and shall be solely
responsible for the means and manner in which Municipality's duties or
obligations under any applicable State Property Tax Laws are satisfied.
8.2. The Municipality agrees that it shall be solely and completely liable for any and
all Municipality Agents' past, present, or future wages, compensation, overtime
wages, expenses, fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel
expenses, mileage allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or
other allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation, Social
Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes, and/or any other
statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in any way related to any
Municipality Agent's employment status or any alleged violation of any
Municipality Agent's statutory, contractual (e.g., union, employment, or labor
contract), constitutional, common law employment right, and/or civil rights by the
Municipality. The Municipality agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County
from and against any and all Claim(s) which are imposed upon, incurred by, or
asserted against the County or any County Agent by any Municipality Agent
and/or which are based upon, result from, or arise from, or are in any way related
to any Municipality Agent's wages, compensation, benefits, or other employment-
related or based rights, including, but not limited to, those described in this
section.
8.3. The Municipality agrees that no Municipality Agent shall, by virtue of this Contract
or otherwise, be considered or claimed to be an employee of the County and/or a
County Agent. This Contract does not grant or confer, and shall not be
interpreted to grant or confer, upon any Municipality Agents or any other
individual any status, privilege, right, or benefit of County employment or that of a
County Agent.
8,4. The Municipality agrees to provide the County Agents with information regarding
any activity affecting the tax status of a parcel. This shall include both Ad
Valorem and Special Act Property Abatements and/or Exemptions (e.g. Including
though not limited to Alternative Energy or New Personal Property, Renaissance
Zones, Senior/Disabled Housing Facilities, Obsolete Property and Plant
Rehabilitation & Industrial Development Districts), inclusive of the establishment
of the related district. Additionally, the Municipality agrees to provide the County
Agents with information regarding the establishment/amendment of an Authority
and/or the approval/amendment of any related Development and/or Tax
Increment Finance Plan(s). The County shall be informed of these proposed
changes prior to approval by the governing body of the municipality.
8.5. The Municipality agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any increase in
taxation which is governed by the Truth in Taxation Act. Further, the Municipality
agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any millage increase (new) or
renewal.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD
Page 11
8.6. The Municipality will be responsible for Special Assessment billings, maintaining
a paper trail of roll changes, maintaining the rolls in balance, and providing the
Oakland County Equalization Division with the information necessary to prepare
the warrant.
8.7. The Municipality agrees that its agents will perform the following functions:
8.7.1. Mechanically make name changes to Sidwell numbers on a monthly
basis using the County's Computer terminals.
8.7.2. Provide a copy of all building permits with Sidwell numbers to the
County's Equalization Division on a monthly basis.
8.7.3. Be responsible for the establishment, accuracy and compilation of all
Special Assessment rolls in the Municipality.
8.7.4. Forward all exemption applications, transfer affidavits, personal property
statements and any and all other documents affecting the status or value
of property located within the Municipality to the County's Equalization
Division in a timely manner.
8.7.5. Forward all information on splits and combinations after approval by the
Municipality to the County's Equalization Division.
8.8. In the event that Municipality Agents, for whatever reason, fail or neglect to
undertake the tasks in Section 8.7 above, the County's Equalization Division may
perform these tasks and they shall be paid on a time and material basis. Such
rate shall be based upon the wages plus benefits of the person or persons
performing said tasks.
§9. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The Parties agree that at all times and for all purposes
under the terms of this Contract, the County's and/or any and all County Agents' legal
status and relationship to the Municipality shall be that of an Independent Contractor.
Except as expressly provided herein, each Party will be solely responsible for the acts of
its own employees, Agents, and servants during the term of this Contract. No liability,
right or benefits arising out of an employer/employee relationship, either express or
implied, shall arise or accrue to either Party as a result of this Contract.
§10. COUNTY PRIORITIZATION OF COUNTY RESOURCES. The Municipality
acknowledges and agrees that this Contract does not, and is not intended to, create
either any absolute right in favor of the Municipality, or any correspondent absolute duty
or obligation upon the County, to guarantee that any specific number(s) or classification
of County Agents will be present on any given day to provide County services to the
Municipality.
§11. INDEMNIFICATION. Each Party shall be responsible for any Claims made against that
Party and for the acts of its Employees or Agents. In any Claims that may arise from the
performance of this Contract, each Party shall seek its own legal representation and bear
the costs associated with such representation including any attorney fees. Except as
otherwise provided in this Contract, neither Party shall have any right under any legal
principle to be indemnified by the other Party or any of its Employees or Agents in
connection with any Claim. This Contract does not, and is not intended to, impair, divest,
delegate or contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD
Page 12
power, obligation, duty, or immunity of the Parties. Nothing in this Contract shall be
construed as a waiver of governmental immunity for either Party.
§12. CANCELLATION OR TERMINATION OF THIS CONTRACT. Except as follows, and
notwithstanding any other term or provision in any other section of this Contract, either
Party, upon a minimum of ninety (90) calendar days written notice to the other Party, may
cancel and/or completely terminate this Contract for any reason, including convenience,
without incurring any penalty, expense, or liability to the other Party. The effective date
for any such termination is to be clearly stated in the notice.
12.1. At 5:00 p.m. on the effective date of the cancellation of this Contract all
Municipality and/or County obligations under this Contract, except those rights
and obligations expressly surviving cancellation as provided for in this Contract,
shall end.
12.2. The Municipality agrees that any and all Municipality obligations, including, but
not limited to, any and all indemnification and hold harmless promises, waivers of
liability, record-keeping requirements, any Municipality payment obligations to the
County, and/or any other related obligations provided for in this Contract with
regard to any acts, occurrences, events, transactions, or Claim(s) either
occurring or having their basis in any events or transactions that occurred before
the cancellation or completion of this Contract, shall survive the cancellation or
completion of this Contract.
§13. EFFECTIVE DATE, CONTRACT APPROVAL, AND AMENDMENT. The Parties agree
that this Contract, and/or any subsequent amendments thereto, shall not become
effective prior to the approval by concurrent resolutions of both the Oakland County
Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the Charter Township of Milford.
The approval and terms of this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments
thereto, shall be entered in the official minutes and proceedings of both the Oakland
County Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the Charter Township of
Milford and shall also be filed with the office of the Clerk of the County and the Clerk for
the Charter Township of Milford.
§14. The Parties agree that this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments, shall
be filed with the Michigan Secretary of State and this Contract, and/or any possible
subsequent amendments, shall not become effective prior to this required filing with the
Secretary of State.
14.1. The Parties agree that except as expressly provided herein, this Contract shall
not be changed, supplemented, or amended, in any manner, except as provided
for herein, and no other act, verbal representation, document, usage or custom
shall be deemed to amend or modify this Contract in any manner.
§15. NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES. Except as expressly provided herein for the
benefit of the Parties (i.e., County or Municipality), this Contract does not, and is not
intended to, create, by implication or otherwise, any direct or indirect obligation, duty,
promise, benefit, right to be indemnified (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by
implication) and/or any right to be subrogated to any Party's rights in this Contract, and/or
any other right of any kind, in favor of any person, including, but not limited to, any
County Agent or Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer, any Taxpayer's legal
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD
Page 13
representative, any organization, any alleged unnamed beneficiary or assignee, and/or
any other person.
§16. CONSTRUED AS A WHOLE. The language of all parts of this Contract is intended to
and, in all cases, shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning, and not
construed strictly for or against any Party. As used in this Contract, the singular or plural
number, possessive or nonpossessive shall be deemed to include the other whenever
the context so suggests or requires.
§17. CAPTIONS. The section headings or titles and/or all section numbers contained in this
Contract are intended for the convenience of the reader and not intended to have any
substantive meaning and are not to be interpreted as part of this Contract.
§18. NOTICES. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, any and all
correspondence, invoices, and/or any other written notices required, permitted or
provided for under this Contract to be delivered to either Party shall be sent to that Party
by first class mail. All such written notices, including any notice canceling or terminating
this Contract as provided for herein, shall be sent to the other Party's signatory to this
Contract, or that signatory's successor in office, at the addresses shown in this Contract.
All correspondence or written notices shall be considered delivered to a Party as of the
date that such notice is deposited with sufficient postage with the U.S. Postal Service.
§19. WAIVER OF BREACH. The waiver of a breach of any provision of this Contract shall not
operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Each and every right,
remedy and power granted to either Party or allowed ii by law shall be cumulative and not
exclusive of any other.
§20. ENTIRE CONTRACT. This Contract, consisting of a total of fifteen (15) pages, sets forth
the entire agreement between the County and the Municipality and fully supersedes any
and all prior agreements or understandings between them in any way related to the
subject matter hereof. It is further understood and agreed that the terms and conditions
herein are contractual and are not a mere recital and that there are no other agreements,
understandings, contracts, or representations between the County and the Municipality in
any way related to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly stated herein. This
Contract shall not be changed or supplemented orally and may be amended only as
otherwise provided herein.
For and in consideration of the mutual assurances, promises, acknowledgments, warrants,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned
hereby execute this Contract on behalf of the Parties, and by doing so legally obligate and bind
the Parties to the terms and conditions of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD
Page 14
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Donald Green, Supervisor of the Charter Township of Milford hereby
acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the Governing Body of the Charter
Township of Milford, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this Contract on behalf of
the Municipality and hereby accepts and binds the Charter Township of Milford to the terms and
conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
Donald D. Green, Supervisor
Charter Township of Milford
WITNESSED: DATE:
Holly Brandt, Clerk
Charter Township of Milford
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson, Oakland County Board of
Commissioners, hereby acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the
Oakland County Board of Commissioners, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this
Contract on behalf of the Oakland County, and hereby accepts and binds Oakland County to the
terms and conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson
Oakland County Board of Commissioners
WITNESSED:
DATE:
(Print Name)
DATE:
County of Oakland
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD
Page 15
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY
EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OAKLAND
(real and personal property services)
This CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE
SERVICES WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OAKLAND, (hereafter, this "Contract) is
made and entered into between the COUNTY OF OAKLAND, a Michigan Constitutional and
Municipal Corporation, whose address is 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, Michigan
48341(hereafter, the "County"), and the Charter Township of Oakland, a Michigan Constitutional
and Municipal Corporation whose address is 4393 Collins Road, Rochester, Michigan, 48306-
1670 (hereafter, the "Municipality"). In this Contract, either the County and/or the Municipality
may also be referred to individually as a "Party" or jointly as "Parties."
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENTS
A. The Municipality, pursuant to the laws of the State of Michigan (hereafter, the "State"),
including, but not limited to, the Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.1, et seq.)
is required to perform real and personal property tax appraisals and assessments for all
nonexempt real and personal property located within the geographic boundaries of the
Municipality for the purpose of levying State and local property taxes.
B. The Parties recognize and agree that absent an agreement such as this, or pursuant to
an order of the State Tax Commission mandating the County to perform all or some of
the property tax appraisal and tax assessment responsibilities for real and/or personal
property located within the Municipality's geographic boundaries (MCL 211.10(f)), the
County, has no obligation to provide these Services to or for the Municipality.
C. The Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.34(3) provides that the County Board
of Commissioners, through the Equalization Division may furnish assistance to local
assessing officers in the performance of certain of these legally mandated, Municipality,
property appraisal and assessment responsibilities.
D. The Municipality has requested the County's Equalization Division assistance in
performing the "Equalization Division Assistance Services" (as described and defined in
this Contract) and has agreed in return to reimburse the County as provided for in this
Contract.
E. The County has determined that it has sufficient "Equalization Division Personnel," as
defined herein, possessing the requisite knowledge and expertise and is agreeable to
assisting the Municipality by providing the requested "Equalization Division Assistance
Services" under the terms and conditions of this Contract.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and the mutual promises,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the County and the
Municipality mutually agree as follows:
§1. DEFINED TERMS. In addition to the above defined terms (i.e., "Contract", "County",
"Municipality", "Party" and "Parties", and "State"), the Parties agree that the following
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OAKLAND
Page 1
words and expressions when printed with the first letter capitalized as shown herein,
whether used in the singular or plural, possessive or nonpossessive, and/or either within
or without quotation marks, shall, be defined and interpreted as follows:
I . I . "County Agent" or "County Agents" shall be defined as any and all Oakland
County elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board members, council
members, commissioners, authorities, other boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal representative or official capacities), and/or any persons acting by,
through, under, or in concert with any of them. excluding the Municipality and/or
any Municipality Agents, as defined herein. "County Agent" and/or "County
Agents" shall also include any person who was a County Agent anytime during
the term of this Contract but, for any reason, is no longer employed, appointed,
or elected and serving as a County Agent.
1.2. "Equalization Division Personnel" as used in this Contract shall be defined as a
specific subset of, and included as part of the larger group of County Agents as
defined above, and shall be further defined as any and all County Agents
specifically employed and assigned by the County to work in the Equalization
Division of the County's Department of Management and Budget as shown in the
current County budget and/or personnel records of the County. For any and all
purposes in this Contract, any reference to County Agents shall also include
within that term any and all Equalization Division Personnel, but any reference in
this Contract to Equalization Division Personnel shall not include any County
Agent employed by the County in any other function, capacity or organizational
unit of the County other than the Equalization Division of the Department of
Management and Budget.
1.3. "Municipality Agent" or "Municipality Agents" shall be defined to include any and
all Municipality officers, elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board
members, council members, authorities, boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal, representative, or official capacities), and/or any and all persons acting
by, through, under, or in concert with any of them, except that no County Agent
shall be deemed a Municipality Agent and conversely, no Municipality Agent shall
be deemed a County Agent. "Municipality Agent" shall also include any person
who was a Municipality Agent at any time during this Contract but for any reason
is no longer employed, appointed, or elected in that capacity.
1.4. "Claim(s)" shall be defined to include any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes of action, proceedings,
judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs and expenses,
including, but not limited to. any reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees,
witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses, any amounts
paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities or Claim(s) of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against either the
County and/or any County Agent, as defined herein, or any Claim(s) for which
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OAKLAND
Page 2
the County and/or any County Agent may become legally and/or contractually
obligated to pay or defend against, or any other liabilities of any kind whatsoever,
whether direct, indirect or consequential, whether based upon any alleged
violation of the constitution (Federal or State), any statute, rule, regulation or the
common law, whether in law or equity, tort, contract, or otherwise, and/or
whether commenced or threatened and arising out of any alleged breach of any
duty by the County and/or any County Agent to any third-person, the
Municipality, including any Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer under
or in connection with this Contract or are based on or result in any way from the
County's and/or any County Agent's participation in this Contract.
1.5. "Municipality Taxpayer" shall be defined as any and all residents, property
owners, persons, or taxable entities within the Municipality, or their
representatives or agents, who may be liable or responsible for any property
taxes assessed by the Municipality pursuant to any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
1.6. "State" shall be defined as the "State of Michigan," a sovereign governmental
entity of the United States, and shall also include within its definition any and all
departments or agencies of State government including specifically, but not
limited to, the State Tax Commission, the State Tax Tribunal, and/or the State
Department of Treasury.
§2. COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES. The Parties agree that
the full and complete scope of any and all County Equalization Division Assistance
Services shall be as described and limited in the following subsections (hereinafter
defined and referred to as either "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or
"Services").
2.1. "EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES" OR "SERVICES" TO BE
PROVIDED. "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services'', to be
performed by County for the Municipality as those terms are defined in this
Contract, shall only include and shall be limited to the following activities:
2.1.1. This Contract is to provide for annual assessment of real and personal
property from July 1, 2013 to June 30. 2016 as required by laws of the
State of Michigan. The County agrees to make assessments of real and
personal property within the Municipality pursuant to MCL 211,10d.
2.1.2. The Equalization Division personnel will appraise all property, process all
real and personal property description changes, prepare the assessment
roll for real and personal property in the Municipality; attend March, July
and December Boards of Review and other such duties as required by
the State General Property Tax Laws. The Equalization Division
personnel will also be available for consultation on all Michigan Tax
Tribunal real and personal property and special assessment appeals and
will assist the Municipality in the preparation of both the oral and written
defense of appeals, as long as there is a current Contract in effect.
2.2. PURPOSE OF COUNTY "SERVICES". The Parties agree that the purpose of
any and all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be
performed under this Contract shall be to assist (e.g., to help, aid, lend support,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OAKLAND
Page 3
and/or participate in as an auxiliary, to contribute effort toward completion of a
goal, etc.) the Municipality in the performance of that Municipality's official
functions, obligations, and Municipality's legal responsibilities for property tax
appraisal and assessment pursuant to the applicable State Property Tax Laws.
2.3. MANNER COUNTY TO PROVIDE SERVICES. The Parties agree that any and
all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be provided by
the County for the Municipality under this Contract shall be performed solely and
exclusively by the County's "Equalization Division Personnel" as defined herein.
2.3.1. Equalization Division Personnel, including those certified as MMAO, shall
be employed and assigned by the County in such numbers and based on
such appropriate qualifications and other factors as decided solely by the
County.
2.3.2. The Parties agree that the County shall be solely and exclusively
responsible for furnishing all Equalization Division Personnel with all job
instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall in all
circumstances control, supervise, train or direct all Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of any and all Services under this
Contract.
2.3.3. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, the Parties agree and
warrant that, at all times and for all purposes relevant to this Contract,
the County shall remain the sole and exclusive employer of all County
Agents and Equalization Division Personnel and that the County shall
remain solely and completely liable for any and all County Agents' past,
present, or future wages. compensation, overtime wages, expenses,
fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel expenses, mileage
allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or other
allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation,
Social Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes,
and/or any other statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in
any way related to any County Agent's employment status.
2.3.4. This Contract is neither intended, nor shall it be interpreted, to create,
change, grant, modify, supplement, supersede, alter, or otherwise affect
or control, in any manner, form, or at any time, any right, privilege,
benefit, or any other term or condition of employment, of any kind or
nature whatsoever, in, upon, or for any County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel with the County, any applicable County employment
and/or union contract. and/or any County rule(s), regulation(s), hours of
work, shift assignment, order(s), policy(ies), procedure(s), directive(s),
ethical guideline(s), etc., which shall, solely and exclusively, govern and
control the employment relationship between the County and any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel and/or the conduct and actions
of any County Agent or any Equalization Division Personnel. To
illustrate, but not otherwise limit, this Contract does not and shall not be
interpreted to limit, modify, control, or otherwise affect, in any manner:
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OAKLAND
Page 4
2.3.4.1. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation,
responsibility, and discretion to employ, compensate, assign,
reassign, transfer, promote, reclassify, discipline, demote,
layoff, furlough, discharge any Equalization Division Personnel
and/or pay any and all Equalization Division Personnel's
wages, salaries, allowances, reimbursements, compensation,
fringe benefits, or otherwise decide any and all such terms and
conditions of employment and make any and all employment
decisions that affect, in any way, the employment of any
Equalization Division Personnel with the County, subject only
to its applicable collective bargaining Contracts.
2.3.4.2. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation, and
responsibility to determine, establish, modify, or implement
any and all operational policies, procedures, orders, rules,
regulations, ethical guidelines, and/or any other judgment,
policy or directive which, in any way, governs or controls any
activity of any County Agent or Equalization Division
Personnel, any necessary County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel's training standards or proficiency(ies), any
level or amount of required supervision, any and all standards
of performance, any sequence or manner of performance, and
any level(s) of experience, training, or education required for
any Equalization Division Personnel performing any County
duty or obligation under the terms of this Contract.
2.3.5. The Municipality agrees that except as expressly provided for under the
terms of this Contract and/or laws of this State, no County Agent or
Equalization Division Personnel, while such person is currently and/or
actively employed or otherwise remains on the payroll of the County as a
County Agent shall be employed, utilized, or perform any other services,
of any kind, directly or indirectly, in any manner or capacity, or otherwise
be available to perform any other work or assignments by or for the
Municipality during the term of this Contract. This section shall not
prohibit the Municipality from employing any person who was a former
County Agent but is no longer employed in that capacity by the County.
2.3.6. Except as otherwise expressly provided by the Contract and/or
applicable State law, the Parties agree and warrant that neither the
County, nor any County Agent, nor any Equalization Division Personnel,
by virtue of this Contract or otherwise, shall be deemed, considered or
claimed to be an employee of the Municipality and/or a Municipality
Agent.
2.3.7. The Municipality shall not otherwise provide, furnish or assign any
Equalization Division Personnel with any job instructions, job
descriptions, job specifications, or job duties, or in any manner attempt to
control, supervise, train, or direct any Personnel in the performance of
any County's Equalization Division Assistance Services duty or obligation
under the terms of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OAKLAND
Page 5
2.4. LIMITS AND EXCLUSIONS ON COUNTY "SERVICES". Except as otherwise
expressly provided for within this Contract, neither the County nor any County
Agents shall be responsible for assisting or providing any other "Services " or
assistance to the Municipality or assume any additional responsibility for
assisting the Municipality in any other way or manner with any Municipaiity
obligations under any and all State Property Tax Laws, including, but not limited
to, providing any attorney or legal representation to the Municipality or any
Municipality Agent at any proceeding before the Michigan Tax Tribunal or any
other adjudicative body or court, except as expressly provided for in this
Contract.
2.4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain
solely liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities
associated with or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or
assessment functions or any other Municipality legal obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws. The Municipality shall employ
and retain its own Municipality legal representation, as necessary, to
defend any such claim or challenge before the State Tax Tribunal or any
other court or review body.
2.4.2. Except for those express statutory and/or regulatory obligations
incumbent only upon licensed Equalization Division Personnel (i.e., State
Licensed and Certified Real and/or Personal Property Tax Assessors) to
defend property tax appraisals and assessments that they either
performed, or were otherwise performed under their supervision, before
the Michigan Tax Tribunal, the Parties agree that no other County
Agents, including any County attorneys shall be authorized, required
and/or otherwise obligated under this Contract or pursuant to any other
agreement between the Parties to provide any legal representation to or
for the Municipality and/or otherwise defend, challenge, contest, appeal,
or argue on behalf of the Municipality before the Michigan Tax Tribunal
or any other review body or court.
§3. TERM OF CONTRACT. The Parties agree that the term of this Contract shall begin on
the effective date of this Contract, as otherwise provided herein, and shall end on
June 30, 2016, without any further act or notice from either Party being required. Any
and all County Services otherwise provided to the Municipality prior to the effective date
of this Contract, shall be subject to the terms and conditions provided for herein.
§4. NO TRANSFER OF MUNICIPALITY LEGAL OBLIGATIONS TO COUNTY. Except as
expressly provided for in this Contract. the Municipality agrees that this Contract does
not, and is not intended to, transfer, delegate, or assign to the County, and/or any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel any civil or legal responsibility, duty, obligation,
duty of care, cost, legal obligation, or liability associated with any governmental function
delegated and/or entrusted to the Municipality under any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain solely
liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities associated with
or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or assessment functions or
any other Municipality legal obligation. The Municipality agrees that under no
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OAKLAND
Page 6
circumstances shall the County be responsible for any costs, obligations, and/or
civil liabilities associated with its Municipality function or any responsibility under
any State Property Tax Law.
4.2. The Municipality shall not incur or create any debts, liens, liabilities or obligations
for the County and shall take all necessary steps to ensure that any debts, liens,
liabilities or obligations that the Municipality may incur shall not become a debt,
liability, obligation or Claim(s) against the County.
4.3. The Parties agree that the Municipality shall at all times remain responsible for
the ultimate completion of any and all Municipality duties or obligations under any
and all applicable State Property Tax Laws. Nothing in this Contract shall relieve
the Municipality of any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
4.4. The Municipality and Municipality Agents shall be and remain responsible for
compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and
agency requirements in any manner affecting any work or performance of this
Contract or with any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
§5. NO DELEGATION OR DIMINUTION OF ANY GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY. The
Parties reserve to themselves any rights and obligations related to the provision of any
and all of each Party's respective governmental services, authority, responsibilities, and
obligations. Except as expressly provided otherwise herein, this Contract does not, and
is not intended to, create, diminish, delegate, transfer, assign, divest, impair, or
contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege, power, civil or
legal responsibility, obligation, duty of care, liability, capacity, immunity, authority or
character of office of either Party to any other person or Party.
5.1. The Parties further agree, notwithstanding any other term or condition in this
Contract, that no provision in this Contract is intended, nor shall it be construed,
as a waiver of any governmental immunity, as provided by statute or applicable
court decisions, by either Party, either for that Party and/or any of that Party's
County or Municipal Agents.
5.2. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, nothing in this Contract shall
be deemed to, in any way, limit or prohibit the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners statutory rights and obligations to review and/or further equalize
Municipality property values or tax assessments and/or further act upon any
Municipality assessment(s) of property taxes under any applicable State Property
Tax Laws, including, but not limited to challenging any Municipality assessment
before the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
§6. PAYMENT SCHEDULE. In consideration of the promises set forth in this Contract, the
Municipality agrees to pay to the County: For the contract years 2013-2014, 2014-2015,
and 2015-2016 the sum of $15.90 each year for each real property description and
$12.40 each year for each personal property description rendered during the life of this
Contract. Payment for the contract year 2013-2014 is payable on or before July 1, 2014,
payment for the contract year 2014-2015 is payable on or before July 1, 2015 and
payment for the contract year 2015-2016 is payable on or before July 1, 2016.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OAKLAND
Page 7
In the event that, pursuant to Public Act 408 of 2012, a majority of the qualified electors of
this state voting in August of 2014 on the question:
''APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF THE AMENDATORY ACT DEDICATING A
PORTION OF USE TAX REVENUE TO BENEFIT METROPOLITAN AREAS
THROUGHOUT THIS STATE
The amendatory act adopted by the Legislature would:
1. Dedicate a portion of the existing state use tax as a local tax levied by a new
metropolitan areas authority.
2. Distribute revenue from that local tax throughout the state for local purposes, including
police and fire protection.
3. Increase that portion of the state use tax currently dedicated for aid to schools.
4. Prohibit the total use tax rate from exceeding the constitutional limit of 6%.
Should this amendatory act be approved?
YES []
NO [1"."
vote for approval, the Parties agree that the charge for each personal property
description rendered for the contract years 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 will be
renegotiated by the Parties.
If during the term of this Contract, there are additional services requested of the County,
the Parties shall negotiate additional fees to be paid by the Municipality.
6.1. All time incurred for Board of Review dates beyond the regular County working
hours to be billed at the applicable Equalization Division personnel's overtime
rate and charged to the Municipality over and above any other fees described in
this Contract, with the following exceptions:
6.1.1. One evening meeting as required by law under MCL § 211.30(3).
6.1.2. Dates requiring overtime set by the Municipality Charter.
6.2. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for postage on all personal property
statements and personal property notices mailed relating to work performed
under this Contract. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for all
photographic supplies.
6.3. If the Municipality fails, for any reason, to pay the County any monies when and
as due under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that unless expressly
prohibited by law, the County or the County Treasurer, at their sole option, shall
be entitled to a setoff from any other Municipality funds that are in the County's
possession for any reason. Funds include but are not limited to the Delinquent
Tax Revolving Fund ("DTRF"). Any setoff or retention of funds by the County
shall be deemed a voluntary assignment of the amount by the Municipality to the
County. The Municipality waives any claims against the County or its Officials for
any acts related specifically to the County's offsetting or retaining such amounts.
This paragraph shall not limit the Municipality's legal right to dispute whether the
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OAKLAND
Page 8
underlying amount retained by the County was actually due and owing under this
Contract.
6.4. If the County chooses not to exercise its right to setoff or if any setoff is
insufficient to fully pay the County any amounts due and owing the County under
this Contract, the County shall have the right to charge up to the then-maximum
legal interest on any unpaid amount. Interest charges shall be in addition to any
other amounts due to the County under this Contract. Interest charges shall be
calculated using the daily unpaid balance method and accumulate until all
outstanding amounts and accumulated interest are fully paid.
6.5. Nothing in this Section shall operate to limit the County's right to pursue or
exercise any other legal rights or remedies under this Contract against the
Municipality to secure reimbursement of amounts due the County under this
Contract. The remedies in this Section shall be available to the County on an
ongoing and successive basis if Municipality at any time becomes delinquent in
its payment. Notwithstanding any other term and condition in this Contract, if the
County pursues any legal action in any court to secure its payment under this
Contract, the Municipality agrees to pay all costs and expenses, including
attorney's fees and court costs, incurred by the County in the collection of any
amount owed by the Municipality.
6.6. Notwithstanding any other term or condition in this Contract, should the
Municipality fail for any reason to timely pay the County the amounts required
under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that the County may discontinue,
upon thirty (30) days written notice to the Municipality, without any penalty or
liability whatsoever, any County services or performance obligations under this
Contract.
§7. LIABILITY. The Municipality further agrees that the County shall not be liable to the
Municipality for any and all Claim(s), except as otherwise expressly provided for in this
Contract.
7.1. The Parties agree that this Contract does not and is not intended to create or
include any County warranty, promise, covenant or guaranty, either express or
implied, of any kind or nature whatsoever in favor of the other Municipality,
and/or any Municipality Agents, or any Municipality Taxpayer or any other person
or entity, or that the County's efforts in the performance of any obligation under
this Contract will result in any specific monetary benefit or efficiency, or increase
in any tax revenue for the Municipality, or will result in any specific reduction or
increase in any property assessment, or guarantee that any County services
provided under this Contract will withstand any challenge before the State Tax
Tribunal or any court or review body, or any other such performance-based
outcome.
7.2. In the event of any alleged breach, wrongful termination, and/or any default of
any term or condition of this Contract by either the County or any County Agent,
the County and/or any County Agent shall not be liable to the Municipality for any
indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, including, but not limited
to any replacement costs for County Services, any loss of income or revenue,
and/or any failure by the Municipality to meet any Municipality obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws, or any other economic benefit or harm
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OAKLAND
Page 9
that the Municipality may have realized, but for any alleged breach, wrongful
termination, default and/or cancellation of this Contract, or damages beyond or in
excess of the amount(s) of any amount paid to, received or retained by the
County at the time of the alleged breach or default in connection with or under
the terms of this Contract, whether such alleged breach or default is alleged in an
action in contract or tort and/or whether or not the Municipality has been advised
of the possibility of such damages. This provision and this Contract is intended
by the Parties to allocate the risks between the Parties, and the Parties agree
that the allocation of each Party's efforts, costs, and obligations under this
Contract reflect this allocation of each Party's risk and the limitations of liability as
specified herein.
7.3. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, with regard to any and all
alleged losses, claims, complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes
of action, proceedings, judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs
and expenses, including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable
attorney fees, witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses,
any amounts paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the
Municipality or any Municipality Agent by any third person, including but not
limited to any Municipality Agent or Municipality Taxpayer, arising out of any
activities or Services to be carried out by any County Agent in the performance of
this Contract, the Municipality hereby agrees that it shall have no rights pursuant
to or under this Contract against the County and/or any County Agents to or for
any indemnification (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by implication)
contribution, subrogation, or other right to be reimbursed by the County and/or
any of County Agents based upon any and all legal theories or alleged rights of
any kind, whether known or unknown, for any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, judgments, deficiencies, liability,
penalties, litigation costs and expenses of any kind whatsoever which are
imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Municipality and which are
alleged to have arisen under or are in any way based or predicated upon this
Contract.
7.4. If the Municipality requests and the County agrees, the County may prepare the
actual tax statement for mailing by the Municipality to Municipality residents. In
preparing any such tax statement the County shall rely upon certain data
provided by the Municipality beyond the data gathered by the County under this
Contract, including, but not limited to, the applicable millage rate. The parties
agree that under no circumstances shall the County be held liable to the
Municipality or any third party based upon any error in any tax statement due to
information supplied by the Municipality to the County for such purposes.
§8. MUNICIPALITY AGENTS AND COOPERATION WITH THE COUNTY. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this Contract,
for guaranteeing that all Municipality Agents fully cooperate with Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of all County Services under this Contract. Likewise, the
County agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this
Contract, for guaranteeing that all Equalization Division personnel fully cooperate with
Municipality agents in the performance of all County Services under this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OAKLAND
Page 10
8.1. Municipality Agents shall be employed and assigned based on appropriate
qualifications and other factors as decided by the Municipality. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely responsible for furnishing all Municipality Agents
with all job instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall solely
control, direct, and supervise all Municipality Agents and shall be solely
responsible for the means and manner in which Municipality's duties or
obligations under any applicable State Property Tax Laws are satisfied.
8.2. The Municipality agrees that it shall be solely and completely liable for any and
all Municipality Agents' past, present, or future wages, compensation, overtime
wages, expenses, fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel
expenses, mileage allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or
other allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation. Social
Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes, and/or any other
statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in any way related to any
Municipality Agent's employment status or any alleged violation of any
Municipality Agent's statutory, contractual (e.g., union, employment, or labor
contract), constitutional, common law employment right, and/or civil rights by the
Municipality. The Municipality agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County
from and against any and all Claim(s) which are imposed upon, incurred by, or
asserted against the County or any County Agent by any Municipality Agent
and/or which are based upon, result from, or arise from, or are in any way related
to any Municipality Agent's wages, compensation, benefits, or other employment-
related or based rights, including, but not limited to, those described in this
section.
8.3. The Municipality agrees that no Municipality Agent shall, by virtue of this Contract
or otherwise, be considered or claimed to be an employee of the County and/or a
County Agent. This Contract does not grant or confer, and shall not be
interpreted to grant or confer, upon any Municipality Agents or any other
individual any status, privilege, right, or benefit of County employment or that of a
County Agent.
8.4. The Municipality agrees to provide the County Agents with information regarding
any activity affecting the tax status of a parcel. This shall include both Ad
Valorem and Special Act Property Abatements and/or Exemptions (e.g. Including
though not limited to Alternative Energy or New Personal Property, Renaissance
Zones, Senior/Disabled Housing Facilities, Obsolete Property and Plant
Rehabilitation & Industrial Development Districts), inclusive of the establishment
of the related district. Additionally, the Municipality agrees to provide the County
Agents with information regarding the establishment/amendment of an Authority
and/or the approval/amendment of any related Development and/or Tax
Increment Finance Plan(s). The County shall be informed of these proposed
changes prior to approval by the governing body of the municipality.
8.5. The Municipality agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any increase in
taxation which is governed by the Truth in Taxation Act. Further, the Municipality
agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any millage increase (new) or
renewal.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OAKLAND
Page 11
8.6. The Municipality will be responsible for Special Assessment billings, maintaining
a paper trail of roll changes, maintaining the rolls in balance, and providing the
Oakland County Equalization Division with the information necessary to prepare
the warrant.
8.7. The Municipality agrees that its agents will perform the following functions:
8.7.1. Mechanically make name changes to Sidwell numbers on a monthly
basis using the County's Computer terminals.
8.7.2. Provide a copy of all building permits with Sidweii numbers to the
County's Equalization Division on a monthly basis.
8.7.3. Be responsible for the establishment, accuracy and compilation of all
Special Assessment rolls in the Municipality.
8.7.4. Forward all exemption applications, transfer affidavits, personal property
statements and any and all other documents affecting the status or value
of property located within the Municipality to the County's Equalization
Division in a timely manner.
8.7.5. Forward all information on splits and combinations after approval by the
Municipality to the County's Equalization Division.
8.8. In the event that Municipality Agents, for whatever reason, fail or neglect to
undertake the tasks in Section 8.7 above, the County's Equalization Division may
perform these tasks and they shall be paid on a time and material basis. Such
rate shall be based upon the wages plus benefits of the person or persons
performing said tasks.
§9. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The Parties agree that at all times and for all purposes
under the terms of this Contract, the County's and/or any and all County Agents' legal
status and relationship to the Municipality shall be that of an Independent Contractor.
Except as expressly provided herein, each Party will be solely responsible for the acts of
its own employees, Agents, and servants during the term of this Contract. No liability,
right or benefits arising out of an employer/employee relationship, either express or
implied, shall arise or accrue to either Party as a result of this Contract.
§10. COUNTY PRIORITIZATION OF COUNTY RESOURCES. The Municipality
acknowledges and agrees that this Contract does not, and is not intended to, create
either any absolute right in favor of the Municipality, or any correspondent absolute duty
or obligation upon the County, to guarantee that any specific number(s) or classification
of County Agents will be present on any given day to provide County services to the
Municipality.
§11. INDEMNIFICATION. Each Party shall be responsible for any Claims made against that
Party and for the acts of its Employees or Agents. In any Claims that may arise from the
performance of this Contract, each Party shall seek its own legal representation and bear
the costs associated with such representation including any attorney fees. Except as
otherwise provided in this Contract, neither Party shall have any right under any legal
principle to be indemnified by the other Party or any of its Employees or Agents in
connection with any Claim. This Contract does not, and is not intended to, impair, divest,
delegate or contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OAKLAND
Page 12
power, obligation, duty, or immunity of the Parties. Nothing in this Contract shall be
construed as a waiver of governmental immunity for either Party.
§12. CANCELLATION OR TERMINATION OF THIS CONTRACT. Except as follows, and
notwithstanding any other term or provision in any other section of this Contract, either
Party, upon a minimum of ninety (90) calendar days written notice to the other Party, may
cancel and/or completely terminate this Contract for any reason, including convenience,
without incurring any penalty, expense, or liability to the other Party. The effective date
for any such termination is to be clearly stated in the notice.
12.1. At 5:00 p.m. on the effective date of the cancellation of this Contract all
Municipality and/or County obligations under this Contract. except those rights
and obligations expressly surviving cancellation as provided for in this Contract,
shall end.
12.2, The Municipality agrees that any and all Municipality obligations, including, but
not limited to, any and all indemnification and hold harmless promises, waivers of
liability, record-keeping requirements, any Municipality payment obligations to the
County, and/or any other related obligations provided for in this Contract with
regard to any acts, occurrences, events, transactions, or Claim(s) either
occurring or having their basis in any events or transactions that occurred before
the cancellation or completion of this Contract, shall survive the cancellation or
completion of this Contract.
§13. EFFECTIVE DATE. CONTRACT APPROVAL, AND AMENDMENT. The Parties agree
that this Contract, and/or any subsequent amendments thereto, shall not become
effective prior to the approval by concurrent resolutions of both the Oakland County
Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the Charter Township of Oakland.
The approval and terms of this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments
thereto, shall be entered in the official minutes and proceedings of both the Oakland
County Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the Charter Township of
Oakland and shall also be filed with the office of the Clerk of the County and the Clerk for
the Charter Township of Oakland.
§14. The Parties agree that this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments, shall
be filed with the Michigan Secretary of State and this Contract, and/or any possible
subsequent amendments, shall not become effective prior to this required filing with the
Secretary of State.
14.1. The Parties agree that except as expressly provided herein, this Contract shall
not be changed, supplemented, or amended, in any manner, except as provided
for herein, and no other act, verbal representation, document, usage or custom
shall be deemed to amend or modify this Contract in any manner.
§15. NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES. Except as expressly provided herein for the
benefit of the Parties (i.e., County or Municipality), this Contract does not, and is not
intended to, create, by implication or otherwise, any direct or indirect obligation, duty,
promise, benefit, right to be indemnified (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by
implication) and/or any right to be subrogated to any Party's rights in this Contract, and/or
any other right of any kind, in favor of any person, including, but not limited to, any
County Agent or Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer, any Taxpayer's legal
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OAKLAND
Page 13
representative, any organization, any alleged unnamed beneficiary or assignee, and/or
any other person.
§16. CONSTRUED AS A WHOLE. The language of all parts of this Contract is intended to
and, in all cases, shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning, and not
construed strictly for or against any Party. As used in this Contract, the singular or plural
number, possessive or nonpossessive shall be deemed to include the other whenever
the context so suggests or requires.
§17. CAPTIONS. The section hPqrlingq or titles qnri/nr all section numbers contained in this
Contract are intended for the convenience of the reader and not intended to have any
substantive meaning and are not to be interpreted as part of this Contract.
§18. NOTICES. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, any and all
correspondence, invoices, and/or any other written notices required, permitted or
provided for under this Contract to be delivered to either Party shall be sent to that Party
by first class mail. All such written notices, including any notice canceling or terminating
this Contract as provided for herein, shall be sent to the other Party's signatory to this
Contract, or that signatory's successor in office, at the addresses shown in this Contract.
All correspondence or written notices shall be considered delivered to a Party as of the
date that such notice is deposited with sufficient postage with the U.S. Postal Service.
§19. WAIVER OF BREACH. The waiver of a breach of any provision of this Contract shall not
operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Each and every right,
remedy and power granted to either Party or allowed it by law shall be cumulative and not
exclusive of any other.
§20. ENTIRE CONTRACT This Contract, consisting of a total of fifteen (15) pages, sets forth
the entire agreement between the County and the Municipality and fully supersedes any
and all prior agreements or understandings between them in any way related to the
subject matter hereof. It is further understood and agreed that the terms and conditions
herein are contractual and are not a mere recital and that there are no other agreements,
understandings, contracts, or representations between the County and the Municipality in
any way related to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly stated herein. This
Contract shall not be changed or supplemented orally and may be amended only as
otherwise provided herein.
For and in consideration of the mutual assurances, promises, acknowledgments, warrants,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned
hereby execute this Contract on behalf of the Parties, and by doing so legally obligate and bind
the Parties to the terms and conditions of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OAKLAND
Page 14
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Terry Gonser, Supervisor of the Charter Township of Oakland hereby
acknowledges that she has been authorized by a resolution of the Governing Body of the
Charter Township of Oakland, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this Contract on
behalf of the Municipality and hereby accepts and binds the Charter Township of Oakland to the
terms and conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
Terry Gonser, Supervisor
Charter Township of Oakland
WITNESSED: DATE:
Karen Reilly, Clerk
Charter Township of Oakland
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson, Oakland County Board of
Commissioners, hereby acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the
Oakland County Board of Commissioners, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this
Contract on behalf of the Oakland County, and hereby accepts and binds Oakland County to the
terms and conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED:
Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson
Oakland County Board of Commissioners
WITNESSED:
(Print Name)
County of Oakland
DATE:
DATE:
DATE:
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OAKLAND
Page 15
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY
EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF ORION
(real and personal property services)
This CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE
SERVICES WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF ORION, (hereafter, this "Contract") is made
and entered into between the COUNTY OF OAKLAND, a Michigan Constitutional and Municipal
Corporation, whose address is 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, Michigan 48341
(hereafter, the "County"), and the Charter Township of Orion, a Michigan Constitutional and
Municipal Corporation whose address is 2525 Joslyn Road, Lake Orion, Michigan. 48360
(hereafter, the "Municipality"). In this Contract, either the County and/or the Municipality may
also be referred to individually as a "Party" or jointly as "Parties."
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENTS
A. The Municipality, pursuant to the laws of the State of Michigan (hereafter, the "State"),
including, but not limited to, the Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.1, et seq.)
is required to perform real and personal property tax appraisals and assessments for all
nonexempt real and personal property located within the geographic boundaries of the
Municipality for the purpose of levying State and local property taxes.
B. The Parties recognize and agree that absent an agreement such as this, or pursuant to
an order of the State Tax Commission mandating the County to perform all or some of
the property tax appraisal and tax assessment responsibilities for real and/or personal
property located within the Municipality's geographic boundaries (MCL 211.10(f)), the
County, has no obligation to provide these Services to or for the Municipality.
C. The Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.34(3) provides that the County Board
of Commissioners, through the Equalization Division may furnish assistance to local
assessing officers in the performance of certain of these legally mandated, Municipality,
property appraisal and assessment responsibilities.
D. The Municipality has requested the County's Equalization Division assistance in
performing the "Equalization Division Assistance Services" (as described and defined in
this Contract) and has agreed in return to reimburse the County as provided for in this
Contract.
E. The County has determined that it has sufficient "Equalization Division Personnel," as
defined herein, possessing the requisite knowledge and expertise and is agreeable to
assisting the Municipality by providing the requested "Equalization Division Assistance
Services" under the terms and conditions of this Contract.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and the mutual promises,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the County and the
Municipality mutually agree as follows:
§1. DEFINED TERMS. In addition to the above defined terms (i.e., "Contract", "County",
"Municipality", "Party" and "Parties", and "State"), the Parties agree that the following
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF ORION
Page 1
words and expressions when printed with the first letter capitalized as shown herein,
whether used in the singular or plural, possessive or nonpossessive, and/or either within
or without quotation marks, shall, be defined and interpreted as follows:
1.1. ''County Agent' or "County Agents" shall be defined as any and all Oakland
County elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board members, council
members, commissioners, authorities, other boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal representative or official capacities), and/or any persons acting by,
through, under, or in concert with any of them, excluding the Municipality and/or
any Municipality Agents, as defined herein. "County Agent" and/or "County
Agents" shall also include any person who was a County Agent anytime during
the term of this Contract but, for any reason, is no longer employed, appointed,
or elected and serving as a County Agent.
1.2. "Equalization Division Personnel" as used in this Contract shall be defined as a
specific subset of, and included as part of the larger group of County Agents as
defined above, and shall be further defined as any and all County Agents
specifically employed and assigned by the County to work in the Equalization
Division of the County's Department of Management and Budget as shown in the
current County budget and/or personnel records of the County. For any and all
purposes in this Contract, any reference to County Agents shall also include
within that term any and all Equalization Division Personnel, but any reference in
this Contract to Equalization Division Personnel shall not include any County
Agent employed by the County in any other function, capacity or organizational
unit of the County other than the Equalization Division of the Department of
Management and Budget.
1.3. "Municipality Agent" or "Municipality Agents" shall be defined to include any and
all Municipality officers, elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board
members, council members, authorities, boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal, representative, or official capacities), and/or any and all persons acting
by, through, under, or in concert with any of them, except that no County Agent
shall be deemed a Municipality Agent and conversely, no Municipality Agent shall
be deemed a County Agent. "Municipality Agent" shall also include any person
who was a Municipality Agent at any time during this Contract but for any reason
is no longer employed, appointed, or elected in that capacity.
1.4. "Claim(s)" shall be defined to include any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes of action, proceedings,
judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs and expenses,
including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees,
witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses, any amounts
paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities or Claim(s) of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against either the
County and/or any County Agent, as defined herein, or any Claim(s) for which
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF ORION
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the County and/or any County Agent may become legally and/or contractually
obligated to pay or defend against, or any other liabilities of any kind whatsoever,
whether direct, indirect or consequential, whether based upon any alleged
violation of the constitution (Federal or State), any statute, rule, regulation or the
common law, whether in law or equity, tort, contract, or otherwise, and/or
whether commenced or threatened and arising out of any alleged breach of any
duty by the County and/or any County Agent to any third-person, the
Municipality, including any Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer under
or in connection with this Contract or are based on or result in any way from the
County's and/or any County Agent's participation in this Contract.
1.5. "Municipality Taxpayer" shall be defined as any and all residents, property
owners, persons, or taxable entities within the Municipality, or their
representatives or agents, who may be liable or responsible for any property
taxes assessed by the Municipality pursuant to any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
1.6. "State" shall be defined as the "State of Michigan," a sovereign governmental
entity of the United States, and shall also include within its definition any and all
departments or agencies of State government including specifically, but not
limited to, the State Tax Commission, the State Tax Tribunal, and/or the State
Department of Treasury.
§2. COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES. The Parties agree that
the full and complete scope of any and all County Equalization Division Assistance
Services shall be as described and limited in the following subsections (hereinafter
defined and referred to as either "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or
"Services").
2.1. "EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES" OR "SERVICES - TO BE
PROVIDED. "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services", to be
performed by County for the Municipality as those terms are defined in this
Contract, shall only include and shall be limited to the following activities:
2.1.1. This Contract is to provide for annual assessment of real and personal
property from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2016 as required by laws of the
State of Michigan. The County agrees to make assessments of real and
personal property within the Municipality pursuant to MCL 211.10d,
2.1.2. The Equalization Division personnel will appraise all property, process all
real and personal property description changes, prepare the assessment
roll for real and personal property in the Municipality; attend March, July
and December Boards of Review and other such duties as required by
the State General Property Tax Laws. The Equalization Division
personnel will also be available for consultation on all Michigan Tax
Tribunal real and personal property and special assessment appeals and
will assist the Municipality in the preparation of both the oral and written
defense of appeals, as long as there is a current Contract in effect.
2.2. PURPOSE OF COUNTY "SERVICES". The Parties agree that the purpose of
any and all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be
performed under this Contract shall be to assist (e.g., to help, aid, lend support,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF ORION
Page 3
and/or participate in as an auxiliary, to contribute effort toward completion of a
goal, etc.) the Municipality in the performance of that Municipality's official
functions, obligations, and Municipality's legal responsibilities for property tax
appraisal and assessment pursuant to the applicable State Property Tax Laws.
2.3. MANNER COUNTY TO PROVIDE SERVICES. The Parties agree that any and
all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be provided by
the County for the Municipality under this Contract shall be performed solely and
exclusively by the County's "Equalization Division Personnel" as defined herein.
2.3.1. Equalization Division Personnel, including those certified as MMAO, shall
be employed and assigned by the County in such numbers and based on
such appropriate qualifications and other factors as decided solely by the
County.
2.3.2. The Parties agree that the County shall be solely and exclusively
responsible for furnishing all Equalization Division Personnel with all job
instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall in all
circumstances control, supervise, train or direct all Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of any and all Services under this
Contract.
2.3.3. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, the Parties agree and
warrant that, at all times and for all purposes relevant to this Contract,
the County shall remain the sole and exclusive employer of all County
Agents and Equalization Division Personnel and that the County shall
remain solely and completely liable for any and all County Agents' past,
present, or future wages, compensation, overtime wages, expenses,
fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel expenses, mileage
allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or other
allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation,
Social Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes,
and/or any other statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in
any way related to any County Agent's employment status.
2.3.4. This Contract is neither intended, nor shall it be interpreted, to create,
change, grant, modify, supplement, supersede, alter, or otherwise affect
or control, in any manner, form, or at any time, any right, privilege,
benefit, or any other term or condition of employment, of any kind or
nature whatsoever, in, upon, or for any County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel with the County, any applicable County employment
and/or union contract, and/or any County rule(s), reguiation(s), hours of
work, shift assignment, order(s), policy(ies), procedure(s), directive(s),
ethical guideline(s), etc., which shall, solely and exclusively, govern and
control the employment relationship between the County and any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel and/or the conduct and actions
of any County Agent or any Equalization Division Personnel. To
illustrate, but not otherwise limit, this Contract does not and shall not be
interpreted to limit, modify, control, or otherwise affect, in any manner:
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF ORION
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2.3.4.1. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation,
responsibility, and discretion to employ, compensate, assign,
reassign, transfer, promote, reclassify, discipline, demote,
layoff, furlough, discharge any Equalization Division Personnel
and/or pay any and all Equalization Division Personnel's
wages, salaries, allowances, reimbursements, compensation,
fringe benefits, or otherwise decide any and all such terms and
conditions of employment and make any and all employment
decisions that affect, in any way, the employment of any
Equalization Division Personnel with the County, subject only
to its applicable collective bargaining Contracts.
2.3.4.2. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation, and
responsibility to determine, establish, modify, or implement
any and all operational policies, procedures, orders, rules,
regulations, ethical guidelines, and/or any other judgment,
policy or directive which, in any way, governs or controls any
activity of any County Agent or Equalization Division
Personnel, any necessary County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel's training standards or proficiency(ies), any
level or amount of required supervision, any and all standards
of performance, any sequence or manner of performance, and
any level(s) of experience, training, or education required for
any Equalization Division Personnel performing any County
duty or obligation under the terms of this Contract.
2.3.5. The Municipality agrees that except as expressly provided for under the
terms of this Contract and/or laws of this State, no County Agent or
Equalization Division Personnel, while such person is currently and/or
actively employed or otherwise remains on the payroll of the County as a
County Agent shall be employed, utilized, or perform any other services,
of any kind, directly or indirectly, in any manner or capacity, or otherwise
be available to perform any other work or assignments by or for the
Municipality during the term of this Contract. This section shall not
prohibit the Municipality from employing any person who was a former
County Agent but is no longer employed in that capacity by the County.
2.3.6. Except as otherwise expressly provided by the Contract and/or
applicable State law, the Parties agree and warrant that neither the
County, nor any County Agent, nor any Equalization Division Personnel,
by virtue of this Contract or otherwise, shall be deemed, considered or
claimed to be an employee of the Municipality and/or a Municipality
Agent.
2.3.7. The Municipality shall not otherwise provide, furnish or assign any
Equalization Division Personnel with any job instructions, job
descriptions, job specifications, or job duties, or in any manner attempt to
control, supervise, train, or direct any Personnel in the performance of
any County's Equalization Division Assistance Services duty or obligation
under the terms of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF ORION
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2.4. LIMITS AND EXCLUSIONS ON COUNTY "SERVICES". Except as otherwise
expressly provided for within this Contract, neither the County nor any County
Agents shall be responsible for assisting or providing any other "Services " or
assistance to the Municipality or assume any additional responsibility for
assisting the Municipality in any other way or manner with any Municipality
obligations under any and all State Property Tax Laws, including, but not limited
to, providing any attorney or legal representation to the Municipality or any
Municipality Agent at any proceeding before the Michigan Tax Tribunal or any
other adjudicative body or court, except as expressly provided for in this
Contract.
2.4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain
solely liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities
associated with or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or
assessment functions or any other Municipality legal obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws. The Municipality shall employ
and retain its own Municipality legal representation, as necessary, to
defend any such claim or challenge before the State Tax Tribunal or any
other court or review body.
2.4.2. Except for those express statutory and/or regulatory obligations
incumbent only upon licensed Equalization Division Personnel (i.e., State
Licensed and Certified Real and/or Personal Property Tax Assessors) to
defend property tax appraisals and assessments that they either
performed, or were otherwise performed under their supervision, before
the Michigan Tax Tribunal, the Parties agree that no other County
Agents, including any County attorneys shall be authorized, required
and/or otherwise obligated under this Contract or pursuant to any other
agreement between the Parties to provide any legal representation to or
for the Municipality and/or otherwise defend, challenge, contest, appeal,
or argue on behalf of the Municipality before the Michigan Tax Tribunal
or any other review body or court.
§3. TERM OF CONTRACT. The Parties agree that the term of this Contract shall begin on
the effective date of this Contract, as otherwise provided herein, and shall end on
June 30, 2016, without any further act or notice from either Party being required. Any
and all County Services otherwise provided to the Municipality prior to the effective date
of this Contract, shall be subject to the terms and conditions provided for herein.
§4. NO TRANSFER OF MUNICIPALITY LEGAL OBLIGATIONS TO COUNTY. Except as
expressly provided for in this Contract, the Municipality agrees that this Contract does
not, and is not intended to, transfer, delegate, or assign to the County, and/or any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel any civil or legal responsibility, duty, obligation,
duty of care, cost, legal obligation, or liability associated with any governmental function
delegated and/or entrusted to the Municipality under any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain solely
liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities associated with
or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or assessment functions or
any other Municipality legal obligation. The Municipality agrees that under no
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF ORION
Page 6
circumstances shall the County be responsible for any costs, obligations, and/or
civil liabilities associated with its Municipality function or any responsibility under
any State Property Tax Law.
4 .2. . The Municipality shall not incur or create any debts, liens, liabilities or obligations
for the County and shall take all necessary steps to ensure that any debts, liens,
liabilities or obligations that the Municipality may incur shall not become a debt,
liability, obligation or Claim(s) against the County.
4.3. The Parties agree that the Municipality shall at all times remain responsible for
the ultimate completion of any and all Municipality duties or obligations under any
and all applicable State Property Tax Laws. Nothing in this Contract shall relieve
the Municipality of any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
4.4. The Municipality and Municipality Agents shall be and remain responsible for
compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and
agency requirements in any manner affecting any work or performance of this
Contract or with any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
§5. NO DELEGATION OR DIMINUTION OF ANY GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY. The
Parties reserve to themselves any rights and obligations related to the provision of any
and all of each Party's respective governmental services, authority, responsibilities, and
obligations. Except as expressly provided otherwise herein, this Contract does not, and
is not intended to, create, diminish, delegate, transfer, assign, divest, impair, or
contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege, power, civil or
legal responsibility, obligation, duty of care, liability, capacity, immunity, authority or
character of office of either Party to any other person or Party.
5.1. The Parties further agree, notwithstanding any other term or condition in this
Contract, that no provision in this Contract is intended, nor shall it be construed,
as a waiver of any governmental immunity, as provided by statute or applicable
court decisions, by either Party, either for that Party and/or any of that Party's
County or Municipal Agents.
5.2. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, nothing in this Contract shall
be deemed to, in any way, limit or prohibit the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners statutory rights and obligations to review and/or further equalize
Municipality property values or tax assessments and/or further act upon any
Municipality assessment(s) of property taxes under any applicable State Property
Tax Laws, including, but not limited to challenging any Municipality assessment
before the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
§6. PAYMENT SCHEDULE. In consideration of the promises set forth in this Contract, the
Municipality agrees to pay to the County: For the contract years 2013-2014, 2014-2015,
and 2015-2016 the sum of $15.10 each year for each real property description and
$12.40 each year for each personal property description rendered during the life of this
Contract. Payment for the contract year 2013-2014 is payable on or before July 1, 2014,
payment for the contract year 2014-2015 is payable on or before July 1, 2015 and
payment for the contract year 2015-2016 is payable on or before July 1, 2016.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF ORION
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In the event that, pursuant to Public Act 408 of 2012, a majority of the qualified electors of
this state voting in August of 2014 on the question:
"APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF THE AMENDATORY ACT DEDICATING A
PORTION OF USE TAX REVENUE TO BENEFIT METROPOLITAN AREAS
THROUGHOUT THIS STATE
The amendatory act adopted by the Legislature would:
'1. E..)edicate a portion of the existing state use tax as a local tax levied 'O'y Cl new
metropolitan areas authority.
2. Distribute revenue from that local tax throughout the state for local purposes, including
police and fire protection.
3. Increase that portion of the state use tax currently dedicated for aid to schools.
4. Prohibit the total use tax rate from exceeding the constitutional limit of 6%.
Should this amendatory act be approved?
YES [ ]
NO [J'."
vote for approval, the Parties agree that the charge for each personal property
description rendered for the contract years 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 will be
renegotiated by the Parties.
If during the term of this Contract, there are additional services requested of the County,
the Parties shall negotiate additional fees to be paid by the Municipality.
6.1. All time incurred for Board of Review dates beyond the regular County working
hours to be billed at the applicable Equalization Division personnel's overtime
rate and charged to the Municipality over and above any other fees described in
this Contract, with the following exceptions:
6.1.1. One evening meeting as required by law under MCL § 211.30(3).
6.1.2. Dates requiring overtime set by the Municipality Charter.
6.9. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for postage on all personal property
statements and personal property notices mailed relating to work performed
under this Contract. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for all
photographic supplies.
6.3. If the Municipality fails, for any reason, to pay the County any monies when and
as due under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that unless expressly
prohibited by law, the County or the County Treasurer, at their sole option, shall
be entitled to a setoff from any other Municipality funds that are in the County's
possession for any reason. Funds include but are not limited to the Delinquent
Tax Revolving Fund ("DTRF"). Any setoff or retention of funds by the County
shall be deemed a voluntary assignment of the amount by the Municipality to the
County. The Municipality waives any claims against the County or its Officials for
any acts related specifically to the County's offsetting or retaining such amounts.
This paragraph shall not limit the Municipality's legal right to dispute whether the
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF ORION
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underlying amount retained by the County was actually due and owing under this
Contract.
6.4. If the County chooses not to exercise its right to setoff or if any setoff is
insufficient to fully pay the County any amounts due and owing the County under
this Contract, the County shall have the right to charge up to the then-maximum
legal interest on any unpaid amount. Interest charges shall be in addition to any
other amounts due to the County under this Contract. Interest charges shall be
calculated using the daily unpaid balance method and accumulate until all
outstanding amounts and accumulated interest are fully paid.
6.5. Nothing in this Section shall operate to limit the County's right to pursue or
exercise any other legal rights or remedies under this Contract against the
Municipality to secure reimbursement of amounts due the County under this
Contract. The remedies in this Section shall be available to the County on an
ongoing and successive basis if Municipality at any time becomes delinquent in
its payment. Notwithstanding any other term and condition in this Contract, if the
County pursues any legal action in any court to secure its payment under this
Contract, the Municipality agrees to pay all costs and expenses, including
attorney's fees and court costs, incurred by the County in the collection of any
amount owed by the Municipality.
6.6. Notwithstanding any other term or condition in this Contract, should the
Municipality fail for any reason to timely pay the County the amounts required
under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that the County may discontinue,
upon thirty (30) days written notice to the Municipality, without any penalty or
liability whatsoever, any County services or performance obligations under this
Contract.
§7. LIABILITY. The Municipality further agrees that the County shall not be liable to the
Municipality for any and all Claim(s), except as otherwise expressly provided for in this
Contract.
7.1. The Parties agree that this Contract does not and is not intended to create or
include any County warranty, promise, covenant or guaranty, either express or
implied, of any kind or nature whatsoever in favor of the other Municipality,
and/or any Municipality Agents, or any Municipality Taxpayer or any other person
or entity, or that the County's efforts in the performance of any obligation under
this Contract will result in any specific monetary benefit or efficiency, or increase
in any tax revenue for the Municipality, or will result in any specific reduction or
increase in any property assessment, or guarantee that any County services
provided under this Contract will withstand any challenge before the State Tax
Tribunal or any court or review body, or any other such performance-based
outcome.
7.2. In the event of any alleged breach, wrongful termination, and/or any default of
any term or condition of this Contract by either the County or any County Agent,
the County and/or any County Agent shall not be liable to the Municipality for any
indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, including, but not limited
to any replacement costs for County Services, any loss of income or revenue,
and/or any failure by the Municipality to meet any Municipality obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws, or any other economic benefit or harm
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF ORION
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that the Municipality may have realized, but for any alleged breach, wrongful
termination, default and/or cancellation of this Contract, or damages beyond or in
excess of the amount(s) of any amount paid to, received or retained by the
County at the time of the alleged breach or default in connection with or under
the terms of this Contract, whether such alleged breach or default is alleged in an
action in contract or tort and/or whether or not the Municipality has been advised
of the possibility of such damages. This provision and this Contract is intended
by the Parties to allocate the risks between the Parties, and the Parties agree
that the allocation of each Party's efforts, costs, and obligations under this
Contract reflect this allocation of each Party's risk and the limitations of liability as
specified herein.
7.3. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, with regard to any and all
alleged losses, claims, complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes
of action, proceedings, judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs
and expenses, including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable
attorney fees, witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses,
any amounts paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the
Municipality or any Municipality Agent by any third person, including but not
limited to any Municipality Agent or Municipality Taxpayer, arising out of any
activities or Services to be carried out by any County Agent in the performance of
this Contract, the Municipality hereby agrees that it shall have no rights pursuant
to or under this Contract against the County and/or any County Agents to or for
any indemnification (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by implication)
contribution, subrogation, or other right to be reimbursed by the County and/or
any of County Agents based upon any and all legal theories or alleged rights of
any kind, whether known or unknown, for any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, judgments, deficiencies, liability,
penalties, litigation costs and expenses of any kind whatsoever which are
imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Municipality and which are
alleged to have arisen under or are in any way based or predicated upon this
Contract.
7.4. If the Municipality requests and the County agrees, the County may prepare the
actual tax statement for mailing by the Municipality to Municipality residents. In
preparing any such tax statement the County shall rely upon certain data
provided by the Municipality beyond the data gathered by the County under this
Contract, including, but not limited to, the applicable millage rate. The parties
agree that under no circumstances shall the County be held liable to the
Municipality or any third party based upon any error in any tax statement due to
information supplied by the Municipality to the County for such purposes.
§8. MUNICIPALITY AGENTS AND COOPERATION WITH THE COUNTY. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this Contract,
for guaranteeing that all Municipality Agents fully cooperate with Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of all County Services under this Contract. Likewise, the
County agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this
Contract, for guaranteeing that all Equalization Division personnel fully cooperate with
Municipality agents in the performance of all County Services under this Contract.
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WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF ORION
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8.1. Municipality Agents shall be employed and assigned based on appropriate
qualifications and other factors as decided by the Municipality. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely responsible for furnishing all Municipality Agents
with all job instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall solely
control, direct, and supervise all Municipality Agents and shall be solely
responsible for the means and manner in which Municipality's duties or
obligations under any applicable State Property Tax Laws are satisfied.
8.2. The Municipality agrees that it shall be solely and completely liable for any and
all Municipality Agents' past, present, or future wages, compensation, overtime
wages, expenses, fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel
expenses, mileage allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or
other allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation, Social
Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes, and/or any other
statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in any way related to any
Municipality Agent's employment status or any alleged violation of any
Municipality Agent's statutory, contractual (e.g., union, employment, or labor
contract), constitutional, common law employment right, and/or civil rights by the
Municipality. The Municipality agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County
from and against any and all Claim(s) which are imposed upon, incurred by, or
asserted against the County or any County Agent by any Municipality Agent
and/or which are based upon, result from, or arise from, or are in any way related
to any Municipality Agent's wages, compensation, benefits, or other employment-
related or based rights, including, but not limited to, those described in this
section.
8.3. The Municipality agrees that no Municipality Agent shall, by virtue of this Contract
or otherwise, be considered or claimed to be an employee of the County and/or a
County Agent. This Contract does not grant or confer, and shall not be
interpreted to grant or confer, upon any Municipality Agents or any other
individual any status, privilege, right, or benefit of County employment or that of a
County Agent.
8.4. The Municipality agrees to provide the County Agents with information regarding
any activity affecting the tax status of a parcel. This shall include both Ad
Valorem and Special Act Property Abatements and/or Exemptions (e.g. Including
though not limited to Alternative Energy or New Personal Property, Renaissance
Zones, Senior/Disabled Housing Facilities, Obsolete Property and Plant
Rehabilitation & Industrial Development Districts), inclusive of the establishment
of the related district. Additionally, the Municipality agrees to provide the County
Agents with information regarding the estnblishment/amendment of an Authority
and/or the approval/amendment of any related Development and/or Tax
Increment Finance Plan(s). The County shall be informed of these proposed
changes prior to approval by the governing body of the municipality.
8.5. The Municipality agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any increase in
taxation which is governed by the Truth in Taxation Act. Further, the Municipality
agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any millage increase (new) or
renewal.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF ORION
Page 11
8.6. The Municipality will be responsible for Special Assessment billings, maintaining
a paper trail of roll changes, maintaining the rolls in balance, and providing the
Oakland County Equalization Division with the information necessary to prepare
the warrant.
8.7. The Municipality agrees that its agents will perform the following functions:
8.7.1. Mechanically make name changes to Sidwell numbers on a monthly
basis using the County's Computer terminals.
8.7.2. Provide a copy of all building permits with Sidwell numbers to the
County's Equalization Division on a monthly basis,
8.7.3. Be responsible for the establishment, accuracy and compilation of all
Special Assessment rolls in the Municipality.
8.7.4. Forward all exemption applications, transfer affidavits, personal property
statements and any and all other documents affecting the status or value
of property located within the Municipality to the County's Equalization
Division in a timely manner.
8.7.5. Forward all information on splits and combinations after approval by the
Municipality to the County's Equalization Division.
8.8. In the event that Municipality Agents, for whatever reason, fail or neglect to
undertake the tasks in Section 8.7 above, the County's Equalization Division may
perform these tasks and they shall be paid on a time and material basis. Such
rate shall be based upon the wages plus benefits of the person or persons
performing said tasks.
§9. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR, The Parties agree that at all times and for all purposes
under the terms of this Contract. the County's and/or any and all County Agents' legal
status and relationship to the Municipality shall be that of an Independent Contractor.
Except as expressly provided herein, each Party will be solely responsible for the acts of
its own employees, Agents, and servants during the term of this Contract. No liability,
right or benefits arising out of an employer/employee relationship, either express or
implied, shall arise or accrue to either Party as a result of this Contract.
§10. COUNTY PRIORITIZATION OF COUNTY RESOURCES. The Municipality
acknowledges and agrees that this Contract does not, and is not intended to, create
either any absolute right in favor of the Municipality, or any correspondent absolute duty
or obligation upon the County, to guarantee that any specific number(s) or classification
of County Agents will be present on any given day to provide County services to the
Municipality.
§11. INDEMNIFICATION. Each Party shall be responsible for any Claims made against that
Party and for the acts of its Employees or Agents. In any Claims that may arise from the
performance of this Contract, each Party shall seek its own legal representation and bear
the costs associated with such representation including any attorney fees. Except as
otherwise provided in this Contract, neither Party shall have any right under any legal
principle to be indemnified by the other Party or any of its Employees or Agents in
connection with any Claim. This Contract does not, and is not intended to, impair, divest,
delegate or contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF ORION
Page 12
power, obligation, duty, or immunity of the Parties. Nothing in this Contract shall be
construed as a waiver of governmental immunity for either Party.
§12. CANCELLATION OR TERMINATION OF THIS CONTRACT. Except as follows, and
notwithstanding any other term or provision in any other section of this Contract, either
Party, upon a minimum of ninety (90) calendar days written notice to the other Party, may
cancel and/or completely terminate this Contract for any reason, including convenience,
without incurring any penalty, expense, or liability to the other Party. The effective date
for any such termination is to be clearly stated in the notice,
12.1. At 5:00 p.m. on the effective date of the cancellation of this Contract all
Municipality and/or County obligations under this Contract, except those rights
and obligations expressly surviving cancellation as provided for in this Contract,
shall end.
12.2. The Municipality agrees that any and all Municipality obligations, including, but
not limited to, any and all indemnification and hold harmless promises, waivers of
liability, record-keeping requirements, any Municipality payment obligations to the
County, and/or any other related obligations provided for in this Contract with
regard to any acts, occurrences, events, transactions, or Claim(s) either
occurring or having their basis in any events or transactions that occurred before
the cancellation or completion of this Contract, shall survive the cancellation or
completion of this Contract.
§13. EFFECTIVE DATE, CONTRACT APPROVAL. AND AMENDMENT. The Parties agree
that this Contract, and/or any subsequent amendments thereto, shall not become
effective prior to the approval by concurrent resolutions of both the Oakland County
Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the Charter Township of Orion. The
approval and terms of this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments
thereto, shall be entered in the official minutes and proceedings of both the Oakland
County Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the Charter Township of
Orion and shall also be filed with the office of the Clerk of the County and the Clerk for
the Charter Township of Orion.
§14. The Parties agree that this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments, shall
be filed with the Michigan Secretary of State and this Contract, and/or any possible
subsequent amendments, shall not become effective prior to this required filing with the
Secretary of State.
14.1. The Parties agree that except as expressly provided herein, this Contract shall
not be changed, supplemented, or amended, in any manner, except as provided
for herein, and no other act, verbal representation, document, usage or custom
shall he deemed to amend or modify this Contract in any manner,
§15. NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES. Except as expressly provided herein for the
benefit of the Parties (i.e., County or Municipality), this Contract does not, and is not
intended to, create, by implication or otherwise, any direct or indirect obligation, duty,
promise, benefit, right to be indemnified (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by
implication) and/or any right to be subrogated to any Party's rights in this Contract, and/or
any other right of any kind, in favor of any person, including, but not limited to, any
County Agent or Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer, any Taxpayer's legal
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF ORION
Page 13
representative, any organization, any alleged unnamed beneficiary or assignee, and/or
any other person.
§16. CONSTRUED AS A WHOLE. The language of all parts of this Contract is intended to
and, in all cases, shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning, and not
construed strictly for or against any Party. As used in this Contract, the singular or plural
number, possessive or nonpossessive shall be deemed to include the other whenever
the context so suggests or requires.
§17. CAPTIONS. The section headings or titles and/or all section numbers contained in this
Contract are intended for the convenience of the reader and not intended to have any
substantive meaning and are not to be interpreted as part of this Contract.
§18. NOTICES. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, any and all
correspondence, invoices, and/or any other written notices required, permitted or
provided for under this Contract to be delivered to either Party shall be sent to that Party
by first class mail. All such written notices, including any notice canceling or terminating
this Contract as provided for herein, shall be sent to the other Party's signatory to this
Contract, or that signatory's successor in office, at the addresses shown in this Contract.
All correspondence or written notices shall be considered delivered to a Party as of the
date that such notice is deposited with sufficient postage with the U.S. Postal Service.
§19. WAIVER OF BREACH. The waiver of a breach of any provision of this Contract shall not
operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Each and every right,
remedy and power granted to either Party or allowed it by law shall be cumulative and not
exclusive of any other.
§20. ENTIRE CONTRACT. This Contract, consisting of a total of fifteen (15) pages, sets forth
the entire agreement between the County and the Municipality and fully supersedes any
and all prior agreements or understandings between them in any way related to the
subject matter hereof. It is further understood and agreed that the terms and conditions
herein are contractual and are not a mere recital and that there are no other agreements,
understandings, contracts, or representations between the County and the Municipality in
any way related to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly stated herein. This
Contract shall not be changed or supplemented orally and may be amended only as
otherwise provided herein.
For and in consideration of the mutual assurances, promises, acknowledgments, warrants,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned
hereby execute this Contract on behalf of the Parties, and by doing so legally obligate and bind
the Parties to the terms and conditions of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF ORION
Page 14
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Chris Barnett, Supervisor of the Charter Township of Orion hereby
acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the Governing Body of the Charter
Township of Orion, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this Contract on behalf of
the Municipality and hereby accepts and binds the Charter Township of Orion to the terms and
conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
Chris Barnett, Supervisor
Charter Township of Orion
WITNESSED: DATE:
Penny Shults, Clerk
Charter Township of Orion
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson, Oakland County Board of
Commissioners, hereby acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the
Oakland County Board of Commissioners, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this
Contract on behalf of the Oakland County, and hereby accepts and binds Oakland County to the
terms and conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson
Oakland County Board of Commissioners
WITNESSED:
(Print Name)
DATE:
DATE:
County of Oakland
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF ORION
Page 15
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY
EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD
(real and personal property services)
This CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE
SERVICES WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD, (hereafter, this "Contract") is
made and entered into between the COUNTY OF OAKLAND, a Michigan Constitutional and
Municipal Corporation, whose address is 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, Michigan 48341
(hereafter, the "County"), and the Charter Township of Oxford, a Michigan Constitutional and
Municipal Corporation whose address is 300 Dunlap Road; PO Box 3, Oxford, Michigan, 48371
(hereafter, the "Municipality"). In this Contract, either the County and/or the Municipality may
also be referred to individually as a "Party" or jointly as "Parties."
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENTS
A. The Municipality, pursuant to the laws of the State of Michigan (hereafter, the "State"),
including, but not limited to, the Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.1, et seq.)
is required to perform real and personal property tax appraisals and assessments for all
nonexempt real and personal property located within the geographic boundaries of the
Municipality for the purpose of levying State and local property taxes.
B. The Parties recognize and agree that absent an agreement such as this, or pursuant to
an order of the State Tax Commission mandating the County to perform all or some of
the property tax appraisal and tax assessment responsibilities for real and/or personal
property located within the Municipality's geographic boundaries (MCL 211.10(f)), the
County, has no obligation to provide these Services to or for the Municipality.
C. The Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.34(3) provides that the County Board
of Commissioners, through the Equalization Division may furnish assistance to local
assessing officers in the performance of certain of these legally mandated, Municipality,
property appraisal and assessment responsibilities.
D. The Municipality has requested the County's Equalization Division assistance in
performing the "Equalization Division Assistance Services" (as described and defined in
this Contract) and has agreed in return to reimburse the County as provided for in this
Contract.
E. The County has determined that it has sufficient "Equalization Division Personnel," as
defined herein, possessing the requisite knowledge and expertise and is agreeable to
assisting the Municipality by providing the requested "Equalization Division Assistance
Services" under the terms and conditions of this Contract.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and the mutual promises,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the County and the
Municipality mutually agree as follows:
§1. DEFINED TERMS. In addition to the above defined terms (i.e., "Contract", "County",
"Municipality", "Party" and "Parties", and "State"), the Parties agree that the following
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD
Page l
words and expressions when printed with the first letter capitalized as shown herein,
whether used in the singular or plural, possessive or nonpossessive, and/or either within
or without quotation marks, shall, be defined and interpreted as follows:
1 .1. "County Agent" or "County Agents" shall be defined as any and all Oakland
County elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board members, council
members, commissioners, authorities, other boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal representative or official capacities), and/or any persons acting by,
through, under, or in concert with any of them, excluding the Municipality and/or
any Municipality Agents, as defined herein_ "County Agent" and/or "County
Agents" shall also include any person who was a County Agent anytime during
the term of this Contract but, for any reason, is no longer employed, appointed,
or elected and serving as a County Agent.
1.2. "Equalization Division Personnel" as used in this Contract shall be defined as a
specific subset of, and included as part of the larger group of County Agents as
defined above, and shall be further defined as any and all County Agents
specifically employed and assigned by the County to work in the Equalization
Division of the County's Department of Management and Budget as shown in the
current County budget and/or personnel records of the County. For any and all
purposes in this Contract, any reference to County Agents shall also include
within that term any and all Equalization Division Personnel, but any reference in
this Contract to Equalization Division Personnel shall not include any County
Agent employed by the County in any other function, capacity or organizational
unit of the County other than the Equalization Division of the Department of
Management and Budget.
1.3. "Municipality Agent" or "Municipality Agents" shall be defined to include any and
all Municipality officers, elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board
members, council members, authorities, boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal, representative, or official capacities), and/or any and all persons acting
by, through, under, or in concert with any of them, except that no County Agent
shall be deemed a Municipality Agent and conversely, no Municipality Agent shall
be deemed a County Agent. "Municipality Agent" shall also include any person
who was a Municipality Agent at any time during this Contract but for any reason
is no longer employed, appointed, or elected in that capacity.
1.4, "Claim(s)" shall be defined to include any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes of action, proceedings,
judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs and expenses,
including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees,
witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses, any amounts
paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities or Claim(s) of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against either the
County and/or any County Agent, as defined herein, or any Claim(s) for which
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD
Page 2
the County and/or any County Agent may become legally and/or contractually
obligated to pay or defend against, or any other liabilities of any kind whatsoever,
whether direct, indirect or consequential, whether based upon any alleged
violation of the constitution (Federal or State), any statute, rule, regulation or the
common law, whether in law or equity, tort, contract, or otherwise, and/or
whether commenced or threatened and arising out of any alleged breach of any
duty by the County and/or any County Agent to any third-person, the
Municipality, including any Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer under
or in connection with this Contract or are based on or result in any way from the
County's and/or any County Agent's participation in this Contract.
1.5. "Municipality Taxpayer" shall be defined as any and all residents, property
owners, persons, or taxable entities within the Municipality, or their
representatives or agents, who may be liable or responsible for any property
taxes assessed by the Municipality pursuant to any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
1.6. "State" shall be defined as the "State of Michigan," a sovereign governmental
entity of the United States, and shall also include within its definition any and all
departments or agencies of State government including specifically, but not
limited to, the State Tax Commission, the State Tax Tribunal, and/or the State
Department of Treasury.
§2. COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES. The Parties agree that
the full and complete scope of any and all County Equalization Division Assistance
Services shall be as described and limited in the following subsections (hereinafter
defined and referred to as either "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or
"Services").
2.1. "EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES" OR "SERVICES" TO BE
PROVIDED. "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services", to be
performed by County for the Municipality as those terms are defined in this
Contract, shall only include and shall be limited to the following activities:
2.1.1. This Contract is to provide for annual assessment of real and personal
property from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2016 as required by laws of the
State of Michigan. The County agrees to make assessments of real and
personal property within the Municipality pursuant to MCL 211.10d.
2.1.2. The Equalization Division personnel will appraise all property, process all
real and personal property description changes, prepare the assessment
roll for real and personal property in the Municipality; attend March, July
rif-Ing,r-amher Boards of Review and other such duties as required by
the State General Property Tax Laws. The Equalization Division
personnel will also be available for consultation on all Michigan Tax
Tribunal real and personal property and special assessment appeals and
will assist the Municipality in the preparation of both the oral and written
defense of appeals, as long as there is a current Contract in effect.
2.2. PURPOSE OF COUNTY "SERVICES". The Parties agree that the purpose of
any and all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be
performed under this Contract shall be to assist (e.g., to help, aid, lend support,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD
Page 3
and/or participate in as an auxiliary, to contribute effort toward completion of a
goal, etc.) the Municipality in the performance of that Municipality's official
functions, obligations, and Municipality's legal responsibilities for property tax
appraisal and assessment pursuant to the applicable State Property Tax Laws.
2.3. MANNER COUNTY TO PROVIDE SERVICES. The Parties agree that any and
all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be provided by
the County for the Municipality under this Contract shall be performed solely and
exclusively by the County's "Equalization Division Personnel" as defined herein.
2.3.1. Equalization Division Personnel, including those certified as MMAO, shall
be employed and assigned by the County in such numbers and based on
such appropriate qualifications and other factors as decided solely by the
County.
2.3.2. The Parties agree that the County shall be solely and exclusively
responsible for furnishing all Equalization Division Personnel with all job
instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall in all
circumstances control, supervise, train or direct all Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of any and all Services under this
Contract.
2.3.3. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, the Parties agree and
warrant that, at all times and for all purposes relevant to this Contract,
the County shall remain the sole and exclusive employer of all County
Agents and Equalization Division Personnel and that the County shall
remain solely and completely liable for any and all County Agents' past,
present, or future wages, compensation, overtime wages, expenses,
fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel expenses, mileage
allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or other
allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation,
Social Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes,
and/or any other statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in
any way related to any County Agent's employment status.
2.3.4. This Contract is neither intended, nor shall it be interpreted, to create,
change, grant, modify. supplement, supersede, alter, or otherwise affect
or control, in any manner, form, or at any time, any right, privilege,
benefit, or any other term or condition of employment, of any kind or
nature whatsoever, in, upon, or for any County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel with the County, any applicable County employment
and/or union contract, and/or any County rule(s), regulation(s), hours of
work, shift assignment, order(s), policy(ies), procedure(s), directive(s),
ethical guideline(s), etc., which shall, solely and exclusively, govern and
control the employment relationship between the County and any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel and/or the conduct and actions
of any County Agent or any Equalization Division Personnel. To
Illustrate, but not otherwise limit, this Contract does not and shall not be
interpreted to limit, modify, control, or otherwise affect, in any manner:
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD
Page 4
2.3.4.1. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation,
responsibility, and discretion to employ, compensate, assign,
reassign, transfer, promote, reclassify, discipline, demote,
layoff, furlough, discharge any Equalization Division Personnel
and/or pay any and all Equalization Division Personnel's
wages, salaries, allowances, reimbursements, compensation,
fringe benefits, or otherwise decide any and all such terms and
conditions of employment and make any and all employment
decisions that affect, in any way, the employment of any
Equalization Division Personnel with the County, subject only
to its applicable collective bargaining Contracts.
2.3.4.2. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation, and
responsibility to determine, establish, modify, or implement
any and all operational policies, procedures, orders, rules,
regulations, ethical guidelines, and/or any other judgment,
policy or directive which, in any way, governs or controls any
activity of any County Agent or Equalization Division
Personnel, any necessary County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel's training standards or proficiency(ies), any
level or amount of required supervision, any and all standards
of performance, any sequence or manner of performance, and
any level(s) of experience, training, or education required for
any Equalization Division Personnel performing any County
duty or obligation under the terms of this Contract.
2.3.5, The Municipality agrees that except as expressly provided for under the
terms of this Contract and/or laws of this State, no County Agent or
Equalization Division Personnel, while such person is currently and/or
actively employed or otherwise remains on the payroll of the County as a
County Agent shall be employed, utilized, or perform any other services,
of any kind, directly or indirectly, in any manner or capacity, or otherwise
be available to perform any other work or assignments by or for the
Municipality during the term of this Contract. This section shall not
prohibit the Municipality from employing any person who was a former
County Agent but is no longer employed in that capacity by the County.
2.3.6. Except as otherwise expressly provided by the Contract and/or
applicable State law, the Parties agree and warrant that neither the
County, nor any County Agent, nor any Equalization Division Personnel,
by virtue of this Contract or otherwise, shall be deemed, considered or
claimed to be an employee of the Municipality and/or a Municipality
Agent.
2.3.7. The Municipality shall not otherwise provide, furnish or assign any
Equalization Division Personnel with any job instructions, job
descriptions, job specifications, or job duties, or in any manner attempt to
control, supervise, train, or direct any Personnel in the performance of
any County's Equalization Division Assistance Services duty or obligation
under the terms of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD
Page 5
2.4. LIMITS AND EXCLUSIONS ON COUNTY "SERVICES". Except as otherwise
expressly provided for within this Contract, neither the County nor any County
Agents shall be responsible for assisting or providing any other "Services " or
assistance to the Municipality or assume any additional responsibility for
assisting the Municipality in any other way or manner with any Municipality
obligations under any and all State Property Tax Laws, including, but not limited
to, providing any attorney or legal representation to the Municipality or any
Municipality Agent at any proceeding before the Michigan Tax Tribunal or any
other adjudicative body or court, except as expressly provided for in this
Contract.
2.4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain
solely liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities
associated with or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or
assessment functions or any other Municipality legal obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws. The Municipality shall employ
and retain its own Municipality legal representation, as necessary, to
defend any such claim or challenge before the State Tax Tribunal or any
other court or review body.
2.4.2. Except for those express statutory and/or regulatory obligations
incumbent only upon licensed Equalization Division Personnel (i.e., State
Licensed and Certified Real and/or Personal Property Tax Assessors) to
defend property tax appraisals and assessments that they either
performed, or were otherwise performed under their supervision, before
the Michigan Tax Tribunal, the Parties agree that no other County
Agents, including any County attorneys shall be authorized, required
and/or otherwise obligated under this Contract or pursuant to any other
agreement between the Parties to provide any legal representation to or
for the Municipality and/or otherwise defend, challenge, contest, appeal,
or argue on behalf of the Municipality before the Michigan Tax Tribunal
or any other review body or court.
§3. TERM OF CONTRACT. The Parties agree that the term of this Contract shall begin on
the effective date of this Contract, as otherwise provided herein, and shall end on
June 30, 2016, without any further act or notice from either Party being required. Any
and all County Services otherwise provided to the Municipality prior to the effective date
of this Contract, shall be subject to the terms and conditions provided for herein.
§4. NO TRANSFER OF MUNICIPALITY LEGAL OBLIGATIONS TO COUNTY. Except as
expressly provided for in this Contract, the Municipality agrees that this Contract does
not, and is not intended to, transfer, delegate, or assign to the County, and/or any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel any civil or legal responsibility, duty, obligation,
duty of care, cost, legal obligation, or liability associated with any governmental function
delegated and/or entrusted to the Municipality under any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain solely
liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities associated with
or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or assessment functions or
any other Municipality legal obligation. The Municipality agrees that under no
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD
Page 6
circumstances shall the County be responsible for any costs, obligations, and/or
civil liabilities associated with its Municipality function or any responsibility under
any State Property Tax Law.
4.2. The Municipality shall not incur or create any debts, liens, liabilities or obligations
for the County and shall take all necessary steps to ensure that any debts, liens,
liabilities or obligations that the Municipality may incur shall not become a debt,
liability, obligation or Claim(s) against the County.
4.3. The Parties agree that the Municipality shall at all times remain responsible for
the ultimate completion of any and all Municipality duties or obligations under any
and all applicable State Property Tax Laws. Nothing in this Contract shall relieve
the Municipality of any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
4.4. The Municipality and Municipality Agents shall be and remain responsible for
compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and
agency requirements in any manner affecting any work or performance of this
Contract or with any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
§5. NO DELEGATION OR DIMINUTION OF ANY GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY. The
Parties reserve to themselves any rights and obligations related to the provision of any
and all of each Party's respective governmental services, authority, responsibilities, and
obligations. Except as expressly provided otherwise herein, this Contract does not, and
is not intended to, create, diminish, delegate, transfer, assign, divest, impair, or
contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege, power, civil or
legal responsibility, obligation, duty of care, liability, capacity, immunity, authority or
character of office of either Party to any other person or Party.
5.1. The Parties further agree, notwithstanding any other term or condition in this
Contract, that no provision in this Contract is intended, nor shall it be construed,
as a waiver of any governmental immunity, as provided by statute or applicable
court decisions, by either Party, either for that Party and/or any of that Party's
County or Municipal Agents.
5.2. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, nothing in this Contract shall
be deemed to, in any way, limit or prohibit the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners statutory rights and obligations to review and/or further equalize
Municipality property values or tax assessments and/or further act upon any
Municipality assessment(s) of property taxes under any applicable State Property
Tax Laws, including, but not limited to challenging any Municipality assessment
before the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
§6. PAYMENT SCHEDULE. In consideration of the promises set forth in this Contract, the
Municipality agrees to pay to the County: For the contract years 2013-2014, 2014-2015,
and 2015-2016 the sum of $15.10 each year for each real property description and
$12.40 each year for each personal property description rendered during the life of this
Contract. Payment for the contract year 2013-2014 is payable on or before July 1, 2014,
payment for the contract year 2014-2015 is payabie on or before July 1, 2015 and
payment for the contract year 2015-2016 is payable on or before July 1, 2016.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD
Page 7
In the event that, pursuant to Public Act 408 of 2012, a majority of the qualified electors of
this state voting in August of 2014 on the question:
"APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF THE AMENDATORY ACT DEDICATING A
PORTION OF USE TAX REVENUE TO BENEFIT METROPOLITAN AREAS
THROUGHOUT THIS STATE
The amendatory act adopted by the Legislature would:
1. Dedicate a portion of the existing state use tax as a local tax levied by a new
metropolitan areas authority.
2. Distribute revenue from that local tax throughout the state for local purposes, including
police and fire protection.
3. Increase that portion of the state use tax currently dedicated for aid to schools.
4. Prohibit the total use tax rate from exceeding the constitutional limit of 6%.
Should this amendatory act be approved?
YES [
NO [ ]"."
vote for approval, the Parties agree that the charge for each personal property
description rendered for the contract years 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 will be
renegotiated by the Parties.
If during the term of this Contract, there are additional services requested of the County,
the Parties shall negotiate additional fees to be paid by the Municipality.
6.1. All time incurred for Board of Review dates beyond the regular County working
hours to be billed at the applicable Equalization Division personnel's overtime
rate and charged to the Municipality over and above any other fees described in
this Contract, with the following exceptions:
6.1.1. One evening meeting as required by law under MCL § 211.30(3).
6.1.2. Dates requiring overtime set by the Municipality Charter.
6.2. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for postage on all personal property
statements and personal property notices mailed relating to work performed
under this Contract. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for all
photographic supplies.
6.3. If the Municipality fails, for any reason, to pay the County any monies when and
as due under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that unless expressly
prohibited by law, the County or the County Treasurer, at their sole c.,,ption, shall
be entitled to a setoff from any other Municipality funds that are in the County's
possession for any reason. Funds include but are not limited to the Delinquent
Tax Revolving Fund ("DTRF"). Any setoff or retention of funds by the County
shall be deemed a voluntary assignment of the amount by the Municipality to the
County. The Municipality waives any claims against the County or its Officials for
any acts related specifically to the County's offsetting or retaining such amounts.
This paragraph shall not limit the Municipality's legal right to dispute whether the
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD
Page 8
underlying amount retained by the County was actually due and owing under this
Contract.
6.4. If the County chooses not to exercise its right to setoff or if any setoff is
insufficient to fully pay the County any amounts due and owing the County under
this Contract, the County shall have the right to charge up to the then-maximum
legal interest on any unpaid amount. Interest charges shall be in addition to any
other amounts due to the County under this Contract. Interest charges shall be
calculated using the daily unpaid balance method and accumulate until all
outstanding amounts and accumulated interest are fully paid.
6.5. Nothing in this Section shall operate to limit the County's right to pursue or
exercise any other legal rights or remedies under this Contract against the
Municipality to secure reimbursement of amounts due the County under this
Contract. The remedies in this Section shall be available to the County on an
ongoing and successive basis if Municipality at any time becomes delinquent in
its payment. Notwithstanding any other term and condition in this Contract, if the
County pursues any legal action in any court to secure its payment under this
Contract, the Municipality agrees to pay all costs and expenses, including
attorney's fees and court costs, incurred by the County in the collection of any
amount owed by the Municipality.
6.6. Notwithstanding any other term or condition in this Contract, should the
Municipality fail for any reason to timely pay the County the amounts required
under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that the County may discontinue,
upon thirty (30) days written notice to the Municipality, without any penalty or
liability whatsoever, any County services or performance obligations under this
Contract.
LIABILITY. The Municipality further agrees that the County shall not be liable to the
Municipality for any and all Claim(s), except as otherwise expressly provided for in this
Contract.
7.1. The Parties agree that this Contract does not and is not intended to create or
include any County warranty, promise, covenant or guaranty, either express or
implied, of any kind or nature whatsoever in favor of the other Municipality,
and/or any Municipality Agents, or any Municipality Taxpayer or any other person
or entity, or that the County's efforts in the performance of any obligation under
this Contract will result in any specific monetary benefit or efficiency, or increase
in any tax revenue for the Municipality, or will result in any specific reduction or
increase in any property assessment, or guarantee that any County services
provided under this Contract will withstand any challenge before the State Tax
Tribunal or any court or review body, or any other such performance-based
outcome.
7.2. In the event of any alleged breach, wrongful termination, and/or any default of
any term or condition of this Contract by either the County or any County Agent,
the County and/or any County Agent shall not be liable to the Municipality for any
indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, including, but not limited
to any replacement costs for County Services, any loss of income or revenue,
and/or any failure by the Municipality to meet any Municipality obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws, or any other economic benefit or harm
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD
Page 9
that the Municipality may have realized, but for any alleged breach, wrongful
termination, default and/or cancellation of this Contract, or damages beyond or in
excess of the amount(s) of any amount paid to, received or retained by the
County at the time of the alleged breach or default in connection with or under
the terms of this Contract, whether such alleged breach or default is alleged in an
action in contract or tort and/or whether or not the Municipality has been advised
of the possibility of such damages. This provision and this Contract is intended
by the Parties to allocate the risks between the Parties. and the Parties agree
that the allocation of each Party's efforts, costs, and obligations under this
Contract reflect this allocation of each Party's risk and the limitations of liability as
specified herein.
7.3. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, with regard to any and all
alleged losses, claims, complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes
of action, proceedings, judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs
and expenses, including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable
attorney fees, witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses,
any amounts paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the
Municipality or any Municipality Agent by any third person, including but not
limited to any Municipality Agent or Municipality Taxpayer, arising out of any
activities or Services to be carried out by any County Agent in the performance of
this Contract, the Municipality hereby agrees that it shall have no rights pursuant
to or under this Contract against the County and/or any County Agents to or for
any indemnification (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by implication)
contribution, subrogation, or other right to be reimbursed by the County and/or
any of County Agents based upon any and all legal theories or alleged rights of
any kind, whether known or unknown, for any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, judgments, deficiencies, liability,
penalties, litigation costs and expenses of any kind whatsoever which are
imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Municipality and which are
alleged to have arisen under or are in any way based or predicated upon this
Contract.
7.4. If the Municipality requests and the County agrees, the County may prepare the
actual tax statement for mailing by the Municipality to Municipality residents. In
preparing any such tax statement the County shall rely upon certain data
provided by the Municipality beyond the data gathered by the County under this
Contract, including, but not limited to, the applicable millage rate. The parties
agree that under no circumstances shall the County be held liable to the
Municipality or any third party based upon any error in any tax statement due to
information supplied by the Municipality to the County for such purposes.
§8. MUNICIPALITY AGENTS AND COOPERATION WITH THE COUNTY. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this Contract,
for guaranteeing that all Municipality Agents fully cooperate with Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of all County Services under this Contract. Likewise, the
County agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this
Contract, for guaranteeing that all Equalization Division personnel fully cooperate with
Municipality agents in the performance of all County Services under this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD
Page 10
8.1. Municipality Agents shall be employed and assigned based on appropriate
qualifications and other factors as decided by the Municipality. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely responsible for furnishing all Municipality Agents
with all job instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall solely
control, direct, and supervise all Municipality Agents and shall be solely
responsible for the means and manner in which Municipality's duties or
obligations under any applicable State Property Tax Laws are satisfied.
8.2 . The Municipality agrees that it shall be solely and completely liable for any and
all Municipality Agents' past, present, or future wages, compensation, overtime
wages, expenses, fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel
expenses, mileage allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or
other allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation, Social
Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes, and/or any other
statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in any way related to any
Municipality Agent's employment status or any alleged violation of any
Municipality Agent's statutory, contractual (e.g., union, employment, or labor
contract), constitutional, common law employment right, and/or civil rights by the
Municipality. The Municipality agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County
from and against any and all Claim(s) which are imposed upon, incurred by, or
asserted against the County or any County Agent by any Municipality Agent
and/or which are based upon, result from, or arise from, or are in any way related
to any Municipality Agent's wages, compensation, benefits, or other employment-
related or based rights, including, but not limited to, those described in this
section.
8.3. The Municipality agrees that no Municipality Agent shall, by virtue of this Contract
or otherwise, be considered or claimed to be an employee of the County and/or a
County Agent. This Contract does not grant or confer, and shall not be
interpreted to grant or confer, upon any Municipality Agents or any other
individual any status, privilege, right, or benefit of County employment or that of a
County Agent.
8.4. The Municipality agrees to provide the County Agents with information regarding
any activity affecting the tax status of a parcel. This shall include both Ad
Valorem and Special Act Property Abatements and/or Exemptions (e.g. Including
though not limited to Alternative Energy or New Personal Property, Renaissance
Zones, Senior/Disabled Housing Facilities, Obsolete Property and Plant
Rehabilitation & Industrial Development Districts), inclusive of the establishment
of the related district. Additionally, the Municipality agrees to provide the County
Agents with information regarding the establishment/amendment of an Authority
and/or the approval/amendment of any related Development and/or Tax
Increment Finance Plan(s). The County shall be informed of these proposed
changes prior to approval by the governing body of the municipality.
8.5. The Municipality agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any increase in
taxation which is governed by the Truth in Taxation Act. Further, the Municipality
agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any millage increase (new) or
renewal.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD
Page 11
8.6. The Municipality will be responsible for Special Assessment billings, maintaining
a paper trail of roll changes, maintaining the rolls in balance, and providing the
Oakland County Equalization Division with the information necessary to prepare
the warrant.
8.7. The Municipality agrees that its agents will perform the following functions:
8.7.1. Mechanically make name changes to Sidwell numbers on a monthly
basis using the County's Computer terminals.
8.7.2. Provide a copy of all building permits with Sidwell numbers to the
County's Equalization Division on a monthly basis.
8.7.3. Be responsible for the establishment, accuracy and compilation of all
Special Assessment rolls in the Municipality.
8.7.4. Forward all exemption applications, transfer affidavits, personal property
statements and any and all other documents affecting the status or value
of property located within the Municipality to the County's Equalization
Division in a timely manner.
8.7.5. Forward all information on splits and combinations after approval by the
Municipality to the County's Equalization Division.
8.8. In the event that Municipality Agents, for whatever reason, fail or neglect to
undertake the tasks in Section 8.7 above, the County's Equalization Division may
perform these tasks and they shall be paid on a time and material basis. Such
rate shall be based upon the wages plus benefits of the person or persons
performing said tasks.
§9. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The Parties agree that at all times and for all purposes
under the terms of this Contract, the County's and/or any and all County Agents legal
status and relationship to the Municipality shall be that of an Independent Contractor.
Except as expressly provided herein, each Party will be solely responsible for the acts of
its own employees, Agents, and servants during the term of this Contract. No liability,
right or benefits arising out of an employer/employee relationship, either express or
implied, shall arise or accrue to either Party as a result of this Contract.
§10. COUNTY PRIORITIZATION OF COUNTY RESOURCES. The Municipality
acknowledges and agrees that this Contract does not, and is not intended to, create
either any absolute right in favor of the Municipality, or any correspondent absolute duty
or obligation upon the County, to guarantee that any specific number(s) or classification
of County Agents will be present on any given day to provide County services to the
Municipality.
§11. INDEMNIFICATION. Each Party shall be responsible for any Claims made against that
Party and for the acts of its Employees or Agents. In any Claims that may arise from the
performance of this Contract, each Party shall seek its own legal representation and bear
the costs associated with such representation including any attorney fees. Except as
otherwise provided in this Contract, neither Party shall have any right under any legal
principle to be indemnified by the other Party or any of its Employees or Agents in
connection with any Claim. This Contract does flat, and is not intended to, impair, divest,
delegate or contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD
Page 12
power, obligation, duty, or immunity of the Parties. Nothing in this Contract shall be
construed as a waiver of governmental immunity for either Party.
§12. CANCELLATION OR TERMINATION OF THIS CONTRACT. Except as follows, and
notwithstanding any other term or provision in any other section of this Contract, either
Party, upon a minimum of ninety (90) calendar days written notice to the other Party, may
cancel and/or completely terminate this Contract for any reason, including convenience,
without incurring any penalty, expense, or liability to the other Party. The effective date
for any such termination is to be clearly stated in the notice.
12.1. At 5:00 p.m. on the effective date of the cancellation of this Contract all
Municipality and/or County obligations under this Contract, except those rights
and obligations expressly surviving cancellation as provided for in this Contract,
shall end.
12.2. The Municipality agrees that any and all Municipality obligations, including, but
not limited to, any and all indemnification and hold harmless promises, waivers of
liability, record-keeping requirements, any Municipality payment obligations to the
County, and/or any other related obligations provided for in this Contract with
regard to any acts, occurrences, events, transactions. or Claim(s) either
occurring or having their basis in any events or transactions that occurred before
the cancellation or completion of this Contract, shall survive the cancellation or
completion of this Contract.
§13. EFFECTIVE DATE, CONTRACT APPROVAL. AND AMENDMENT. The Parties agree
that this Contract, and/or any subsequent amendments thereto, shall not become
effective prior to the approval by concurrent resolutions of both the Oakland County
Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the Charter Township of Oxford.
The approval and terms of this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments
thereto, shall be entered in the official minutes and proceedings of both the Oakland
County Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the Charter Township of
Oxford and shall also be filed with the office of the Clerk of the County and the Clerk for
the Charter Township of Oxford.
§14. The Parties agree that this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments, shall
be filed with the Michigan Secretary of State and this Contract, and/or any possible
subsequent amendments, shall not become effective prior to this required filing with the
Secretary of State.
14.1. The Parties agree that except as expressly provided herein, this Contract shall
not be changed, supplemented, or amended, in any manner, except as provided
for herein, and no other act, verbal representation, document, usage or custom
shall be cleemed to amend or modify this Contract in any manner.
§15. NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES. Except as expressly provided herein for the
benefit of the Parties (i.e., County or Municipality), this Contract does not, and is not
intended to, create, by implication or otherwise, any direct or indirect obligation, duty,
promise, benefit, right to be indemnified (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by
implication) and/or any right to be subrogated to any Party's rights in this Contract, and/or
any other right of any kind, in favor of any person, including, but not limited to, any
County Agent or Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer, any Taxpayer's legal
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD
Page 13
representative, any organization, any alleged unnamed beneficiary or assignee, and/or
any other person.
§16. CONSTRUED AS A WHOLE. The language of all parts of this Contract is intended to
and, in all cases, shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning, and not
construed strictly for or against any Party. As used in this Contract, the singular or plural
number, possessive or nonpossessive shall be deemed to include the other whenever
the context so suggests or requires.
§17. CAPTIONS. The section headings or titles and/or all section numbers contained in this
Contract are intended for the convenience of the reader and not intended to have any
substantive meaning and are not to be interpreted as part of this Contract.
§18. NOTICES. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, any and all
correspondence, invoices, and/or any other written notices required, permitted or
provided for under this Contract to be delivered to either Party shall be sent to that Party
by first class mail. All such written notices, including any notice canceling or terminating
this Contract as provided for herein, shall be sent to the other Party's signatory to this
Contract, or that signatory's successor in office, at the addresses shown in this Contract.
All correspondence or written notices shall be considered delivered to a Party as of the
date that such notice is deposited with sufficient postage with the U.S. Postal Service.
§19. WAIVER OF BREACH. The waiver of a breach of any provision of this Contract shall not
operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Each and every right,
remedy and power granted to either Party or allowed it by law shall be cumulative and not
exclusive of any other.
§20. ENTIRE CONTRACT. This Contract, consisting of a total of fifteen (15) pages, sets forth
the entire agreement between the County and the Municipality and fully supersedes any
and all prior agreements or understandings between them in any way related to the
subject matter hereof. It is further understood and agreed that the terms and conditions
herein are contractual and are not a mere recital and that there are no other agreements,
understandings, contracts, or representations between the County and the Municipality in
any way related to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly stated herein. This
Contract shall not be changed or supplemented orally and may be amended only as
otherwise provided herein.
For and in consideration of the mutual assurances, promises, acknowledgments, warrants,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned
hereby execute this Contract on behalf of the Parties, and by doing so legally obligate and bind
the Parties to the terms and conditions of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD
Page 14
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, William Dunn, Supervisor of the Charter Township of Oxford hereby
acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the Governing Body of the Charter
Township of Oxford, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this Contract on behalf of
the Municipality and hereby accepts and binds the Charter Township of Oxford to the terms and
conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
William Dunn, Supervisor
Charter Township of Oxford
WITNESSED: DATE:
Curtis W. Wright, Clerk
Charter Township of Oxford
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson, Oakland County Board of
Commissioners, hereby acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the
Oakland County Board of Commissioners, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this
Contract on behalf of the Oakland County, and hereby accepts and binds Oakland County to the
terms and conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson
Oakland County Board of Commissioners
WITNESSED:
(Print Name)
DATE:
DATE:
County of Oakland
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD
Page 15
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY
EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF CLARKSTON
(real and personal property services)
This CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE
SERVICES WITH THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF CLARKSTON, (hereafter, this "Contract") is
made and entered into between the COUNTY OF OAKLAND, a Michigan Constitutional and
Municipal Corporation, whose address is 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, Michigan
48341(hereafter, the "County"), and the City of the Village Of Clarkston, a Michigan
Constitutional and Municipal Corporation whose address is 375 Depot Road, Clarkston,
Michigan, 48346-1418(hereafter, the "Municipality"). In this Contract, either the County and/or
the Municipality may also be referred to individually as a "Party" or jointly as "Parties."
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENTS
A. The Municipality, pursuant to the laws of the State of Michigan (hereafter, the "State"),
including, but not limited to, the Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.1, et seq.)
is required to perform real and personal property tax appraisals and assessments for all
nonexempt real and personal property located within the geographic boundaries of the
Municipality for the purpose of levying State and local property taxes.
B. The Parties recognize and agree that absent an agreement such as this, or pursuant to
an order of the State Tax Commission mandating the County to perform all or some of
the property tax appraisal and tax assessment responsibilities for real and/or personal
property located within the Municipality's geographic boundaries (MCL 211.10(f)), the
County, has no obligation to provide these Services to or for the Municipality.
C. The Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.34(3) provides that the County Board
of Commissioners, through the Equalization Division may furnish assistance to local
assessing officers in the performance of certain of these legally mandated, Municipality,
property appraisal and assessment responsibilities.
D. The Municipality has requested the County's Equalization Division assistance in
performing the "Equalization Division Assistance Services" (as described and defined in
this Contract) and has agreed in return to reimburse the County as provided for in this
Contract.
E. The County has determined that it has sufficient "Equalization Division Personnel," as
defined herein, possessing the requisite knowledge and expertise and is agreeable to
assisting the Municipality by providing the requested "Equalization Division Assistance
Services" under the terms and conditions of this Contract.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and the mutual promises,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the County and the
Municipality mutually agree as follows:
§1. DEFINED TERMS. In addition to the above defined terms (i.e., "Contract", "County",
"Municipality", "Party" and "Parties", and "State"), the Parties agree that the following
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF CLARKSTON
Page 1
words and expressions when printed with the first letter capitalized as shown herein,
whether used in the singular or plural, possessive or nonpossessive, and/or either within
or without quotation marks, shall, be defined and interpreted as follows:
1.1. "County Agent" or "County Agents" shall be defined as any and all Oakland
County elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board members, council
members, commissioners, authorities, other boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal representative or official capacities), and/or any persons acting by,
through, under, or in concert with any of them, excluding the Municipality and/or
any Municipality Agents, as defined herein. "County Agent" and/or "County
Agents" shall also include any person who was a County Agent anytime during
the term of this Contract but, for any reason, is no longer employed, appointed,
or elected and serving as a County Agent.
1.2. "Equalization Division Personnel" as used in this Contract shall be defined as a
specific subset of, and included as part of the larger group of County Agents as
defined above, and shall be further defined as any and all County Agents
specifically employed and assigned by the County to work in the Equalization
Division of the County's Department of Management and Budget as shown in the
current County budget and/or personnel records of the County. For any and all
purposes in this Contract, any reference to County Agents shall also include
within that term any and all Equalization Division Personnel, but any reference in
this Contract to Equalization Division Personnel shall not include any County
Agent employed by the County in any other function, capacity or organizational
unit of the County other than the Equalization Division of the Department of
Management and Budget.
1.3. "Municipality Agent" or "Municipality Agents" shall be defined to include any and
all Municipality officers, elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board
members, council members, authorities, boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal, representative, or official capacities), and/or any and all persons acting
by, through, under, or in concert with any of them, except that no County Agent
shall be deemed a Municipality Agent and conversely. no Municipality Agent shall
be deemed a County Agent. "Municipality Agent" shall also include any person
who was a Municipality Agent at any time during this Contract but for any reason
is no longer employed, appointed, or elected in that capacity.
1.4. "Claim(s)" shall be defined to include any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes of action, proceedings,
judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs and expenses,
including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees,
witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses, any amounts
paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities or Claim(s) of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against either the
County and/or any County Agent, as defined herein, or any Claim(s) for which
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF CLARKSTON
Page 2
the County and/or any County Agent may become legally and/or contractually
obligated to pay or defend against, or any other liabilities of any kind whatsoever,
whether direct, indirect or consequential, whether based upon any alleged
violation of the constitution (Federal or State), any statute, rule, regulation or the
common law, whether in law or equity, tort, contract, or otherwise, and/or
whether commenced or threatened and arising out of any alleged breach of any
duty by the County and/or any County Agent to any third-person, the
Municipality, including any Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer under
or in connection with this Contract or are based on or result in any way from the
County's and/or any County Agent's participation in this Contract.
1.5. "Municipality Taxpayer' shall be defined as any and all residents, property
owners, persons, or taxable entities within the Municipality, or their
representatives or agents, who may be liable or responsible for any property
taxes assessed by the Municipality pursuant to any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
1.6. "State" shall be defined as the "State of Michigan," a sovereign governmental
entity of the United States, and shall also include within its definition any and all
departments or agencies of State government including specifically, but not
limited to, the State Tax Commission, the State Tax Tribunal, and/or the State
Department of Treasury.
§2. COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES. The Parties agree that
the full and complete scope of any and all County Equalization Division Assistance
Services shall be as described and limited in the following subsections (hereinafter
defined and referred to as either "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or
"Services").
2.1. "EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES" OR "SERVICES" TO BE
PROVIDED. "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services", to be
performed by County for the Municipality as those terms are defined in this
Contract, shall only include and shall be limited to the following activities:
2.1.1. This Contract is to provide for annual assessment of real and personal
property from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2016 as required by laws of the
State of Michigan. The County agrees to make assessments of real and
personal property within the Municipality pursuant to MCL 211.10d.
2.1.2. The Equalization Division personnel will appraise all property, process all
real and personal property description changes, prepare the assessment
roll for real and personal property in the Municipality: attend March, July
and December Boards of Review and other such duties as required by
the State General Property Tax Laws. The Equalization Division
personnel will also be available for consultation on all Michigan Tax
Tribunal real and personal property and special assessment appeals and
will assist the Municipality in the preparation of both the oral and written
defense of appeals, as long as there is a current Contract in effect.
2.2. PURPOSE OF COUNTY "SERVICES". The Parties agree that the purpose of
any and all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be
performed under this Contract shall be to assist (e.g., to help, aid, lend support,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF CLARKSTON
Page 3
and/or participate in as an auxiliary, to contribute effort toward completion of a
goal, etc.) the Municipality in the performance of that Municipality's official
functions, obligations, and Municipality's legal responsibilities for property tax
appraisal and assessment pursuant to the applicable State Property Tax Laws.
2.3. MANNER COUNTY TO PROVIDE SERVICES. The Parties agree that any and
all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be provided by
the County for the Municipality under this Contract shall be performed solely and
exclusively by the County's "Equalization Division Personnel" as defined herein.
2.3,1, Equalization Division Personnel, including those certified as MMAO, shall
be employed and assigned by the County in such numbers and based on
such appropriate qualifications and other factors as decided solely by the
County.
2.3.2. The Parties agree that the County shall be solely and exclusively
responsible for furnishing all Equalization Division Personnel with all job
instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall in all
circumstances control, supervise, train or direct all Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of any and all Services under this
Contract.
2.3.3. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, the Parties agree and
warrant that, at all times and for all purposes relevant to this Contract,
the County shall remain the sole and exclusive employer of all County
Agents and Equalization Division Personnel and that the County shall
remain solely and completely liable for any and all County Agents' past,
present, or future wages, compensation, overtime wages, expenses,
fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel expenses, mileage
allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or other
allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation,
Social Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes,
and/or any other statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in
any way related to any County Agent's employment status.
2.3.4. This Contract is neither intended, nor shall it be interpreted, to create,
change, grant, modify, supplement, supersede, alter, or otherwise affect
or control, in any manner, form, or at any time, any right, privilege,
benefit, or any other term or condition of employment, of any kind or
nature whatsoever, in. upon, or for any County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel with the County, any applicable County employment
and/or union contract, and/or any County rule(s), regulation(s), hours of
work, shift assignment, order(s), policy(ies), procedure(s), directive(s),
ethical guideline(s), etc., which shall, solely and exclusively, govern and
control the employment relationship between the County and any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel and/or the conduct and actions
of any County Agent or any Equalization Division Personnel. To
illustrate, but not otherwise limit, this Contract does not and shall not be
interpreted to limit, modify, control, or otherwise affect, in any manner:
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF CLARKSTON
Page 4
2.3.4.1. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation,
responsibility, and discretion to employ, compensate, assign,
reassign, transfer, promote, reclassify, discipline, demote,
layoff, furlough, discharge any Equalization Division Personnel
and/or pay any and all Equalization Division Personnel's
wages, salaries, allowances, reimbursements, compensation,
fringe benefits, or otherwise decide any and all such terms and
conditions of employment and make any and all employment
decisions that affect, in any way, the employment of any
Equalization Division Personnel with the County, subject only
to its applicable collective bargaining Contracts.
2.3.4.2. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation, and
responsibility to determine, establish, modify, or implement
any and all operational policies, procedures, orders, rules,
regulations, ethical guidelines, and/or any other judgment,
policy or directive which, in any way, governs or controls any
activity of any County Agent or Equalization Division
Personnel, any necessary County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel's training standards or proficiency(ies), any
level or amount of required supervision, any and all standards
of performance, any sequence or manner of performance, and
any level(s) of experience, training, or education required for
any Equalization Division Personnel performing any County
duty or obligation under the terms of this Contract.
2.3.5. The Municipality agrees that except as expressly provided for under the
terms of this Contract and/or laws of this State, no County Agent or
Equalization Division Personnel, while such person is currently and/or
actively employed or otherwise remains on the payroll of the County as a
County Agent shall be employed, utilized, or perform any other services,
of any kind, directly or indirectly, in any manner or capacity, or otherwise
be available to perform any other work or assignments by or for the
Municipality during the term of this Contract. This section shall not
prohibit the Municipality from employing any person who was a former
County Agent but is no longer employed in that capacity by the County.
2.3.6. Except as otherwise expressly provided by the Contract and/or
applicable State law, the Parties agree and warrant that neither the
County, nor any County Agent, nor any Equalization Division Personnel,
by virtue of this Contract or otherwise, shall be deemed, considered or
claimed to be an employee of the Municipality and/or a Municipality
Agent.
2.3.7, The Municipality shall not otherwise provide, furnish or assign any
Equalization Division Personnel with any job instructions, job
descriptions, job specifications, or job duties, or in any manner attempt to
control, supervise, train, or direct any Personnel in the performance of
any County's Equalization Division Assistance Services duty or obligation
under the terms of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF CLARKSTON
Page 5
2.4. LIMITS AND EXCLUSIONS ON COUNTY "SERVICES". Except as otherwise
expressly provided for within this Contract, neither the County nor any County
Agents shall be responsible for assisting or providing any other "Services " or
assistance to the Municipality or assume any additional responsibility for
assisting the Municipality in any other way or manner with any Municipality
obligations under any and all State Property Tax Laws, including, but not limited
to, providing any attorney or legal representation to the Municipality or any
Municipality Agent at any proceeding before the Michigan Tax Tribunal or any
other adjudicative body or court, except as expressly provided for in this
Contract.
2.4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain
solely liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities
associated with or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or
assessment functions or any other Municipality legal obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws. The Municipality shall employ
and retain its own Municipality legal representation, as necessary, to
defend any such claim or challenge before the State Tax Tribunal or any
other court or review body.
2.4.2. Except for those express statutory and/or regulatory obligations
incumbent only upon licensed Equalization Division Personnel (i.e., State
Licensed and Certified Real and/or Personal Property Tax Assessors) to
defend property tax appraisals and assessments that they either
performed, or were otherwise performed under their supervision, before
the Michigan Tax Tribunal, the Parties agree that no other County
Agents, including any County attorneys shall be authorized, required
and/or otherwise obligated under this Contract or pursuant to any other
agreement between the Parties to provide any legal representation to or
for the Municipality and/or otherwise defend, challenge, contest, appeal,
or argue on behalf of the Municipality before the Michigan Tax Tribunal
or any other review body or court.
§3. TERM OF CONTRACT. The Parties agree that the term of this Contract shall begin on
the effective date of this Contract, as otherwise provided herein, and shall end on
June 30, 2016, without any further act or notice from either Party being required. Any
and all County Services otherwise provided to the Municipality prior to the effective date
of this Contract, shall be subject to the terms and conditions provided for herein.
§4. NO TRANSFER OF MUNICIPALITY LEGAL OBLIGATIONS TO COUNTY. Except as
expressly provided for in this Contract, the Municipality agrees that this Contract does
not, and is not intended to, transfer, delegate, or assign to the County, and/or any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel any civil or legal responsibility, duty, obligation,
duty of care, cost, legal obligation, or liability associated with any governmental function
delegated and/or entrusted to the Municipality under any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain solely
liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities associated with
or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or assessment functions or
any other Municipality legal obligation. The Municipality agrees that under no
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF CLARKSTON
Page 6
circumstances shall the County be responsible for any costs, obligations, and/or
civil liabilities associated with its Municipality function or any responsibility under
any State Property Tax Law.
4.9. The Municipality shall not incur or create any debts, liens, liabilities or obligations
for the County and shall take all necessary steps to ensure that any debts, liens,
liabilities or obligations that the Municipality may incur shall not become a debt,
liability, obligation or Claim(s) against the County.
4.3. The Parties agree that the Municipality shall at all times remain responsible for
the ultimate completion of any and all Municipality duties or obligations under any
and all applicable State Property Tax Laws. Nothing in this Contract shall relieve
the Municipality of any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
4.4. The Municipality and Municipality Agents shall be and remain responsible for
compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and
agency requirements in any manner affecting any work or performance of this
Contract or with any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
§5. NO DELEGATION OR DIMINUTION OF ANY GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY. The
Parties reserve to themselves any rights and obligations related to the provision of any
and all of each Party's respective governmental services, authority, responsibilities, and
obligations. Except as expressly provided otherwise herein, this Contract does not, and
is not intended to, create, diminish, delegate, transfer, assign, divest, impair, or
contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege, power, civil or
legal responsibility, obligation, duty of care, liability, capacity, immunity, authority or
character of office of either Party to any other person or Party.
5.1. The Parties further agree, notwithstanding any other term or condition in this
Contract, that no provision in this Contract is intended, nor shall it be construed,
as a waiver of any governmental immunity, as provided by statute or applicable
court decisions, by either Party, either for that Party and/or any of that Party's
County or Municipal Agents.
5.2. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, nothing in this Contract shall
be deemed to, in any way, limit or prohibit the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners statutory rights and obligations to review and/or further equalize
Municipality property values or tax assessments and/or further act upon any
Municipality assessment(s) of property taxes under any applicable State Property
Tax Laws, including, but not limited to challenging any Municipality assessment
before the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
§6. PAYMENT SCHEDULE. In consideration of the promises set forth in this Contract, the
Municipality agrees to pay to the County: For the contract years 2013-2014, 2014-2015,
and 2015-2016 the sum of $14.00 each year for each real property description and
$12.40 each year for each personal property description rendered during the life of this
Contract. Payment for the contract year 2013-2014 is payable on or before July 1, 2014,
payment for the contract year 2014-2015 is payable on or before July 1, 2015 and
payment for the contract year 2015-2016 is payable on or before July 1, 2016.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF CLARKSTON
Page 7
In the event that, pursuant to Public Act 408 of 2012, a majority of the qualified electors of
this state voting in August of 2014 on the question:
"APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF THE AMENDATORY ACT DEDICATING A
PORTION OF USE TAX REVENUE TO BENEFIT METROPOLITAN AREAS
THROUGHOUT THIS STATE
The amendatory act adopted by the Legislature would:
1. Dedicate a portion of the existing state use tax as a local tax levied by a new
metropolitan areas authority.
2. Distribute revenue from that local tax throughout the state for local purposes, including
police and fire protection.
3. Increase that portion of the state use tax currently dedicated for aid to schools.
4. Prohibit the total use tax rate from exceeding the constitutional limit of 6%.
Should this amendatory act be approved?
YES [
NO [ ]"."
vote for approval, the Parties agree that the charge for each personal property
description rendered for the contract years 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 will be
renegotiated by the Parties.
If during the term of this Contract, there are additional services requested of the County.
the Parties shall negotiate additional fees to be paid by the Municipality.
6.1. All time incurred for Board of Review dates beyond the regular County working
hours to be billed at the applicable Equalization Division personnel's overtime
rate and charged to the Municipality over and above any other fees described in
this Contract, with the following exceptions:
6.1.1. One evening meeting as required by law under MCL § 211.30(3).
6.1.2. Dates requiring overtime set by the Municipality Charter.
6.2. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for postage on all personal property
statements and personal property notices mailed relating to work performed
under this Contract. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for all
photographic supplies.
6.3. If the Municipality fails, for any reason, to pay the County any monies when and
as due under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that unless expressly
prohibited by law, the County or the County Treasurer, at their sole option, shall
be entitled to a setoff from any other Municipality funds that are in the County's
possession for any reason. Funds include but are not limited to the Delinquent
Tax Revolving Fund ("DTRF"). Any setoff or retention of funds by the County
shall be deemed a voluntary assignment of the amount by the Municipality to the
County. The Municipality waives any claims against the County or its Officials for
any acts related specifically to the County's offsetting or retaining such amounts.
This paragraph shall not limit the Municipality's legal right to dispute whether the
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF CLARKSTON
Page 8
underlying amount retained by the County was actually due and owing under this
Contract.
6.4. If the County chooses not to exercise its right to setoff or if any setoff is
insufficient to fully pay the County any amounts due and owing the County under
this Contract, the County shall have the right to charge up to the then-maximum
legal interest on any unpaid amount. Interest charges shall be in addition to any
other amounts due to the County under this Contract. Interest charges shall be
calculated using the daily unpaid balance method and accumulate until all
outstanding amounts and accumulated interest are fully paid.
6.5. Nothing in this Section shall operate to limit the County's right to pursue or
exercise any other legal rights or remedies under this Contract against the
Municipality to secure reimbursement of amounts due the County under this
Contract. The remedies in this Section shall be available to the County on an
ongoing and successive basis if Municipality at any time becomes delinquent in
its payment. Notwithstanding any other term and condition in this Contract, if the
County pursues any legal action in any court to secure its payment under this
Contract, the Municipality agrees to pay all costs and expenses, including
attorney's fees and court costs, incurred by the County in the collection of any
amount owed by the Municipality.
6.6. Notwithstanding any other term or condition in this Contract, should the
Municipality fail for any reason to timely pay the County the amounts required
under this Contract. the Municipality agrees that the County may discontinue,
upon thirty (30) days written notice to the Municipality, without any penalty or
liability whatsoever, any County services or performance obligations under this
Contract.
§7. LIABILITY. The Municipality further agrees that the County shall not be liable to the
Municipality for any and all Claim(s), except as otherwise expressly provided for in this
Contract.
7.1. The Parties agree that this Contract does not and is not intended to create or
include any County warranty, promise, covenant or guaranty, either express or
implied, of any kind or nature whatsoever in favor of the other Municipality,
and/or any Municipality Agents, or any Municipality Taxpayer or any other person
or entity, or that the County's efforts in the performance of any obligation under
this Contract will result in any specific monetary benefit or efficiency, or increase
in any tax revenue for the Municipality, or will result in any specific reduction or
increase in any property assessment, or guarantee that any County services
provided under this Contract will withstand any challenge before the State Tax
Tribunal or any court or review body, or any other such performance-based
outcome.
7.2. In the event of any alleged breach, wrongful termination, and/or any default of
any term or condition of this Contract by either the County or any County Agent,
the County and/or any County Agent shall not be liable to the Municipality for any
indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, including, but not limited
to any replacement costs for County Services, any loss of income or revenue,
and/or any failure by the Municipality to meet any Municipality obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws, or any other economic benefit or harm
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF CLARKSTON
Page 9
that the Municipality may have realized, but for any alleged breach, wrongful
termination, default and/or cancellation of this Contract, or damages beyond or in
excess of the amount(s) of any amount paid to, received or retained by the
County at the time of the alleged breach or default in connection with or under
the terms of this Contract, whether such alleged breach or default is alleged in an
action in contract or tort and/or whether or not the Municipality has been advised
of the possibility of such damages. This provision and this Contract is intended
by the Parties to allocate the risks between the Parties, and the Parties agree
that the allocation of each Party's efforts, costs, and obligations under this
Contract reflect this allocation of each Party's risk and the limitations of liability as
specified herein.
7.3. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, with regard to any and all
alleged losses, claims, complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes
of action, proceedings, judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs
and expenses, including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable
attorney fees, witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses,
any amounts paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the
Municipality or any Municipality Agent by any third person, including but not
limited to any Municipality Agent or Municipality Taxpayer, arising out of any
activities or Services to be carried out by any County Agent in the performance of
this Contract, the Municipality hereby agrees that it shall have no rights pursuant
to or under this Contract against the County and/or any County Agents to or for
any indemnification (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by implication)
contribution, subrogation, or other right to be reimbursed by the County and/or
any of County Agents based upon any and all legal theories or alleged rights of
any kind, whether known or unknown, for any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, judgments, deficiencies, liability,
penalties, litigation costs and expenses of any kind whatsoever which are
imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Municipality and which are
alleged to have arisen under or are in any way based or predicated upon this
Contract.
7.4. If the Municipality requests and the County agrees, the County may prepare the
actual tax statement for mailing by the Municipality to Municipality residents. In
preparing any such tax statement the County shall rely upon certain data
provided by the Municipality beyond the data gathered by the County under this
Contract, including, but not limited to, the applicable millage rate. The parties
agree that under no circumstances shall the County be held liable to the
Municipality or any third party based upon any error in any tax statement due to
information supplied by the Municipality to the County for such purposes.
§8. MUNICIPALITY AGENTS AND COOPERATION WITH THE COUNTY. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this Contract,
for guaranteeing that all Municipality Agents fully cooperate with Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of all County Services under this Contract. Likewise, the
County agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this
Contract, for guaranteeing that all Equalization Division personnel fully cooperate with
Municipality agents in the performance of all County Services under this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF CLARKSTON
Page 10
8.1. Municipality Agents shall be employed and assigned based on appropriate
qualifications and other factors as decided by the Municipality. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely responsible for furnishing all Municipality Agents
with all job instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall solely
control, direct, and supervise all Municipality Agents and shall be solely
responsible for the means and manner in which Municipality's duties or
obligations under any applicable State Property Tax Laws are satisfied.
R.?, The Municipality agrees that it shall be solely and completely liable for any and
all Municipality Agents' past, present, or future wages, compensation, overtime
wages, expenses, fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel
expenses, mileage allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or
other allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation, Social
Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes, and/or any other
statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in any way related to any
Municipality Agent's employment status or any alleged violation of any
Municipality Agents statutory, contractual (e.g., union, employment, or labor
contract), constitutional, common law employment right, and/or civil rights by the
Municipality. The Municipality agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County
from and against any and all Claim(s) which are imposed upon, incurred by, or
asserted against the County or any County Agent by any Municipality Agent
and/or which are based upon, result from, or arise from, or are in any way related
to any Municipality Agent's wages, compensation, benefits, or other employment-.
related or based rights, including, but not limited to, those described in this
section.
8.3. The Municipality agrees that no Municipality Agent shall, by virtue of this Contract
or otherwise, be considered or claimed to be an employee of the County and/or a
County Agent. This Contract does not grant or confer, and shall not be
interpreted to grant or confer, upon any Municipality Agents or any other
individual any status, privilege, right, or benefit of County employment or that of a
County Agent.
8.4. The Municipality agrees to provide the County Agents with information regarding
any activity affecting the tax status of a parcel. This shall include both Ad
Valorem and Special Act Property Abatements and/or Exemptions (e.g. Including
though not limited to Alternative Energy or New Personal Property, Renaissance
Zones, Senior/Disabled Housing Facilities, Obsolete Property and Plant
Rehabilitation & Industrial Development Districts), inclusive of the establishment
of the related district. Additionally, the Municipality agrees to provide the County
Agents with information regarding the establishment/amendment of an Authority
and/or the approval/amendment of any related Development and/or Tax
Increment Finance Plan(s). The County shall be informed of these proposed
changes prior to approval by the governing body of the municipality.
8.5. The Municipality agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any increase in
taxation which is governed by the Truth in Taxation Act. Further, the Municipality
agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any millage increase (new) or
renewal.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF CLARKSTON
Page 11
8.6. The Municipality will be responsible for Special Assessment billings, maintaining
a paper trail of roll changes, maintaining the rolls in balance, and providing the
Oakland County Equalization Division with the information necessary to prepare
the warrant.
8.7. The Municipality agrees that its agents will perform the following functions:
8.7.1. Mechanically make name changes to Sidwell numbers on a monthly
basis using the County's Computer terminals.
8.7.2. Provide a copy of all building permits with Sidwell numbers to the
County's Equalization Division on a monthly basis_
8.7.3. Be responsible for the establishment, accuracy and compilation of all
Special Assessment rolls in the Municipality.
8.7.4. Forward all exemption applications, transfer affidavits, personal property
statements and any and all other documents affecting the status or value
of property located within the Municipality to the County's Equalization
Division in a timely manner.
8.7.5. Forward all information on splits and combinations after approval by the
Municipality to the County's Equalization Division.
8.8. In the event that Municipality Agents, for whatever reason, fail or neglect to
undertake the tasks in Section 8.7 above, the County's Equalization Division may
perform these tasks and they shall be paid on a time and material basis. Such
rate shall be based upon the wages plus benefits of the person or persons
performing said tasks.
§9. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The Parties agree that at all times and for all purposes
under the terms of this Contract, the County's and/or any and all County Agents' legal
status and relationship to the Municipality shall be that of an Independent Contractor.
Except as expressly provided herein, each Party will be solely responsible for the acts of
its own employees, Agents, and servants during the term of this Contract. No liability,
right or benefits arising out of an employer/employee relationship, either express or
implied, shall arise or accrue to either Party as a result of this Contract.
§10. COUNTY PRIORITIZATION OF COUNTY RESOURCES. The Municipality
acknowledges and agrees that this Contract does not, and is not intended to, create
either any absolute right in favor of the Municipality, or any correspondent absolute duty
or obligation upon the County, to guarantee that any specific number(s) or classification
of County Agents will be present on any given day to provide County services to the
Municipality.
§11. INDEMNIFICATION_ Each Party shall be responsible for any Claims made against that
Party and for the acts of its Employees or Agents_ In any Claims that may arise from the
performance of this Contract, each Party shall seek its own legal representation and bear
the costs associated with such representation including any attorney fees. Except as
otherwise provided in this Contract, neither Party shall have any right under any legal
principle to be indemnified by the other Party or any of its Employees or Agents in
connection with any Claim. This Contract does not, and is not intended to, impair, divest,
delegate or contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF CLARKSTON
Page 12
power, obligation, duty, or immunity of the Parties. Nothing in this Contract shall be
construed as a waiver of governmental immunity for either Party.
§12. CANCELLATION OR TERMINATION OF THIS CONTRACT. Except as follows, and
notwithstanding any other term or provision in any other section of this Contract, either
Party, upon a minimum of ninety (90) calendar days written notice to the other Party, may
cancel and/or completely terminate this Contract for any reason, including convenience,
without incurring any penalty, expense, or liability to the other Party. The effective date
for any such termination is to be clearly stated in the notice,
12.1. At 5:00 p.m. on the effective date of the cancellation of this Contract all
Municipality and/or County obligations under this Contract, except those rights
and obligations expressly surviving cancellation as provided for in this Contract,
shall end.
12.2. The Municipality agrees that any and all Municipality obligations, including, but
not limited to, any and all indemnification and hold harmless promises, waivers of
liability, record-keeping requirements, any Municipality payment obligations to the
County, and/or any other related obligations provided for in this Contract with
regard to any acts, occurrences, events, transactions, or Claim(s) either
occurring or having their basis in any events or transactions that occurred before
the cancellation or completion of this Contract, shall survive the cancellation or
completion of this Contract.
§13. EFFECTIVE DATE, CONTRACT APPROVAL, AND AMENDMENT. The Parties agree
that this Contract, and/or any subsequent amendments thereto, shall not become
effective prior to the approval by concurrent resolutions of both the Oakland County
Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the City of the Village Of Clarkston.
The approval and terms of this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments
thereto, shall be entered in the official minutes and proceedings of both the Oakland
County Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the City of the Village Of
Clarkston and shall also be filed with the office of the Clerk of the County and the Clerk
for the City of the Village Of Clarkston.
§14. The Parties agree that this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments, shall
be filed with the Michigan Secretary of State and this Contract, and/or any possible
subsequent amendments, shall not become effective prior to this required filing with the
Secretary of State.
14.1. The Parties agree that except as expressly provided herein, this Contract shall
not be changed, supplemented, or amended, in any manner, except as provided
for herein, and no other act, verbal representation, document, usage or custom
shall be deemed to amend or modify this Contract in any manner.
§15. NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES. Except as expressly provided herein for the
benefit of the Parties (i.e., County or Municipality), this Contract does not, and is not
intended to, create, by implication or otherwise, any direct or indirect obligation, duty,
promise, benefit, right to be indemnified (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by
implication) and/or any right to be subrogated to any Party's rights in this Contract, and/or
any other right of any kind, in favor of any person, including, but not limited to, any
County Agent or Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer, any Taxpayer's legal
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF CLARKSTON
Page 13
representative, any organization, any alleged unnamed beneficiary or assignee, and/or
any other person.
§16. CONSTRUED AS A WHOLE. The language of all parts of this Contract is intended to
and, in all cases, shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning, and not
construed strictly for or against any Party. As used in this Contract, the singular or plural
number, possessive or nonpossessive shall be deemed to include the other whenever
the context so suggests or requires.
§17. CAPTIONS. The section headings or titles and/or all section numbers contained in this
Contract are intended for the convenience of the reader and not intended to have any
substantive meaning and are not to be interpreted as part of this Contract.
§18. NOTICES. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, any and all
correspondence, invoices, and/or any other written notices required, permitted or
provided for under this Contract to be delivered to either Party shall be sent to that Party
by first class mail. All such written notices, including any notice canceling or terminating
this Contract as provided for herein, shall be sent to the other Party's signatory to this
Contract, or that signatory's successor in office, at the addresses shown in this Contract.
All correspondence or written notices shall be considered delivered to a Party as of the
date that such notice is deposited with sufficient postage with the U.S. Postal Service.
§19. WAIVER OF BREACH. The waiver of a breach of any provision of this Contract shall not
operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Each and every right,
remedy and power granted to either Party or allowed it by law shall be cumulative and not
exclusive of any other.
§20. ENTIRE CONTRACT. This Contract, consisting of a total of fifteen (15) pages, sets forth
the entire agreement between the County and the Municipality and fully supersedes any
and all prior agreements or understandings between them in any way related to the
subject matter hereof. It is further understood and agreed that the terms and conditions
herein are contractual and are not a mere recital and that there are no other agreements,
understandings, contracts, or representations between the County and the Municipality in
any way related to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly stated herein. This
Contract shall not be changed or supplemented orally and may be amended only as
otherwise provided herein.
For and in consideration of the mutual assurances, promises, acknowledgments, warrants,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned
hereby execute this Contract on behalf of the Parties, and by doing so legally obligate and bind
the Parties to the terms and conditions of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF CLARKSTON
Page 14
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Joseph Luginski, Mayor of the City of the Village Of Clarkston hereby
acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the Governing Body of the City of
the Village Of Clarkston, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this Contract on behalf
of the Municipality and hereby accepts and binds the City of the Village Of Clarkston to the
terms and conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
Joseph Luginski, Mayor
City of the Village Of Clarkston
WITNESSED: DATE:
Kelly Richter, Clerk
City of the Village Of Clarkston
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson, Oakland County Board of
Commissioners, hereby acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the
Oakland County Board of Commissioners, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this
Contract on behalf of the Oakland County, and hereby accepts and binds Oakland County to the
terms and conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson
Oakland County Board of Commissioners
WITNESSED: DATE:
(Print Name) DATE:
County of Oakland
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF THE VILLAGE OF CLARKSTON
Page 15
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY
EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FARMINGTON
(real and personal property services)
This CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE
SERVICES WITH THE CITY OF FARMINGTON, (hereafter, this "Contract") is made and
entered into between the COUNTY OF OAKLAND, a Michigan Constitutional and Municipal
Corporation, whose address is 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, Michigan 48341(hereafter,
the "County"), and the City of Farmington, a Michigan Constitutional and Municipal Corporation
whose address is 23600 Liberty Street, Farmington, Michigan, 48335 (hereafter, the
"Municipality"). In this Contract, either the County and/or the Municipality may also be referred
to individually as a "Party" or jointly as "Parties."
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENTS
A. The Municipality, pursuant to the laws of the State of Michigan (hereafter, the "State"),
including, but not limited to, the Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.1, et seq.)
is required to perform real and personal property tax appraisals and assessments for all
nonexempt real and personal property located within the geographic boundaries of the
Municipality for the purpose of levying State and local property taxes.
B. The Parties recognize and agree that absent an agreement such as this, or pursuant to
an order of the State Tax Commission mandating the County to perform all or some of
the property tax appraisal and tax assessment responsibilities for real and/or personal
property located within the Municipality's geographic boundaries (MCL 211.10(f)), the
County, has no obligation to provide these Services to or for the Municipality.
C. The Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.34(3) provides that the County Board
of Commissioners, through the Equalization Division may furnish assistance to local
assessing officers in the performance of certain of these legally mandated, Municipality,
property appraisal and assessment responsibilities.
D. The Municipality has requested the County's Equalization Division assistance in
performing the "Equalization Division Assistance Services" (as described and defined in
this Contract) and has agreed in return to reimburse the County as provided for in this
Contract.
E. The County has determined that it has sufficient "Equalization Division Personnel," as
defined herein, possessing the requisite knowledge and expertise and is agreeable to
assisting the Municipality by providing the requested "Equalization Division Assistance
Services" under the terms and conditions of this Contract.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and the mutual promises,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the County and the
Municipality mutually agree as follows:
§1. DEFINED TERMS. In addition to the above defined terms (i.e., "Contract", "County",
"Municipality", "Party" and "Parties", and "State"), the Parties agree that the following
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FARMINGTON
Page 1
words and expressions when printed with the first letter capitalized as shown herein,
whether used in the singular or plural, possessive or nonpossessive, and/or either within
or without quotation marks, shall, be defined and interpreted as follows:
1.1. "County Agent" or "County Agents" shall be defined as any and all Oakland
County elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board members, council
members, commissioners, authorities, other boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal representative or official capacities), and/or any persons acting by,
through, under, or in concert with any of them, excluding the Municipality and/or
any Municipality Agents, as defined herein. "County Agent" and/or "County
Agents" shall also include any person who was a County Agent anytime during
the term of this Contract but, for any reason, is no longer employed, appointed,
or elected and serving as a County Agent.
1.2. "Equalization Division Personnel" as used in this Contract shall be defined as a
specific subset of, and included as part of the larger group of County Agents as
defined above, and shall be further defined as any and all County Agents
specifically employed and assigned by the County to work in the Equalization
Division of the County's Department of Management and Budget as shown in the
current County budget and/or personnel records of the County. For any and all
purposes in this Contract, any reference to County Agents shall also include
within that term any and all Equalization Division Personnel, but any reference in
this Contract to Equalization Division Personnel shall not include any County
Agent employed by the County in any other function, capacity or organizational
unit of the County other than the Equalization Division of the Department of
Management and Budget.
1.3. "Municipality Agent" or "Municipality Agents" shall be defined to include any and
all Municipality officers, elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board
members, council members, authorities, boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal, representative, or official capacities), and/or any and all persons acting
by, through, under, or in concert with any of them, except that no County Agent
shall be deemed a Municipality Agent and conversely. no Municipality Agent shall
be deemed a County Agent. "Municipality Agent" shall also include any person
who was a Municipality Agent at any time during this Contract but for any reason
is no longer employed, appointed, or elected in that capacity.
1.4, "Claim(s)" shall be defined to include any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes of action, proceedings,
judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs and expenses,
including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees,
witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses, any amounts
paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities or Claim(s) of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against either the
County and/or any County Agent, as defined herein, or any Claim(s) for which
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FARMINGTON
Page 2
the County and/or any County Agent may become legally and/or contractually
obligated to pay or defend against, or any other liabilities of any kind whatsoever,
whether direct, indirect or consequential, whether based upon any alleged
violation of the constitution (Federal or State), any statute, rule, regulation or the
common law, whether in law or equity, tort, contract, or otherwise, and/or
whether commenced or threatened and arising out of any alleged breach of any
duty by the County and/or any County Agent to any third-person, the
Municipality, including any Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer under
or in connection with this Contract or are based on or result in any way from the
County's and/or any County Agent's participation in this Contract.
1.5, "Municipality Taxpayer" shall be defined as any and all residents, property
owners, persons, or taxable entities within the Municipality, or their
representatives or agents, who may be liable or responsible for any property
taxes assessed by the Municipality pursuant to any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
1.6. "State" shall be defined as the "State of Michigan," a sovereign governmental
entity of the United States, and shall also include within its definition any and all
departments or agencies of State government including specifically, but not
limited to, the State Tax Commission, the State Tax Tribunal, and/or the State
Department of Treasury.
§2. COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES. The Parties agree that
the full and complete scope of any and all County Equalization Division Assistance
Services shall be as described and limited in the following subsections (hereinafter
defined and referred to as either "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or
"Services").
2.1. "EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES" OR "SERVICES" TO BE
PROVIDED. "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services", to be
performed by County for the Municipality as those terms are defined in this
Contract, shall only include and shall be limited to the following activities:
2.1.1. This Contract is to provide for annual assessment of real and personal
property from July 1, 2013 to June 30. 2016 as required by laws of the
State of Michigan, The County agrees to make assessments of real and
personal property within the Municipality pursuant to MCL 211.10d.
2.1.2. The Equalization Division personnel will appraise all property, process all
real and personal property description changes, prepare the assessment
roll for real and personal property in the Municipality; attend March, July
and December Boards of Review and other such duties as required by
the State General Property Tax Laws. The Equalization Division
personnel will also be available for consultation on all Michigan Tax
Tribunal real and personal property and special assessment appeals and
will assist the Municipality in the preparation of both the oral and written
defense of appeals, as long as there is a current Contract in effect.
2.2. PURPOSE OF COUNTY "SERVICES". The Parties agree that the purpose of
any and all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be
performed under this Contract shall be to assist (e.g., to help, aid, lend support,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FARMINGTON
Page 3
and/or participate in as an auxiliary, to contribute effort toward completion of a
goal, etc.) the Municipality in the performance of that Municipality's official
functions, obligations, and Municipality's legal responsibilities for property tax
appraisal and assessment pursuant to the applicable State Property Tax Laws.
2.3. MANNER COUNTY TO PROVIDE SERVICES. The Parties agree that any and
all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be provided by
the County for the Municipality under this Contract shall be performed solely and
exclusively by the County's "Equalization Division Personnel" as defined herein.
2.3.1. Equalization Division Personnel, including those certified as MMAO, shall
be employed and assigned by the County in such numbers and based on
such appropriate qualifications and other factors as decided solely by the
County.
2.3.2. The Parties agree that the County shall be solely and exclusively
responsible for furnishing all Equalization Division Personnel with all job
instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall in all
circumstances control, supervise, train or direct all Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of any and all Services under this
Contract.
2.3.3. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, the Parties agree and
warrant that, at all times and for all purposes relevant to this Contract,
the County shall remain the sole and exclusive employer of all County
Agents and Equalization Division Personnel and that the County shall
remain solely and completely liable for any and all County Agents' past,
present, or future wages, compensation, overtime wages, expenses,
fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel expenses, mileage
allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or other
allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation,
Social Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes,
and/or any other statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in
any way related to any County Agent's employment status.
9 .3.4. This Contract is neither intended, nor shall it be interpreted, to create,
change, grant, modify, supplement, supersede, alter, or otherwise affect
or control, in any manner, form, or at any time, any right, privilege,
benefit, or any other term or condition of employment, of any kind or
nature whatsoever, in, upon, or for any County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel with the County, any applicable County employment
and/or union contract, and/or any County rule(s), regulation(s), hours of
work, shift assignment, order(s), policy(ies), procedure(s), directive(s),
ethical guideline(s), etc., which shall, solely and exclusively, govern and
control the employment relationship between the County and any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel and/or the conduct and actions
of any County Agent or any Equalization Division Personnel. To
illustrate, but not otherwise limit, this Contract does not and shall not be
interpreted to limit, modify, control, or otherwise affect, in any manner:
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FARMINGTON
Page 4
2.3.4.1. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation,
responsibility, and discretion to employ, compensate, assign,
reassign, transfer, promote, reclassify, discipline, demote,
layoff, furlough, discharge any Equalization Division Personnel
and/or pay any and all Equalization Division Personnel's
wages, salaries, allowances, reimbursements, compensation,
fringe benefits, or otherwise decide any and all such terms and
conditions of employment and make any and all employment
decisions that affect, in any way, the employment of any
Equalization Division Personnel with the County, subject only
to its applicable collective bargaining Contracts.
2.3.4.2. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation, and
responsibility to determine, establish, modify, or implement
any and all operational policies, procedures, orders, rules,
regulations, ethical guidelines, and/or any other judgment,
policy or directive which, in any way, governs or controls any
activity of any County Agent or Equalization Division
Personnel, any necessary County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel's training standards or proficiency(ies), any
level or amount of required supervision, any and all standards
of performance, any sequence or manner of performance. and
any level(s) of experience, training, or education required for
any Equalization Division Personnel performing any County
duty or obligation under the terms of this Contract.
2.3.5. The Municipality agrees that except as expressly provided for under the
terms of this Contract and/or laws of this State, no County Agent or
Equalization Division Personnel, while such person is currently and/or
actively employed or otherwise remains on the payroll of the County as a
County Agent shall be employed, utilized, or perform any other services,
of any kind, directly or indirectly, in any manner or capacity, or otherwise
be available to perform any other work or assignments by or for the
Municipality during the term of this Contract. This section shall not
prohibit the Municipality from employing any person who was a former
County Agent but is no longer employed in that capacity by the County.
2.3.6. Except as otherwise expressly provided by the Contract and/or
applicable State law, the Parties agree and warrant that neither the
County, nor any County Agent, nor any Equalization Division Personnel,
by virtue of this Contract or otherwise, shall be deemed, considered or
claimed to be an employee of the Municipality and/or a Municipality
Agent.
2.3.7. The Municipality shall not otherwise provide, furnish or assign any
Equalization Division Personnel with any job instructions, job
descriptions, job specifications, or job duties, or in any manner attempt to
control, supervise, train, or direct any Personnel in the performance of
any County's Equalization Division Assistance Services duty or obligation
under the terms of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FARMINGTON
Page 5
2.4. LIMITS AND EXCLUSIONS ON COUNTY "SERVICES". Except as otherwise
expressly provided for within this Contract, neither the County nor any County
Agents shall be responsible for assisting or providing any other 'Services" or
assistance to the Municipality or assume any additional responsibility for
assisting the Municipality in any other way or manner with any Municipality
obligations under any and all State Property Tax Laws, including, but not limited
to, providing any attorney or legal representation to the Municipality or any
Municipality Agent at any proceeding before the Michigan Tax Tribunal or any
other adjudicative body or court, except as expressly provided for in this
Contract.
2.4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain
solely liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities
associated with or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or
assessment functions or any other Municipality legal obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws. The Municipality shall employ
and retain its own Municipality legal representation, as necessary, to
defend any such claim or challenge before the State Tax Tribunal or any
other court or review body.
2.4.2. Except for those express statutory and/or regulatory obligations
incumbent only upon licensed Equalization Division Personnel (i.e., State
Licensed and Certified Real and/or Personal Property Tax Assessors) to
defend property tax appraisals and assessments that they either
performed, or were otherwise performed under their supervision, before
the Michigan Tax Tribunal, the Parties agree that no other County
Agents, including any County attorneys shall be authorized, required
and/or otherwise obligated under this Contract or pursuant to any other
agreement between the Parties to provide any legal representation to or
for the Municipality and/or otherwise defend, challenge, contest, appeal,
or argue on behalf of the Municipality before the Michigan Tax Tribunal
or any other review body or court.
§3. TERM OF CONTRACT. The Parties agree that the term of this Contract shall begin on
the effective date of this Contract, as otherwise provided herein, and shall end on
June 30, 2016, without any further act or notice from either Party being required. Any
and all County Services otherwise provided to the Municipality prior to the effective date
of this Contract, shall be subject to the terms and conditions provided for herein.
§4. NO TRANSFER OF MUNICIPALITY LEGAL OBLIGATIONS TO COUNTY. Except as
expressly provided for in this Contract, the Municipality agrees that this Contract does
not, and is not intended to, transfer, delegate, or assign to the County, and/or any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel any civil or legal responsibility, duty, obligation,
duty of care, cost, legal obligation, or liability associated with any governmental function
delegated and/or entrusted to the Municipality under any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain solely
liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities associated with
or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or assessment functions or
any other Municipality legal obligation. The Municipality agrees that under no
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FARMINGTON
Page 6
circumstances shall the County be responsible for any costs, obligations, and/or
civil liabilities associated with its Municipality function or any responsibility under
any State Property Tax Law.
4.2. The Municipality shall not incur or create any debts, liens, liabilities or obligations
for the County and shall take all necessary steps to ensure that any debts, liens,
liabilities or obligations that the Municipality may incur shall not become a debt,
liability, obligation or Claim(s) against the County.
4.3. The Parties agree that the Municipality shall at all times remain responsible for
the ultimate completion of any and all Municipality duties or obligations under any
and all applicable State Property Tax Laws. Nothing in this Contract shall relieve
the Municipality of any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
4.4. The Municipality and Municipality Agents shall be and remain responsible for
compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and
agency requirements in any manner affecting any work or performance of this
Contract or with any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
§5. NO DELEGATION OR DIMINUTION OF ANY GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY. The
Parties reserve to themselves any rights and obligations related to the provision of any
and all of each Party's respective governmental services, authority, responsibilities, and
obligations. Except as expressly provided otherwise herein, this Contract does not, and
is not intended to, create, diminish, delegate, transfer, assign, divest, impair, or
contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege, power, civil or
legal responsibility, obligation, duty of care, liability, capacity, immunity, authority or
character of office of either Party to any other person or Party.
5.1. The Parties further agree, notwithstanding any other term or condition in this
Contract, that no provision in this Contract is intended, nor shall it be construed,
as a waiver of any governmental immunity, as provided by statute or applicable
court decisions, by either Party, either for that Party and/or any of that Party's
County or Municipal Agents.
5.2. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, nothing in this Contract shall
be deemed to, in any way, limit or prohibit the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners statutory rights and obligations to review and/or further equalize
Municipality property values or tax assessments and/or further act upon any
Municipality assessment(s) of property taxes under any applicable State Property
Tax Laws, including, but not limited to challenging any Municipality assessment
before the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
§6. PAYMENT SCHEDULE. In consideration of the promises set forth in this Contract, the
Municipality agrees to pay to the County: For the contract years 2013-2014, 2014-2015,
and 2015-2016 the sum of $17.00 each year for each real property description and
$12.40 each year for each personal property description rendered during the life of this
Contract. Payment for the contract year 2013-2014 is payable on or before July 1, 2014,
payment for the contract year 2014-2015 is payable on or before July 1, 2015 and
payment for the contract year 201 5-20 16 is payable on or before July 1, 2016.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FARMINGTON
Page 7
In the event that, pursuant to Public Act 408 of 2012, a majority of the qualified electors of
this state voting in August of 2014 on the question:
"APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF THE AMENDATORY ACT DEDICATING A
PORTION OF USE TAX REVENUE TO BENEFIT METROPOLITAN AREAS
THROUGHOUT THIS STATE
The amendatory act adopted by the Legislature would:
1. Dedicate a portion of the existing state use tax as a local tax levied by A new
metropolitan areas authority.
2. Distribute revenue from that local tax throughout the state for local purposes, including
police and fire protection.
3. Increase that portion of the state use tax currently dedicated for aid to schools.
4. Prohibit the total use tax rate from exceeding the constitutional limit of 6%.
Should this amendatory act be approved?
YES [J
NO [ ]"."
vote for approval, the Parties agree that the charge for each personal property
description rendered for the contract years 2014 -2015 and 2015 -2016 will be
renegotiated by the Parties.
If during the term of this Contract, there are additional services requested of the County,
the Parties shall negotiate additional fees to be paid by the Municipality.
6.1. All time incurred for Board of Review dates beyond the regular County working
hours to be billed at the applicable Equalization Division personnel 's overtime
rate and charged to the Municipality over and above any other fees described in
this Contract, with the following exceptions:
6.1.1. One evening meeting as required by law under MCL § 211.30(3).
6.1.2. Dates requiring overtime set by the Municipality Charter.
6.2. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for postage on all personal property
statements and personal property notices mailed relating to work performed
under this Contract. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for all
photographic supplies.
6.3. If the Municipality fails, for any reason, to pay the County any monies when and
as due under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that unless expressly
prohibited by law, the County or the County Treasurer, at their sole option, shall
be entitled to a setoff from any other Municipality funds that are in the County 's
possession for any reason. Funds include but are not limited to the Delinquent
Tax Revolving Fund ("DTRF"). Any setoff or retention of funds by the County
shall be deemed a voluntary assignment of the amount by the Municipality to the
County. The Municipality waives any claims against the County or its Officials for
any acts related specifically to the County 's offsetting or retaining such amounts.
This paragraph shall not limit the Municipality 's legal right to dispute whether the
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FARMINGTON
Page 8
underlying amount retained by the County was actually due and owing under this
Contract.
6.4. If the County chooses not to exercise its right to setoff or if any setoff is
insufficient to fully pay the County any amounts due and owing the County under
this Contract, the County shall have the right to charge up to the then-maximum
legal interest on any unpaid amount. Interest charges shall be in addition to any
other amounts due to the County under this Contract. Interest charges shall be
calculated using the daily unpaid balance method and accumulate until all
outstanding amounts and accumulated interest are fully paid.
6.5. Nothing in this Section shall operate to limit the County's right to pursue or
exercise any other legal rights or remedies under this Contract against the
Municipality to secure reimbursement of amounts due the County under this
Contract. The remedies in this Section shall be available to the County on an
ongoing and successive basis if Municipality at any time becomes delinquent in
its payment. Notwithstanding any other term and condition in this Contract, if the
County pursues any legal action in any court to secure its payment under this
Contract, the Municipality agrees to pay all costs and expenses, including
attorney's fees and court costs, incurred by the County in the collection of any
amount owed by the Municipality.
6.6. Notwithstanding any other term or condition in this Contract, should the
Municipality fail for any reason to timely pay the County the amounts required
under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that the County may discontinue,
upon thirty (30) days written notice to the Municipality, without any penalty or
liability whatsoever, any County services or performance obligations under this
Contract.
§7. LIABILITY. The Municipality further agrees that the County shall not be liable to the
Municipality for any and all Claim(s), except as otherwise expressly provided for in this
Contract.
7.1. The Parties agree that this Contract does not and is not intended to create or
include any County warranty, promise, covenant or guaranty, either express or
implied, of any kind or nature whatsoever in favor of the other Municipality,
and/or any Municipality Agents, or any Municipality Taxpayer or any other person
or entity, or that the County's efforts in the performance of any obligation under
this Contract will result in any specific monetary benefit or efficiency, or increase
in any tax revenue for the Municipality, or will result in any specific reduction or
increase in any property assessment, or guarantee that any County services
provided under this Contract will withstand any challenge before the State Tax
Tribunal or any court or review body, or any other such performance-based
outcome.
7.2. In the event of any alleged breach, wrongful termination, and/or any default of
any term or condition of this Contract by either the County or any County Agent,
the County and/or any County Agent shall not be liable to the Municipality for any
indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, including, but not limited
to any replacement costs for County Services, any loss of income or revenue,
and/or any failure by the Municipality to meet any Municipality obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws, or any other economic benefit or harm
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FARMINGTON
Page 9
that the Municipality may have realized, but for any alleged breach, wrongful
termination, default and/or cancellation of this Contract, or damages beyond or in
excess of the amount(s) of any amount paid to, received or retained by the
County at the time of the alleged breach or default in connection with or under
the terms of this Contract, whether such alleged breach or default is alleged in an
action in contract or tort and/or whether or not the Municipality has been advised
of the possibility of such damages. This provision and this Contract is intended
by the Parties to allocate the risks between the Parties, and the Parties agree
that the allocation of each Party's efforts, costs, and obligations under this
Contract reflect this allocation of each Party's risk and the limitations of liability as
specified herein.
7.3. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, with regard to any and all
alleged losses, claims, complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes
of action, proceedings, judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs
and expenses, including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable
attorney fees, witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses,
any amounts paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the
Municipality or any Municipality Agent by any third person, including but not
limited to any Municipality Agent or Municipality Taxpayer, arising out of any
activities or Services to be carried out by any County Agent in the performance of
this Contract, the Municipality hereby agrees that it shall have no rights pursuant
to or under this Contract against the County and/or any County Agents to or for
any indemnification (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by implication)
contribution, subrogation, or other right to be reimbursed by the County and/or
any of County Agents based upon any and all legal theories or alleged rights of
any kind, whether known or unknown, for any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, judgments, deficiencies, liability,
penalties, litigation costs and expenses of any kind whatsoever which are
imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Municipality and which are
alleged to have arisen under or are in any way based or predicated upon this
Contract.
7.4. If the Municipality requests and the County agrees, the County may prepare the
actual tax statement for mailing by the Municipality to Municipality residents. In
preparing any such tax statement the County shall rely upon certain data
provided by the Municipality beyond the data gathered by the County under this
Contract, including, but not limited to, the applicable millage rate. The parties
agree that under no circumstances shall the County be held liable to the
Municipality or any third party based upon any error in any tax statement due to
information supplied by the Municipality to the County for such purposes.
§8. MUNICIPALITY AGENTS AND COOPERATION WITH THE COUNTY. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this Contract,
for guaranteeing that all Municipality Agents fully cooperate with Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of all County Services under this Contract. Likewise, the
County agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this
Contract, for guaranteeing that all Equalization Division personnel fully cooperate with
Municipality agents in the performance of all County Services under this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FARMINGTON
Page 10
8.1. Municipality Agents shall be employed and assigned based on appropriate
qualifications and other factors as decided by the Municipality. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely responsible for furnishing all Municipality Agents
with all job instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall solely
control, direct, and supervise all Municipality Agents and shall be solely
responsible for the means and manner in which Municipality's duties or
obligations under any applicable State Property Tax Laws are satisfied.
8.2. The Municipality agrees that it shall be solely and completely liable for any and
all Municipality Agents' past, present, or future wages, compensation, overtime
wages, expenses, fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel
expenses, mileage allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or
other allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation, Social
Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes, and/or any other
statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in any way related to any
Municipality Agent's employment status or any alleged violation of any
Municipality Agent's statutory, contractual (e.g., union, employment, or labor
contract), constitutional, common law employment right, and/or civil rights by the
Municipality. The Municipality agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County
from and against any and all Claim(s) which are imposed upon, incurred by, or
asserted against the County or any County Agent by any Municipality Agent
and/or which are based upon, result from, or arise from, or are in any way related
to any Municipality Agent's wages, compensation, benefits, or other employment-
related or based rights, including, but not limited to, those described in this
section.
8.3. The Municipality agrees that no Municipality Agent shall, by virtue of this Contract
or otherwise, be considered or claimed to be an employee of the County and/or a
County Agent, This Contract does not grant or confer, and shall not be
interpreted to grant or confer, upon any Municipality Agents or any other
individual any status, privilege, right, or benefit of County employment or that of a
County Agent,
8.4. The Municipality agrees to provide the County Agents with information regarding
any activity affecting the tax status of a parcel. This shall include both Ad
Valorem and Special Act Property Abatements and/or Exemptions (e.g. Including
though not limited to Alternative Energy or New Personal Property, Renaissance
Zones, Senior/Disabled Housing Facilities, Obsolete Property and Plant
Rehabilitation & Industrial Development Districts), inclusive of the establishment
of the related district. Additionally, the Municipality agrees to provide the County
Agents with information regarding the establishment/amendment of an Authority
and/or the approval/amendment of any related Development and/or Tax
Increment Finance Plan(s). The County shall be informed of these proposed
changes prior to approval by the governing body of the municipality.
8.5. The Municipality agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any increase in
taxation which is governed by the Truth in Taxation Act. Further, the Municipality
agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any millage increase (new) or
renewal.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FARMINGTON
Page 11
8.6. The Municipality will be responsible for Special Assessment billings, maintaining
a paper trail of roll changes, maintaining the rolls in balance, and providing the
Oakland County Equalization Division with the information necessary to prepare
the warrant.
8.7. The Municipality agrees that its agents will perform the following functions:
8.7.1. Mechanically make name changes to Sidwell numbers on a monthly
basis using the County's Computer terminals.
8.7.2. Provide a copy of all building permits with Sidwell numbers to the
County's Equalization Division on a monthly basis.
8.7.3. Be responsible for the establishment, accuracy and compilation of all
Special Assessment rolls in the Municipality.
8.7.4. Forward all exemption applications, transfer affidavits, personal property
statements and any and all other documents affecting the status or value
of property located within the Municipality to the County's Equalization
Division in a timely manner.
8.7.5. Forward all information on splits and combinations after approval by the
Municipality to the County's Equalization Division.
8.8. In the event that Municipality Agents, for whatever reason, fail or neglect to
undertake the tasks in Section 8.7 above, the County's Equalization Division may
perform these tasks and they shall be paid on a time and material basis. Such
rate shall be based upon the wages plus benefits of the person or persons
performing said tasks.
§9. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The Parties agree that at all times and for all purposes
under the terms of this Contract, the County's and/or any and all County Agents' legal
status and relationship to the Municipality shall be that of an Independent Contractor.
Except as expressly provided herein, each Party will be solely responsible for the acts of
its own employees, Agents, and servants during the term of this Contract. No liability,
right or benefits arising out of an employer/employee relationship, either express or
implied, shall arise or accrue to either Party as a result of this Contract.
§10. COUNTY PRIORITIZATION OF COUNTY RESOURCES. The Municipality
acknowledges and agrees that this Contract does not, and is not intended to, create
either any absolute right in favor of the Municipality, or any correspondent absolute duty
or obligation upon the County, to guarantee that any specific number(s) or classification
of County Agents will be present on any given day to provide County services to the
Municipality.
§11 INDEMNIFICATION. Each Party shall be responsible for any Claims made against that
Party and for the acts of its Employees or Agents. In any Claims that may arise from the
performance of this Contract, each Party shall seek its own legal representation and bear
the costs associated with such representation including any attorney fees. Except as
otherwise provided in this Contract, neither Party shall have any right under any legal
principle to be indemnified by the other Party or any of its Employees or Agents in
connection with any Claim. This Contract does not, and is not intended to, impair, divest,
delegate or contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right. privilege,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FARMINGTON
Page 12
power, obligation, duty, or immunity of the Parties. Nothing in this Contract shall be
construed as a waiver of governmental immunity for either Party.
§12. CANCELLATION OR TERMINATION OF THIS CONTRACT. Except as follows, and
notwithstanding any other term or provision in any other section of this Contract, either
Party, upon a minimum of ninety (90) calendar days written notice to the other Party, may
cancel and/or completely terminate this Contract for any reason, including convenience,
without incurring any penalty, expense, or liability to the other Party. The effective date
for any such termination is to be clearly stated in the notice.
12.1. At 5:00 p.m. on the effective date of the cancellation of this Contract all
Municipality and/or County obligations under this Contract, except those rights
and obligations expressly surviving cancellation as provided for in this Contract,
shall end.
12.2. The Municipality agrees that any and all Municipality obligations, including, but
not limited to, any and all indemnification and hold harmless promises, waivers of
liability, record-keeping requirements, any Municipality payment obligations to the
County, and/or any other related obligations provided for in this Contract with
regard to any acts, occurrences, events, transactions, or Claim(s) either
occurring or having their basis in any events or transactions that occurred before
the cancellation or completion of this Contract, shall survive the cancellation or
completion of this Contract.
§13. EFFECTIVE DATE, CONTRACT APPROVAL, AND AMENDMENT. The Parties agree
that this Contract, and/or any subsequent amendments thereto, shall not become
effective prior to the approval by concurrent resolutions of both the Oakland County
Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the City of Farmington. The
approval and terms of this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments
thereto, shall be entered in the official minutes and proceedings of both the Oakland
County Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the City of Farmington and
shall also be filed with the office of the Clerk of the County and the Clerk for the City of
Farmington.
§14. The Parties agree that this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments, shall
be filed with the Michigan Secretary of State and this Contract, and/or any possible
subsequent amendments, shall not become effective prior to this required filing with the
Secretary of State.
14.1. The Parties agree that except as expressly provided herein, this Contract shall
not be changed, supplemented, or amended, in any manner, except as provided
for herein, and no other act, verbal representation, document, usage or custom
shall be deemed to amend or modify this Contract in any manner.
§15. NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES. Except as expressly provided herein for the
benefit of the Parties (i.e., County or Municipality), this Contract does not, and is not
intended to, create, by implication or otherwise, any direct or indirect obligation, duty,
promise, benefit, right to be indemnified (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by
implication) and/or any right to be subrogated to any Party's rights in this Contract, and/or
any other right of any kind, in favor of any person, including, but not limited to, any
County Agent or Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer, any Taxpayer's legal
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FARMINGTON
Page 13
representative, any organization, any alleged unnamed beneficiary or assignee, and/or
any other person.
§16. CONSTRUED AS A WHOLE. The language of all parts of this Contract is intended to
and, in all cases, shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning, and not
construed strictly for or against any Party. As used in this Contract, the singular or plural
number, possessive or nonpossessive shall be deemed to include the other whenever
the context so suggests or requires.
§17. CAPTIONS. The section headings or titles and/or all section numbers contained in this
Contract are intended for the convenience of the reader and not intended to have any
substantive meaning and are not to be interpreted as part of this Contract.
§18. NOTICES. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, any and all
correspondence, invoices, and/or any other written notices required, permitted or
provided for under this Contract to be delivered to either Party shall be sent to that Party
by first class mail. All such written notices, including any notice canceling or terminating
this Contract as provided for herein, shall be sent to the other Party's signatory to this
Contract, or that signatory's successor in office, at the addresses shown in this Contract.
All correspondence or written notices shall be considered delivered to a Party as of the
date that such notice is deposited with sufficient postage with the U.S. Postal Service.
§19. WAIVER OF BREACH. The waiver of a breach of any provision of this Contract shall not
operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Each and every right,
remedy and power granted to either Party or allowed it by law shall be cumulative and not
exclusive of any other.
§20. ENTIRE CONTRACT. This Contract, consisting of a total of fifteen (15) pages, sets forth
the entire agreement between the County and the Municipality and fully supersedes any
and all prior agreements or understandings between them in any way related to the
subject matter hereof. It is further understood and agreed that the terms and conditions
herein are contractual and are not a mere recital and that there are no other agreements,
understandings, contracts, or representations between the County and the Municipality in
any way related to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly stated herein. This
Contract shall not be changed or supplemented orally and may be amended only as
otherwise provided herein.
For and in consideration of the mutual assurances, promises, acknowledgments, warrants,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned
hereby execute this Contract on behalf of the Parties, and by doing so legally obligate and bind
the Parties to the terms and conditions of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FARMINGTON
Page 14
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, J. T. Buck, Mayor of the City of Farmington hereby acknowledges
that he has been authorized by a resolution of the Governing Body of the City of Farmington, a
certified copy of which is attached, to execute this Contract on behalf of the Municipality and
hereby accepts and binds the City of Farmington to the terms and conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
J. T. Buck, Mayor
City of Farmington
WITNESSED: DATE:
Sue Halberstadt, Clerk
City of Farmington
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson, Oakland County Board of
Commissioners, hereby acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the
Oakland County Board of Commissioners, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this
Contract on behalf of the Oakland County, and hereby accepts and binds Oakland County to the
terms and conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
Michael J. Gingell. Chairperson
Oakland County Board of Commissioners
WITNESSED: DATE:
(Print Name) DATE:
County of Oakland
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FARMINGTON
Page 15
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY
EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FERNDALE
(real and personal property services)
This CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE
SERVICES WITH THE CITY OF FERNDALE, (hereafter, this "Contract") is made and entered
into between the COUNTY OF OAKLAND, a Michigan Constitutional and Municipal Corporation,
whose address is 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, Michigan 48341(hereafter, the
"County"), and the City of Ferndale, a Michigan Constitutional and Municipal Corporation whose
address is 300 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, Michigan, 48220-1797 (hereafter, the
"Municipality"). In this Contract, either the County and/or the Municipality may also be referred
to individually as a "Party" or jointly as "Parties."
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENTS
A. The Municipality, pursuant to the laws of the State of Michigan (hereafter, the "State"),
including, but not limited to, the Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.1, et seq.)
is required to perform real and personal property tax appraisals and assessments for all
nonexempt real and personal property located within the geographic boundaries of the
Municipality for the purpose of levying State and local property taxes.
B. The Parties recognize and agree that absent an agreement such as this, or pursuant to
an order of the State Tax Commission mandating the County to perform all or some of
the property tax appraisal and tax assessment responsibilities for real and/or personal
property located within the Municipality's geographic boundaries (MCL 211.10(f)), the
County, has no obligation to provide these Services to or for the Municipality.
C. The Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.34(3) provides that the County Board
of Commissioners, through the Equalization Division may furnish assistance to local
assessing officers in the performance of certain of these legally mandated, Municipality,
property appraisal and assessment responsibilities.
D. The Municipality has requested the County's Equalization Division assistance in
performing the "Equalization Division Assistance Services" (as described and defined in
this Contract) and has agreed in return to reimburse the County as provided for in this
Contract.
E. The County has determined that it has sufficient "Equalization Division Personnel," as
defined herein, possessing the requisite knowledge and expertise and is agreeable to
assisting the Municipality by providing the requested "Equalization Division Assistance
Services" under the terms and conditions of this Contract.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and the mutual promises,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the County and the
Municipality mutually agree as follows:
§1. DEFINED TERMS. In addition to the above defined terms (i.e., "Contract", "County",
"Municipality", "Party" and "Parties", and "State"), the Parties agree that the following
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FERNDALE
Page 1
words and expressions when printed with the first letter capitalized as shown herein,
whether used in the singular or plural, possessive or nonpossessive, and/or either within
or without quotation marks, shall, be defined and interpreted as follows:
1.1. "County Agent" or "County Agents" shall be defined as any and all Oakland
County elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board members, council
members, commissioners, authorities, other boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal representative or official capacities), and/or any persons acting by,
through, under, or in concert with any of them, excluding the Municipality and/or
any Municipality Agents, as defined herein. "County Agent" and/or "County
Agents" shall also include any person who was a County Agent anytime during
the term of this Contract but, for any reason, is no longer employed, appointed,
or elected and serving as a County Agent.
1.2. "Equalization Division Personnel" as used in this Contract shall be defined as a
specific subset of, and included as part of the larger group of County Agents as
defined above, and shall be further defined as any and all County Agents
specifically employed and assigned by the County to work in the Equalization
Division of the County's Department of Management and Budget as shown in the
current County budget and/or personnel records of the County. For any and all
purposes in this Contract, any reference to County Agents shall also include
within that term any and all Equalization Division Personnel, but any reference in
this Contract to Equalization Division Personnel shall not include any County
Agent employed by the County in any other function, capacity or organizational
unit of the County other than the Equalization Division of the Department of
Management and Budget.
1.3. "Municipality Agent" or ''Municipality Agents" shall be defined to include any and
all Municipality officers, elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board
members, council members, authorities, boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal, representative, or official capacities), and/or any and all persons acting
by, through, under, or in concert with any of them, except that no County Agent
shall be deemed a Municipality Agent and conversely, no Municipality Agent shall
be deemed a County Agent. "Municipality Agent" shall also include any person
who was a Municipality Agent at any time during this Contract but for any reason
is no longer employed, appointed, or elected in that capacity.
1.4. "Claim(s)" shall be defined to include any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes of action, proceedings,
judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs and expenses,
including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees,
witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses, any amounts
paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities or Claim(s) of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against either the
County and/or any County Agent, as defined herein, or any Claim(s) for which
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FERN DALE
Page 2
the County and/or any County Agent may become legally and/or contractually
obligated to pay or defend against, or any other liabilities of any kind whatsoever,
whether direct, indirect or consequential, whether based upon any alleged
violation of the constitution (Federal or State), any statute, rule, regulation or the
common law, whether in law or equity, tort, contract, or otherwise, and/or
whether commenced or threatened and arising out of any alleged breach of any
duty by the County and/or any County Agent to any third-person, the
Municipality, including any Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer under
or in connection with this Contract or are based on or result in any way from the
County's and/or any County Agent's participation in this Contract.
1.5. "Municipality Taxpayer" shall be defined as any and all residents, property
owners, persons, or taxable entities within the Municipality, or their
representatives or agents, who may be liable or responsible for any property
taxes assessed by the Municipality pursuant to any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
1.6. "State" shall be defined as the "State of Michigan," a sovereign governmental
entity of the United States, and shall also include within its definition any and all
departments or agencies of State government including specifically, but not
limited to, the State Tax Commission, the State Tax Tribunal, and/or the State
Department of Treasury.
§2. COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES. The Parties agree that
the full and complete scope of any and all County Equalization Division Assistance
Services shall be as described and limited in the following subsections (hereinafter
defined and referred to as either "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or
"Services").
2.1. "EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES" OR "SERVICES" TO BE
PROVIDED. "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services", to be
performed by County for the Municipality as those terms are defined in this
Contract, shall only include and shall be limited to the following activities:
2.1.1. This Contract is to provide for annual assessment of real and personal
property from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2016 as required by laws of the
State of Michigan. The County agrees to make assessments of real and
personal property within the Municipality pursuant to MCL 211,10d,
2.1.2. The Equalization Division personnel will appraise all property, process all
real and personal property description changes, prepare the assessment
roll for real and personal property in the Municipality; attend March, July
and December Boards of Review and other such duties as required by
the State General Property Tax Laws. The Equalization Division
personnel will also be available for consultation on all Michigan Tax
Tribunal real and personal property and special assessment appeals and
will assist the Municipality in the preparation of both the oral and written
defense of appeals, as long as there is a current Contract in effect.
2.2. PURPOSE OF COUNTY "SERVICES". The Parties agree that the purpose of
any and all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be
performed under this Contract shall be to assist (e.g., to help, aid, lend support,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FERNDALE
Page 3
and/or participate in as an auxiliary, to contribute effort toward completion of a
goal, etc.) the Municipality in the performance of that Municipality's official
functions, obligations, and Municipality's legal responsibilities for property tax
appraisal and assessment pursuant to the applicable State Property Tax Laws.
2.3. MANNER COUNTY TO PROVIDE SERVICES. The Parties agree that any and
all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be provided by
the County for the Municipality under this Contract shall be performed solely and
exclusively by the County's "Equalization Division Personnel" as defined herein.
2.3.1. Equalization Division Personnel, including those certified as MMAO, shall
be employed and assigned by the County in such numbers and based on
such appropriate qualifications and other factors as decided solely by the
County.
2.3.2. The Parties agree that the County shall be solely and exclusively
responsible for furnishing all Equalization Division Personnel with all job
instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall in all
circumstances control, supervise, train or direct all Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of any and all Services under this
Contract.
2.3.3. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, the Parties agree and
warrant that, at all times and for all purposes relevant to this Contract,
the County shall remain the sole and exclusive employer of all County
Agents and Equalization Division Personnel and that the County shall
remain solely and completely liable for any and all County Agents' past,
present, or future wages, compensation, overtime wages, expenses,
fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel expenses, mileage
allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or other
allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation,
Social Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes,
and/or any other statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in
any way related to any County Agent's employment status.
2.3.4. This Contract is neither intended, nor shall it be interpreted, to create,
change, grant, modify, supplement, supersede, alter, or otherwise affect
or control, in any manner, form, or at any time, any right, privilege,
benefit, or any other term or condition of employment, of any kind or
nature whatsoever, in, upon, or for any County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel with the County, any applicable County employment
and/or union contract, and/or any County rule(s), regulation(s), hours of
work, shift assignment, order(s), policy(ies), procedure(s), directive(s),
ethical guideline(s), etc., which shall, solely and exclusively, govern and
control the employment relationship between the County and any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel and/or the conduct and actions
of any County Agent or any Equalization Division Personnel. To
illustrate, but not otherwise limit, this Contract does not and shall not be
interpreted to limit, modify, control, or otherwise affect, in any manner:
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FERN DALE
Page 4
2.3.4.1. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation,
responsibility, and discretion to employ, compensate, assign,
reassign, transfer, promote, reclassify, discipline, demote,
layoff, furlough, discharge any Equalization Division Personnel
and/or pay any and all Equalization Division Personnel's
wages, salaries, allowances, reimbursements, compensation,
fringe benefits, or otherwise decide any and all such terms and
conditions of employment and make any and all employment
decisions that affect, in any way, the employment of any
Equalization Division Personnel with the County, subject only
to its applicable collective bargaining Contracts.
2.3.4.2. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation, and
responsibility to determine, establish, modify, or implement
any and all operational policies, procedures, orders, rules,
regulations, ethical guidelines, and/or any other judgment,
policy or directive which, in any way, governs or controls any
activity of any County Agent or Equalization Division
Personnel, any necessary County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel's training standards or proficiency(ies), any
level or amount of required supervision, any and all standards
of performance, any sequence or manner of performance, and
any level(s) of experience, training, or education required for
any Equalization Division Personnel performing any County
duty or obligation under the terms of this Contract.
2.3.5. The Municipality agrees that except as expressly provided for under the
terms of this Contract and/or laws of this State, no County Agent or
Equalization Division Personnel, while such person is currently and/or
actively employed or otherwise remains on the payroll of the County as a
County Agent shall be employed, utilized, or perform any other services,
of any kind, directly or indirectly, in any manner or capacity, or otherwise
be available to perform any other work or assignments by or for the
Municipality during the term of this Contract. This section shall not
prohibit the Municipality from employing any person who was a former
County Agent but is no longer employed in that capacity by the County.
2.3.6. Except as otherwise expressly provided by the Contract and/or
applicable State law, the Parties agree and warrant that neither the
County, nor any County Agent, nor any Equalization Division Personnel,
by virtue of this Contract or otherwise, shall be deemed, considered or
claimed to be an employee of the Municipality and/or a Municipality
Agent.
2.3.7. The Municipality shall not otherwise provide, furnish or assign any
Equalization Division Personnel with any job instructions, job
descriptions, job specifications, or job duties, or in any manner attempt to
control, supervise, train, or direct any Personnel in the performance of
any County's Equalization Division Assistance Services duty or obligation
under the terms of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FERN DALE
Page 5
2.4. LIMITS AND EXCLUSIONS ON COUNTY "SERVICES". Except as otherwise
expressly provided for within this Contract, neither the County nor any County
Agents shall be responsible for assisting or providing any other "Services " or
assistance to the Municipality or assume any additional responsibility for
assisting the Municipality in any other way or manner with any Municipality
obligations under any and all State Property Tax Laws, including, but not limited
to, providing any attorney or legal representation to the Municipality or any
Municipality Agent at any proceeding before the Michigan Tax Tribunal or any
other adjudicative body or court, except as expressiy provided for in this
Contract.
2.4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain
solely liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities
associated with or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or
assessment functions or any other Municipality legal obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws. The Municipality shall employ
and retain its own Municipality legal representation, as necessary, to
defend any such claim or challenge before the State Tax Tribunal or any
other court or review body.
2.4.2. Except for those express statutory and/or regulatory obligations
incumbent only upon licensed Equalization Division Personnel (i.e., State
Licensed and Certified Real and/or Personal Property Tax Assessors) to
defend property tax appraisals and assessments that they either
performed, or were otherwise performed under their supervision, before
the Michigan Tax Tribunal, the Parties agree that no other County
Agents, including any County attorneys shall be authorized, required
and/or otherwise obligated under this Contract or pursuant to any other
agreement between the Parties to provide any legal representation to or
for the Municipality and/or otherwise defend, challenge, contest, appeal,
or argue on behalf of the Municipality before the Michigan Tax Tribunal
or any other review body or court.
§3. TERM OF CONTRACT. The Parties agree that the term of this Contract shall begin on
the effective date of this Contract, as otherwise provided herein, and shall end on
June 30, 2016, without any further act or notice from either Party being required. Any
and all County Services otherwise provided to the Municipality prior to the effective date
of this Contract, shall be subject to the terms and conditions provided for herein.
§4. NO TRANSFER OF MUNICIPALITY LEGAL OBLIGATIONS TO COUNTY. Except as
expressly provided for in this Contract, the Municipality agrees that this Contract does
not, and is not intended to, transfer, delegate, or assian to the County, and/or any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel any civil or legal responsibility, duty, obligation,
duty of care, cost, legal obligation, or liability associated with any governmental function
delegated and/or entrusted to the Municipality under any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain solely
liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities associated with
or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or assessment functions or
any other Municipality legal obligation. The Municipality agrees that under no
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FERN DALE
Page 6
circumstances shall the County be responsible for any costs, obligations, and/or
civil liabilities associated with its Municipality function or any responsibility under
any State Property Tax Law.
4.2. The Municipality shall not incur or create any debts, liens, liabilities or obligations
for the County and shall take all necessary steps to ensure that any debts, liens,
liabilities or obligations that the Municipality may incur shall not become a debt,
liability, obligation or Claim(s) against the County.
4.3. The Parties agree that the Municipality shall at all times remain responsible for
the ultimate completion of any and all Municipality duties or obligations under any
and all applicable State Property Tax Laws. Nothing in this Contract shall relieve
the Municipality of any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
4.4. The Municipality and Municipality Agents shall be and remain responsible for
compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and
agency requirements in any manner affecting any work or performance of this
Contract or with any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
§5. NO DELEGATION OR DIMINUTION OF ANY GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY. The
Parties reserve to themselves any rights and obligations related to the provision of any
and all of each Party's respective governmental services, authority, responsibilities, and
obligations. Except as expressly provided otherwise herein, this Contract does not, and
is not intended to, create, diminish, delegate, transfer, assign, divest, impair, or
contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege, power, civil or
legal responsibility, obligation, duty of care, liability, capacity, immunity, authority or
character of office of either Party to any other person or Party.
5.1. The Parties further agree, notwithstanding any other term or condition in this
Contract, that no provision in this Contract is intended, nor shall it be construed,
as a waiver of any governmental immunity, as provided by statute or applicable
court decisions, by either Party, either for that Party and/or any of that Party's
County or Municipal Agents.
5.2. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, nothing in this Contract shall
be deemed to, in any way, limit or prohibit the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners statutory rights and obligations to review and/or further equalize
Municipality property values or tax assessments and/or further act upon any
Municipality assessment(s) of property taxes under any applicable State Property
Tax Laws, including, but not limited to challenging any Municipality assessment
before the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
§6. PAYMENT SCHEDULE. In consideration of the promises set forth in this Contract, the
Municipality agrees to pay to the County: For the contract years 2013-2014, 2014-2015,
and 2015-2016 the sum of $13.60 each year for each real property description and
$12.40 each year for each personal property description rendered during the life of this
Contract. Payment for the contract year 2013-2014 is payable on or before July 1, 2014,
payment for the contract year 2014-2015 is payable on or before July 1,2015 and
payment for the contract year 2015-2016 is payable on or before July 1,2016.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FERN DALE
Page 7
In the event that, pursuant to Public Act 408 of 2012, a majority of the qualified electors of
this state voting in August of 2014 on the question:
"APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF THE AMENDATORY ACT DEDICATING A
PORTION OF USE TAX REVENUE TO BENEFIT METROPOLITAN AREAS
THROUGHOUT THIS STATE
The amendatory act adopted by the Legislature would:
1. Dedicate a portion of the existing state use tax as a local tax levied by a new
metropolitan areas authority.
2. Distribute revenue from that local tax throughout the state for local purposes, including
police and fire protection.
3. Increase that portion of the state use tax currently dedicated for aid to schools.
4. Prohibit the total use tax rate from exceeding the constitutional limit of 6%.
Should this amendatory act be approved?
YES [J
NO [ ]"."
vote for approval, the Parties agree that the charge for each personal property
description rendered for the contract years 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 will be
renegotiated by the Parties.
If during the term of this Contract, there are additional services requested of the County,
the Parties shall negotiate additional fees to be paid by the Municipality.
6.1. Ali time incurred for Board of Review dates beyond the regular County working
hours to be billed at the applicable Equalization Division personnel's overtime
rate and charged to the Municipality over and above any other fees described in
this Contract, with the following exceptions:
6.1.1. One evening meeting as required by law under MCL § 211.30(3).
6.1.2. Dates requiring overtime set by the Municipality Charter.
6.2. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for postage on all personal property
statements and personal property notices mailed relating to work performed
under this Contract. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for all
photographic supplies.
6.3. If the Municipality fails, for any reason, to pay the County any monies when and
as due under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that unless expressly
prohibited by law, the County or the County Treasurer, at their sole option, shall
be entitled to a setoff from any other Municipality funds that are in the County's
possession for any reason. Funds include but are not limited to the Delinquent
Tax Revolving Fund ("DTRF"). Any setoff or retention of funds by the County
shall be deemed a voluntary assignment of the amount by the Municipality to the
County. The Municipality waives any claims against the County or its Officials for
any acts related specifically to the County's offsetting or retaining such amounts.
This paragraph shall not limit the Municipality's legal right to dispute whether the
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FERNDALE
Page B
underlying amount retained by the County was actually due and owing under this
Contract.
6.4. If the County chooses not to exercise its right to setoff or if any setoff is
insufficient to fully pay the County any amounts due and owing the County under
this Contract, the County shall have the right to charge up to the then-maximum
legal interest on any unpaid amount. Interest charges shall be in addition to any
other amounts due to the County under this Contract. Interest charges shall be
calculated using the daily unpaid balance method and accumulate until all
outstanding amounts and accumulated interest are fully paid.
6.5. Nothing in this Section shall operate to limit the County's right to pursue or
exercise any other legal rights or remedies under this Contract against the
Municipality to secure reimbursement of amounts due the County under this
Contract. The remedies in this Section shall be available to the County on an
ongoing and successive basis if Municipality at any time becomes delinquent in
its payment. Notwithstanding any other term and condition in this Contract, if the
County pursues any legal action in any court to secure its payment under this
Contract, the Municipality agrees to pay all costs and expenses, including
attorney's fees and court costs, incurred by the County in the collection of any
amount owed by the Municipality.
6.6. Notwithstanding any other term or condition in this Contract, should the
Municipality fail for any reason to timely pay the County the amounts required
under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that the County may discontinue,
upon thirty (30) days written notice to the Municipality, without any penalty or
liability whatsoever, any County services or performance obligations under this
Contract.
§7. LIABILITY. The Municipality further agrees that the County shall not be liable to the
Municipality for any and all Claim(s), except as otherwise expressly provided for in this
Contract.
7.1. The Parties agree that this Contract does not and is not intended to create or
include any County warranty, promise, covenant or guaranty, either express or
implied, of any kind or nature whatsoever in favor of the other Municipality,
and/or any Municipality Agents, or any Municipality Taxpayer or any other person
or entity, or that the County's efforts in the performance of any obligation under
this Contract will result in any specific monetary benefit or efficiency, or increase
in any tax revenue for the Municipality, or will result in any specific reduction or
increase in any property assessment, or guarantee that any County services
provided under this Contract will withstand any challenge before the State Tax
Tribunal or any court or review body, or any other such performance-based
outcome.
7.2. In the event of any alleged breach, wrongful termination, and/or any default of
any term or condition of this Contract by either the County or any County Agent,
the County and/or any County Agent shall not be liable to the Municipality for any
indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, including, but not limited
to any replacement costs for County Services, any loss of income or revenue,
and/or any failure by the Municipality to meet any Municipality obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws, or any other economic benefit or harm
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FERNDALE
Page 9
that the Municipality may have realized, but for any alleged breach, wrongful
termination, default and/or cancellation of this Contract, or damages beyond or in
excess of the amount(s) of any amount paid to, received or retained by the
County at the time of the alleged breach or default in connection with or under
the terms of this Contract, whether such alleged breach or default is alleged in an
action in contract or tort and/or whether or not the Municipality has been advised
of the possibility of such damages. This provision and this Contract is intended
by the Parties to allocate the risks between the Parties, and the Parties agree
that the allocation of each Party's efforts, costs, and obligations under this
Contract reflect this allocation of each Party's risk and the limitations of liability as
specified herein.
7.3. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, with regard to any and all
alleged losses, claims, complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes
of action, proceedings, judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs
and expenses, including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable
attorney fees, witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses,
any amounts paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the
Municipality or any Municipality Agent by any third person, including but not
limited to any Municipality Agent or Municipality Taxpayer, arising out of any
activities or Services to be carried out by any County Agent in the performance of
this Contract, the Municipality hereby agrees that it shall have no rights pursuant
to or under this Contract against the County and/or any County Agents to or for
any indemnification (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by implication)
contribution, subrogation, or other right to be reimbursed by the County and/or
any of County Agents based upon any and all legal theories or alleged rights of
any kind, whether known or unknown, for any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, judgments, deficiencies, liability,
penalties, litigation costs and expenses of any kind whatsoever which are
imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Municipality and which are
alleged to have arisen under or are in any way based or predicated upon this
Contract.
7.4. If the Municipality requests and the County agrees, the County may prepare the
actual tax statement for mailing by the Municipality to Municipality residents. In
preparing any such tax statement the County shall rely upon certain data
provided by the Municipality beyond the data gathered by the County under this
Contract, including, but not limited to, the applicable millage rate. The parties
agree that under no circumstances shall the County be held liable to the
Municipality or any third party based upon any error in any tax statement due to
information supplied by the Municipality to the County for such purposes.
§8. MUNICIPALITY AGENTS AND COOPERATION WITH THE COUNTY. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this Contract,
for guaranteeing that all Municipality Agents fully cooperate with Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of all County Services under this Contract. Likewise, the
County agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this
Contract, for guaranteeing that all Equalization Division personnel fully cooperate with
Municipality agents in the performance of all County Services under this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FERN DALE
Page 10
8.1. Municipality Agents shall be employed and assigned based on appropriate
qualifications and other factors as decided by the Municipality. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely responsible for furnishing all Municipality Agents
with all job instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall solely
control, direct, and supervise all Municipality Agents and shall be solely
responsible for the means and manner in which Municipality's duties or
obligations under any applicable State Property Tax Laws are satisfied.
8.2. The Municipality agrees that it shall be solely and completely liable for any and
all Municipality Agents' past, present, or future wages, compensation, overtime
wages, expenses, fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel
expenses, mileage allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or
other allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation, Social
Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes, and/or any other
statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in any way related to any
Municipality Agent's employment status or any alleged violation of any
Municipality Agent's statutory, contractual (e.g., union, employment, or labor
contract), constitutional, common law employment right, and/or civil rights by the
Municipality. The Municipality agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County
from and against any and all Claim(s) which are imposed upon, incurred by, or
asserted against the County or any County Agent by any Municipality Agent
and/or which are based upon, result from, or arise from, or are in any way related
to any Municipality Agent's wages, compensation, benefits, or other employment-
related or based rights, including, but not limited to, those described in this
section.
8.3. The Municipality agrees that no Municipality Agent shall, by virtue of this Contract
or otherwise, be considered or claimed to be an employee of the County and/or a
County Agent. This Contract does not grant or confer, and shall not be
interpreted to grant or confer, upon any Municipality Agents or any other
individual any status, privilege, right, or benefit of County employment or that of a
County Agent.
8.4. The Municipality agrees to provide the County Agents with information regarding
any activity affecting the tax status of a parcel. This shall include both Ad
Valorem and Special Act Property Abatements and/or Exemptions (e.g. Including
though not limited to Alternative Energy or New Personal Property, Renaissance
Zones, Senior/Disabled Housing Facilities, Obsolete Property and Plant
Rehabilitation & Industrial Development Districts), inclusive of the establishment
of the related district. Additionally, the Municipality agrees to provide the County
Agents with information regarding the establishment/amendment of an Authority
and/or the approval/amendment of any related Development and/or Tax
Increment Finance Plan(s). The County shall be informed of these proposed
changes prior to approval by the governing body of the municipality.
8.5. The Municipality agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any increase in
taxation which-is governed by the Truth in Taxation Act. Further, the Municipality
agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any millage increase (new) or
renewal.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FERN DALE
Page 11
8.6. The Municipality will be responsible for Special Assessment billings, maintaining
a paper trail of roll changes, maintaining the rolls in balance, and providing the
Oakland County Equalization Division with the information necessary to prepare
the warrant.
8.7. The Municipality agrees that its agents will perform the following functions:
8.7.1. Mechanically make name changes to Sidwell numbers on a monthly
basis using the County's Computer terminals.
8.7.2. Provide a copy of all building permits with Sidwell numbers to the
County's Equalization Division on a monthly basis.
8.7.3. Be responsible for the establishment, accuracy and compilation of all
Special Assessment rolls in the Municipality.
8.7.4. Forward all exemption applications, transfer affidavits, personal property
statements and any and all other documents affecting the status or value
of property located within the Municipality to the County's Equalization
Division in a timely manner.
8.7.5. Forward all information on splits and combinations after approval by the
Municipality to the County's Equalization Division.
8.8. In the event that Municipality Agents, for whatever reason, fail or neglect to
undertake the tasks in Section 8.7 above, the County's Equalization Division may
perform these tasks and they shall be paid on a time and material basis. Such
rate shall be based upon the wages plus benefits of the person or persons
performing said tasks.
§9. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The Parties agree that at all times and for all purposes
under the terms of this Contract, the County's and/or any and all County Agents' legal
status and relationship to the Municipality shall be that of an Independent Contractor.
Except as expressly provided herein, each Party will be solely responsible for the acts of
its own employees, Agents, and servants during the term of this Contract. No liability,
right or benefits arising out of an employer/employee relationship, either express or
implied, shall arise or accrue to either Party as a result of this Contract.
§10. COUNTY PRIORITIZATION OF COUNTY RESOURCES. The Municipality
acknowledges and agrees that this Contract does not, and is not intended to, create
either any absolute right in favor of the Municipality, or any correspondent absolute duty
or obligation upon the County, to guarantee that any specific number(s) or classification
of County Agents will be present on any given day to provide County services to the
Municipality.
§11. INDEMNIFICATION. Each Party shall be responsible for any Claims made against that
Party and for the acts of its Employees or Agents. In any Claims that may arise from the
performance of this Contract, each Party shall seek its own legal representation and bear
the costs associated with such representation including any attorney fees. Except as
otherwise provided in this Contract, neither Party shall have any right under any legal
principle to be indemnified by the other Party or any of its Employees or Agents in
connection with any Claim. This Contract does not, and is not intended to, impair, divest,
delegate or contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FERN DALE
Page 12
power, obligation, duty, or immunity of the Parties. Nothing in this Contract shall be
construed as a waiver of governmental immunity for either Party.
§12. CANCELLATION OR TERMINATION OF THIS CONTRACT. Except as follows, and
notwithstanding any other term or provision in any other section of this Contract, either
Party, upon a minimum of ninety (90) calendar days written notice to the other Party, may
cancel and/or completely terminate this Contract for any reason, including convenience,
without incurring any penalty, expense, or liability to the other Party. The effective date
for any such termination is to be clearly stated in the notice.
12.1. At 5:00 p.m. on the effective date of the cancellation of this Contract all
Municipality and/or County obligations under this Contract, except those rights
and obligations expressly surviving cancellation as provided for in this Contract,
shall end.
12.2. The Municipality agrees that any and all Municipality obligations, including, but
not limited to, any and all indemnification and hold harmless promises, waivers of
liability, record-keeping requirements, any Municipality payment obligations to the
County, and/or any other related obligations provided for in this Contract with
regard to any acts, occurrences, events, transactions, or Claim(s) either
occurring or having their basis in any events or transactions that occurred before
the cancellation or completion of this Contract, shall survive the cancellation or
completion of this Contract.
§13. EFFECTIVE DATE, CONTRACT APPROVAL, AND AMENDMENT. The Parties agree
that this Contract, and/or any subsequent amendments thereto, shall not become
effective prior to the approval by concurrent resolutions of both the Oakland County
Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the City of Ferndale. The approval
and terms of this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments thereto, shall be
entered in the official minutes and proceedings of both the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners and the Governing Body of the City of Ferndale and shall also be filed
with the office of the Clerk of the County and the Clerk for the City of Ferndale,
§14. The Parties agree that this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments, shall
be filed with the Michigan Secretary of State and this Contract, and/or any possible
subsequent amendments, shall not become effective prior to this required filing with the
Secretary of State.
14.1. The Parties agree that except as expressly provided herein, this Contract shall
not be changed, supplemented, or amended, in any manner, except as provided
for herein, and no other act, verbal representation, document, usage or custom
shall be deemed to amend or modify this Contract in any manner.
§15. NO THIRD-PARTY 131\1FFICIARIES. PxrP rot as expressly provided herein for the
benefit of the Parties (i.e., County or Municipality), this Contract does not, and is not
intended to, create, by implication or otherwise, any direct or indirect obligation, duty,
promise, benefit, right to be indemnified (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by
implication) and/or any right to be subrogated to any Party's rights in this Contract, and/or
any other right of any kind, in favor of any person, including, but not limited to, any
County Agent or Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer, any Taxpayer's legal
representative, any organization, any alleged unnamed beneficiary or assignee, and/or
any other person.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FERNDALE
Page 13
§16. CONSTRUED AS A WHOLE. The language of all parts of this Contract is intended to
and, in all cases, shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning, and not
construed strictly for or against any Party. As used in this Contract, the singular or plural
number, possessive or nonpossessive shall be deemed to include the other whenever
the context so suggests or requires.
§17. CAPTIONS. The section headings or titles and/or all section numbers contained in this
Contract are intended for the convenience of the reader and not intended to have any
substantive meaning and are not to be interpreted as part of this Contract.
§18. NOTICES. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, any and all
correspondence, invoices, and/or any other written notices required, permitted or
provided for under this Contract to be delivered to either Party shall be sent to that Party
by first class mail. All such written notices, including any notice canceling or terminating
this Contract as provided for herein, shall be sent to the other Party's signatory to this
Contract, or that signatory's successor in office, at the addresses shown in this Contract.
All correspondence or written notices shall be considered delivered to a Party as of the
date that such notice is deposited with sufficient postage with the U.S. Postal Service.
§19. WAIVER OF BREACH. The waiver of a breach of any provision of this Contract shall not
operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Each and every right,
remedy and power granted to either Party or allowed it by law shall be cumulative and not
exclusive of any other.
§20. ENTIRE CONTRACT. This Contract, consisting of a total of fifteen (15) pages, sets forth
the entire agreement between the County and the Municipality and fully supersedes any
and all prior agreements or understandings between them in any way related to the
subject matter hereof. It is further understood and agreed that the terms and conditions
herein are contractual and are not a mere recital and that there are no other agreements,
understandings, contracts, or representations between the County and the Municipality in
any way related to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly stated herein. This
Contract shall not be changed or supplemented orally and may be amended only as
otherwise provided herein.
For and in consideration of the mutual assurances, promises, acknowledgments, warrants,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned
hereby execute this Contract on behalf of the Parties, and by doing so legally obligate and bind
the Parties to the terms and conditions of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FERNDALE
Page 14
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, David Coulter, Mayor of the City of Ferndale hereby acknowledges
that he has been authorized by a resolution of the Governing Body of the City of Ferndale, a
certified copy of which is attached, to execute this Contract on behalf of the Municipality and
hereby accepts and binds the City of Ferndale to the terms and conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
David Coulter, Mayor
C';1,, ci I luaic
WITNESSED: DATE:
J. Cherilynn Brown, Clerk
City of Ferndale
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson, Oakland County Board of
Commissioners, hereby acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the
Oakland County Board of Commissioners, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this
Contract on behalf of the Oakland County, and hereby accepts and binds Oakland County to the
terms and conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson
Oakland County Board of Commissioners
WITNESSED:
(Print Name)
DATE:
DATE:
County of Oakland
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF FERNDALE
Page 15
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY
EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF HAZEL PARK
(real and personal property services)
This CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE
SERVICES WITH THE CITY OF HAZEL PARK, (hereafter, this "Contract'') is made and entered
into between the COUNTY OF OAKLAND, a Michigan Constitutional and Municipal Corporation,
lAthrlQa nr1rir41Qc iS 1 9nn Nnrth TIrirrh Prr4 Pont*-, Michign 451141(hgftor, tho
"County"), and the City of Hazel Park, a Mgan Constitutional and Municipal Corporation
whose address is 111 E. Nine Mile Road, Hazel Park, Michigan, 48030 (hereafter, the
"Municipality"). In this Contract, either the County and/or the Municipality may also be referred
to individually as a "Party" or jointly as "Parties."
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENTS
A. The Municipality, pursuant to the laws of the State of Michigan (hereafter, the "State"),
including, but not limited to, the Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.1, et seq.)
is required to perform real and personal property tax appraisals and assessments for all
nonexempt real and personal property located within the geographic boundaries of the
Municipality for the purpose of levying State and local property taxes.
B. The Parties recognize and agree that absent an agreement such as this, or pursuant to
an order of the State Tax Commission mandating the County to perform all or some of
the property tax appraisal and tax assessment responsibilities for real and/or personal
property located within the Municipality's geographic boundaries (MCL 211.10(f)), the
County, has no obligation to provide these Services to or for the Municipality.
C. The Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.34(3) provides that the County Board
of Commissioners, through the Equalization Division may furnish assistance to local
assessing officers in the performance of certain of these legally mandated, Municipality,
property appraisal and assessment responsibilities.
D. The Municipality has requested the County's Equalization Division assistance in
performing the "Equalization Division Assistance Services" (as described and defined in
this Contract) and has agreed in return to reimburse the County as provided for in this
Contract.
E. The County has determined that it has sufficient "Equalization Division Personnel," as
defined herein, possessing the requisite knowledge and expertise and is agreeable to
assisting the Municipality by providing the requested "Equalization Division Assistance
Services" under the terms and conditions of this Contract.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and the mutual promises,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the County and the
Municipality mutually agree as follows:
§1. DEFINED TERMS. In addition to the above defined terms (i.e., "Contract", "County",
"Municipality", "Party" and "Parties", and "State"), the Parties agree that the following
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF HAZEL PARK
Page 1
words and expressions when printed with the first letter capitalized as shown herein,
whether used in the singular or plural, possessive or nonpossessive, and/or either within
or without quotation marks, shall, be defined and interpreted as follows:
1.1. "County Agent" or "County Agents" shall be defined as any and all Oakland
County elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board members, council
members, commissioners, authorities, other boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal representative or official capacities), and/or any persons acting by,
through, under, or in concert with any of them, excluding the Municipality and/or
any Municipality Agents, as defined herein. "County Agent" and/or "County
Agents" shall also include any person who was a County Agent anytime during
the term of this Contract but, for any reason, is no longer employed, appointed,
or elected and serving as a County Agent.
1.2 "Equalization Division Personnel" as used in this Contract shall be defined as a
specific subset of, and included as part of the larger group of County Agents as
defined above, and shall be further defined as any and all County Agents
specifically employed and assigned by the County to work in the Equalization
Division of the County's Department of Management and Budget as shown in the
current County budget and/or personnel records of the County. For any and all
purposes in this Contract, any reference to County Agents shall also include
within that term any and all Equalization Division Personnel, but any reference in
this Contract to Equalization Division Personnel shall not include any County
Agent employed by the County in any other function, capacity or organizational
unit of the County other than the Equalization Division of the Department of
Management and Budget.
1.3. "Municipality Agent" or "Municipality Agents" shall be defined to include any and
all Municipality officers, elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board
members, council members, authorities, boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal, representative, or official capacities), and/or any and all persons acting
by, through, under, or in concert with any of them, except that no County Agent
shall be deemed a Municipality Agent and conversely, no Municipality Agent shall
be deemed a County Agent. "Municipality Agent" shall also include any person
who was a Municipality Agent at any time during this Contract but for any reason
is no longer employed, appointed, or elected in that capacity.
1.4. "Claim(s)" shall be defined to include any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes of action, proceedings,
judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs and expenses,
including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees,
witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses, any amounts
paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities or Claim(s) of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against either the
County and/or any County Agent, as defined herein, or any Claim(s) for which
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF HAZEL PARK
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the County and/or any County Agent may become legally and/or contractually
obligated to pay or defend against, or any other liabilities of any kind whatsoever,
whether direct, indirect or consequential, whether based upon any alleged
violation of the constitution (Federal or State), any statute, rule, regulation or the
common law, whether in law or equity, tort, contract, or otherwise, and/or
whether commenced or threatened and arising out of any alleged breach of any
duty by the County and/or any County Agent to any third-person, the
Municipality, including any Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer under
or in connection with this Contract or are based on or result in any way from the
County's and/or any County Agent's participation in this Contract.
1.5. "Municipality Taxpayer" shall be defined as any and all residents, property
owners, persons, or taxable entities within the Municipality, or their
representatives or agents, who may be liable or responsible for any property
taxes assessed by the Municipality pursuant to any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
1.6. "State" shall be defined as the "State of Michigan," a sovereign governmental
entity of the United States, and shall also include within its definition any and all
departments or agencies of State government including specifically, but not
limited to, the State Tax Commission, the State Tax Tribunal, and/or the State
Department of Treasury.
§2. COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES. The Parties agree that
the full and complete scope of any and all County Equalization Division Assistance
Services shall be as described and limited in the following subsections (hereinafter
defined and referred to as either "Equalization Division Assistance Services' or
"Services").
2.1. "EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES" OR "SERVICES" TO BE
PROVIDED. "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services", to be
performed by County for the Municipality as those terms are defined in this
Contract, shall only include and shall be limited to the following activities:
2.1.1. This Contract is to provide for annual assessment of real and personal
property from July 1,2013 to June 30, 2016 as required by laws of the
State of Michigan. The County agrees to make assessments of real and
personal property within the Municipality pursuant to MCL 211.10d,
2.1.2. The Equalization Division personnel will appraise all property, process all
real and personal property description changes, prepare the assessment
roll for real and personal property in the Municipality; attend March, July
and December Boards of Review and other such duties as required by
the State General Property Tax Laws. The Equalization Division
personnel will also be available for consultation on all Michigan Tax
Tribunal real and personal property and special assessment appeals and
will assist the Municipality in the preparation of both the oral and written
defense of appeals, as long as there is a current Contract in effect.
2.2. PURPOSE OF COUNTY "SERVICES". The Parties agree that the purpose of
any and all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be
performed under this Contract shall be to assist (e.g., to help, aid, lend support,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF HAZEL PARK
Page 3
and/or participate in as an auxiliary, to contribute effort toward completion of a
goal, etc.) the Municipality in the performance of that Municipality's official
functions, obligations, and Municipality's legal responsibilities for property tax
appraisal and assessment pursuant to the applicable State Property Tax Laws.
2.3. MANNER COUNTY TO PROVIDE SERVICES. The Parties agree that any and
all "Equalization Division Assistance Services' or "Services" to be provided by
the County for the Municipality under this Contract shall be performed solely and
exclusively by the County's "Equalization Division Personnel" as defined herein.
2.3.1. Equalization Division Personnel, including those certified as MMAO, shall
be employed and assigned by the County in such numbers and based on
such appropriate qualifications and other factors as decided solely by the
County.
2.3.2. The Parties agree that the County shall be solely and exclusively
responsible for furnishing all Equalization Division Personnel with all job
instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall in all
circumstances control, supervise, train or direct all Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of any and all Services under this
Contract.
2.3.3. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, the Parties agree and
warrant that, at all times and for all purposes relevant to this Contract.
the County shall remain the sole and exclusive employer of all County
Agents and Equalization Division Personnel and that the County shall
remain solely and completely liable for any and all County Agents' past,
present, or future wages, compensation, overtime wages, expenses,
fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel expenses, mileage
allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or other
allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation,
Social Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes,
and/or any other statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in
any way related to any County Agent's employment status.
2.3.4. This Contract is neither intended, nor shall it be interpreted, to create,
change, grant, modify, supplement, supersede, alter, or otherwise affect
or control, in any manner, form, or at any time, any right, privilege,
benefit, or any other term or condition of employment, of any kind or
nature whatsoever, in, upon, or for any County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel with the County, any applicable County employment
and/or union contract, and/or any County rule(s), regulation(s), hours of
work, shift assignment, order(s), policy(ies), procedure(s), directive(s),
ethical guideline(s), etc., which shall, solely and exclusively, govern and
control the employment relationship between the County and any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel and/or the conduct and actions
of any County Agent or any Equalization Division Personnel. To
illustrate, but not otherwise limit, this Contract does not and shall not be
interpreted to limit, modify, control, or otherwise affect, in any manner:
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF HAZEL PARK
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2.3.4.1. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation,
responsibility, and discretion to employ, compensate, assign,
reassign, transfer, promote, reclassify, discipline, demote,
layoff, furlough, discharge any Equalization Division Personnel
and/or pay any and all Equalization Division Personnel's
wages, salaries, allowances, reimbursements, compensation,
fringe benefits, or otherwise decide any and all such terms and
conditions of employment and make any and all employment
decisions that affect, in any way, the employment of any
Equalization Division Personnel with the County, subject only
to its applicable collective bargaining Contracts.
2.3.4.2. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation, and
responsibility to determine, establish, modify, or implement
any and all operational policies, procedures, orders, rules,
regulations, ethical guidelines, and/or any other judgment,
policy or directive which, in any way, governs or controls any
activity of any County Agent or Equalization Division
Personnel, any necessary County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel's training standards or proficiency(ies), any
level or amount of required supervision, any and all standards
of performance, any sequence or manner of performance, and
any level(s) of experience, training, or education required for
any Equalization Division Personnel performing any County
duty or obligation under the terms of this Contract.
2.3.5. The Municipality agrees that except as expressly provided for under the
terms of this Contract and/or laws of this State, no County Agent or
Equalization Division Personnel, while such person is currently and/or
actively employed or otherwise remains on the payroll of the County as a
County Agent shall be employed, utilized, or perform any other services,
of any kind, directly or indirectly, in any manner or capacity, or otherwise
be available to perform any other work or assignments by or for the
Municipality during the term of this Contract. This section shall not
prohibit the Municipality from employing any person who was a former
County Agent but is no longer employed in that capacity by the County.
2.3.6. Except as otherwise expressly provided by the Contract and/or
applicable State law, the Parties agree and warrant that neither the
County, nor any County Agent, nor any Equalization Division Personnel,
by virtue of this Contract or otherwise, shall be deemed, considered or
claimed to be an employee of the Municipality and/or a Municipality
Agent.
2.3.7. The Municipality shall not otherwise provide, furnish or assign any
Equalization Division Personnel with any job instructions, job
descriptions, job specifications, or job duties, or in any manner attempt to
control, supervise, train, or direct any Personnel in the performance of
any County's Equalization Division Assistance Services duty or obligation
under the terms of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF HAZEL PARK
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2.4. LIMITS AND EXCLUSIONS ON COUNTY "SERVICES". Except as otherwise
expressly provided for within this Contract, neither the County nor any County
Agents shall be responsible for assisting or providing any other "Services " or
assistance to the Municipality or assume any additional responsibility for
assisting the Municipality in any other way or manner with any Municipality
obligations under any and all State Property Tax Laws, including, but not limited
to, providing any attorney or legal representation to the Municipality or any
Municipality Agent at any proceeding before the Michigan Tax Tribunal or any
other adjudicative body or court, except as expressly provided for in this
Contract.
2.4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain
solely liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities
associated with or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or
assessment functions or any other Municipality legal obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws. The Municipality shall employ
and retain its own Municipality legal representation, as necessary, to
defend any such claim or challenge before the State Tax Tribunal or any
other court or review body.
2.4.2. Except for those express statutory and/or regulatory obligations
incumbent only upon licensed Equalization Division Personnel (i.e., State
Licensed and Certified Real and/or Personal Property Tax Assessors) to
defend property tax appraisals and assessments that they either
performed, or were otherwise performed under their supervision, before
the Michigan Tax Tribunal, the Parties agree that no other County
Agents, including any County attorneys shall be authorized, required
and/or otherwise obligated under this Contract or pursuant to any other
agreement between the Parties to provide any legal representation to or
for the Municipality and/or otherwise defend, challenge, contest, appeal,
or argue on behalf of the Municipality before the Michigan Tax Tribunal
or any other review body or court.
§3. TERM OF CONTRACT, The Parties agree that the term of this Contract shall begin on
the effective date of this Contract, as otherwise provided herein, and shall end on
June 30, 2016, without any further act or notice from either Party being required. Any
and all County Services otherwise provided to the Municipality prior to the effective date
of this Contract, shall be subject to the terms and conditions provided for herein.
§4. NO TRANSFER OF MUNICIPALITY LEGAL OBLIGATIONS TO COUNTY. Except as
expressly provided for in this Contract, the Municipality agrees that this Contract does
not, and is not intended to, transfer, delegate, or assign to the County, and/or any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel any civil or legal responsibility, duty, obligation,
duty of care, cost, legal obligation, or liability associated with any governmental function
delegated and/or entrusted to the Municipality under any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain solely
liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities associated with
or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or assessment functions or
any other Municipality legal obligation. The Municipality agrees that under no
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF HAZEL PARK
Page 6
circumstances shall the County be responsible for any costs, obligations, and/or
civil liabilities associated with its Municipality function or any responsibility under
any State Property Tax Law.
4.2. The Municipality shall not incur or create any debts, liens, liabilities or obligations
for the County and shall take all necessary steps to ensure that any debts, liens,
liabilities or obligations that the Municipality may incur shall not become a debt,
liability, obligation or Claim(s) against the County.
4.3. The Parties agree that the Municipality shall at all times remain responsible for
the ultimate completion of any and all Municipality duties or obligations under any
and all applicable State Property Tax Laws. Nothing in this Contract shall relieve
the Municipality of any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
4.4. The Municipality and Municipality Agents shall be and remain responsible for
compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and
agency requirements in any manner affecting any work or performance of this
Contract or with any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
§5. NO DELEGATION OR DIMINUTION OF ANY GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY. The
Parties reserve to themselves any rights and obligations related to the provision of any
and all of each Party's respective governmental services, authority, responsibilities, and
obligations. Except as expressly provided otherwise herein, this Contract does not, and
is not intended to, create, diminish, delegate, transfer, assign, divest, impair, or
contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege, power, civil or
legal responsibility, obligation, duty of care, liability, capacity, immunity, authority or
character of office of either Party to any other person or Party.
5.1. The Parties further agree, notwithstanding any other term or condition in this
Contract, that no provision in this Contract is intended, nor shall it be construed,
as a waiver of any governmental immunity. as provided by statute or applicable
court decisions, by either Party, either for that Party and/or any of that Party's
County or Municipal Agents.
5.2. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, nothing in this Contract shall
be deemed to, in any way, limit or prohibit the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners statutory rights and obligations to review and/or further equalize
Municipality property values or tax assessments and/or further act upon any
Municipality assessment(s) of property taxes under any applicable State Property
Tax Laws, including, but not limited to challenging any Municipality assessment
before the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
§6. PAYMENT SCHEDULE. In consideration of the promises set forth in this Contract, the
Municipality agrees to pay to the County: For the contract years 2013-2014, 2014-2015,
and 2015-2016 the sum of $12.10 each year for each real property description and
$12.00 each year for each personal property description rendered during the life of this
Contract. Payment for the contract year 2013-2014 is payable on or before July 1, 2014,
payment for the contract year 2014-2015 is payable on or before July 1,2015 and
payment for the contract year 2015-2016 is payable on or before July 1, 2016.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF HAZEL PARK
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In the event that, pursuant to Public Act 408 of 2012, a majority of the qualified electors of
this state voting in August of 2014 on the question:
"APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF THE AMENDATORY ACT DEDICATING A
PORTION OF USE TAX REVENUE TO BENEFIT METROPOLITAN AREAS
THROUGHOUT THIS STATE
The amendatory act adopted by the Legislature would:
1. Dedicate a portion of the existing state use tax as a local tax levied by a new
metropolitan areas authority.
2. Distribute revenue from that local tax throughout the state for local purposes, including
police and fire protection.
3. Increase that portion of the state use tax currently dedicated for aid to schools.
4. Prohibit the total use tax rate from exceeding the constitutional limit of 6%.
Should this amendatory act be approved?
YES[]
NO [17
vote for approval, the Parties agree that the charge for each personal property
description rendered for the contract years 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 will be
renegotiated by the Parties.
If during the term of this Contract, there are additional services requested of the County,
the Parties shall negotiate additional fees to be paid by the Municipality.
6.1. All time incurred for Board of Review dates beyond the regular County working
hours to be billed at the applicable Equalization Division personnel's overtime
rate and charged to the Municipality over and above any other fees described in
this Contract, with the following exceptions:
6.1.1. One evening meeting as required by law under MCL § 211.30(3).
6.1.2. Dates requiring overtime set by the Municipality Charter.
6.2. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for postage on all personal property
statements and personal property notices mailed relating to work performed
under this Contract. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for all
photographic supplies.
6.3. If the Municipality fails, for any reason, to pay the County any monies when and
as due under this Contract. the Municipality agrees that unless expressly
prohibited by law, the County or the County Treasurer, at their sole option, shall
be entitled to a setoff from any other Municipality funds that are in the County's
possession for any reason. Funds include but are not limited to the Delinquent
Tax Revolving Fund ("DTRF"). Any setoff or retention of funds by the County
shall be deemed a voluntary assignment of the amount by the Municipality to the
County. The Municipality waives any claims against the County or its Officials for
any acts related specifically to the County's offsetting or retaining such amounts.
This paragraph shall not limit the Municipality's legal right to dispute whether the
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF HAZEL PARK
Page 8
underlying amount retained by the County was actually due and owing under this
Contract.
6.4. If the County chooses not to exercise its right to setoff or if any setoff is
insufficient to fully pay the County any amounts due and owing the County under
this Contract, the County shall have the right to charge up to the then-maximum
legal interest on any unpaid amount. Interest charges shall be in addition to any
other amounts due to the County under this Contract. Interest charges shall be
calculated using the daily unpaid balance method and accumulate until all
outstanding amounts and accumulated interest are fully paid.
6.5. Nothing in this Section shall operate to limit the County's right to pursue or
exercise any other legal rights or remedies under this Contract against the
Municipality to secure reimbursement of amounts due the County under this
Contract. The remedies in this Section shall be available to the County on an
ongoing and successive basis if Municipality at any time becomes delinquent in
its payment. Notwithstanding any other term and condition in this Contract, if the
County pursues any legal action in any court to secure its payment under this
Contract, the Municipality agrees to pay all costs and expenses, including
attorney's fees and court costs, incurred by the County in the collection of any
amount owed by the Municipality.
6.6. Notwithstanding any other term or condition in this Contract, should the
Municipality fail for any reason to timely pay the County the amounts required
under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that the County may discontinue,
upon thirty (30) days written notice to the Municipality, without any penalty or
liability whatsoever, any County services or performance obligations under this
Contract.
§7. LIABILITY. The Municipality further agrees that the County shall not be liable to the
Municipality for any and all Claim(s), except as otherwise expressly provided for in this
Contract.
7.1. The Parties agree that this Contract does not and is not intended to create or
include any County warranty, promise, covenant or guaranty, either express or
implied, of any kind or nature whatsoever in favor of the other Municipality,
and/or any Municipality Agents, or any Municipality Taxpayer or any other person
or entity, or that the County's efforts in the performance of any obligation under
this Contract will result in any specific monetary benefit or efficiency, or increase
in any tax revenue for the Municipality, or will result in any specific reduction or
increase in any property assessment, or guarantee that any County services
provided under this Contract will withstand any challenge before the State Tax
Tribunal or any court or review body, or any other such performance-based
outcome.
7.2. In the event of any alleged breach, wrongful termination, and/or any default of
any term or condition of this Contract by either the County or any County Agent,
the County and/or any County Agent shall not be liable to the Municipality for any
indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, including, but not limited
to any replacement costs for County Services, any loss of income or revenue,
and/or any failure by the Municipality to meet any Municipality obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws, or any other economic benefit or harm
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF HAZEL PARK
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that the Municipality may have realized, but for any alleged breach, wrongful
termination, default and/or cancellation of this Contract, or damages beyond or in
excess of the amount(s) of any amount paid to, received or retained by the
County at the time of the alleged breach or default in connection with or under
the terms of this Contract, whether such alleged breach or default is alleged in an
action in contract or tort and/or whether or not the Municipality has been advised
of the possibility of such damages. This provision and this Contract is intended
by the Parties to allocate the risks between the Parties, and the Parties agree
that the allocation of each Party's efforts, costs, and obligations under this
Contract reflect this allocation of each Party's risk and the limitations of liability as
specified herein.
7.3. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, with regard to any and all
alleged losses, claims, complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes
of action, proceedings, judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs
and expenses, including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable
attorney fees, witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses,
any amounts paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the
Municipality or any Municipality Agent by any third person, including but not
limited to any Municipality Agent or Municipality Taxpayer, arising out of any
activities or Services to be carried out by any County Agent in the performance of
this Contract, the Municipality hereby agrees that it shall have no rights pursuant
to or under this Contract against the County and/or any County Agents to or for
any indemnification (i.e., contractually, legally. equitably, or by implication)
contribution, subrogation, or other right to be reimbursed by the County and/or
any of County Agents based upon any and all legal theories or alleged rights of
any kind, whether known or unknown, for any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, judgments, deficiencies, liability,
penalties, litigation costs and expenses of any kind whatsoever which are
imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Municipality and which are
alleged to have arisen under or are in any way based or predicated upon this
Contract.
7.4. If the Municipality requests and the County agrees, the County may prepare the
actual tax statement for mailing by the Municipality to Municipality residents. In
preparing any such tax statement the County shall rely upon certain data
provided by the Municipality beyond the data gathered by the County under this
Contract, including, but not limited to, the applicable millage rate. The parties
agree that under no circumstances shall the County be held liable to the
Municipality or any third party based upon any error in any tax statement due to
information supplied by the Municipality to the County for such purposes.
§8. MUNICIPALITY AGENTS AND COOPERATION WITH THE COUNTY. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this Contract,
for guaranteeing that all Municipality Agents fully cooperate with Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of all County Services under this Contract. Likewise, the
County agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this
Contract, for guaranteeing that all Equalization Division personnel fully cooperate with
Municipality agents in the performance of all County Services under this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF HAZEL PARK
Page 10
8.1. Municipality Agents shall be employed and assigned based on appropriate
qualifications and other factors as decided by the Municipality. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely responsible for furnishing all Municipality Agents
with all job instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall solely
control, direct, and supervise all Municipality Agents and shall be solely
responsible for the means and manner in which Municipality's duties or
obligations under any applicable State Property Tax Laws are satisfied.
8.2. The Municipality agrees that it shall be solely and completely liable for any and
all Municipality Agents' past, present, or future wages, compensation, overtime
wages, expenses, fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel
expenses, mileage allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or
other allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation, Social
Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes, and/or any other
statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in any way related to any
Municipality Agent's employment status or any alleged violation of any
Municipality Agent's statutory, contractual (e.g., union, employment, or labor
contract), constitutional, common law employment right, and/or civil rights by the
Municipality. The Municipality agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County
from and against any and all Claim(s) which are imposed upon, incurred by, or
asserted against the County or any County Agent by any Municipality Agent
and/or which are based upon, result from, or arise from, or are in any way related
to any Municipality Agent's wages, compensation, benefits, or other employment-
related or based rights, including, but not limited to, those described in this
section.
8.3. The Municipality agrees that no Municipality Agent shall, by virtue of this Contract
or otherwise, be considered or claimed to be an employee of the County and/or a
County Agent. This Contract does not grant or confer, and shall not be
interpreted to grant or confer, upon any Municipality Agents or any other
individual any status, privilege, right, or benefit of County employment or that of a
County Agent.
8.4. The Municipality agrees to provide the County Agents with information regarding
any activity affecting the tax status of a parcel This shall include both Ad
Valorem and Special Act Property Abatements and/or Exemptions (e.g. Including
though not limited to Alternative Energy or New Personal Property, Renaissance
Zones, Senior/Disabled Housing Facilities, Obsolete Property and Plant
Rehabilitation & Industrial Development Districts), inclusive of the establishment
of the related district. Additionally, the Municipality agrees to provide the County
Agents with information regarding the establishment/amendment of an Authority
and/or the approval/amendment of any related Development and/or Tax
Increment Finance Plan(s). The County shall be informed of these proposed
changes prior to approval by the governing body of the municipality.
8.5. The Municipality agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any increase in
taxation which is governed by the Truth in Taxation Act. Further, the Municipality
agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any millage increase (new) or
renewal.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF HAZEL PARK
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8.6. The Municipality will be responsible for Special Assessment billings, maintaining
a paper trail of roll changes, maintaining the rolls in balance, and providing the
Oakland County Equalization Division with the information necessary to prepare
the warrant.
8.7. The Municipality agrees that its agents will perform the following functions:
8.7.1. Mechanically make name changes to Sidwell numbers on a monthly
basis using the County's Computer terminals.
8.7.2. Provide a copy of all building permits with Sidwell numbers to the
County's Equalization Division on a monthly basis.
8.7.3. Be responsible for the establishment, accuracy and compilation of all
Special Assessment rolls in the Municipality.
8.7.4, Forward all exemption applications, transfer affidavits, personal property
statements and any and all other documents affecting the status or value
of property located within the Municipality to the County's Equalization
Division in a timely manner.
8.7.5. Forward all information on splits and combinations after approval by the
Municipality to the County's Equalization Division.
8.8. In the event that Municipality Agents, for whatever reason, fail or neglect to
undertake the tasks in Section 8.7 above, the County's Equalization Division may
perform these tasks and they shall be paid on a time and material basis. Such
rate shall be based upon the wages plus benefits of the person or persons
performing said tasks.
§9. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The Parties agree that at all times and for all purposes
under the terms of this Contract, the County's and/or any and all County Agents' legal
status and relationship to the Municipality shall be that of an Independent Contractor.
Except as expressly provided herein, each Party will be solely responsible for the acts of
its own employees, Agents, and servants during the term of this Contract. No liability,
right or benefits arising out of an employer/employee relationship, either express or
implied, shall arise or accrue to either Party as a result of this Contract.
§10. COUNTY PRIORITIZATION OF COUNTY RESOURCES. The Municipality
acknowledges and agrees that this Contract does not, and is not intended to, create
either any absolute right in favor of the Municipality, or any correspondent absolute duty
or obligation upon the County, to guarantee that any specific number(s) or classification
of County Agents will be present on any given day to provide County services to the
Municipality.
§11. INDEMNIFICATION. Each Party shall be responsible for any Claims made against that
Party and for the acts of its Employees or Agents. In any Claims that may arise from the
performance of this Contract, each Party shall seek its own legal representation and bear
the costs associated with such representation including any attorney fees. Except as
otherwise provided in this Contract, neither Party shall have any right under any legal
principle to be indemnified by the other Party or any of its Employees or Agents in
connection with any Claim. This Contract does not, and is not intended to, impair, divest,
delegate or contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF HAZEL PARK
Page 12
power, obligation, duty, or immunity of the Parties. Nothing in this Contract shall be
construed as a waiver of governmental immunity for either Party.
§12. CANCELLATION OR TERMINATION OF THIS CONTRACT. Except as follows, and
notwithstanding any other term or provision in any other section of this Contract, either
Party, upon a minimum of ninety (90) calendar days written notice to the other Party, may
cancel and/or completely terminate this Contract for any reason, including convenience,
without incurring any penalty, expense, or liability to the other Party. The effective date
for any such termination is to be clearly stated in the notice.
12.1. At 5:00 p.m. on the effective date of the cancellation of this Contract all
Municipality and/or County obligations under this Contract, except those rights
and obligations expressly surviving cancellation as provided for in this Contract,
shall end.
12.2. The Municipality agrees that any and all Municipality obligations, including, but
not limited to, any and all indemnification and hold harmless promises, waivers of
liability, record-keeping requirements, any Municipality payment obligations to the
County, and/or any other related obligations provided for in this Contract with
regard to any acts, occurrences, events, transactions, or Claim(s) either
occurring or having their basis in any events or transactions that occurred before
the cancellation or completion of this Contract, shall survive the cancellation or
completion of this Contract.
§13. EFFECTIVE DATE, CONTRACT APPROVAL, AND AMENDMENT. The Parties agree
that this Contract, and/or any subsequent amendments thereto, shall not become
effective prior to the approval by concurrent resolutions of both the Oakland County
Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the City of Hazel Park. The
approval and terms of this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments
thereto, shall be entered in the official minutes and proceedings of both the Oakland
County Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the City of Hazel Park and
shall also be filed with the office of the Clerk of the County and the Clerk for the City of
Hazel Park.
§14. The Parties agree that this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments, shall
be filed with the Michigan Secretary of State and this Contract, and/or any possible
subsequent amendments, shall not become effective prior to this required filing with the
Secretary of State.
14.1. The Parties agree that except as expressly provided herein, this Contract shall
not be changed, supplemented, or amended, in any manner, except as provided
for herein, and no other act, verbal representation, document, usage or custom
shall be deemed to amend or modify this Contract in any manner.
§15. NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES. Except as expressly provided herein for the
benefit of the Parties (i.e., County or Municipality), this Contract does not, and is not
intended to, create, by implication or otherwise, any direct or indirect obligation, duty,
promise, benefit, right to be indemnified (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by
implication) and/or any right to be subrogated to any Party's rights in this Contract, and/or
any other right of any kind, in favor of any person, including, but not limited to, any
County Agent or Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer, any Taxpayer's legal
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF HAZEL PARK
Page 13
representative, any organization, any alleged unnamed beneficiary or assignee, and/or
any other person.
§16. CONSTRUED AS A WHOLE. The language of all parts of this Contract is intended to
and, in all cases, shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning, and not
construed strictly for or against any Party. As used in this Contract, the singular or plural
number, possessive or nonpossessive shall be deemed to include the other whenever
the context so suggests or requires.
§17. CAPTIONS. The section headings or titles and/or all section numbers contained in this
Contract are intended for the convenience of the reader and not intended to have any
substantive meaning and are not to be interpreted as part of this Contract.
§18. NOTICES. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, any and all
correspondence, invoices, and/or any other written notices required, permitted or
provided for under this Contract to be delivered to either Party shall be sent to that Party
by first class mail. All such written notices, including any notice canceling or terminating
this Contract as provided for herein, shall be sent to the other Party's signatory to this
Contract, or that signatory's successor in office, at the addresses shown in this Contract.
All correspondence or written notices shall be considered delivered to a Party as of the
date that such notice is deposited with sufficient postage with the U.S. Postal Service.
§19. WAIVER OF BREACH. The waiver of a breach of any provision of this Contract shall not
operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Each and every right,
remedy and power granted to either Party or allowed it by law shall be cumulative and not
exclusive of any other.
§20. ENTIRE CONTRACT. This Contract, consisting of a total of fifteen (15) pages, sets forth
the entire agreement between the County and the Municipality and fully supersedes any
and all prior agreements or understandings between them in any way related to the
subject matter hereof. It is further understood and agreed that the terms and conditions
herein are contractual and are not a mere recital and that there are no other agreements,
understandings, contracts, or representations between the County and the Municipality in
any way related to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly stated herein. This
Contract shall not be changed or supplemented orally and may be amended only as
otherwise provided herein.
For and in consideration of the mutual assurances, promises, acknowledgments, warrants,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned
hereby execute this Contract on behalf of the Parties, and by doing so legally obligate and bind
the Parties to the terms and conditions of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF HAZEL PARK
Page 14
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Jack F. Lloyd, Mayor of the City of Hazel Park hereby acknowledges
that he has been authorized by a resolution of the Governing Body of the City of Hazel Park, a
certified copy of which is attached, to execute this Contract on behalf of the Municipality and
hereby accepts and binds the City of Hazel Park to the terms and conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
Jack F. Lloyd, Mayor
City of Hazel Park
WITNESSED: DATE:
Mary Ann Gieraltowski, Clerk
City of Hazel Park
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson, Oakland County Board of
Commissioners, hereby acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the
Oakland County Board of Commissioners, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this
Contract on behalf of the Oakland County, and hereby accepts and binds Oakland County to the
terms and conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson
Oakland County Board of Commissioners
WITNESSED:
(Print Name)
DATE:
DATE:
County of Oakland
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF HAZEL PARK
Page 15
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY
EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF NOVI
(personal property services)
This CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE
SERVICES WITH THE CITY OF NOVI, (hereafter, this "Contract") is made and entered into
between the COUNTY OF OAKLAND, a Michigan Constitutional and Municipal Corporation,
whose address is 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, Michigan 48341 (hereafter, the
"County"), and the City of Novi, a Michigan Constitutional and Municipal Corporation whose
address is 45175W. Ten Mile Road. Novi, Michigan.48375-3024 (hereafter, the "Municipality").
In this Contract, either the County and/or the Municipality may also be referred to individually as
a "Party" or jointly as "Parties."
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENTS
A. The Municipality, pursuant to the laws of the State of Michigan (hereafter, the "State"),
including, but not limited to, the Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.1, et seq.)
is required to perform real and personal property tax appraisals and assessments for all
nonexempt real and personal property located within the geographic boundaries of the
Municipality for the purpose of levying State and local property taxes.
B. The Parties recognize and agree that absent an agreement such as this, or pursuant to
an order of the State Tax Commission mandating the County to perform all or some of
the property tax appraisal and tax assessment responsibilities for real and/or personal
property located within the Municipality's geographic boundaries (MCL 211.10(f)), the
County, has no obligation to provide these Services to or for the Municipality.
C. The Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.34(3) provides that the County Board
of Commissioners, through the Equalization Division may furnish assistance to local
• assessing officers in the performance of certain of these legally mandated, Municipality,
property appraisal and assessment responsibilities.
D. The Municipality has requested the County's Equalization Division assistance in
performing the "Equalization Division Assistance Services" (as described and defined in
this Contract) and has agreed in return to reimburse the County as provided for in this
Contract.
E. The County has determined that it has sufficient "Equalization Division Personnel," as
defined herein, possessing the requisite knowledge and expertise and is agreeable to
assisting the Municipality by providing the requested "Equalization Division Assistance
Services" under the terms and conditions of this Contract.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and the mutual promises,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the County and the
Municipality mutually agree as follows:
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF NOVI
Page 1
§1. DEFINED TERMS In addition to the above defined terms (i.e., "Contract", "County'',
"Municipality", "Party" and "Parties", and "State"), the Parties agree that the following
words and expressions when printed with the first letter capitalized as shown herein,
whether used in the singular or plural, possessive or nonpossessive, and/or either within
or without quotation marks, shall, be defined and interpreted as follows:
1.1. "County Agent" or "County Agents" shall be defined as any and all Oakland
County elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board members, council
members, commissioners, authorities, other boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal representative or official capacities), and/or any persons acting by,
through, under, or in concert with any of them, excluding the Municipality and/or
any Municipality Agents, as defined herein. "County Agent" and/or "County
Agents" shall also include any person who was a County Agent anytime during
the term of this Contract but, for any reason, is no longer employed, appointed,
or elected and serving as a County Agent.
1.2. "Equalization Division Personnel" as used in this Contract shall be defined as a
specific subset of, and included as part of the larger group of County Agents as
defined above, and shall be further defined as any and all County Agents
specifically employed and assigned by the County to work in the Equalization
Division of the County's Department of Management and Budget as shown in the
current County budget and/or personnel records of the County. For any and all
purposes in this Contract, any reference to County Agents shall also include
within that term any and all Equalization Division Personnel, but any reference in
this contract to Equalization Division Personnel shall not include any County
Agent employed by the County in any other function, capacity or organizational
unit of the County other than the Equalization Division of the Department of
Management and Budget.
1.3. "Municipality Agent" or "Municipality Agents" shall be defined to include any and
all Municipality officers, elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board
members, council members, authorities, boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal, representative, or official capacities), and/or any and all persons acting
by, through, under, or in concert with any of them, except that no County Agent
shall be deemed a Municipality Agent and conversely, no Municipality Agent shall
be deemed a County Agent. "Municipality Agent" shall also include any person
who was a Municipality Agent at any time during this Contract but for any reason
is no longer employed, appointed, or elected in that capacity.
1.4. "Claim(s)" shall be defined to include any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes of action, proceedings,
judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs and expenses,
including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees,
witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses, any amounts
paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities or Claim(s) of any kind
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF NOVI
Page 2
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against either the
County and/or any County Agent, as defined herein, or any Claim(s) for which
the County and/or any County Agent may become legally and/or contractually
obligated to pay or defend against, or any other liabilities of any kind whatsoever,
whether direct, indirect or consequential, whether based upon any alleged
violation of the constitution (federal or State), any statute, rule, regulation or the
common law, whether in law or equity, tort, contract, or otherwise, and/or
whether commenced or threatened and arising out of any alleged breach of any
duty by the County and/or any County Agent to any third-person, the
Municipality, including any Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer under
or in connection with this Contract or are based on or result in any way from the
County's and/or any County Agent's participation in this Contract.
1.5. "Municipality Taxpayer" shall be defined as any and all residents, property
owners, persons, or taxable entities within the Municipality, or their
representatives or agents, who may be liable or responsible for any property
taxes assessed by the Municipality pursuant to any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
1.6. "State" shall be defined as the "State of Michigan," a sovereign governmental
entity of the United States, and shall also include within its definition any and all
departments or agencies of State government including specifically, but not
limited to, the State Tax Commission, the State Tax Tribunal, and/or the State
Department of Treasury.
§2. COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES The Parties agree that
the full and complete scope of any and all County Equalization Division Assistance
Services shall be as described and limited in the following subsections (hereinafter
defined and referred to as either "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or
"Services").
2.1. "EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES" OR "SERVICES" TO BE
PROVIDED "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services", to be
performed by County for the Municipality as those terms are defined in this
Contract, shall only include and shall be limited to the following activities:
2.1.1. This Contract is to provide for annual assessment of persona! property
from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2016 as required by laws of the State of
Michigan. The County agrees to make assessments of personal
property within the Municipality pursuant to MCL 211.10d.
2.1.2. The Equalization Division personnel will appraise all new personal
property, process all personal property description changes, and vvill
audit where necessary to insure and establish accurate appraisals on all
taxable personal property. The Equalization Division personnel will
review all statements and extensions, make valuation recommendations
to the assessor in the absence of a prepared personal property
statement and load all values on the computer for the assessment roll.
All Board of Review changes will be processed on the personal property
section of the assessment roll and balanced to insure there are no
omissions. The Equalization Division personnel will be available for
consultation on all Michigan Tax Tribunal appeals for personal property
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF NOVI
Page 3
and will assist the Assessor in the preparation of both oral and written
defense of appeals as long as there is a current Contract in effect.
However, the County shall not assist or appear on behalf of the
Municipality regarding appeals of special assessments to the Michigan
Tax Tribunal or any other Court or Tribunal.
2.2. PURPOSE OF COUNTY "SERVICES" The Parties agree that the purpose of
any and all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be
performed under this Contract shall be to assist (e.g., to help, aid, lend support,
and/or participate in as an auxiliary, to contribute effort toward completion of a
goal, etc.) the Municipality in the performance of that Municipality's official
functions, obligations, and Municipality's legal responsibilities for property tax
appraisal and assessment pursuant to the applicable State Property Tax Laws.
2.3. MANNER COUNTY TO PROVIDE SERVICES The Parties agree that any and
all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be provided by
the County for the Municipality under this Contract shall be performed solely and
exclusively by the County's ''Equalization Division Personnel' as defined herein.
2.3.1. Equalization Division Personnel shall be employed and assigned by the
County in such numbers and based on such appropriate qualifications
and other factors as decided solely by the County.
2.3.2. The Parties agree that the County shall be solely and exclusively
responsible for furnishing all Equalization Division Personnel with all job
instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall in all
circumstances control. supervise, train or direct all Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of any and all Services under this
Contract.
2.3.3. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, the Parties agree and
warrant that, at all times and for all purposes relevant to this Contract,
the County shall remain the sole and exclusive employer of all County
Agents and Equalization Division Personnel and that the County shall
remain solely and completely liable for any and all County Agents' past,
present, or future wages, compensation, overtime wages, expenses,
fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel expenses, mileage
allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or other
allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation,
Social Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes,
and/or any other statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in
any way related to any County Agent's employment status.
2.3.4. This Contract is neither intended, nor shall it be interpreted, to create,
change, grant, modify, supplement, supersede, alter, or otherwise affect
or control, in any manner, form, or at any time, any right, privilege,
benefit, or any other term or condition of employment, of any kind or
nature whatsoever, in, upon, or for any County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel with the County, any applicable County employment
and/or union contract, and/or any County rule(s), regulation(s), hours of
work, shift assignment, order(s), policy(ies), procedure(s), directive(s),
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF NO VI
Page 4
ethical guideline(s), etc., which shall, solely and exclusively, govern and
control the employment relationship between the County and any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel and/or the conduct and actions
of any County Agent or any Equalization Division Personnel. To
illustrate, but not otherwise limit, this Contract does not and shall not be
interpreted to limit, modify, control, or otherwise affect, in any manner:
2.3.4.1. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation,
responsibility, and discretion to employ, compensate, assign,
reassign, transfer, promote, reclassify, discipline, demote,
layoff, furlough, discharge any Equalization Division Personnel
and/or pay any and all Equalization Division Personnel's
wages, salaries, allowances, reimbursements, compensation,
fringe benefits, or otherwise decide any and all such terms and
conditions of employment and make any and all employment
decisions that affect, in any way, the employment of any
Equalization Division Personnel with the County, subject only
to its applicable collective bargaining Contracts.
2.3.4.2. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation, and
responsibility to determine, establish, modify, or implement
any and all operational policies, procedures, orders, rules,
regulations, ethical guidelines, and/or any other judgment,
policy or directive which, in any way, governs or controls any
activity of any County Agent or Equalization Division
Personnel, any necessary County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel's training standards or proficiency(ies), any
level or amount of required supervision, any and all standards
of performance, any sequence or manner of performance, and
any level(s) of experience, training, or education required for
any Equalization Division Personnel performing any County
duty or obligation under the terms of this Contract.
2.3.5. The Municipality agrees that except as expressly provided for under the
terms of this Contract and/or laws of this State, no County Agent or
Equalization Division Personnel, while such person is currently and/or
actively employed or otherwise remains on the payroll of the County as a
County Agent shall be employed, utilized, or perform any other services,
of any kind, directly or indirectly, in any manner or capacity, or otherwise
be available to perform any other work or assignments by or for the
Municipality during the term of this Contract. This section shall not
prohibit the Municipality from employing any person who was a former
County Agent but is no longer employed in that capacity by the County.
2.3.6. Except as otherwise expressly provided by the Contract and/or
applicable State law, the Parties agree and warrant that neither the
County, nor any County Agent, nor any Equalization Division Personnel,
by virtue of this Contract or otherwise, shall be deemed, considered or
claimed to be an employee of the Municipality and/or a Municipality
Agent.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF NOVI
Page 5
2.3.7. The Municipality shall not otherwise provide, furnish or assign any
Equalization Division Personnel with any job instructions, job
descriptions, job specifications, or job duties, or in any manner attempt to
control, supervise, train, or direct any Personnel in the performance of
any County's Equalization Division Assistance Services duty or obligation
under the terms of this Contract.
2.4, LIMITS AND EXCLUSIONS ON COUNTY "SERVICES" Except as otherwise
expressly provided for within this Contract, neither the County nor any County
Agents shall be responsible for assisting or providing any other "Services " or
assistance to the Municipality or assume any additional responsibility for
assisting the Municipality in any other way or manner with any Municipality
obligations under any and all State Property Tax Laws, including, but not limited
to, providing any attorney or legal representation to the Municipality or any
Municipality Agent at any proceeding before the Michigan Tax Tribunal or any
other adjudicative body or court, except as expressly provided for in this
Contract.
2.4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain
solely liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities
associated with or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or
assessment functions or any other Municipality legal obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws, The Municipality shall employ
and retain its own Municipality legal representation, as necessary, to
defend any such claim or challenge before the State Tax Tribunal or any
other court or review body.
2.4.2. Except for those express statutory and/or regulatory obligations
incumbent only upon licensed Equalization Division Personnel (i.e., State
Licensed and Certified Real and/or Personal Property Tax Assessors) to
defend property tax appraisals and assessments that they either
performed, or were otherwise performed under their supervision, before
the Michigan Tax Tribunal, the Parties agree that no other County
Agents, including any County attorneys shall be authorized, required
and/or otherwise obligated under this Contract or pursuant to any other
agreement between the Parties to provide any legal representation to or
for the Municipality and/or otherwise defend, challenge, contest, appeal,
or argue on behalf of the Municipality before the Michigan Tax Tribunal
or any other review body or court.
§3. TERM OF CONTRACT The Parties agree that the term of this Contract shall begin on
the effective date of this Contract, as otherwise provided herein, and shall end on
June 30, 2016, without any further act or notice from either Party being required. Any
and all County Services otherwise provided to the Municipality prior to the effective date
of this Contract, shall be subject to the terms and conditions provided for herein.
§4. NO TRANSFER OF MUNICIPALITY LEGAL OBLIGATIONS TO COUNTY Except as
expressly provided for in this Contract, the Municipality agrees that this Contract does
not, and is not intended to, transfer, delegate, or assign to the County, and/or any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel any civil or legal responsibility, duty, obligation,
duty of care, cost, legal obligation, or liability associated with any governmental function
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF NOVI
Page 6
delegated and/or entrusted to the Municipality under any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain solely
liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities associated with
or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or assessment functions or
any other Municipality legal obligation. The Municipality agrees that under no
circumstances shall the County be responsible for any costs, obligations, and/or
civil liabilities associated with its Municipality function or any responsibility under
any State Property Tax Law.
4.2. The Municipality shall not incur or create any debts, liens, liabilities or obligations
for the County and shall take all necessary steps to ensure that any debts, liens,
liabilities or obligations that the Municipality may incur shall not become a debt,
liability, obligation or Claim(s) against the County.
4.3. The Parties agree that the Municipality shall at all times remain responsible for
the ultimate completion of any and all Municipality duties or obligations under any
and all applicable State Property Tax Laws. Nothing in this Contract shall relieve
the Municipality of any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
4.4. The Municipality and Municipality Agents shall be and remain responsible for
compliance with all federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and
agency requirements in any manner affecting any work or performance of this
Contract or with any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
§5. NO DELEGATION OR DIMINUTION OF ANY GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY The
Parties reserve to themselves any rights and obligations related to the provision of any
and all of each Party's respective governmental services, authority, responsibilities, and
obligations. Except as expressly provided otherwise herein, this Contract does not, and
is not intended to, create, diminish, delegate, transfer, assign, divest, impair, or
contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege, power, civil or
legal responsibility, obligation, duty of care, liability, capacity, immunity, authority or
character of office of either Party to any other person or Party.
5.1. The Parties further agree, notwithstanding any other term or condition in this
Contract, that no provision in this Contract is intended, nor shall it be construed,
as a waiver of any governmental immunity, as provided by statute or applicable
court decisions, by either Party, either for that Party and/or any of that Party's
County or Municipal Agents.
5.2. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, nothing in this Contract shall
be deemed to, in any way, limit or prohibit the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners statutory rights and obligations to review and/or further equalize
Municipality property values or tax assessments and/or further act upon any
Municipality assessment(s) of property taxes under any applicable State Property
Tax Laws, including, but not limited to challenging any Municipality assessment
before the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF NOVI
Page 7
§6. PAYMENT SCHEDULE In consideration of the promises set forth in this Contract, the
Municipality agrees to pay to the County: For the contract years 2013-2014 and 2014-
2015 and 2015-2016 the sum of $13.80 each year for each personal property description
rendered during the life of this Contract. Payment for the contract year 2013-2014 is
payable on or before July 1, 2014, payment for the contract year 2014-2015 is payable
on or before July 1, 2015 and payment for the contract year 2015-2016 is payable on or
before July 1, 2016.
In the event that, pursuant to Public Act 408 of 2012, a majority of the qualified electors of
this state voting in August of 2014 on the question:
"APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF THE AMENDATORY ACT DEDICATING A
PORTION OF USE TAX REVENUE TO BENEFIT METROPOLITAN AREAS
THROUGHOUT THIS STATE
The amendatory act adopted by the Legislature would:
1. Dedicate a portion of the existing state use tax as a local tax levied by a new
metropolitan areas authority.
2. Distribute revenue from that local tax throughout the state for local purposes, including
police and fire protection.
3. Increase that portion of the state use tax currently dedicated for aid to schools.
4. Prohibit the total use tax rate from exceeding the constitutional limit of 6%.
Should this amendatory act be approved?
YES [
NO [ ]"."
vote for approval, the Parties agree that the charge for each personal property
description rendered for the contract years 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 will be
renegotiated by the Parties.
If during the term of this Contract, there are additional services requested of the County,
the Parties shall negotiate additional fees to be paid by the Municipality.
6,1. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for postage on all personal property
statements and personal property notices mailed relating to work performed
under this Contract. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for all
photographic supplies.
6.2. If the Municipality fails, for any reason, to pay the County any monies when and
as due under this Contract. the Municipality agrees that unless expressly
prohibited by law, the County or the County Treasurer, at their sole option, shall
be entitled to a setoff from any other Municipality funds that are in the County's
possession for any reason. Funds include but are not limited to the Delinquent
Tax Revolving Fund ("DTRF"). Any setoff or retention of funds by the County
shall be deemed a voluntary assignment of the amount by the Municipality to the
County. The Municipality waives any claims against the County or its Officials for
any acts related specifically to the County's offsetting or retaining such amounts.
This paragraph shall not limit the Municipality's legal right to dispute whether the
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
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underlying amount retained by the County was actually due and owing under this
Contract.
6.3. If the County chooses not to exercise its right to setoff or if any setoff is
insufficient to fully pay the County any amounts due and owing the County under
this Contract, the County shall have the right to charge up to the then-maximum
legal interest on any unpaid amount. Interest charges shall be in addition to any
other amounts due to the County under this Contract. Interest charges shall be
calculated using the daily unpaid balance method and accumulate until all
outstanding amounts and accumulated interest are fully paid.
6.4. Nothing in this Section shall operate to limit the County's right to pursue or
exercise any other legal rights or remedies under this Contract against
Municipality to secure reimbursement of amounts due the County under this
Contract. The remedies in this Section shall be available to the County on an
ongoing and successive basis if Municipality at any time becomes delinquent in
its payment. Notwithstanding any other term and condition in this Contract, if the
County pursues any legal action in any court to secure its payment under this
Contract, Municipality agrees to pay all costs and expenses, including attorney's
fees and court costs, incurred by the County in the collection of any amount
owed by Municipality.
6.5. Notwithstanding any other term or condition in this Contract, should the
Municipality fail for any reason to timely pay the County the amounts required
under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that the County may discontinue,
upon thirty (30) days written notice to the Municipality, without any penalty or
liability whatsoever, any County services or performance obligations under this
Contract.
§7. LIABILITY The Municipality further agrees that the County shall not be liable to the
Municipality for any and all Claim(s), except as otherwise expressly provided for in this
Contract.
7.1. The Parties agree that this Contract does not and is not intended to create or
include any County warranty, promise, covenant or guaranty, either express or
implied, of any kind or nature whatsoever in favor of the other Municipality,
and/or any Municipality Agents, or any Municipality Taxpayer or any other person
or entity, or that the County's efforts in the performance of any obligation under
this Contract will result in any specific monetary benefit or efficiency, or increase
in any tax revenue for the Municipality, or will result in any specific reduction or
increase in any property assessment, or guarantee that any County services
provided under this Contract will withstand any challenge before the State Tax
Tribunal or any court or review body, or any other such performance-based
outcome.
7.2. In the event of any alleged breach, wrongful termination, and/or any default of
any term or condition of this Contract by either the County or any County Agent,
the County and/or any County Agent shall not be liable to the Municipality for any
indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, including, but not limited
to any replacement costs for County Services, any loss of income or revenue,
and/or any failure by the Municipality to meet any Municipality obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws, or any other economic benefit or harm
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
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that the Municipality may have realized, but for any alleged breach, wrongful
termination, default and/or cancellation of this Contract, or damages beyond or in
excess of the amount(s) of any amount paid to, received or retained by the
County at the time of the alleged breach or default in connection with or under
the terms of this Contract, whether such alleged breach or default is alleged in an
action in contract or tort and/or whether or not the Municipality has been advised
of the possibility of such damages. This provision and this Contract is intended
by the Parties to allocate the risks between the Parties, and the Parties agree
that the allocation of each Party's efforts, costs, and obligations under this
Contract reflect this allocation of each Party's risk and the limitations of liability as
specified herein.
7.3. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, with regard to any and all
alleged losses, claims, complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes
of action, proceedings, judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs
and expenses, including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable
attorney fees, witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses,
any amounts paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the
Municipality or any Municipality Agent by any third person, including but not
limited to any Municipality Agent or Municipality Taxpayer, arising out of any
activities or Services to be carried out by any County Agent in the performance of
this Contract, the Municipality hereby agrees that it shall have no rights pursuant
to or under this Contract against the County and/or any County Agents to or for
any indemnification (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by implication)
contribution, subrogation, or other right to be reimbursed by the County and/or
any of County Agents based upon any and all legal theories or alleged rights of
any kind, whether known or unknown, for any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, judgments, deficiencies, liability,
penalties, litigation costs and expenses of any kind whatsoever which are
imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Municipality and which are
alleged to have arisen under or are in any way based or predicated upon this
Contract.
7.4. If the Municipality requests and the County agrees, the County may prepare the
actual tax statement for mailing by the Municipality to Municipality residents. In
preparing any such tax statement the County shall rely upon certain data
provided by the Municipality beyond the data gathered by the County under this
contract. The parties agree that under no circumstances shall the County be
held liable to the Municipality or any third party based upon any error in any tax
statement due to information supplied by the Municipality to the County for such
purposes.
§8. MUNICIPALITY AGENTS AND COOPERATION WITH THE COUNTY The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this Contract,
for guaranteeing that all Municipality Agents fully cooperate with Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of all County Services under this Contract. Likewise, the
County agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this
Contract, for guaranteeing that all Equalization Division personnel fully cooperate with
Municipality agents in the performance of all County Services under this Contract.
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8.1. Municipality Agents shall be employed and assigned based on appropriate
qualifications and other factors as decided by the Municipality. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely responsible for furnishing all Municipality Agents
with all job instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall solely
control, direct, and supervise all Municipality Agents and shall be solely
responsible for the means and manner in which Municipality's duties or
obligations under any applicable State Property Tax Laws are satisfied.
8.2. The Municipality agrees that it shall be solely and completely liable for any and
all Municipality Agents' past, present, or future wages, compensation, overtime
wages, expenses, fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel
expenses, mileage allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or
other allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation, Social
Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes, and/or any other
statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in any way related to any
Municipality Agent's employment status or any alleged violation of any
Municipality Agent's statutory, contractual (e.g., union, employment, or labor
contract), constitutional, common law employment right, and/or civil rights by the
Municipality. The Municipality agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County
from and against any and all Claim(s) which are imposed upon, incurred by, or
asserted against the County or any County Agent by any Municipality Agent
and/or which are based upon, result from, or arise from, or are in any way related
to any Municipality Agent's wages, compensation, benefits, or other employment-
related or based rights, including, but not limited to, those described in this
section.
8.3. The Municipality agrees that no Municipality Agent shall, by virtue of this Contract
or otherwise, be considered or claimed to be an employee of the County and/or a
County Agent. This Contract does not grant or confer, and shall not be
interpreted to grant or confer, upon any Municipality Agents or any other
individual any status, privilege, right, or benefit of County employment or that of a
County Agent.
8.4. The Municipality agrees to provide the County Agents with information regarding
any activity affecting the tax status of a parcel. This shall include both Ad
Valorem and Special Act Property Abatements and/or Exemptions (e.g. Including
though not limited to Alternative Energy or New Personal Property, Renaissance
Zones, Senior/Disabled Housing Facilities, Obsolete Property and Plant
Rehabilitation & Industrial Development Districts), inclusive of the establishment
of the related district. Additionally, the Municipality agrees to provide the County
Agents with information regarding the establishment/amendment of an Authority
and/or the approval/amendment of any related Development and/or Tax
Increment Finance Plan(s). The County shall be informed of these proposed
changes prior to approval by the governing body of the municipality.
8.5. The Municipality agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any increase in
taxation which is governed by the Truth in Taxation Act. Further, the Municipality
agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any millage increase (new) or
renewal.
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8.6. The Municipality will be responsible for Special Assessment billings, maintaining
a paper trail of roll changes, maintaining the rolls in balance, and providing the
Oakland County Equalization Division with the information necessary to prepare
the warrant.
8.7. The Municipality agrees that its agents will perform the following functions:
8.7.1. Mechanically make name changes to Sidwell numbers on a monthly
basis using the County's Computer terminals.
8.7.2. Provide a copy of all building permits with Sidwell numbers to the
County's Equalization Division on a monthly basis.
8.7.3. Be responsible for the establishment, accuracy and compilation of all
Special Assessment rolls in the Municipality.
8.7.4. Forward all exemption applications, transfer affidavits, personal property
statements and any and all other documents affecting the status or value
of property located within the Municipality to the County's Equalization
Division in a timely manner.
8.7.5. Forward all information on splits and combinations after approval by the
Municipality to the County's Equalization Division.
8.8. In the event that Municipality Agents, for whatever reason, fail or neglect to
undertake the tasks in Section 8.7 above, the County's Equalization Division may
perform these tasks and they shall be paid on a time and material basis. Such
rate shall be based upon the wages plus benefits of the person or persons
performing said tasks.
§9. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR The Parties agree that at all times and for all purposes
under the terms of this Contract, the County's and/or any and all County Agents' legal
status and relationship to the Municipality shall be that of an Independent Contractor.
Except as expressly provided herein, each Party will be solely responsible for the acts of
its own employees, Agents, and servants during the term of this Contract. No liability.
right or benefits arising out of an employer/employee relationship, either express or
implied, shall arise or accrue to either Party as a result of this Contract.
R1 (1 COUNTY PRIORITIZATION OF COUNTY RESOURCES The Municipality
acknowledges and agrees that this Contract does not, and is not intended to, create
either any absolute right in favor of the Municipality, or any correspondent absolute duty
or obligation upon the County, to guarantee that any specific number(s) or classification
of County Agents will be present on any given day to provide County services to the
Municipality.
§11. INDEMNIFICATION Each Party shall be responsible for any Claims made against that
Party and for the acts of its Employees or Agents. In any Claims that may arise from the
performance of this Contract, each Party shall seek its own legal representation and bear
the costs associated with such representation including any attorney fees. Except as
otherwise provided in this Contract, neither Party shall have any right under any legal
principle to be indemnified by the other Party or any of its Employees or Agents in
connection with any Claim. This Contract does not, and is not intended to, impair, divest,
delegate or contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
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power, obligation, duty, or immunity of the Parties. Nothing in this Agreement shall be
construed as a waiver of governmental immunity for either Party.
§12. CANCELLATION OR TERMINATION OF THIS CONTRACT Except as follows, and
notwithstanding any other term or provision in any other section of this Contract, either
Party, upon a minimum of ninety (90) calendar days written notice to the other Party, may
cancel and/or completely terminate this Contract for any reason, including convenience,
without incurring any penalty, expense, or liability to the other Party. The effective date
for any such termination is to be clearly stated in the notice.
12.1. At 5:00 p.m. on the effective date of the cancellation of this Contract all
Municipality and/or County obligations under this Contract, except those rights
and obligations expressly surviving cancellation as provided for in this Contract,
shall end.
12.2. The Municipality agrees that any and all Municipality obligations, including, but
not limited to, any and all indemnification and hold harmless promises, waivers of
liability, record-keeping requirements, any Municipality payment obligations to the
County, and/or any other related obligations provided for in this Contract with
regard to any acts, occurrences, events, transactions, or Claim(s) either
occurring or having their basis in any events or transactions that occurred before
the cancellation or completion of this Contract, shall survive the cancellation or
completion of this Contract.
§13. EFFECTIVE DATE, CONTRACT APPROVAL, AND AMENDMENT The Parties agree
that this Contract, and/or any subsequent amendments thereto, shall not become
effective prior to the approval by concurrent resolutions of both the Oakland County
Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the City of Novi. The approval and
terms of this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments thereto, shall be
entered in the official minutes and proceedings of both the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners and the Governing Body of the City of Novi and shall also be filed with
the office of the Clerk of the County and the Clerk for the City of Novi.
§14. The Parties agree that this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments, shall
be filed with the Michigan Secretary of State and this Contract, and/or any possible
subsequent amendments, shall not become effective prior to this required filing with the
Secretary of State.
14.1. The Parties agree that except as expressly provided herein, this Contract shall
not be changed, supplemented, or amended, in any manner, except as provided
for herein, and no other act, verbal representation, document, usage or custom
shall be deemed to amend or modify this Contract in any manner.
§15. NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES Except as expressly provided herein for the benefit
of the Parties (i.e., County or Municipality), this Contract does not, and is not intended to,
create, by implication or otherwise, any direct or indirect obligation, duty, promise,
benefit, right to be indemnified (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by implication)
and/or any right to be subrogated to any Party's rights in this Contract, and/or any other
right of any kind, in favor of any person, including, but not limited to, any County Agent or
Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer, any Taxpayer's legal representative, any
organization, any alleged unnamed beneficiary or assignee, and/or any other person.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
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§16. CONSTRUED AS A WHOLE The language of all parts of this Contract is intended to
and, in all cases, shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning, and not
construed strictly for or against any Party. As used in this Contract, the singular or plural
number, possessive or nonpossessive shall be deemed to include the other whenever
the context so suggests or requires.
§17. CAPTIONS The section headings or titles and/or all section numbers contained in this
Contract are intended for the convenience of the reader and not intended to have any
substantive meaning and are not to be interpreted as part of this Contract.
§18. NOTICES Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, any and all
correspondence, invoices, and/or any other written notices required, permitted or
provided for under this Contract to be delivered to either Party shall be sent to that Party
by first class mail. All such written notices, including any notice canceling or terminating
this Contract as provided for herein, shall be sent to the other Party's signatory to this
Contract, or that signatory's successor in office, at the addresses shown in this Contract.
All correspondence or written notices shall be considered delivered to a Party as of the
date that such notice is deposited with sufficient postage with the U.S. Postal Service.
§19. WAIVER OF BREACH The waiver of a breach of any provision of this Contract shall not
operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Each and every right,
remedy and power granted to either Party or allowed it by law shall be cumulative and not
exclusive of any other.
§20. ENTIRE CONTRACT This Contract, consisting of a total of fifteen (15) pages, sets forth
the entire agreement between the County and the Municipality and fully supersedes any
and all prior agreements or understandings between them in any way related to the
subject matter hereof. It is further understood and agreed that the terms and conditions
herein are contractual and are not a mere recital and that there are no other agreements,
understandings, contracts, or representations between the County and the Municipality in
any way related to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly stated herein. This
Contract shall not be changed or supplemented orally and may be amended only as
otherwise provided herein.
For and in consideration of the mutual assurances, promises, acknowledgments, warrants,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned
hereby execute this Contract on behalf of the Parties, and by doing so legally obligate and bind
the Parties to the terms and conditions of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Robert Gatt, Mayor of the City of Novi, hereby acknowledges that he
has been authorized by a resolution of the Governing Body of the City of Novi, a certified copy
of which is attached, to execute this Contract on behalf of the Municipality and hereby accepts
and binds the City of Novi to the terms and conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED:
DATE:
WITNESSED:
Robert Gatt, Mayor
City of Novi
Maryanne Cornelius, Clerk
City of Novi
DATE:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson, Oakland County Board of
Commissioners, hereby acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the
Oakland County Board of Commissioners, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this
Contract on behalf of the Oakland County, and hereby accepts and binds the Oakland County to
the terms and conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson
Oakland County Board of Commissioners
WITNESSED:
DATE:
(Print Name)
DATE:
County of Oakland
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF NOVI
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CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY
EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
(real and personal property services)
This CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE
SERVICES WITH THE CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE, (hereafter, this "Contract") is
made and entered into between the COUNTY OF OAKLAND, a Michigan Constitutional and
Municipal Corporation, whose address is 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, Michigan 48341
(hereafter, the "County"), and the City of Orchard Lake Village, a Michigan Constitutional and
Municipal Corporation whose address is 3955 Orchard lake Road, Orchard Lake, Michigan,
48323-1638 (hereafter, the "Municipality"). I n this Contract, either the County and/or the
Municipality may also be referred to individually as a "Party" or jointly as "Parties."
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENTS
A. The Municipality, pursuant to the laws of the State of Michigan (hereafter, the "State"),
including, but not limited to, the Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.1, et seq.)
is required to perform real and personal property tax appraisals and assessments for all
nonexempt real and personal property located within the geographic boundaries of the
Municipality for the purpose of levying State and local property taxes.
B. The Parties recognize and agree that absent an agreement such as this, or pursuant to
an order of the State Tax Commission mandating the County to perform all or some of
the property tax appraisal and tax assessment responsibilities for real and/or personal
property located within the Municipality's geographic boundaries (MCL 211.10(f)), the
County, has no obligation to provide these Services to or for the Municipality.
C. The Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.34(3) provides that the County Board
of Commissioners, through the Equalization Division may furnish assistance to local
assessing officers in the performance of certain of these legally mandated, Municipality,
property appraisal and assessment responsibilities.
D. The Municipality has requested the County's Equalization Division assistance in
performing the "Equalization Division Assistance Services" (as described and defined in
this Contract) and has agreed in return to reimburse the County as provided for in this
Contract.
E. The County has determined that it has sufficient "Equalization Division Personnel," as
defined herein, possessing the requisite knowledge and expertise and is agreeable to
assisting the Municipality by providing the requested "Equalization Division Assistance
Services" under the terms and conditions of this Contract.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and the mutual promises,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the County and the
Municipality mutually agree as follows:
§1. DEFINED TERMS. In addition to the above defined terms (i.e., "Contract", "County",
"Municipality", "Party" and "Parties", and "State"), the Parties agree that the following
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
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Page l
words and expressions when printed with the first letter capitalized as shown herein,
whether used in the singular or plural, possessive or nonpossessive, and/or either within
or without quotation marks, shall, be defined and interpreted as follows:
1.1. "County Agent" or "County Agents" shall be defined as any and all Oakland
County elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board members, council
members, commissioners, authorities, other boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal representative or official capacities), and/or any persons acting by,
through, under, or in concert with any of them, excluding the Municipality and/or
any Municipality Agents, as defined herein. "County Agent" and/or "County
Agents" shall also include any person who was a County Agent anytime during
the term of this Contract but, for any reason, is no longer employed, appointed,
or elected and serving as a County Agent.
1.2. "Equalization Division Personnel" as used in this Contract shall be defined as a
specific subset of, and included as part of the larger group of County Agents as
defined above, and shall be further defined as any and all County Agents
specifically employed and assigned by the County to work in the Equalization
Division of the County's Department of Management and Budget as shown in the
current County budget and/or personnel records of the County. For any and all
purposes in this Contract, any reference to County Agents shall also include
within that term any and all Equalization Division Personnel, but any reference in
this Contract to Equalization Division Personnel shall not include any County
Agent employed by the County in any other function, capacity or organizational
unit of the County other than the Equalization Division of the Department of
Management and Budget.
1.3. "Municipality Agent" or "Municipality Agents" shall be defined to include any and
all Municipality officers, elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board
members, council members, authorities, boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal, representative, or official capacities), and/or any and all persons acting
by, through, under, or in concert with any of them, except that no County Agent
shall be deemed a Municipality Agent and conversely, no Municipality Agent shall
be deemed a County Agent. "Municipality Agent" shall also include any person
who was a Municipality Agent at any time during this Contract but for any reason
is no longer employed, appointed, or elected in that capacity.
1.4. "Claim(s)" shall be defined to include any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes of action, proceedings,
judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs and expenses,
including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees,
witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses, any amounts
paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities or Claim(s) of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against either the
County and/or any County Agent, as defined herein, or any Claim(s) for which
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
Page 2
the County and/or any County Agent may become legally and/or contractually
obligated to pay or defend against, or any other liabilities of any kind whatsoever,
whether direct, indirect or consequential, whether based upon any alleged
violation of the constitution (Federal or State), any statute, rule, regulation or the
common law, whether in law or equity, tort, contract, or otherwise, and/or
whether commenced or threatened and arising out of any alleged breach of any
duty by the County and/or any County Agent to any third-person, the
Municipality, including any Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer under
or in connection with this Contract or are based on or result in any way from the
County's and/or any County Agent's participation in this Contract.
1.5. "Municipality Taxpayer" shall be defined as any and all residents, property
owners, persons, or taxable entities within the Municipality, or their
representatives or agents, who may be liable or responsible for any property
taxes assessed by the Municipality pursuant to any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
1.6. "State" shall be defined as the "State of Michigan," a sovereign governmental
entity of the United States, and shall also include within its definition any and all
departments or agencies of State government including specifically, but not
limited to, the State Tax Commission, the State Tax Tribunal, and/or the State
Department of Treasury.
§2. COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES, The Parties agree that
the full and complete scope of any and all County Equalization Division Assistance
Services shall be as described and limited in the following subsections (hereinafter
defined and referred to as either "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or
"Services").
2.1. "EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES" OR "SERVICES" TO BE
PROVIDED. "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services", to be
performed by County for the Municipality as those terms are defined in this
Contract, shall only include and shall be limited to the following activities:
9 .1.1. This Contract is to provide for annual assessment of real and personal
property from July 1,2013 to June 30, 2016 as required by laws of the
State of Michigan. The County agrees to make assessments of real and
personal property within the Municipality pursuant to MCL 211.10d.
2.1.2. The Equalization Division personnel will appraise all property, process all
real and personal property description changes, prepare the assessment
roll for real and personal property in the Municipality; attend March, July
and December Boards of Review and other such duties as required by
the State General Property Tax Laws. The Equalization Division
personnel will also be available for consultation on all Michigan Tax
Tribunal real and personal property and special assessment appeals and
will assist the Municipality in the preparation of both the oral and written
defense of appeals, as long as there is a current Contract in effect.
2.2. PURPOSE OF COUNTY "SERVICES". The Parties agree that the purpose of
any and all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be
performed under this Contract shall be to assist (e.g., to help, aid, lend support,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
Page 3
and/or participate in as an auxiliary, to contribute effort toward completion of a
goal, etc.) the Municipality in the performance of that Municipality's official
functions, obligations, and Municipality's legal responsibilities for property tax
appraisal and assessment pursuant to the applicable State Property Tax Laws.
2.3. MANNER COUNTY TO PROVIDE SERVICES. The Parties agree that any and
all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be provided by
the County for the Municipality under this Contract shall be performed solely and
exclusively by the County's "Equalization Division Personnel" as defined herein.
2.3.1. Equalization Division Personnel, including those certified as MMAO, shall
be employed and assigned by the County in such numbers and based on
such appropriate qualifications and other factors as decided solely by the
County.
2.3.2. The Parties agree that the County shall be solely and exclusively
responsible for furnishing all Equalization Division Personnel with all job
instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall in all
circumstances control, supervise, train or direct all Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of any and all Services under this
Contract.
2.3.3. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, the Parties agree and
warrant that, at all times and for all purposes relevant to this Contract,
the County shall remain the sole and exclusive employer of all County
Agents and Equalization Division Personnel and that the County shall
remain solely and completely liable for any and all County Agents' past,
present, or future wages, compensation, overtime wages, expenses,
fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel expenses, mileage
allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or other
allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation,
Social Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes,
and/or any other statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in
any way related to any County Agent's employment status.
2.3.4. This Contract is neither intended, nor shall it be interpreted, to create,
change, grant, modify, supplement, supersede, alter, or otherwise affect
or control, in any manner, form, or at any time, any right, privilege,
benefit, or any other term or condition of employment, of any kind or
nature whatsoever, in, upon, or for any County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel with the County, any applicable County employment
and/or union contract, and/or any County rule(s), regulation(s), hours of
work, shift assignment, order(s), policy(ies), procedure(s), directive(s),
ethical guideline(s), etc., which shall, solely and exclusively, govern and
control the employment relationship between the County and any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel and/or the conduct and actions
of any County Agent or any Equalization Division Personnel. To
illustrate, but not otherwise limit, this Contract does not and shall not be
interpreted to limit, modify, control, or otherwise affect, in any manner:
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
Page 4
2.3.4.1. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation,
responsibility, and discretion to employ, compensate, assign,
reassign, transfer, promote, reclassify, discipline, demote,
layoff, furlough, discharge any Equalization Division Personnel
and/or pay any and all Equalization Division Personnel's
wages, salaries, allowances, reimbursements, compensation,
fringe benefits, or otherwise decide any and all such terms and
conditions of employment and make any and all employment
decisions that affect, in any way, the employment of any
Equalization Division Personnel with the County, subject only
to its applicable collective bargaining Contracts.
2.3.4.2. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation, and
responsibility to determine, establish, modify, or implement
any and all operational policies, procedures, orders, rules,
regulations, ethical guidelines, and/or any other judgment,
policy or directive which, in any way, governs or controls any
activity of any County Agent or Equalization Division
Personnel, any necessary County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel's training standards or proficiency(ies), any
level or amount of required supervision, any and all standards
of performance, any sequence or manner of performance, and
any level(s) of experience, training, or education required for
any Equalization Division Personnel performing any County
duty or obligation under the terms of this Contract.
2.3.5. The Municipality agrees that except as expressly provided for under the
terms of this Contract and/or laws of this State, no County Agent or
Equalization Division Personnel, while such person is currently and/or
actively employed or otherwise remains on the payroll of the County as a
County Agent shall be employed, utilized, or perform any other services,
of any kind, directly or indirectly, in any manner or capacity, or otherwise
be available to perform any other work or assignments by or for the
Municipality during the term of this Contract. This section shall not
prohibit the Municipality from employing any person who was a former
County Agent but is no longer employed in that capacity by the County.
2.3.6. Except as otherwise expressly provided by the Contract and/or
applicable State law, the Parties agree and warrant that neither the
County, nor any County Agent, nor any Equalization Division Personnel,
by virtue of this Contract or otherwise, shall be deemed. considered or
claimed to be an employee of the Municipality and/or a Municipality
Agent.
2.3.7. The Municipality shall not otherwise provide, furnish or assign any
Equalization Division Personnel with any job instructions, job
descriptions, job specifications, or job duties, or in any manner attempt to
control, supervise, train, or direct any Personnel in the performance of
any County's Equalization Division Assistance Services duty or obligation
under the terms of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
Page 5
2.4. LIMITS AND EXCLUSIONS ON COUNTY "SERVICES". Except as otherwise
expressly provided for within this Contract, neither the County nor any County
Agents shall be responsible for assisting or providing any other 'Services" or
assistance to the Municipality or assume any additional responsibility for
assisting the Municipality in any other way or manner with any Municipality
obligations under any and all State Property Tax Laws, including, but not limited
to, providing any attorney or legal representation to the Municipality or any
Municipality Agent at any proceeding before the Michigan Tax Tribunal or any
other adjudicative body or court, except as expressly provided for in this
Contract.
2.4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain
solely liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities
associated with or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or
assessment functions or any other Municipality legal obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws. The Municipality shall employ
and retain its own Municipality legal representation, as necessary, to
defend any such claim or challenge before the State Tax Tribunal or any
other court or review body.
2.4.2. Except for those express statutory and/or regulatory obligations
incumbent only upon licensed Equalization Division Personnel (i.e., State
Licensed and Certified Real and/or Personal Property Tax Assessors) to
defend property tax appraisals and assessments that they either
performed, or were otherwise performed under their supervision, before
the Michigan Tax Tribunal. the Parties agree that no other County
Agents, including any County attorneys shall be authorized, required
and/or otherwise obligated under this Contract or pursuant to any other
agreement between the Parties to provide any legal representation to or
for the Municipality and/or otherwise defend, challenge, contest, appeal,
or argue on behalf of the Municipality before the Michigan Tax Tribunal
or any other review body or court.
§3. TERM OF CONTRACT. The Parties agree that the term of this Contract shall begin on
the effective date of this Contract, as otherwise provided herein, and shall end on
June 30. 2016, without any further act or notice from either Party being required. Any
and all County Services otherwise provided to the Municipality prior to the effective date
of this Contract, shall be subject to the terms and conditions provided for herein.
§4. NO TRANSFER OF MUNICIPALITY LEGAL OBLIGATIONS TO COUNTY. Except as
expressly provided for in this Contract. the Municipality agrees that this Contract does
not, and is not intended to, transfer, delegate, or assign to the County, and/or any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel any civil or legal responsibility, duty, obligation,
duty of care, cost, legal obligation, or liability associated with any governmental function
delegated and/or entrusted to the Municipality under any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain solely
liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities associated with
or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or assessment functions or
any other Municipality legal obligation. The Municipality agrees that under no
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
Page 6
circumstances shall the County be responsible for any costs, obligations, and/or
civil liabilities associated with its Municipality function or any responsibility under
any State Property Tax Law.
4.2. The Municipality shall not incur or create any debts, liens, liabilities or obligations
for the County and shall take all necessary steps to ensure that any debts, liens,
liabilities or obligations that the Municipality may incur shall not become a debt,
liability, obligation or Claim(s) against the County.
A
The Parties agree that the Municipality shall at all times remain ieoputiolble for
the ultimate completion of any and all Municipality duties or obligations under any
and all applicable State Property Tax Laws. Nothing in this Contract shall relieve
the Municipality of any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
4.4. The Municipality and Municipality Agents shall be and remain responsible for
compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and
agency requirements in any manner affecting any work or performance of this
Contract or with any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
§5. NO DELEGATION OR DIMINUTION OF ANY GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY. The
Parties reserve to themselves any rights and obligations related to the provision of any
and all of each Party's respective governmental services, authority, responsibilities, and
obligations. Except as expressly provided otherwise herein, this Contract does not, and
is not intended to, create, diminish, delegate, transfer, assign, divest, impair, or
contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege, power, civil or
legal responsibility, obligation, duty of care, liability, capacity, immunity, authority or
character of office of either Party to any other person or Party.
5.1. The Parties further agree, notwithstanding any other term or condition in this
Contract, that no provision in this Contract is intended, nor shall it be construed,
as a waiver of any governmental immunity, as provided by statute or applicable
court decisions, by either Party, either for that Party and/or any of that Party's
County or Municipal Agents.
5.2. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, nothing in this Contract shall
be deemed to, in any way, limit or prohibit the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners statutory rights and obligations to review and/or further equalize
Municipality property values or tax assessments and/or further act upon any
Municipality assessment(s) of property taxes under any applicable State Property
Tax Laws, including, but not limited to challenging any Municipality assessment
before the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
§6. PAYMENT SCHEDULE. In consideration of the promises set forth in this Contract, the
Municipality agrees to pay to the County: For the contract years 2013-2014, 2014-2015,
and 2015-2016 the sum of $25.00 each year for each real property description and
$12.90 each year for each personal property description rendered during the life of this
Contract. Payment for the contract year 2013-2014 is payable on or before July 1, 2014,
payment for the contract year 2014-2015 is payable on or before July 1,2015 and
payment for the contract year 2015-2016 is payable on or before July 1, 2016.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
Page 7
In the event that, pursuant to Public Act 408 of 2012, a majority of the qualified electors of
this state voting in August of 2014 on the question:
"APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF THE AMENDATORY ACT DEDICATING A
PORTION OF USE TAX REVENUE TO BENEFIT METROPOLITAN AREAS
THROUGHOUT THIS STATE
The amendatory act adopted by the Legislature would:
1. Dedicate a portion of the existing state use tax as a local tax levied by a new
metropolitan areas authority.
2. Distribute revenue from that local tax throughout the state for local purposes, including
police and fire protection.
3. Increase that portion of the state use tax currently dedicated for aid to schools.
4. Prohibit the total use tax rate from exceeding the constitutional limit of 6%.
Should this amendatory act be approved?
YES[]
NO [1"."
vote for approval, the Parties agree that the charge for each personal property
description rendered for the contract years 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 will be
renegotiated by the Parties.
If during the term of this Contract, there are additional services requested of the County,
the Parties shall negotiate additional fees to be paid by the Municipality.
6.1. All time incurred for Board of Review dates beyond the regular County working
hours to be billed at the applicable Equalization Division personnel's overtime
rate and charged to the Municipality over and above any other fees described in
this Contract, with the following exceptions:
6.1.1. One evening meeting as required by law under MCL § 211.30(3).
6.1.2. Dates requiring overtime set by the Municipality Charter.
6.2. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for postage on all personal property
statements and personal property notices mailed relating to work performed
under this Contract. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for all
photographic supplies.
6.3. If the Municipality fails, for any reason, to pay the County any monies when and
as due under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that unless expressly
prohibited by law, the County or the County Treasurer, at their sole option, shall
be entitled to a setoff from any other Municipality funds that are in the County's
possession for any reason. Funds include but are not limited to the Delinquent
Tax Revolving Fund ("DTRF"). Any setoff or retention of funds by the County
shall be deemed a voluntary assignment of the amount by the Municipality to the
County. The Municipality waives any claims against the County or its Officials for
any acts related specifically to the County's offsetting or retaining such amounts.
This paragraph shall not limit the Municipality's legal right to dispute whether the
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
Page 8
underlying amount retained by the County was actually due and owing under this
Contract.
6.4. If the County chooses not to exercise its right to setoff or if any setoff is
insufficient to fully pay the County any amounts due and owing the County under
this Contract, the County shall have the right to charge up to the then-maximum
legal interest on any unpaid amount. Interest charges shall be in addition to any
other amounts due to the County under this Contract. Interest charges shall be
calculated using the daily unpaid balance method and accumulate until all
outstanding amounts and accumulated interest are fully paid.
6.5. Nothing in this Section shall operate to limit the County's right to pursue or
exercise any other legal rights or remedies under this Contract against the
Municipality to secure reimbursement of amounts due the County under this
Contract. The remedies in this Section shall be available to the County on an
ongoing and successive basis if Municipality at any time becomes delinquent in
its payment. Notwithstanding any other term and condition in this Contract, if the
County pursues any legal action in any court to secure its payment under this
Contract, the Municipality agrees to pay all costs and expenses, including
attorney's fees and court costs, incurred by the County in the collection of any
amount owed by the Municipality.
6.6. Notwithstanding any other term or condition in this Contract, should the
Municipality fail for any reason to timely pay the County the amounts required
under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that the County may discontinue,
upon thirty (30) days written notice to the Municipality, without any penalty or
liability whatsoever, any County services or performance obligations under this
Contract.
LIABILITY. The Municipality further agrees that the County shall not be liable to the
Municipality for any and all Claim(s), except as otherwise expressly provided for in this
Contract.
7.1. The Parties agree that this Contract does not and is not intended to create or
include any County warranty, promise, covenant or guaranty, either express or
implied, of any kind or nature whatsoever in favor of the other Municipality,
and/or any Municipality Agents, or any Municipality Taxpayer or any other person
or entity, or that the County's efforts in the performance of any obligation under
this Contract will result in any specific monetary benefit or efficiency, or increase
in any tax revenue for the Municipality, or will result in any specific reduction or
increase in any property assessment, or guarantee that any County services
provided under this Contract will withstand any challenge before the State Tax
Tribunal or any court or review body, or any other such performance-based
outcome.
7.2. In the event of any alleged breach, wrongful termination, and/or any default of
any term or condition of this Contract by either the County or any County Agent,
the County and/or any County Agent shall not be liable to the Municipality for any
indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, including, but not limited
to any replacement costs for County Services, any loss of income or revenue,
and/or any failure by the Municipality to meet any Municipality obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws, or any other economic benefit or harm
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
Page 9
that the Municipality may have realized, but for any alleged breach, wrongful
termination, default and/or cancellation of this Contract, or damages beyond or in
excess of the amount(s) of any amount paid to, received or retained by the
County at the time of the alleged breach or default in connection with or under
the terms of this Contract, whether such alleged breach or default is alleged in an
action in contract or tort and/or whether or not the Municipality has been advised
of the possibility of such damages. This provision and this Contract is intended
by the Parties to allocate the risks between the Parties, and the Parties agree
that the allocation of each Party's efforts, costs, and obligations under this
Contract reflect this allocation of each Party's risk and the limitations of liability as
specified herein.
7.3. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, with regard to any and all
alleged losses, claims, complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes
of action, proceedings, judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs
and expenses, including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable
attorney fees, witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses,
any amounts paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the
Municipality or any Municipality Agent by any third person, including but not
limited to any Municipality Agent or Municipality Taxpayer, arising out of any
activities or Services to be carried out by any County Agent in the performance of
this Contract, the Municipality hereby agrees that it shall have no rights pursuant
to or under this Contract against the County and/or any County Agents to or for
any indemnification (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by implication)
contribution, subrogation, or other right to be reimbursed by the County and/or
any of County Agents based upon any and all legal theories or alleged rights of
any kind, whether known or unknown, for any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, judgments, deficiencies, liability,
penalties, litigation costs and expenses of any kind whatsoever which are
imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Municipality and which are
alleged to have arisen under or are in any way based or predicated upon this
Contract.
7.4. If the Municipality requests and the County agrees, the County may prepare the
actual tax statement for mailing by the Municipality to Municipality residents. In
preparing any such tax statement the County shall rely upon certain data
provided by the Municipality beyond the data gathered by the County under this
Contract, including, but not limited to, the applicable millage rate. The parties
agree that under no circumstances shall the County be held liable to the
Municipality or any third party based upon any error in any tax statement due to
information supplied by the Municipality to the County for such purposes.
§8. MUNICIPALITY AGENTS AND COOPERATION WITH THE COUNTY. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this Contract,
for guaranteeing that all Municipality Agents fully cooperate with Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of all County Services under this Contract. Likewise, the
County agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this
Contract, for guaranteeing that all Equalization Division personnel fully cooperate with
Municipality agents in the performance of all County Services under this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
Page 10
8.1. Municipality Agents shall be employed and assigned based on appropriate
qualifications and other factors as decided by the Municipality. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely responsible for furnishing all Municipality Agents
with all job instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall solely
control, direct, and supervise all Municipality Agents and shall be solely
responsible for the means and manner in which Municipality's duties or
obligations under any applicable State Property Tax Laws are satisfied.
a
The Municipality agrees that it shall be solely and completely liable for any and
all Municipality Agents' past, present, or future wages, compensation, overtime
wages, expenses, fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel
expenses, mileage allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or
other allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation, Social
Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes, and/or any other
statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in any way related to any
Municipality Agent's employment status or any alleged violation of any
Municipality Agent's statutory, contractual (e.g., union, employment, or labor
contract), constitutional, common law employment right, and/or civil rights by the
Municipality. The Municipality agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County
from and against any and all Claim(s) which are imposed upon, incurred by, or
asserted against the County or any County Agent by any Municipality Agent
and/or which are based upon, result from, or arise from, or are in any way related
to any Municipality Agent's wages, compensation, benefits, or other employment-
related or based rights, including, but not limited to, those described in this
section.
8.3. The Municipality agrees that no Municipality Agent shall, by virtue of this Contract
or otherwise, be considered or claimed to be an employee of the County and/or a
County Agent. This Contract does not grant or confer, and shall not be
interpreted to grant or confer, upon any Municipality Agents or any other
individual any status, privilege, right, or benefit of County employment or that of a
County Agent.
8.4. The Municipality agrees to provide the County Agents with information regarding
any activity affecting the tax status of a parcel. This shall include both Ad
Valorem and Special Act Property Abatements and/or Exemptions (e.g. Including
though not limited to Alternative Energy or New Personal Property, Renaissance
Zones, Senior/Disabled Housing Facilities, Obsolete Property and Plant
Rehabilitation & Industrial Development Districts), inclusive of the establishment
of the related district. Additionally, the Municipality agrees to provide the County
Agents with information regarding the establishment/amendment of an Authority
and/or the approval/amendment of any related Development and/or Tax
Increment Finance Plan(s). The County shall be informed of these proposed
changes prior to approval by the governing body of the municipality.
8.5. The Municipality agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any increase in
taxation which is governed by the Truth in Taxation Act. Further, the Municipality
agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any millage increase (new) or
renewal.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
Page 11
8.6. The Municipality will be responsible for Special Assessment billings, maintaining
a paper trail of roll changes, maintaining the rolls in balance, and providing the
Oakland County Equalization Division with the information necessary to prepare
the warrant.
8.7. The Municipality agrees that its agents will perform the following functions:
8.7.1. Mechanically make name changes to Sidwell numbers on a monthly
basis using the County's Computer terminals.
8.7.2. Provide a copy of all building permits with Sidwell numbers to the
County's Equalization Division on a monthly basis.
8.7.3. Be responsible for the establishment, accuracy and compilation of all
Special Assessment rolls in the Municipality.
8.7.4. Forward all exemption applications, transfer affidavits, personal property
statements and any and all other documents affecting the status or value
of property located within the Municipality to the County's Equalization
Division in a timely manner.
8.7.5. Forward all information on splits and combinations after approval by the
Municipality to the County's Equalization Division.
8.8. In the event that Municipality Agents, for whatever reason, fail or neglect to
undertake the tasks in Section 8.7 above, the County's Equalization Division may
perform these tasks and they shall be paid on a time and material basis. Such
rate shall be based upon the wages plus benefits of the person or persons
performing said tasks.
§9. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The Parties agree that at all times and for all purposes
under the terms of this Contract, the County's and/or any and all County Agents' legal
status and relationship to the Municipality shall be that of an Independent Contractor.
Except as expressly provided herein, each Party will be solely responsible for the acts of
its own employees, Agents, and servants during the term of this Contract. No liability,
right or benefits arising out of an employer/employee relationship, either express or
implied, shall arise or accrue to either Party as a result of this Contract.
n COUNTY PRIORITIZATION OF COUNTY RESOURCES. The Municipality
acknowledges and agrees that this Contract does not, and is not intended to, create
either any absolute right in favor of the Municipality, or any correspondent absolute duty
or obligation upon the County, to guarantee that any specific number(s) or classification
of County Agents will be present on any given day to provide County services to the
Municipality.
§11. INDEMNIFICATION. Each Party shall be responsible for any Claims made against that
Party and for the acts of its Employees or Agents. In any Claims that may arise from the
performance of this Contract, each Party shall seek its own legal representation and bear
the costs associated with such representation including any attorney fees. Except as
otherwise provided in this Contract, neither Party shall have any right under any legal
principle to be indemnified by the other Party or any of its Employees or Agents in
connection with any Claim. This Contract does not, and is not intended to, impair, divest,
delegate or contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
Page 12
power, obligation, duty, or immunity of the Parties. Nothing in this Contract shall be
construed as a waiver of governmental immunity for either Party.
§12. CANCELLATION OR TERMINATION OF THIS CONTRACT. Except as follows, and
notwithstanding any other term or provision in any other section of this Contract, either
Party, upon a minimum of ninety (90) calendar days written notice to the other Party, may
cancel and/or completely terminate this Contract for any reason, including convenience,
without incurring any penalty, expense, or liability to the other Party. The effective date
for any such termination is to be clearly stated in the notice.
12.1. At 5:00 p.m. on the effective date of the cancellation of this Contract all
Municipality and/or County obligations under this Contract, except those rights
and obligations expressly surviving cancellation as provided for in this Contract,
shall end.
12.2. The Municipality agrees that any and all Municipality obligations, including, but
not limited to, any and all indemnification and hold harmless promises, waivers of
liability, record-keeping requirements, any Municipality payment obligations to the
County, and/or any other related obligations provided for in this Contract with
regard to any acts, occurrences, events, transactions, or Claim(s) either
occurring or having their basis in any events or transactions that occurred before
the cancellation or completion of this Contract, shall survive the cancellation or
completion of this Contract.
§13. EFFECTIVE DATE, CONTRACT APPROVAL, AND AMENDMENT. The Parties agree
that this Contract, and/or any subsequent amendments thereto, shall not become
effective prior to the approval by concurrent resolutions of both the Oakland County
Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the City of Orchard Lake Village.
The approval and terms of this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments
thereto, shall be entered in the official minutes and proceedings of both the Oakland
County Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the City of Orchard Lake
Village and shall also be filed with the office of the Clerk of the County and the Clerk for
the City of Orchard Lake Village.
§14. The Parties agree that this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments, shall
be filed with the Michigan Secretary of State and this Contract, and/or any possible
subsequent amendments, shall not become effective prior to this required filing with the
Secretary of State.
14.1. The Parties agree that except as expressly provided herein, this Contract shall
not be changed, supplemented, or amended, in any manner, except as provided
for herein, and no other act, verbal representation, document, usage or custom
shall be deemed to amend or modify this Contract in any manner.
§15. NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES. Except as expressly provided herein for the
benefit of the Parties (i.e., County or Municipality), this Contract does not, and is not
intended to, create, by implication or otherwise, any direct or indirect obligation, duty,
promise, benefit, right to be indemnified (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by
implication) and/or any right to be subrogated to any Party's rights in this Contract, and/or
any other right of any kind, in favor of any person, including, but not limited to, any
County Agent or Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer, any Taxpayer's legal
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
Page 13
representative, any organization, any alleged unnamed beneficiary or assignee, and/or
any other person.
§16. CONSTRUED AS A WHOLE. The language of all parts of this Contract is intended to
and, in all cases, shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning, and not
construed strictly for or against any Party. As used in this Contract, the singular or plural
number, possessive or nonpossessive shall be deemed to include the other whenever
the context so suggests or requires.
§17. CAPTIONS. The section headings or titles and/or all section numbers contained in this
Contract are intended for the convenience of the reader and not intended to have any
substantive meaning and are not to be interpreted as part of this Contract,
§18. NOTICES. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, any and all
correspondence, invoices, and/or any other written notices required, permitted or
provided for under this Contract to be delivered to either Party shall be sent to that Party
by first class mail. All such written notices, including any notice canceling or terminating
this Contract as provided for herein, shall be sent to the other Party's signatory to this
Contract, or that signatory's successor in office, at the addresses shown in this Contract.
All correspondence or written notices shall be considered delivered to a Party as of the
date that such notice is deposited with sufficient postage with the U.S. Postal Service.
§19. WAIVER OF BREACH. The waiver of a breach of any provision of this Contract shall not
operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Each and every right,
remedy and power granted to either Party or allowed it by law shall be cumulative and not
exclusive of any other.
§20. ENTIRE CONTRACT. This Contract, consisting of a total of fifteen (15) pages, sets forth
the entire agreement between the County and the Municipality and fully supersedes any
and all prior agreements or understandings between them in any way related to the
subject matter hereof. It is further understood and agreed that the terms and conditions
herein are contractual and are not a mere recital and that there are no other agreements,
understandings, contracts, or representations between the County and the Municipality in
any way related to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly stated herein. This
Contract shall not be changed or supplemented orally and may be amended only as
otherwise provided herein.
For and in consideration of the mutual assurances, promises, acknowledgments, warrants,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned
hereby execute this Contract on behalf of the Parties, and by doing so legally obligate and bind
the Parties to the terms and conditions of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
Page 14
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Joseph Maycher, Mayor of the City of Orchard Lake Village hereby
acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the Governing Body of the City of
Orchard Lake Village, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this Contract on behalf of
the Municipality and hereby accepts and binds the City of Orchard Lake Village to the terms and
conditions of this Contract.
PXPrI ITPr): DATE:
Joseph Maycher, Mayor
City of Orchard Lake Village
WITNESSED: DATE:
Rhonda McClellan, Clerk
City of Orchard Lake Village
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson, Oakland County Board of
Commissioners, hereby acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the
Oakland County Board of Commissioners, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this
Contract on behalf of the Oakland County, and hereby accepts and binds Oakland County to the
terms and conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson
Oakland County Board of Commissioners
WITNESSED: DATE:
(Print Name) DATE:
County of Oakland
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
Page 15
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY
EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ROYAL OAK
(personal property services)
This CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE
SERVICES WITH THE City of Royal Oak, (hereafter, this "Contract") is made and entered into
between the COUNTY OF OAKLAND, a Michigan Constitutional and Municipal Corporation,
whose address is 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, Michigan 48341 (hereafter, the
"County"), and the City of Royal Oak, a Michigan Constitutional and Municipal Corporation
whose address is 211 Williams Street, Royal Oak, Michigan, 48068 (hereafter, the
"Municipality"). In this Contract, either the County and/or the Municipality may also be referred
to individually as a "Party" or jointly as "Parties."
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENTS
A. The Municipality, pursuant to the laws of the State of Michigan (hereafter, the "State"),
including, but not limited to, the Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.1, et seq.)
is required to perform real and personal property tax appraisals and assessments for all
nonexempt real and personal property located within the geographic boundaries of the
Municipality for the purpose of levying State and local property taxes.
B. The Parties recognize and agree that absent an agreement such as this, or pursuant to
an order of the State Tax Commission mandating the County to perform all or some of
the property tax appraisal and tax assessment responsibilities for real and/or personal
property located within the Municipality's geographic boundaries (MCL 211.10(f)), the
County, has no obligation to provide these Services to or for the Municipality.
C. The Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.34(3) provides that the County Board
of Commissioners, through the Equalization Division may furnish assistance to local
assessing officers in the performance of certain of these legally mandated, Municipality,
property appraisal and assessment responsibilities.
D. The Municipality has requested the County's Equalization Division assistance in
performing the "Equalization Division Assistance Services" (as described and defined in
this Contract) and has agreed in return to reimburse the County as provided for in this
Contract.
E. The County has determined that it has sufficient "Equalization Division Personnel," as
defined herein, possessing the requisite knowledge and expertise and is agreeable to
assisting the Municipality by providing the requested "Equalization Division Assistance
Services" under the terms and conditions of this Contract.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and the mutual promises,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the County and the
Municipality mutually agree as follows:
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ROYAL OAK
Page 1
§1. DEFINED TERMS In addition to the above defined terms (i.e., "Contract", "County",
"Municipality", "Party" and "Parties", and "State"), the Parties agree that the following
words and expressions when printed with the first letter capitalized as shown herein,
whether used in the singular or plural, possessive or nonpossessive, and/or either within
or without quotation marks, shall, be defined and interpreted as follows:
1.1. "County Agent" or "County Agents" shall be defined as any and all Oakland
County elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board members, council
members, commissioners, authorities, other boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal representative or official capacities), and/or any persons acting by,
through, under, or in concert with any of them, excluding the Municipality and/or
any Municipality Agents, as defined herein. "County Agent" and/or "County
Agents" shall also include any person who was a County Agent anytime during
the term of this Contract but, for any reason, is no longer employed, appointed,
or elected and serving as a County Agent.
1.2. "Equalization Division Personnel" as used in this Contract shall be defined as a
specific subset of, and included as part of the larger group of County Agents as
defined above, and shall be further defined as any and all County Agents
specifically employed and assigned by the County to work in the Equalization
Division of the County's Department of Management and Budget as shown in the
current County budget and/or personnel records of the County. For any and all
purposes in this Contract, any reference to County Agents shall also include
within that term any and all Equalization Division Personnel, but any reference in
this contract to Equalization Division Personnel shall not include any County
Agent employed by the County in any other function, capacity or organizational
unit of the County other than the Equalization Division of the Department of
Management and Budget.
1.3. "Municipality Agent" or "Municipality Agents" shall be defined to include any and
all Municipality officers, elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board
members, council members, authorities, boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal, representative, or official capacities), and/or any and all persons acting
by, through, under, or in concert with any of them, except that no County Agent
shall be deemed a Municipality Agent and conversely, no Municipality Agent shall
be deemed a County Agent. "Municipality Agent" shall also include any person
who was a Municipality Agent at any time during this Contract but for any reason
is no longer employed, appointed, or elected in that capacity.
1.4. "Claim(s)" shall be defined to include any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes of action, proceedings,
judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs and expenses,
including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees,
witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses, any amounts
paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities or Claim(s) of any kind
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ROYAL OAK
Page 2
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against either the
County and/or any County Agent, as defined herein, or any Claim(s) for which
the County and/or any County Agent may become legally and/or contractually
obligated to pay or defend against, or any other liabilities of any kind whatsoever,
whether direct, indirect or consequential, whether based upon any alleged
violation of the constitution (federal or State), any statute, rule, regulation or the
common law, whether in law or equity, tort, contract, or otherwise, and/or
whether commenced or threatened and arising out of any alleged breach of any
duty by the County and/or any County Agent to any third-person, the
Municipality, including any Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer under
or in connection with this Contract or are based on or result in any way from the
County's and/or any County Agent's participation in this Contract.
1.5. "Municipality Taxpayer" shall be defined as any and all residents, property
owners, persons, or taxable entities within the Municipality, or their
representatives or agents, who may be liable or responsible for any property
taxes assessed by the Municipality pursuant to any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
1.6. "State" shall be defined as the "State of Michigan," a sovereign governmental
entity of the United States, and shall also include within its definition any and all
departments or agencies of State government including specifically, but not
limited to, the State Tax Commission, the State Tax Tribunal, and/or the State
Department of Treasury.
§2. COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES The Parties agree that
the full and complete scope of any and all County Equalization Division Assistance
Services shall be as described and limited in the following subsections (hereinafter
defined and referred to as either "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or
"Services").
2.1. "EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES" OR "SERVICES" TO BE
PROVIDED "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services", to be
performed by County for the Municipality as those terms are defined in this
Contract, shall only include and shall be limited to the following activities:
2.1.1. This Contract is to provide for annual assessment of personal property
from July 1, 2013 to June 30 ; 2016 as required by laws of the State of
Michigan. The County agrees to make assessments of personal
property within the Municipality pursuant to MC! 211.10d.
2.1.2. The Equalization Division personnel will appraise all new personal
property, process all personal property description changes, and will
audit where necessary to insure and establish accurate appraisals on all
taxable personal property. The Equalization Division personnel will
review all statements and extensions, make valuation recommendations
to the assessor in the absence of a prepared personal property
statement and load all values on the computer for the assessment roll.
All Board of Review changes will be processed on the personal property
section of the assessment roll and balanced to insure there are no
omissions. The Equalization Division personnel will be available for
consultation on all Michigan Tax Tribunal appeals for personal property
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ROYAL OAK
Page 3
and will assist the Assessor in the preparation of both oral and written
defense of appeals as long as there is a current Contract in effect.
However, the County shall not assist or appear on behalf of the
Municipality regarding appeals of special assessments to the Michigan
Tax Tribunal or any other Court or Tribunal.
2.2. PURPOSE OF COUNTY "SERVICES" The Parties agree that the purpose of
any and all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be
performed under this Contract shall be to assist (e.g., to help, aid, lend support,
and/or participate in as an auxiliary, to contribute effort toward completion of a
goal, etc.) the Municipality in the performance of that Municipality's official
functions, obligations, and Municipality's legal responsibilities for property tax
appraisal and assessment pursuant to the applicable State Property Tax Laws.
2.3. MANNER COUNTY TO PROVIDE SERVICES The Parties agree that any and
all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be provided by
the County for the Municipality under this Contract shall be performed solely and
exclusively by the County's "Equalization Division Personnel" as defined herein.
2.3.1. Equalization Division Personnel shall be employed and assigned by the
County in such numbers and based on such appropriate qualifications
and other factors as decided solely by the County.
2.3.2. The Parties agree that the County shall be solely and exclusively
responsible for furnishing all Equalization Division Personnel with all job
instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall in all
circumstances control, supervise, train or direct all Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of any and all Services under this
Contract.
2.3.3. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, the Parties agree and
warrant that, at all times and for all purposes relevant to this Contract,
the County shall remain the sole and exclusive employer of all County
Agents and Equalization Division Personnel and that the County shall
remain solely and completely liable for any and all County Agents' past,
present, or future wages, compensation, overtime wages, expenses,
fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel expenses, mileage
allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or other
allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation,
Social Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes,
and/or any other statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in
any way related to any County Agent's employment status.
2.3.4. This Contract is neither intended, nor shall it be interpreted, to create,
change, grant, modify, supplement, supersede, alter, or otherwise affect
or control, in any manner, form, or at any time, any right, privilege,
benefit, or any other term or condition of employment, of any kind or
nature whatsoever, in, upon, or for any County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel with the County, any applicable County employment
and/or union contract, and/or any County rule(s), regulation(s), hours of
work, shift assignment, order(s), policy(ies), procedure(s), directive(s),
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ROYAL OAK
Page 4
ethical guideline(s), etc., which shall, solely and exclusively, govern and
control the employment relationship between the County and any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel and/or the conduct and actions
of any County Agent or any Equalization Division Personnel. To
illustrate, but not otherwise limit, this Contract does not and shall not be
interpreted to limit, modify, control, or otherwise affect, in any manner:
2.3.4.1. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation,
responsibility, 3,r- id discretion to employ, compensate, assign,
reassign, transfer, promote, reclassify, discipline, demote,
layoff, furlough, discharge any Equalization Division Personnel
and/or pay any and all Equalization Division Personnel's
wages, salaries, allowances, reimbursements, compensation,
fringe benefits, or otherwise decide any and all such terms and
conditions of employment and make any and all employment
decisions that affect, in any way, the employment of any
Equalization Division Personnel with the County, subject only
to its applicable collective bargaining Contracts.
2.3.4.2. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation, and
responsibility to determine, establish, modify, or implement
any and all operational policies, procedures, orders, rules,
regulations, ethical guidelines, and/or any other judgment,
policy or directive which, in any way, governs or controls any
activity of any County Agent or Equalization Division
Personnel, any necessary County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel's training standards or proficiency(ies), any
level or amount of required supervision, any and all standards
of performance, any sequence or manner of performance, and
any level(s) of experience, training, or education required for
any Equalization Division Personnel performing any County
duty or obligation under the terms of this Contract.
2.3.5. The Municipality agrees that except as expressly provided for under the
terms of this Contract and/or laws of this State, no County Agent or
Equalization Division Personnel, while such person is currently and/or
actively employed or otherwise remains on the payroll of the County as a
County Agent shall be employed, utilized, or perform any other services,
of any kind, directly or indirectly, in any manner or capacity, or otherwise
be available to perform any other work or assignments by or for the
Municipality during the term of this Contract. This section shall not
prohibit the Municipality from employing any person who was a former
County Agent but is no longer employed in that capacity by the County.
2.3.6. Except as otherwise expressly provided by the Contract and/or
applicable State law, the Parties agree and warrant that neither the
County, nor any County Agent, nor any Equalization Division Personnel,
by virtue of this Contract or otherwise, shall be deemed, considered or
claimed to be an employee of the Municipality and/or a Municipality
Agent.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ROYAL OAK
Page 5
2.3.7. The Municipality shall not otherwise provide, furnish or assign any
Equalization Division Personnel with any job instructions, job
descriptions, job specifications, or job duties, or in any manner attempt to
control, supervise, train, or direct any Personnel in the performance of
any County's Equalization Division Assistance Services duty or obligation
under the terms of this Contract.
2.4. LIMITS AND EXCLUSIONS ON COUNTY "SERVICES" Except as otherwise
expressly provided for within this Contract, neither the County nor any County
Agents shall be responsible for assisting or providing any other "Services '' or
assistance to the Municipality or assume any additional responsibility for
assisting the Municipality in any other way or manner with any Municipality
obligations under any and all State Property Tax Laws, including, but not limited
to, providing any attorney or legal representation to the Municipality or any
Municipality Agent at any proceeding before the Michigan Tax Tribunal or any
other adjudicative body or court, except as expressly provided for in this
Contract.
2.4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain
solely liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities
associated with or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or
assessment functions or any other Municipality legal obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws. The Municipality shall employ
and retain its own Municipality legal representation, as necessary, to
defend any such claim or challenge before the State Tax Tribunal or any
other court or review body.
2.4.2. Except for those express statutory and/or regulatory obligations
incumbent only upon licensed Equalization Division Personnel (i.e., State
Licensed and Certified Real and/or Personal Property Tax Assessors) to
defend property tax appraisals and assessments that they either
performed, or were otherwise performed under their supervision, before
the Michigan Tax Tribunal, the Parties agree that no other County
Agents, including any County attorneys shall be authorized, required
and/or otherwise obligated under this Contract or pursuant to any other
agreement between the Parties to provide any legal representation to or
for the Municipality and/or otherwise defend, challenge, contest, appeal,
or argue on behalf of the Municipality before the Michigan Tax Tribunal
or any other review body or court.
§3. TERM OF CONTRACT The Parties agree that the term of this Contract shall begin on
the effective date. of this Contract, as othervvise provided herein. and sh,all end on
June 30, 2016, without any further act or notice from either Party being required. Any
and all County Services otherwise provided to the Municipality prior to the effective date
of this Contract, shall be subject to the terms and conditions provided for herein.
§4. NO TRANSFER OF MUNICIPALITY LEGAL OBLIGATIONS TO COUNTY Except as
expressly provided for in this Contract, the Municipality agrees that this Contract does
not, and is not intended to, transfer, delegate, or assign to the County, and/or any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel any civil or legal responsibility, duty, obligation,
duty of care, cost, legal obligation, or liability associated with any governmental function
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ROYAL OAK
Page 6
delegated and/or entrusted to the Municipality under any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain solely
liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities associated with
or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or assessment functions or
any other Municipality legal obligation. The Municipality agrees that under no
circumstances shall the County be responsible for any costs, obligations, and/or
civil liabilities assnniatPri with its Municipality funr4inn or Any responsibility under
any State Property Tax Law.
4.2. The Municipality shall not incur or create any debts, liens, liabilities or obligations
for the County and shall take all necessary steps to ensure that any debts, liens,
liabilities or obligations that the Municipality may incur shall not become a debt,
liability, obligation or Claim(s) against the County.
4.3. The Parties agree that the Municipality shall at all times remain responsible for
the ultimate completion of any and all Municipality duties or obligations under any
and all applicable State Property Tax Laws. Nothing in this Contract shall relieve
the Municipality of any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
4.4. The Municipality and Municipality Agents shall be and remain responsible for
compliance with all federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and
agency requirements in any manner affecting any work or performance of this
Contract or with any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
NO DELEGATION OR DIMINUTION OF ANY GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY The
Parties reserve to themselves any rights and obligations related to the provision of any
and all of each Party's respective governmental services, authority, responsibilities, and
obligations. Except as expressly provided otherwise herein, this Contract does not, and
is not intended to, create, diminish, delegate, transfer, assign, divest, impair, or
contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege, power, civil or
legal responsibility, obligation, duty of care, liability, capacity, immunity, authority or
character of office of either Party to any other person or Party.
5.1, The Parties further agree, notwithstanding any other term or condition in this
Contract, that no provision in this Contract is intended, nor shall it be construed,
as a waiver of any governmental immunity, as provided by statute or applicable
court decisions, by either Party, either for that Party and/or any of that Party's
County or Municipal Agents.
5.2. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, nothing in this Contract shall
be deemed to, in any way, limit or prohibit the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners statutory rights and obligations to review and/or further equalize
Municipality property values or tax assessments and/or further act upon any
Municipality assessment(s) of property taxes under any applicable State Property
Tax Laws, including, but not limited to challenging any Municipality assessment
before the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ROYAL OAK
Page 7
§6. PAYMENT SCHEDULE In consideration of the promises set forth in this Contract, the
Municipality agrees to pay to the County: For the contract years 2013-2014 and 2014-
2015 and 2015-2016 the sum of $14.00 each year for each personal property description
rendered during the life of this Contract. Payment for the contract year 2013-2014 is
payable on or before July 1, 2014, payment for the contract year 2014-2015 is payable
on or before July 1, 2015 and payment for the contract year 2015-2016 is payable on or
before July 1.2016.
In the event that, pursuant to Public Act 408 of 2012, a majority of the qualified electors of
this state voting in August of 2014 on the question:
"APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF THE AMENDATORY ACT DEDICATING A
PORTION OF USE TAX REVENUE TO BENEFIT METROPOLITAN AREAS
THROUGHOUT THIS STATE
The amendatory act adopted by the Legislature would:
1. Dedicate a portion of the existing state use tax as a local tax levied by a new
metropolitan areas authority.
2. Distribute revenue from that local tax throughout the state for local purposes, including
police and fire protection.
3. Increase that portion of the state use tax currently dedicated for aid to schools.
4. Prohibit the total use tax rate from exceeding the constitutional limit of 6%.
Should this amendatory act be approved?
YES[]
NO [17
vote for approval, the Parties agree that the charge for each personal property
description rendered for the contract years 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 will be
renegotiated by the Parties.
If during the term of this Contract, there are additional services requested of the County,
the Parties shall negotiate additional fees to be paid by the Municipality.
6.1, The Municipality agrees to be responsible for postage on all personal property
statements and personal property notices mailed relating to work performed
under this Contract, The Municipality agrees to be responsible for all
photographic supplies.
6.2. If the Municipality fails, for any reason, to pay the County any monies when and
as due under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that unless expressly
prohibited by law. the County or the County Treasurer, at their sole option, shall
be entitled to a setoff from any other Municipality funds that are in the County's
possession for any reason. Funds include but are not limited to the Delinquent
Tax Revolving Fund ("DTRF"). Any setoff or retention of funds by the County
shall be deemed a voluntary assignment of the amount by the Municipality to the
County. The Municipality waives any claims against the County or its Officials for
any acts related specifically to the County's offsetting or retaining such amounts.
This paragraph shall not limit the Municipality's legal right to dispute whether the
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ROYAL OAK
Page 8
underlying amount retained by the County was actually due and owing under this
Contract.
6.3. If the County chooses not to exercise its right to setoff or if any setoff is
insufficient to fully pay the County any amounts due and owing the County under
this Contract, the County shall have the right to charge up to the then-maximum
legal interest on any unpaid amount. Interest charges shall be in addition to any
other amounts due to the County under this Contract. Interest charges shall be
calculated using the daily unpaid balance method and accumulate until all
outstanding amounts and accumulated interest are fully paid.
6.4. Nothing in this Section shall operate to limit the County's right to pursue or
exercise any other legal rights or remedies under this Contract against
Municipality to secure reimbursement of amounts due the County under this
Contract. The remedies in this Section shall be available to the County on an
ongoing and successive basis if Municipality at any time becomes delinquent in
its payment. Notwithstanding any other term and condition in this Contract, if the
County pursues any legal action in any court to secure its payment under this
Contract, Municipality agrees to pay all costs and expenses, including attorney's
fees and court costs, incurred by the County in the collection of any amount
owed by Municipality.
6.5. Notwithstanding any other term or condition in this Contract, should the
Municipality fail for any reason to timely pay the County the amounts required
under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that the County may discontinue,
upon thirty (30) days written notice to the Municipality, without any penalty or
liability whatsoever, any County services or performance obligations under this
Contract.
§7. LIABILITY The Municipality further agrees that the County shall not be liable to the
Municipality for any and all Claim(s), except as otherwise expressly provided for in this
Contract.
7.1. The Parties agree that this Contract does not and is not intended to create or
include any County warranty, promise, covenant or guaranty, either express or
implied, of any kind or nature whatsoever in favor of the other Municipality,
and/or any Municipality Agents, or any Municipality Taxpayer or any other person
or entity, or that the County's efforts in the performance of any obligation under
this Contract will result in any specific monetary benefit or efficiency, or increase
in any tax revenue for the Municipality, or will result in any specific reduction or
increase in any property assessment, or guarantee that any County services
provided under this Contract will withstand any challenge before the State Tax
Tribunal or any court or review body, or any other such performance-based
outcome.
7.2. In the event of any alleged breach, wrongful termination, and/or any default of
any term or condition of this Contract by either the County or any County Agent,
the County and/or any County Agent shall not be liable to the Municipality for any
indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, including, but not limited
to any replacement costs for County Services, any loss of income or revenue,
and/or any failure by the Municipality to meet any Municipality obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws, or any other economic benefit or harm
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ROYAL OAK
Page 9
that the Municipality may have realized, but for any alleged breach, wrongful
termination, default and/or cancellation of this Contract, or damages beyond or in
excess of the amount(s) of any amount paid to, received or retained by the
County at the time of the alleged breach or default in connection with or under
the terms of this Contract, whether such alleged breach or default is alleged in an
action in contract or tort and/or whether or not the Municipality has been advised
of the possibility of such damages. This provision and this Contract is intended
by the Parties to allocate the risks between the Parties, and the Parties agree
that the allocation of each Party's efforts, costs, and obligations under this
Contract reflect this allocation of each Party's risk and the limitations of liability as
specified herein.
7.3. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, with regard to any and all
alleged losses, claims, complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes
of action, proceedings, judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs
and expenses, including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable
attorney fees, witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses,
any amounts paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the
Municipality or any Municipality Agent by any third person, including but not
limited to any Municipality Agent or Municipality Taxpayer, arising out of any
activities or Services to be carried out by any County Agent in the performance of
this Contract, the Municipality hereby agrees that it shall have no rights pursuant
to or under this Contract against the County and/or any County Agents to or for
any indemnification (Le., contractually, legally, equitably, or by implication)
contribution, subrogation, or other right to be reimbursed by the County and/or
any of County Agents based upon any and all legal theories or alleged rights of
any kind, whether known or unknown, for any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, judgments, deficiencies, liability,
penalties, litigation costs and expenses of any kind whatsoever which are
imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Municipality and which are
alleged to have arisen under or are in any way based or predicated upon this
Contract.
7.4. If the Municipality requests and the County agrees, the County may prepare the
actual tax statement for mailing by the Municipality to Municipality residents. In
preparing any such tax statement the County shall rely upon certain data
provided by the Municipality beyond the data gathered by the County under this
contract. The parties agree that under no circumstances shall the County be
held liable to the Municipality or any third party based upon any error in any tax
statement due to information supplied by the Municipality to the County for such
purposes.
§8. MUNICIPALITY AGENTS AND COOPERATION WITH THE COUNTY The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this Contract,
for guaranteeing that all Municipality Agents fully cooperate with Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of all County Services under this Contract. Likewise, the
County agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this
Contract, for guaranteeing that all Equalization Division personnel fully cooperate with
Municipality agents in the performance of all County Services under this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ROYAL OAK
Page 10
8.1. Municipality Agents shall be employed and assigned based on appropriate
qualifications and other factors as decided by the Municipality. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely responsible for furnishing all Municipality Agents
with all job instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall solely
control, direct, and supervise all Municipality Agents and shall be solely
responsible for the means and manner in which Municipality's duties or
obligations under any applicable State Property Tax Laws are satisfied.
8.2. The Municipality agrees that it shall be solely and completely liable for any and
all Municipality Agents' past, present, or future wages, compensation, overtime
wages, expenses, fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel
expenses, mileage allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or
other allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation, Social
Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes, and/or any other
statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in any way related to any
Municipality Agent's employment status or any alleged violation of any
Municipality Agent's statutory, contractual (e.g., union, employment, or labor
contract), constitutional, common law employment right, and/or civil rights by the
Municipality. The Municipality agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County
from and against any and all Claim(s) which are imposed upon, incurred by, or
asserted against the County or any County Agent by any Municipality Agent
and/or which are based upon, result from, or arise from, or are in any way related
to any Municipality Agent's wages, compensation, benefits, or other employment-
related or based rights, including, but not limited to, those described in this
section.
8.3. The Municipality agrees that no Municipality Agent shall, by virtue of this Contract
or otherwise, be considered or claimed to be an employee of the County and/or a
County Agent. This Contract does not grant or confer, and shall not be
interpreted to grant or confer, upon any Municipality Agents or any other
individual any status, privilege, right, or benefit of County employment or that of a
County Agent.
8.4. The Municipality agrees to provide the County Agents with information regarding
any activity affecting the tax status of a parcel. This shall include both Ad
Valorem and Special Act Property Abatements and/or Exemptions (e.g. Including
though not limited to Alternative Energy or New Personal Property, Renaissance
Zones, Senior/Disabled Housing Facilities, Obsolete Property and Plant
Rehabilitation & Industrial Development Districts), inclusive of the establishment
of the related district. Additionally, the Municipality agrees to provide the County
Agents with information regarding the establishment/amendment of an Authority
and/or the approval/amendment of any related Development and/or Tax
Increment Finance Plan(s). The County shall be informed of these proposed
changes prior to approval by the governing body of the municipality.
8.5. The Municipality agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any increase in
taxation which is governed by the Truth in Taxation Act. Further, the Municipality
agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any millage increase (new) or
renewal.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ROYAL OAK
Page 11
8.6. The Municipality will be responsible for Special Assessment billings, maintaining
a paper trail of roll changes, maintaining the rolls in balance, and providing the
Oakland County Equalization Division with the information necessary to prepare
the warrant_
8.7. The Municipality agrees that its agents will perform the following functions:
8.7.1. Mechanically make name changes to Sidwell numbers on a monthly
basis using the County's Computer terminals.
8.7.2. Provide a copy of all building permits with Sidwell numbers to the
County's Equalization Division on a monthly basis.
8.7.3. Forward all exemption applications, transfer affidavits, personal property
statements and any and all other documents affecting the status or value
of property located within the Municipality to the County's Equalization
Division in a timely manner.
8.7.4. Forward all information on splits and combinations after approval by the
Municipality to the County's Equalization Division.
8.8. In the event that Municipality Agents, for whatever reason, fail or neglect to
undertake the tasks in Section 8.7 above, the County's Equalization Division may
perform these tasks and they shall be paid on a time and material basis. Such
rate shall be based upon the wages plus benefits of the person or persons
performing said tasks.
§9. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR The Parties agree that at all times and for all purposes
under the terms of this Contract, the County's and/or any and all County Agents' legal
status and relationship to the Municipality shall be that of an Independent Contractor.
Except as expressly provided herein, each Party will be solely responsible for the acts of
its own employees, Agents, and servants during the term of this Contract. No liability,
right or benefits arising out of an employer/employee relationship, either express or
implied, shall arise or accrue to either Party as a result of this Contract.
§10. COUNTY PRIORITIZATION OF COUNTY RESOURCES The Municipality
acknowledges and agrees that this Contract does not, and is not intended to, create
either any absolute right in favor of the Municipality, or any correspondent absolute duty
or obligation upon the County, to guarantee that any specific number(s) or classification
of County Agents will be present on any given day to provide County services to the
Municipality.
§11. INDEMNIFICATION Each Party shall be responsible for any Claims made against that
Party and for the acts of its Employees or Agents. In any Claims that may arise from the
performance of this Contract, each Party shall seek its own legal representation and bear
the costs associated with such representation including any attorney fees. Except as
otherwise provided in this Contract, neither Party shall have any right under any legal
principle to be indemnified by the other Party or any of its Employees or Agents in
connection with any Claim. This Contract does not, and is not intended to, impair, divest,
delegate or contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege,
power, obligation, duty, or immunity of the Parties. Nothing in this Agreement shall be
construed as a waiver of governmental immunity for either Party.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ROYAL OAK
Page 12
§12. CANCELLATION OR TERMINATION OF THIS CONTRACT Except as follows, and
notwithstanding any other term or provision in any other section of this Contract, either
Party, upon a minimum of ninety (90) calendar days written notice to the other Party, may
cancel and/or completely terminate this Contract for any reason, including convenience,
without incurring any penalty, expense, or liability to the other Party. The effective date
for any such termination is to be clearly stated in the notice.
12.1. At 5:00 p.m. on the effective date of the cancellation of this Contract all
Municipality and/or C'o,unty obligations under this- Contract, except those rights
and obligations expressly surviving cancellation as provided for in this Contract,
shall end.
12.2. The Municipality agrees that any and all Municipality obligations, including, but
not limited to, any and all indemnification and hold harmless promises, waivers of
liability, record-keeping requirements, any Municipality payment obligations to the
County, and/or any other related obligations provided for in this Contract with
regard to any acts, occurrences, events, transactions, or Claim(s) either
occurring or having their basis in any events or transactions that occurred before
the cancellation or completion of this Contract, shall survive the cancellation or
completion of this Contract.
§13. EFFECTIVE DATE, CONTRACT APPROVAL, AND AMENDMENT The Parties agree
that this Contract, and/or any subsequent amendments thereto, shall not become
effective prior to the approval by concurrent resolutions of both the Oakland County
Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the City of Royal Oak. The approval
and terms of this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments thereto, shall be
entered in the official minutes and proceedings of both the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners and the Governing Body of the City of Royal Oak and shall also be filed
with the office of the Clerk of the County and the Clerk for the City of Royal Oak.
§14. The Parties agree that this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments, shall
be filed with the Michigan Secretary of State and this Contract, and/or any possible
subsequent amendments, shall not become effective prior to this required filing with the
Secretary of State.
14.1. The Parties agree that except as expressly provided herein, this Contract shall
not be changed, supplemented, or amended, in any manner, except as provided
for herein, and no other act, verbal representation, document, usage or custom
shall be deemed to amend or modify this Contract in any manner.
§15. NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES Except as expressly provided herein for the benefit
of the Parties (i.e., County or Municipality), this Contract does not, and is not intended to,
create, by implication or othervvise, any direct or indirect obligation, duty, F1 omise,
benefit, right to be indemnified (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by implication)
and/or any right to be subrogated to any Party's rights in this Contract, and/or any other
right of any kind, in favor of any person, including, but not limited to, any County Agent or
Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer, any Taxpayer's legal representative, any
organization, any alleged unnamed beneficiary or assignee, and/or any other person.
§16. CONSTRUED AS A WHOLE The language of all parts of this Contract is intended to
and, in all cases, shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning, and not
construed strictly for or against any Party. As used in this Contract, the singular or plural
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ROYAL OAK
Page 13
number, possessive or nonpossessive shall be deemed to include the other whenever
the context so suggests or requires.
§17. CAPTIONS The section headings or titles and/or all section numbers contained in this
Contract are intended for the convenience of the reader and not intended to have any
substantive meaning and are not to be interpreted as part of this Contract.
§18. NOTICES Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, any and all
correspondence, invoices, and/or any other written notices required, permitted or
provided for under this Contract to be delivered to either Party shall be sent to that Party
by first class mail. All such written notices, including any notice canceling or terminating
this Contract as provided for herein, shall be sent to the other Party's signatory to this
Contract, or that signatory's successor in office, at the addresses shown in this Contract.
All correspondence or written notices shall be considered delivered to a Party as of the
date that such notice is deposited with sufficient postage with the U.S. Postal Service.
§19. WAIVER OF BREACH The waiver of a breach of any provision of this Contract shall not
operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Each and every right,
remedy and power granted to either Party or allowed it by law shall be cumulative and not
exclusive of any other.
§20. ENTIRE CONTRACT This Contract, consisting of a total of fifteen (15) pages, sets forth
the entire agreement between the County and the Municipality and fully supersedes any
and all prior agreements or understandings between them in any way related to the
subject matter hereof. It is further understood and agreed that the terms and conditions
herein are contractual and are not a mere recital and that there are no other agreements,
understandings, contracts, or representations between the County and the Municipality in
any way related to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly stated herein. This
Contract shall not be changed or supplemented orally and may be amended only as
otherwise provided herein.
For and in consideration of the mutual assurances, promises, acknowledgments, warrants,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned
hereby execute this Contract on behalf of the Parties, and by doing so legally obligate and bind
the Parties to the terms and conditions of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ROYAL OAK
Page 14
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Jim Ellison, Mayor of the City of Royal Oak, hereby acknowledges
that he has been authorized by a resolution of the Governing Body of the City of Royal Oak, a
certified copy of which is attached, to execute this Contract on behalf of the Municipality and
hereby accepts and binds the City of Royal Oak to the terms and conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
Jim Ellison, Mayor
r.;+„ „f UI I'UyQI 1/4./GIN
WITNESSED: DATE:
Melanie Halas, Clerk
City of Royal Oak
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson, Oakland County Board of
Commissioners, hereby acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the
Oakland County Board of Commissioners, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this
Contract on behalf of the Oakland County, and hereby accepts and binds the Oakland County to
the terms and conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson
Oakland County Board of Commissioners
WITNESSED:
DATE:
(Print Name)
DATE:
County of Oakland
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF ROYAL OAK
Page 15
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY
EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF SOUTH LYON
(real and personal property services)
This CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE
SERVICES WITH THE CITY OF SOUTH LYON, (hereafter, this "Contract") is made and
entered into between the COUNTY OF OAKLAND, a Michigan Constitutional and Municipal
Corporation, whose address is 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, Michigan 48341(hereafter,
the "County"), and the City of South Lyon, a Michigan Constitutional and Municipal Corporation
whose address is 335 S. Warren, South Lyon, Michigan, 48178(hereafter, the "Municipality). In
this Contract, either the County and/or the Municipality may also be referred to individually as a
"Party" or jointly as "Parties."
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENTS
A. The Municipality, pursuant to the laws of the State of Michigan (hereafter, the "State"),
including, but not limited to, the Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.1, et seq.)
is required to perform real and personal property tax appraisals and assessments for all
nonexempt real and personal property located within the geographic boundaries of the
Municipality for the purpose of levying State and local property taxes.
B. The Parties recognize and agree that absent an agreement such as this, or pursuant to
an order of the State Tax Commission mandating the County to perform all or some of
the property tax appraisal and tax assessment responsibilities for real and/or personal
property located within the Municipality's geographic boundaries (MCL 211.10(f)), the
County, has no obligation to provide these Services to or for the Municipality.
C. The Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.34(3) provides that the County Board
of Commissioners, through the Equalization Division may furnish assistance to local
assessing officers in the performance of certain of these legally mandated, Municipality,
property appraisal and assessment responsibilities.
D. The Municipality has requested the County's Equalization Division assistance in
performing the "Equalization Division Assistance services" (as described and defined in
this Contract) and has agreed in return to reimburse the County as provided for in this
Contract.
E. The County has determined that it has sufficient "Equalization Division Personnel," as
defined herein, possessing the requisite knowledge and expertise and is agreeable to
assisting the Municipality by providing the requested "Equalization Division Assistance
Services" under the terms and conditions of this Contract.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and the mutual promises,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the County and the
Municipality mutually agree as follows:
§1. DEFINED TERMS. In addition to the above defined terms (i.e., "Contract", "County",
"Municipality", "Party" and "Parties", and "State"), the Parties agree that the following
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF SOUTH LYON
Page 1
words and expressions when printed with the first letter capitalized as shown herein,
whether used in the singular or plural, possessive or nonpossessive, and/or either within
or without quotation marks, shall, be defined and interpreted as follows:
1.1. "County Agent" or "County Agents" shall be defined as any and all Oakland
County elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board members, council
members, commissioners, authorities, other boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal representative or official capacities), and/or any persons acting by,
through, under, or in concert with any of them, excluding the Municipality and/or
any Municipality Agents, as defined herein. "County Agent" and/or "County
Agents" shall also include any person who was a County Agent anytime during
the term of this Contract but, for any reason, is no longer employed, appointed,
or elected and serving as a County Agent.
1.2. "Equalization Division Personnel" as used in this Contract shall be defined as a
specific subset of, and included as part of the larger group of County Agents as
defined above, and shall be further defined as any and all County Agents
specifically employed and assigned by the County to work in the Equalization
Division of the County's Department of Management and Budget as shown in the
current County budget and/or personnel records of the County. For any and all
purposes in this Contract, any reference to County Agents shall also include
within that term any and all Equalization Division Personnel, but any reference in
this Contract to Equalization Division Personnel shall not include any County
Agent employed by the County in any other function, capacity or organizational
unit of the County other than the Equalization Division of the Department of
Management and Budget.
1.3. "Municipality Agent" or "Municipality Agents" shall be defined to include any and
all Municipality officers, elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board
members, council members, authorities, boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal, representative, or official capacities), and/or any and all persons acting
by, through, under, or in concert with any of them, except that no County Agent
shall be deemed a Municipality Agent and conversely, no Municipality Agent shall
be deemed a County Agent. "Municipality Agent" shall also include any person
who was a Municipality Agent at any time during this Contract but for any reason
is no longer employed, appointed, or elected in that capacity.
1.4. "Claim(s)" shall be defined to include any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes of action, proceedings,
judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs and expenses,
including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees,
witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses, any amounts
paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities or Claim(s) of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against either the
County and/or any County Agent, as defined herein, or any Claim(s) for which
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF SOUTH LYON
Page 2
the County and/or any County Agent may become legally and/or contractually
obligated to pay or defend against, or any other liabilities of any kind whatsoever,
whether direct, indirect or consequential, whether based upon any alleged
violation of the constitution (Federal or State), any statute, rule, regulation or the
common law, whether in law or equity, tort, contract, or otherwise, and/or
whether commenced or threatened and arising out of any alleged breach of any
duty by the County and/or any County Agent to any third-person, the
Municipality, including any Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer under
or in connection with this Contract or are based on or result in any way from the
County's and/or any County Agent's participation in this Contract.
1.5. "Municipality Taxpayer" shall be defined as any and all residents, property
owners, persons, or taxable entities within the Municipality, or their
representatives or agents, who may be liable or responsible for any property
taxes assessed by the Municipality pursuant to any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
1.6. "State" shall be defined as the "State of Michigan," a sovereign governmental
entity of the United States, and shall also include within its definition any and all
departments or agencies of State government including specifically, but not
limited to, the State Tax Commission, the State Tax Tribunal, and/or the State
Department of Treasury.
§2. COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES. The Parties agree that
the full and complete scope of any and all County Equalization Division Assistance
Services shall be as described and limited in the following subsections (hereinafter
defined and referred to as either "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or
"Services").
2.1. "EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES" OR "SERVICES" TO BE
PROVIDED. "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services", to be
performed by County for the Municipality as those terms are defined in this
Contract, shall only include and shall be limited to the following activities:
2.1.1. This Contract is to provide for annual assessment of real and personal
property from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2016 as required by laws of the
State of Michigan, The County agrees to make assessments of real and
personal property within the Municipality pursuant to MCL 211,10d.
2.1.2. The Equalization Division personnel will appraise all property, process all
real and personal property description changes, prepare the assessment
roll for real and personal property in the Municipality; attend March, July
and December Boards of Review and other such duties as required by
the State General Property Tax Laws. The Equalization Division
personnel will also be available for consultation on all Michigan Tax
Tribunal real and personal property and special assessment appeals and
will assist the Municipality in the preparation of both the oral and written
defense of appeals, as long as there is a current Contract in effect.
2.2. PURPOSE OF COUNTY "SERVICES". The Parties agree that the purpose of
any and all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be
performed under this Contract shall be to assist (e.g., to help, aid, lend support,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF SOUTH LYON
Page 3
and/or participate in as an auxiliary, to contribute effort toward completion of a
goal, etc.) the Municipality in the performance of that Municipality's official
functions, obligations, and Municipality's legal responsibilities for property tax
appraisal and assessment pursuant to the applicable State Property Tax Laws.
2.3. MANNER COUNTY TO PROVIDE SERVICES. The Parties agree that any and
all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services' to be provided by
the County for the Municipality under this Contract shall be performed solely and
exclusively by the County's "Equalization Division Personnel" as defined herein.
2.3.1. Equalization Division Personnel, including those certified as MMAO, shall
be employed and assigned by the County in such numbers and based on
such appropriate qualifications and other factors as decided solely by the
County.
2.3.2. The Parties agree that the County shall be solely and exclusively
responsible for furnishing all Equalization Division Personnel with all job
instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall in all
circumstances control, supervise, train or direct all Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of any and all Services under this
Contract.
2.3.3. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, the Parties agree and
warrant that, at all times and for all purposes relevant to this Contract,
the County shall remain the sole and exclusive employer of all County
Agents and Equalization Division Personnel and that the County shall
remain solely and completely liable for any and all County Agents' past,
present, or future wages, compensation, overtime wages, expenses,
fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel expenses, mileage
allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or other
allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation,
Social Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes,
and/or any other statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in
any way related to any County Agent's employment status.
2.3.4. This Contract is neither intended, nor shall it be interpreted, to create,
change, grant, modify, supplement, supersede, alter, or otherwise affect
or control, in any manner, form, or at any time, any right, privilege,
benefit, or any other term or condition of employment, of any kind or
nature whatsoever, in, upon, or for any County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel with the County, any applicable County employment
and/or union contract, and/or any County rule(s), regulation(s), hours of
work, shift assignment, order(s), policy(ies), procedure(s), directive(s),
ethical guideline(s), etc., which shall, solely and exclusively, govern and
control the employment relationship between the County and any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel and/or the conduct and actions
of any County Agent or any Equalization Division Personnel. To
illustrate, but not otherwise limit, this Contract does not and shall not be
interpreted to limit, modify, control, or otherwise affect, in any manner:
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF SOUTH LYON
Page 4
2.3.4.1. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation,
responsibility, and discretion to employ, compensate, assign,
reassign, transfer, promote, reclassify, discipline, demote,
layoff, furlough, discharge any Equalization Division Personnel
and/or pay any and all Equalization Division Personnel's
wages, salaries, allowances, reimbursements, compensation,
fringe benefits, or otherwise decide any and all such terms and
conditions of employment and make any and all employment
decisions that affect, in any way, the employment of any
Equalization Division Personnel with the County, subject only
to its applicable collective bargaining Contracts.
2.3.4.2. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation, and
responsibility to determine, establish, modify, or implement
any and all operational policies, procedures, orders, rules,
regulations, ethical guidelines, and/or any other judgment,
policy or directive which, in any way, governs or controls any
activity of any County Agent or Equalization Division
Personnel, any necessary County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel's training standards or proficiency(ies), any
level or amount of required supervision, any and all standards
of performance, any sequence or manner of performance, and
any level(s) of experience, training, or education required for
any Equalization Division Personnel performing any County
duty or obligation under the terms of this Contract.
2.3.5, The Municipality agrees that except as expressly provided for under the
terms of this Contract and/or laws of this State, no County Agent or
Equalization Division Personnel, while such person is currently and/or
actively employed or otherwise remains on the payroll of the County as a
County Agent shall be employed, utilized, or perform any other services,
of any kind, directly or indirectly, in any manner or capacity, or otherwise
be available to perform any other work or assignments by or for the
Municipality during the term of this Contract. This section shall not
prohibit the Municipality from employing any person who was a former
County Agent but is no longer employed in that capacity by the County.
2.3.6. Except as otherwise expressly provided by the Contract and/or
applicable State law, the Parties agree and warrant that neither the
County, nor any County Agent, nor any Equalization Division Personnel,
by virtue of this Contract or otherwise, shall be deemed, considered or
claimed to be an employee of the Municipality and/or a Municipality
Agent.
2.3.7. The Municipality shall not otherwise provide, furnish or assign any
Equalization Division Personnel with any job instructions, job
descriptions, job specifications, or job duties, or in any manner attempt to
control, supervise, train, or direct any Personnel in the performance of
any County's Equalization Division Assistance Services duty or obligation
under the terms of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF SOUTH LYON
Page 5
2.4. LIMITS AND EXCLUSIONS ON COUNTY "SERVICES". Except as otherwise
expressly provided for within this Contract, neither the County nor any County
Agents shall be responsible for assisting or providing any other "Services " or
assistance to the Municipality or assume any additional responsibility for
assisting the Municipality in any other way or manner with any Municipality
obligations under any and all State Property Tax Laws, including, but not limited
to, providing any attorney or legal representation to the Municipality or any
Municipality Agent at any proceeding before the Michigan Tax Tribunal or any
other adjudicative body or court, except as expressly provided for in this
Contract.
2.4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain
solely liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities
associated with or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or
assessment functions or any other Municipality legal obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws. The Municipality shall employ
and retain its own Municipality legal representation, as necessary, to
defend any such claim or challenge before the State Tax Tribunal or any
other court or review body.
2.4.2. Except for those express statutory and/or regulatory obligations
incumbent only upon licensed Equalization Division Personnel (i.e., State
Licensed and Certified Real and/or Personal Property Tax Assessors) to
defend property tax appraisals and assessments that they either
performed, or were otherwise performed under their supervision, before
the Michigan Tax Tribunal, the Parties agree that no other County
Agents, including any County attorneys shall be authorized, required
and/or otherwise obligated under this Contract or pursuant to any other
agreement between the Parties to provide any legal representation to or
for the Municipality and/or otherwise defend, challenge. contest, appeal,
or argue on behalf of the Municipality before the Michigan Tax Tribunal
or any other review body or court.
§3. TERM OF CONTRACT. The Parties agree that the term of this Contract shall begin on
the effective date of this Contract, as otherwise provided herein, and shall end on
June 30, 2016, without any further act or notice from either Party being required. Any
and all County Services otherwise provided to the Municipality prior to the effective date
of this Contract, shall be subject to the terms and conditions provided for herein.
§4. NO TRANSFER OF MUNICIPALITY LEGAL OBLIGATIONS TO COUNTY. Except as
expressly provided for in this Contract, the Municipality agrees that this Contract does
not, and is not intended to, transfer, delegate, or assign to the County, and/or any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel any civil or legal responsibility, duty, obligation,
duty of care, cost, legal obligation, or liability associated with any governmental function
delegated and/or entrusted to the Municipality under any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain solely
liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities associated with
or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or assessment functions or
any other Municipality legal obligation. The Municipality agrees that under no
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF SOUTH LYON
Page 6
circumstances shall the County be responsible for any costs, obligations, and/or
civil liabilities associated with its Municipality function or any responsibility under
any State Property Tax Law.
4.2. The Municipality shall not incur or create any debts, liens, liabilities or obligations
for the County and shall take all necessary steps to ensure that any debts, liens,
liabilities or obligations that the Municipality may incur shall not become a debt,
liability, obligation or Claim(s) against the County.
A 0
The Pates agree that the Municipality shall at all times remain responsible for
the ultimate completion of any and all Municipality duties or obligations under any
and all applicable State Property Tax Laws. Nothing in this Contract shall relieve
the Municipality of any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
4.4. The Municipality and Municipality Agents shall be and remain responsible for
compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and
agency requirements in any manner affecting any work or performance of this
Contract or with any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
§5. NO DELEGATION OR DIMINUTION OF ANY GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY. The
Parties reserve to themselves any rights and obligations related to the provision of any
and all of each Party's respective governmental services, authority, responsibilities, and
obligations. Except as expressly provided otherwise herein, this Contract does not, and
is not intended to, create, diminish, delegate, transfer. assign, divest, impair, or
contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege, power, civil or
legal responsibility, obligation, duty of care, liability, capacity, immunity, authority or
character of office of either Party to any other person or Party.
5.1. The Parties further agree, notwithstanding any other term or condition in this
Contract, that no provision in this Contract is intended, nor shall it be construed,
as a waiver of any governmental immunity, as provided by statute or applicable
court decisions, by either Party, either for that Party and/or any of that Party's
County or Municipal Agents.
5.2. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, nothing in this Contract shall
be deemed to, in any way, limit or prohibit the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners statutory rights and obligations to review and/or further equalize
Municipality property values or tax assessments and/or further act upon any
Municipality assessment(s) of property taxes under any applicable State Property
Tax Laws, including, but not limited to challenging any Municipality assessment
before the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
§6. PAYMENT SCHEDULE. In consideration of the promises set forth in this Contract, the
Municipality agrees to pay to the County: For the contract years 2013-2014, 2014-2015,
and 2015-2016 the sum of $13.90 each year for each real property description and
$11.40 each year for each personal property description rendered during the life of this
Contract. Payment for the contract year 2013-2014 is payable on or before July 1,2014,
payment for the contract year 2014-2015 is payable on or before July 1, 2015 and
payment for the contract year 2015-2016 is payable on or before July 1, 2016. The
Municipality also agrees to pay to the County: For the contract years 2013-2014, 2014-
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF SOUTH LYON
Page 7
2015, and 2015-2016 the sum of $6.00 per unit of the Colonial Acres property which at
the time of signing of this Contract contains 837 units.
In the event that, pursuant to Public Act 408 of 2012, a majority of the qualified electors of
this state voting in August of 2014 on the question:
"APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF THE AMENDATORY ACT DEDICATING A
PORTION OF USE TAX REVENUE TO BENEFIT METROPOLITAN AREAS
THROUGHOUT THIS STATE
The amendatory act adopted by the Legislature would:
1. Dedicate a portion of the existing state use tax as a local tax levied by a new
metropolitan areas authority.
2. Distribute revenue from that local tax throughout the state for local purposes, including
police and fire protection.
3. Increase that portion of the state use tax currently dedicated for aid to schools.
4. Prohibit the total use tax rate from exceeding the constitutional limit of 6%.
Should this amendatory act be approved?
YES [
NO [1"."
vote for approval, the Parties agree that the charge for each personal property
description rendered for the contract years 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 will be
renegotiated by the Parties.
If during the term of this Contract, there are additional services requested of the County,
the Parties shall negotiate additional fees to be paid by the Municipality.
6.1. All time incurred for Board of Review dates beyond the regular County working
hours to be billed at the applicable Equalization Division personnel's overtime
rate and charged to the Municipality over and above any other fees described in
this Contract, with the following exceptions:
6.1.1. One evening meeting as required by law under MCL § 211.30(3).
6.1.2. Dates requiring overtime set by the Municipality Charter.
6.2. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for postage on all personal property
statements and personal property notices mailed relating to work performed
under this Contract. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for all
photographic supplies.
6.3. If the Municipality fails, for any reason, to pay the County any monies when and
as due under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that unless expressly
prohibited by law, the County or the County Treasurer, at their sole option, shall
be entitled to a setoff from any other Municipality funds that are in the County's
possession for any reason. Funds include but are not limited to the Delinquent
Tax Revolving Fund ("DTRF"). Any setoff or retention of funds by the County
shall be deemed a voluntary assignment of the amount by the Municipality to the
County. The Municipality waives any claims against the County or its Officials for
any acts related specifically to the County's offsetting or retaining such amounts.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF SOUTH LYON
Page 8
This paragraph shall not limit the Municipality's legal right to dispute whether the
underlying amount retained by the County was actually due and owing under this
Contract.
6.4. If the County chooses not to exercise its right to setoff or if any setoff is
insufficient to fully pay the County any amounts due and owing the County under
this Contract, the County shall have the right to charge up to the then-maximum
legal interest on any unpaid amount. Interest charges shall be in addition to any
other amounts due to the County under this Contract. Interest charges shall be
calculated using the daily unpaid balance method and accumulate until all
outstanding amounts and accumulated interest are fully paid.
6.5. Nothing in this Section shall operate to limit the County's right to pursue or
exercise any other legal rights or remedies under this Contract against the
Municipality to secure reimbursement of amounts due the County under this
Contract. The remedies in this Section shall be available to the County on an
ongoing and successive basis if Municipality at any time becomes delinquent in
its payment. Notwithstanding any other term and condition in this Contract, if the
County pursues any legal action in any court to secure its payment under this
Contract, the Municipality agrees to pay all costs and expenses, including
attorney's fees and court costs, incurred by the County in the collection of any
amount owed by the Municipality.
6.6. Notwithstanding any other term or condition in this Contract, should the
Municipality fail for any reason to timely pay the County the amounts required
under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that the County may discontinue,
upon thirty (30) days written notice to the Municipality, without any penalty or
liability whatsoever, any County services or performance obligations under this
Contract.
§7. LIABILITY. The Municipality further agrees that the County shall not be liable to the
Municipality for any and all Claim(s), except as otherwise expressly provided for in this
Contract.
7.1. The Parties agree that this Contract does not and is not intended to create or
include any County warranty, promise, covenant or guaranty, either express or
implied, of any kind or nature whatsoever in favor of the other Municipality,
and/or any Municipality Agents, or any Municipality Taxpayer or any other person
or entity, or that the County's efforts in the performance of any obligation under
this Contract will result in any specific monetary benefit or efficiency, or increase
in any tax revenue for the Municipality, or will result in any specific reduction or
increase in any property assessment, or guarantee that any County services
provided under this Contract will withstand any challenge before the State Tax
Tribunal or any court or review body, or any other such performance-based
outcome.
7.2. In the event of any alleged breach, wrongful termination, and/or any default of
any term or condition of this Contract by either the County or any County Agent,
the County and/or any County Agent shall not be liable to the Municipality for any
indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, including, but not limited
to any replacement costs for County Services, any loss of income or revenue,
and/or any failure by the Municipality to meet any Municipality obligation under
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF SOUTH LYON
Page 9
any applicable State Property Tax Laws, or any other economic benefit or harm
that the Municipality may have realized, but for any alleged breach, wrongful
termination, default and/or cancellation of this Contract, or damages beyond or in
excess of the amount(s) of any amount paid to, received or retained by the
County at the time of the alleged breach or default in connection with or under
the terms of this Contract, whether such alleged breach or default is alleged in an
action in contract or tort and/or whether or not the Municipality has been advised
of the possibility of such damages. This provision and this Contract is intended
by the Parties to allocate the risks between the Parties, and the Parties agree
that the allocation of each Party's efforts, costs, and obligations under this
Contract reflect this allocation of each Party's risk and the limitations of liability as
specified herein.
7.3. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, with regard to any and all
alleged losses, claims, complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes
of action, proceedings, judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs
and expenses, including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable
attorney fees, witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses,
any amounts paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the
Municipality or any Municipality Agent by any third person, including but not
limited to any Municipality Agent or Municipality Taxpayer, arising out of any
activities or Services to be carried out by any County Agent in the performance of
this Contract, the Municipality hereby agrees that it shall have no rights pursuant
to or under this Contract against the County and/or any County Agents to or for
any indemnification (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by implication)
contribution, subrogation, or other right to be reimbursed by the County and/or
any of County Agents based upon any and all legal theories or alleged rights of
any kind, whether known or unknown, for any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, judgments, deficiencies, liability,
penalties, litigation costs and expenses of any kind whatsoever which are
imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Municipality and which are
alleged to have arisen under or are in any way based or predicated upon this
Contract.
7.4. If the Municipality requests and the County agrees, the County may prepare the
actual tax statement for mailing by the Municipality to Municipality residents. In
preparing any such tax statement the County shall rely upon certain data
provided by the Municipality beyond the data gathered by the County under this
Contract, including, but not limited to, the applicable millage rate. The parties
agree that under no circumstances shall the County be held liable to the
Municipality or any third party based upon any error in any tax statement due to
information supplied by the Municipality to the County for such purposes.
§8. MUNICIPALITY AGENTS AND COOPERATION WITH THE COUNTY. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this Contract,
for guaranteeing that all Municipality Agents fully cooperate with Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of all County Services under this Contract. Likewise, the
County agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF SOUTH LYON
Page 10
Contract, for guaranteeing that all Equalization Division personnel fully cooperate with
Municipality agents in the performance of all County Services under this Contract.
8.1. Municipality Agents shall be employed and assigned based on appropriate
qualifications and other factors as decided by the Municipality. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely responsible for furnishing all Municipality Agents
with all job instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall solely
control, direct, and supervise all Municipality Agents and shall be solely
responsible for the nieans and manner in which Municipalitys duties or
obligations under any applicable State Property Tax Laws are satisfied.
8.2. The Municipality agrees that it shall be solely and completely liable for any and
all Municipality Agents' past, present, or future wages, compensation, overtime
wages, expenses, fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel
expenses, mileage allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or
other allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation, Social
Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes, and/or any other
statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in any way related to any
Municipality Agent's employment status or any alleged violation of any
Municipality Agent's statutory, contractual (e.g., union, employment, or labor
contract), constitutional, common law employment right, and/or civil rights by the
Municipality. The Municipality agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County
from and against any and all Claim(s) which are imposed upon, incurred by, or
asserted against the County or any County Agent by any Municipality Agent
and/or which are based upon, result from, or arise from, or are in any way related
to any Municipality Agent's wages, compensation, benefits, or other employment-
related or based rights, including, but not limited to, those described in this
section.
8.3. The Municipality agrees that no Municipality Agent shall, by virtue of this Contract
or otherwise, be considered or claimed to be an employee of the County and/or a
County Agent. This Contract does not grant or confer, and shall not be
interpreted to grant or confer, upon any Municipality Agents or any other
individual any status, privilege, right, or benefit of County employment or that of a
County Agent.
8.4. The Municipality agrees to provide the County Agents with information regarding
any activity affecting the tax status of a parcel. This shall include both Ad
Valorem and Special Act Property Abatements and/or Exemptions (e.g. Including
though not limited to Alternative Energy or New Personal Property, Renaissance
Zones, Senior/Disabled Housing Facilities, Obsolete Property and Plant
Rehabilitation & Industrial Development Districts), inclusive of the establishment
of the related district. Additionally, the Municipality agrees to provide the County
Agents with information regarding the establishment/amendment of an Authority
and/or the approval/amendment of any related Development and/or Tax
Increment Finance Plan(s). The County shall be informed of these proposed
changes prior to approval by the governing body_of the municipality.
8.5. The Municipality agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any increase in
taxation which is governed by the Truth in Taxation Act. Further, the Municipality
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF SOUTH LYON
Page 11
agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any millage increase (new) or
renewal.
8.6. The Municipality will be responsible for Special Assessment billings, maintaining
a paper trail of roll changes, maintaining the rolls in balance, and providing the
Oakland County Equalization Division with the information necessary to prepare
the warrant.
8.7. The Municipality agrees that its agents will perform the following functions:
8.7.1. Mechanically make name changes to Sidwell numbers on a monthly
basis using the County's Computer terminals.
8.7.2. Provide a copy of all building permits with Sidwell numbers to the
County's Equalization Division on a monthly basis.
8.7.3. Be responsible for the establishment, accuracy and compilation of all
Special Assessment rolls in the Municipality.
8.7.4. Forward all exemption applications, transfer affidavits, personal property
statements and any and all other documents affecting the status or value
of property located within the Municipality to the County's Equalization
Division in a timely manner.
8.7.5. Forward all information on splits and combinations after approval by the
Municipality to the County's Equalization Division.
8.8. In the event that Municipality Agents, for whatever reason, fail or neglect to
undertake the tasks in Section 8.7 above, the County's Equalization Division may
perform these tasks and they shall be paid on a time and material basis. Such
rate shall be based upon the wages plus benefits of the person or persons
performing said tasks.
§9. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The Parties agree that at all times and for all purposes
under the terms of this Contract, the County's and/or any and all County Agents' legal
status and relationship to the Municipality shall be that of an Independent Contractor.
Except as expressly provided herein, each Party will be solely responsible for the acts of
its own employees. Agents, and servants during the term of this Contract. No liability,
right or benefits arising out of an employer/employee relationship, either express or
implied, shall arise or accrue to either Party as a result of this Contract.
§10. COUNTY PRIORITIZATION OF COUNTY RESOURCES. The Municipality
acknowledges and agrees that this Contract does not, and is not intended to, create
either any absolute right in favor of the Municipality, or any correspondent absolute duty
or obligation upon the County, to guarantee that any specific number(s) or classification
of County Agents will be present on any given day to provide County services to the
Municipality.
§11. INDEMNIFICATION. Each Party shall be responsible for any Claims made against that
Party and for the acts of its Employees or Agents. In any Claims that may arise from the
performance of this Contract, each Party shall seek its own legal representation and bear
the costs associated with such representation including any attorney fees. Except as
otherwise provided in this Contract, neither Party shall have any right under any legal
principle to be indemnified by the other Party or any of its Employees or Agents in
connection with any Claim. This Contract does not, and is not intended to, impair, divest,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF SOUTH LYON
Page 12
delegate or contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege,
power, obligation, duty, or immunity of the Parties. Nothing in this Contract shall be
construed as a waiver of governmental immunity for either Party.
§12. CANCELLATION OR TERMINATION OF THIS CONTRACT. Except as follows, and
notwithstanding any other term or provision in any other section of this Contract, either
Party, upon a minimum of ninety (90) calendar days written notice to the other Party, may
cancel and/or completely terminate this Contract for any reason, including convenience,
without incurring any penalty, expense, or liability to the other Party. The effective date
for any such termination is to be clearly stated in the notice.
12.1. At 5:00 p.m. on the effective date of the cancellation of this Contract all
Municipality and/or County obligations under this Contract, except those rights
and obligations expressly surviving cancellation as provided for in this Contract,
shall end.
12.2. The Municipality agrees that any and all Municipality obligations, including, but
not limited to, any and all indemnification and hold harmless promises, waivers of
liability, record-keeping requirements, any Municipality payment obligations to the
County, and/or any other related obligations provided for in this Contract with
regard to any acts, occurrences, events, transactions, or Claim(s) either
occurring or having their basis in any events or transactions that occurred before
the cancellation or completion of this Contract, shall survive the cancellation or
completion of this Contract.
§13. EFFECTIVE DATE, CONTRACT APPROVAL, AND AMENDMENT. The Parties agree
that this Contract, and/or any subsequent amendments thereto, shall not become
effective prior to the approval by concurrent resolutions of both the Oakland County
Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the City of South Lyon. The
approval and terms of this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments
thereto, shall be entered in the official minutes and proceedings of both the Oakland
County Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the City of South Lyon and
shall also be filed with the office of the Clerk of the County and the Clerk for the City of
South Lyon.
§14. The Parties agree that this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments, shall
be filed with the Michigan Secretary of State and this Contract, and/or any possible
subsequent amendments, shall not become effective prior to this required filing with the
Secretary of State.
14.1. The Parties agree that except as expressly provided herein, this Contract shall
not be changed, supplemented, or amended, in any manner, except as provided
for herein, and no other act, verbal representation, document, usage or custom
shall be deemed to amend or modify this Contract in any manner.
§15. NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES. Except as expressly provided herein for the
benefit of the Parties (i.e., County or Municipality), this Contract does not, and is not
intended to, create, by implication or otherwise, any direct or indirect obligation, duty,
promise, benefit, right to be indemnified (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by
implication) and/or any right to be subrogated to any Party's rights in this Contract, and/or
any other right of any kind, in favor of any person, including, but not limited to, any
County Agent or Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer, any Taxpayer's legal
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF SOUTH LYON
Page 13
representative, any organization, any alleged unnamed beneficiary or assignee, and/or
any other person.
§16. CONSTRUED AS A WHOLE. The language of all parts of this Contract is intended to
and, in all cases, shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning, and not
construed strictly for or against any Party. As used in this Contract, the singular or plural
number, possessive or nonpossessive shall be deemed to include the other whenever
the context so suggests or requires.
§17. CAPTIONS. The section headings or titles and/or all section numbers contained in this
Contract are intended for the convenience of the reader and not intended to have any
substantive meaning and are not to be interpreted as part of this Contract.
§18. NOTICES. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, any and all
correspondence, invoices, and/or any other written notices required, permitted or
provided for under this Contract to be delivered to either Party shall be sent to that Party
by first class mail. All such written notices, including any notice canceling or terminating
this Contract as provided for herein, shall be sent to the other Party's signatory to this
Contract, or that signatory's successor in office, at the addresses shown in this Contract.
All correspondence or written notices shall be considered delivered to a Party as of the
date that such notice is deposited with sufficient postage with the U.S. Postal Service.
§19. WAIVER OF BREACH. The waiver of a breach of any provision of this Contract shall not
operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Each and every right,
remedy and power granted to either Party or allowed it by law shall be cumulative and not
exclusive of any other.
§20. ENTIRE CONTRACT. This Contract, consisting of a total of fifteen (15) pages, sets forth
the entire agreement between the County and the Municipality and fully supersedes any
and all prior agreements or understandings between them in any way related to the
subject matter hereof. It is further understood and agreed that the terms and conditions
herein are contractual and are not a mere recital and that there are no other agreements,
understandings, contracts, or representations between the County and the Municipality in
any way related to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly stated herein. This
Contract shall not be changed or supplemented orally and may be amended only as
otherwise provided herein.
For and in consideration of the mutual assurances, promises, acknowledgments, warrants,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned
hereby execute this Contract on behalf of the Parties, and by doing so legally obligate and bind
the Parties to the terms and conditions of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF SOUTH LYON
Page 14
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Tedd M. Wallace, Mayor of the City of South Lyon hereby
acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the Governing Body of the City of
South Lyon, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this Contract on behalf of the
Municipality and hereby accepts and binds the City of South Lyon to the terms and conditions of
this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
Tedd M. Wallace, Mayor
City of South Lyon
WITNESSED: DATE:
Lisa Deaton, Clerk
City of South Lyon
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson, Oakland County Board of
Commissioners, hereby acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the
Oakland County Board of Commissioners, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this
Contract on behalf of the Oakland County, and hereby accepts and binds Oakland County to the
terms and conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson
Oakland County Board of Commissioners
WITNESSED: DATE:
(Print Name) DATE:
County of Oakland
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF SOUTH LYON
Page 15
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY
EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF WALLED LAKE
(real and personal property services)
This CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE
SERVICES WITH THE CITY OF WALLED LAKE, (hereafter, this "Contract") is made and
entered into between the COUNTY OF OAKLAND, a Michigan Constitutional and Municipal
Corporation, whose address is 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, Michigan 48341(hereafter,
the "County"), and the City of Walled Lake, a Michigan Constitutional and Municipal Corporation
whose address is 1499 E. West Maple, Walled Lake, Michigan, 48390-0099 (hereafter, the
"Municipality"). In this Contract, either the County and/or the Municipality may also be referred
to individually as a "Party" or jointly as "Parties."
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENTS
A. The Municipality, pursuant to the laws of the State of Michigan (hereafter, the "State"),
including, but not limited to, the Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.1, et seq.)
is required to perform real and personal property tax appraisals and assessments for all
nonexempt real and personal property located within the geographic boundaries of the
Municipality for the purpose of levying State and local property taxes.
B. The Parties recognize and agree that absent an agreement such as this, or pursuant to
an order of the State Tax Commission mandating the County to perform all or some of
the property tax appraisal and tax assessment responsibilities for real and/or personal
property located within the Municipality's geographic boundaries (MCL 211.10(f)), the
County, has no obligation to provide these Services to or for the Municipality.
C. The Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.34(3) provides that the County Board
of Commissioners, through the Equalization Division may furnish assistance to local
assessing officers in the performance of certain of these legally mandated, Municipality,
property appraisal and assessment responsibilities.
D. The Municipality has requested the County's Equalization Division assistance in
performing the "Equalization Division Assistance Services" (as described and defined in
this Contract) and has agreed in return to reimburse the County as provided for in this
Contract.
E. The County has determined that it has sufficient "Equalization Division Personnel," as
defined herein, possessing the requisite knowledge and expertise and is agreeable to
assisting the Municipality by providing the requested "Equalization Division Assistance
Services" under the terms and conditions of this Contract.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and the mutual promises,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the County and the
Municipality mutually agree as follows:
§1. DEFINED TERMS. In addition to the above defined terms (i.e., "Contract", "County",
"Municipality", "Party" and "Parties", and "State"), the Parties agree that the following
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF WALLED LAKE
Pagel
words and expressions when printed with the first letter capitalized as shown herein,
whether used in the singular or plural, possessive or nonpossessive, and/or either within
or without quotation marks, shall, be defined and interpreted as follows:
1:1. "County Agent" or ''County Agents" shall be defined as any and all Oakland
County elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board members, council
members, commissioners, authorities, other boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal representative or official capacities), and/or any persons acting by,
through, under, or in concert with any of them, excluding the Municipality and/or
any Municipality Agents, as defined herein. "County Agent" and/or "County
Agents" shall also include any person who was a County Agent anytime during
the term of this Contract but, for any reason, is no longer employed, appointed,
or elected and serving as a County Agent.
1.2. "Equalization Division Personnel" as used in this Contract shall be defined as a
specific subset of, and included as part of the larger group of County Agents as
defined above, and shall be further defined as any and all County Agents
specifically employed and assigned by the County to work in the Equalization
Division of the County's Department of Management and Budget as shown in the
current County budget and/or personnel records of the County. For any and all
purposes in this Contract, any reference to County Agents shall also include
within that term any and all Equalization Division Personnel, but any reference in
this Contract to Equalization Division Personnel shall not include any County
Agent employed by the County in any other function, capacity or organizational
unit of the County other than the Equalization Division of the Department of
Management and Budget.
1.3. "Municipality Agent" or "Municipality Agents" shall be defined to include any and
all Municipality officers, elected officials, appointed officials, directors, board
members, council members, authorities, boards, committees, commissions,
employees, managers, departments, divisions, volunteers, agents,
representatives, and/or any such persons' successors or predecessors, agents,
employees, attorneys, or auditors (whether such persons act or acted in their
personal, representative, or official capacities), and/or any and all persons acting
by, through, under, or in concert with any of them, except that no County Agent
shall be deemed a Municipality Agent and conversely, no Municipality Agent shall
be deemed a County Agent. "Municipality Agent" shall also include any person
who was a Municipality Agent at any time during this Contract but for any reason
is no longer employed, appointed, or elected in that capacity.
1.4. "Claim(s)" shall be defined to include any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes of action, proceedings,
judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs and expenses,
including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees,
witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses, any amounts
paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities or Claim(s) of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against either the
County and/or any County Agent, as defined herein, or any Claim(s) for which
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF WALLED LAKE
Page 2
the County and/or any County Agent may become legally and/or contractually
obligated to pay or defend against, or any other liabilities of any kind whatsoever,
whether direct, indirect or consequential, whether based upon any alleged
violation of the constitution (Federal or State), any statute, rule, regulation or the
common law, whether in law or equity, tort, contract, or otherwise, and/or
whether commenced or threatened and arising out of any alleged breach of any
duty by the County and/or any County Agent to any third-person, the
Municipality, including any Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer under
or in connection with this Contract or are based on or result in any way from the
County's and/or any County Agent's participation in this Contract.
1.5. "Municipality Taxpayer" shall be defined as any and all residents, property
owners, persons, or taxable entities within the Municipality, or their
representatives or agents, who may be liable or responsible for any property
taxes assessed by the Municipality pursuant to any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
1.6. "State" shall be defined as the "State of Michigan," a sovereign governmental
entity of the United States, and shall also include within its definition any and all
departments or agencies of State government including specifically, but not
limited to, the State Tax Commission, the State Tax Tribunal, and/or the State
Department of Treasury.
§2. COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES. The Parties agree that
the full and complete scope of any and all County Equalization Division Assistance
Services shall be as described and limited in the following subsections (hereinafter
defined and referred to as either "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or
"Services").
2.1. "EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES" OR "SERVICES" TO BE
PROVIDED. "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services", to be
performed by County for the Municipality as those terms are defined in this
Contract, shall only include and shall be limited to the following activities:
2.1.1. This Contract is to provide for annual assessment of real and personal
property from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2016 as required by laws of the
State of Michigan. The County agrees to make assessments of real and
personal property within the Municipality pursuant to MCL 211.10d.
2.1.2. The Equalization Division personnel will appraise all property, process all
real and personal property description changes, prepare the assessment
roll for real and personal property in the Municipality; attend March, July
and December Boards of Review and other such duties as required by
the State General Property Tax Laws. The Equalization Division
personnel will also be available for consultation on all Michigan Tax
Tribunal real and personal property and special assessment appeals and
will assist the Municipality in the preparation of both the oral and written
defense of appeals, as long as there is a current Contract in effect.
2.2. PURPOSE OF COUNTY "SERVICES". The Parties agree that the purpose of
any and all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be
performed under this Contract shall be to assist (e.g., to help, aid, lend support,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF WALLED LAKE
Page 3
and/or participate in as an auxiliary, to contribute effort toward completion of a
goal, etc.) the Municipality in the performance of that Municipality's official
functions, obligations, and Municipality's legal responsibilities for property tax
appraisal and assessment pursuant to the applicable State Property Tax Laws.
2.3. MANNER COUNTY TO PROVIDE SERVICES. The Parties agree that any and
all "Equalization Division Assistance Services" or "Services" to be provided by
the County for the Municipality under this Contract shall be performed solely and
exclusively by the County's "Equalization Division Personnel" as defined herein.
2.3.1. Equalization Division Personnel, including those certified as MMAO, shall
be employed and assigned by the County in such numbers and based on
such appropriate qualifications and other factors as decided solely by the
County.
2.3.2. The Parties agree that the County shall be solely and exclusively
responsible for furnishing all Equalization Division Personnel with all job
instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall in all
circumstances control, supervise, train or direct all Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of any and all Services under this
Contract.
2.3.3. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, the Parties agree and
warrant that, at all times and for all purposes relevant to this Contract,
the County shall remain the sole and exclusive employer of all County
Agents and Equalization Division Personnel and that the County shall
remain solely and completely liable for any and all County Agents' past,
present, or future wages, compensation, overtime wages, expenses,
fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel expenses, mileage
allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or other
allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation,
Social Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes,
and/or any other statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in
any way related to any County Agent's employment status.
2.3.4. This Contract is neither intended, nor shall it be interpreted, to create,
change, grant, modify, supplement, supersede, alter, or otherwise affect
or control, in any manner, form, or at any time, any right, privilege,
benefit, or any other term or condition of employment, of any kind or
nature whatsoever, in, upon, or for any County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel with the County, any applicable County employment
and/or union contract, and/or any County rule(s), regulation(s), hours of
work, shift assignment, order(s), policy(ies), procedure(s), directive(s),
ethical guideline(s), etc., which shall, solely and exclusively, govern and
control the employment relationship between the County and any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel and/or the conduct and actions
of any County Agent or any Equalization Division Personnel. To
illustrate, but not otherwise limit, this Contract does not and shall not be
interpreted to limit, modify, control, or otherwise affect, in any manner:
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF WALLED LAKE
Page 4
2.3.4.1. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation,
responsibility, and discretion to employ, compensate, assign,
reassign, transfer, promote, reclassify, discipline, demote,
layoff, furlough, discharge any Equalization Division Personnel
and/or pay any and all Equalization Division Personnel's
wages, salaries, allowances, reimbursements, compensation,
fringe benefits, or otherwise decide any and all such terms and
conditions of employment and make any and all employment
decisions that affect, in any way, the employment of any
Equalization Division Personnel with the County, subject only
to its applicable collective bargaining Contracts.
2.3.4.2. The County's sole and exclusive right, obligation, and
responsibility to determine, establish, modify, or implement
any and all operational policies, procedures, orders, rules,
regulations, ethical guidelines, and/or any other judgment,
policy or directive which, in any way, governs or controls any
activity of any County Agent or Equalization Division
Personnel, any necessary County Agent or Equalization
Division Personnel's training standards or proficiency(ies), any
level or amount of required supervision, any and all standards
of performance, any sequence or manner of performance, and
any level(s) of experience, training, or education required for
any Equalization Division Personnel performing any County
duty or obligation under the terms of this Contract.
2.3.5. The Municipality agrees that except as expressly provided for under the
terms of this Contract and/or laws of this State, no County Agent or
Equalization Division Personnel, while such person is currently and/or
actively employed or otherwise remains on the payroll of the County as a
County Agent shall be employed, utilized, or perform any other services,
of any kind, directly or indirectly, in any manner or capacity, or otherwise
be available to perform any other work or assignments by or for the
Municipality during the term of this Contract. This section shall not
prohibit the Municipality from employing any person who was a former
County Agent but is no longer employed in that capacity by the County.
2.3.6. Except as otherwise expressly provided by the Contract and/or
applicable State law, the Parties agree and warrant that neither the
County, nor any County Agent, nor any Equalization Division Personnel,
by virtue of this Contract or otherwise, shall be deemed, considered or
claimed to be an employee of the Municipality and/or a Municipality
Agent.
2.3.7. The Municipality shall not otherwise provide, furnish or assign any
Equalization Division Personnel with any job instructions, job
descriptions, job specifications, or job duties, or in any manner attempt to
control, supervise, train, or direct any Personnel in the performance of
any County's Equalization Division Assistance Services duty or obligation
under the terms of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF WALLED LAKE
Page 5
2.4. LIMITS AND EXCLUSIONS ON COUNTY "SERVICES". Except as otherwise
expressly provided for within this Contract, neither the County nor any County
Agents shall be responsible for assisting or providing any other "Services " or
assistance to the Municipality or assume any additional responsibility for
assisting the Municipality in any other way or manner with any Municipality
obligations under any and all State Property Tax Laws, including, but not limited
to, providing any attorney or legal representation to the Municipality or any
Municipality Agent at any proceeding before the Michigan Tax Tribunal or any
other adjudicative body or court, except as expressly provided for in this
Contract.
2.4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain
solely liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities
associated with or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or
assessment functions or any other Municipality legal obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws. The Municipality shall employ
and retain its own Municipality legal representation, as necessary, to
defend any such claim or challenge before the State Tax Tribunal or any
other court or review body.
2.4.2. Except for those express statutory and/or regulatory obligations
incumbent only upon licensed Equalization Division Personnel (i.e., State
Licensed and Certified Real and/or Personal Property Tax Assessors) to
defend property tax appraisals and assessments that they either
performed, or were otherwise performed under their supervision, before
the Michigan Tax Tribunal, the Parties agree that no other County
Agents, including any County attorneys shall be authorized, required
and/or otherwise obligated under this Contract or pursuant to any other
agreement between the Parties to provide any legal representation to or
for the Municipality and/or otherwise defend, challenge, contest, appeal,
or argue on behalf of the Municipality before the Michigan Tax Tribunal
or any other review body or court.
§3. TERM OF CONTRACT. The Parties agree that the term of this Contract shall begin on
the effective date of this Contract, as otherwise provided herein, and shall end on
June 30, 2016, without any further act or notice from either Party being required. Any
and all County Services otherwise provided to the Municipality prior to the effective date
of this Contract, shall be subject to the terms and conditions provided for herein.
§4. NO TRANSFER OF MUNICIPALITY LEGAL OBLIGATIONS TO COUNTY. Except as
expressly provided for in this Contract, the Municipality agrees that this Contract does
not, and is not intended to, transfer, delegate, or assign to the County, and/or any County
Agent or Equalization Division Personnel any civil or legal responsibility, duty, obligation,
duty of care, cost, legal obligation, or liability associated with any governmental function
delegated and/or entrusted to the Municipality under any applicable State Property Tax
Laws.
4.1. The Municipality shall, at all times and under all circumstances, remain solely
liable for any and all costs, legal obligations, and/or civil liabilities associated with
or in any way related to any Municipality tax appraisal or assessment functions or
any other Municipality legal obligation. The Municipality agrees that under no
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF WALLED LAKE
Page 6
circumstances shall the County be responsible for any costs, obligations, and/or
civil liabilities associated with its Municipality function or any responsibility under
any State Property Tax Law.
4.2. The Municipality shall not incur or create any debts, liens, liabilities or obligations
for the County and shall take all necessary steps to ensure that any debts, liens,
liabilities or obligations that the Municipality may incur shall not become a debt,
liability, obligation or Claim(s) against the County.
4.3. The Parties agree that the Municipality shall at all times remain responsible for
the ultimate completion of any and all Municipality duties or obligations under any
and all applicable State Property Tax Laws. Nothing in this Contract shall relieve
the Municipality of any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
4.4. The Municipality and Municipality Agents shall be and remain responsible for
compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and
agency requirements in any manner affecting any work or performance of this
Contract or with any Municipality duty or obligation under any applicable State
Property Tax Law.
§5. NO DELEGATION OR DIMINUTION OF ANY GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY. The
Parties reserve to themselves any rights and obligations related to the provision of any
and all of each Party's respective governmental services, authority, responsibilities, and
obligations. Except as expressly provided otherwise herein, this Contract does not, and
is not intended to, create, diminish, delegate, transfer, assign, divest, impair, or
contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege, power, civil or
legal responsibility, obligation, duty of care, liability, capacity, immunity, authority or
character of office of either Party to any other person or Party.
5.1. The Parties further agree, notwithstanding any other term or condition in this
Contract, that no provision in this Contract is intended, nor shall it be construed,
as a waiver of any governmental immunity, as provided by statute or applicable
court decisions, by either Party, either for that Party and/or any of that Party's
County or Municipal Agents.
5.2. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, nothing in this Contract shall
be deemed to, in any way, limit or prohibit the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners statutory rights and obligations to review and/or further equalize
Municipality property values or tax assessments and/or further act upon any
Municipality assessment(s) of property taxes under any applicable State Property
Tax Laws, including, but not limited to challenging any Municipality assessment
before the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
§6. PAYMENT SCHEDULE. In consideration of the promises set forth in this Contract, the
Municipality agrees to pay to the County: For the contract years 2013-2014, 2014-2015,
and 2015-2016 the sum of $14.00 each year for each real property description and
$12.40 each year for each personal property description rendered during the life of this
Contract. Payment for the contract year 2013-2014 is payable on or before July 1, 2014,
payment for the contract year 2014-2015 is payable on or before July 1, 2015 and
payment for the contract year 2015-2016 is payable on or before July 1, 2016.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF WALLED LAKE
Page 7
In the event that, pursuant to Public Act 408 of 2012, a majority of the qualified electors of
this state voting in August of 2014 on the question:
"APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF THE AMENDATORY ACT DEDICATING A
PORTION OF USE TAX REVENUE TO BENEFIT METROPOLITAN AREAS
THROUGHOUT THIS STATE
The amendatory act adopted by the Legislature would:
1. Dedicate a portion of the existing state use tax as a local tax levied by a new
metropolitan areas authority.
2. Distribute revenue from that local tax throughout the state for local purposes, including
police and fire protection.
3. Increase that portion of the state use tax currently dedicated for aid to schools.
4. Prohibit the total use tax rate from exceeding the constitutional limit of 6%.
Should this amendatory act be approved?
YES [ ]
NO [1"."
vote for approval, the Parties agree that the charge for each personal property
description rendered for the contract years 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 will be
renegotiated by the Parties.
If during the term of this Contract, there are additional services requested of the County,
the Parties shall negotiate additional fees to be paid by the Municipality.
6.1. All time incurred for Board of Review dates beyond the regular County working
hours to be billed at the applicable Equalization Division personnel's overtime
rate and charged to the Municipality over and above any other fees described in
this Contract, with the following exceptions:
6 1.1. One evening meeting as required by law under MCL § 211.30(3).
6.1.2. Dates requiring overtime set by the Municipality Charter.
6.2. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for postage on all personal property
statements and personal property notices mailed relating to work performed
under this Contract. The Municipality agrees to be responsible for all
photographic supplies.
6.3. If the Municipality fails, for any reason, to pay the County any monies when and
as due under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that unless expressly
prohibited by law, the County or the County Treasurer, at their sole option, shall
be entitled to a setoff from any other Municipality funds that are in the County's
possession for any reason. Funds include but are not limited to the Delinquent
Tax Revolving Fund ("DTRF"). Any setoff or retention of funds by the County
shall be deemed a voluntary assignment of the amount by the Municipality to the
County. The Municipality waives any claims against the County or its Officials for
any acts related specifically to the County's offsetting or retaining such amounts.
This paragraph shall not limit the Municipality's legal right to dispute whether the
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF WALLED LAKE
Page 8
underlying amount retained by the County was actually due and owing under this
Contract.
6.4. If the County chooses not to exercise its right to setoff or if any setoff is
insufficient to fully pay the County any amounts due and owing the County under
this Contract, the County shall have the right to charge up to the then-maximum
legal interest on any unpaid amount. Interest charges shall be in addition to any
other amounts due to the County under this Contract. Interest charges shall be
calculated using the daily unpaid balance method and accumulate until all
outstanding amounts and accumulated interest are fully paid.
6.5. Nothing in this Section shall operate to limit the County's right to pursue or
exercise any other legal rights or remedies under this Contract against the
Municipality to secure reimbursement of amounts due the County under this
Contract. The remedies in this Section shall be available to the County on an
ongoing and successive basis if Municipality at any time becomes delinquent in
its payment. Notwithstanding any other term and condition in this Contract, if the
County pursues any legal action in any court to secure its payment under this
Contract, the Municipality agrees to pay all costs and expenses, including
attorney's fees and court costs, incurred by the County in the collection of any
amount owed by the Municipality.
6.6. Notwithstanding any other term or condition in this Contract, should the
Municipality fail for any reason to timely pay the County the amounts required
under this Contract, the Municipality agrees that the County may discontinue,
upon thirty (30) days written notice to the Municipality, without any penalty or
liability whatsoever, any County services or performance obligations under this
Contract.
§7. LIABILITY. The Municipality further agrees that the County shall not be liable to the
Municipality for any and all Claim(s), except as otherwise expressly provided for in this
Contract.
7.1. The Parties agree that this Contract does not and is not intended to create or
include any County warranty, promise, covenant or guaranty, either express or
implied, of any kind or nature whatsoever in favor of the other Municipality,
and/or any Municipality Agents, or any Municipality Taxpayer or any other person
or entity, or that the County's efforts in the performance of any obligation under
this Contract will result in any specific monetary benefit or efficiency, or increase
in any tax revenue for the Municipality, or will result in any specific reduction or
increase in any property assessment, or guarantee that any County services
provided under this Contract will withstand any challenge before the State Tax
Tribunal or any court or review body, or any other such performance-based
outcome.
7.2. In the event of any alleged breach, wrongful termination, and/or any default of
any term or condition of this Contract by either the County or any County Agent,
the County and/or any County Agent shall not be liable to the Municipality for any
indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, including, but not limited
to any replacement costs for County Services, any loss of income or revenue,
and/or any failure by the Municipality to meet any Municipality obligation under
any applicable State Property Tax Laws, or any other economic benefit or harm
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF WALLED LAKE
Page 9
that the Municipality may have realized, but for any alleged breach, wrongful
termination, default and/or cancellation of this Contract, or damages beyond or in
excess of the amount(s) of any amount paid to, received or retained by the
County at the time of the alleged breach or default in connection with or under
the terms of this Contract, whether such alleged breach or default is alleged in an
action in contract or tort and/or whether or not the Municipality has been advised
of the possibility of such damages. This provision and this Contract is intended
by the Parties to allocate the risks between the Parties, and the Parties agree
that the allocation of each Party's efforts, costs, and obligations under this
Contract reflect this allocation of each Party's risk and the limitations of liability as
specified herein.
7.3. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contract, with regard to any and all
alleged losses, claims, complaints, demands for relief or damages, suits, causes
of action, proceedings, judgments, deficiencies, liability, penalties, litigation costs
and expenses, including, but not limited to, any reimbursement for reasonable
attorney fees, witness fees, court costs, investigation and/or litigation expenses,
any amounts paid in settlement, and/or any other amounts, liabilities of any kind
whatsoever which are imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the
Municipality or any Municipality Agent by any third person, including but not
limited to any Municipality Agent or Municipality Taxpayer, arising out of any
activities or Services to be carried out by any County Agent in the performance of
this Contract, the Municipality hereby agrees that it shall have no rights pursuant
to or under this Contract against the County and/or any County Agents to or for
any indemnification (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by implication)
contribution, subrogation, or other right to be reimbursed by the County and/or
any of County Agents based upon any and all legal theories or alleged rights of
any kind, whether known or unknown, for any and all alleged losses, claims,
complaints, demands for relief or damages, judgments, deficiencies, liability,
penalties, litigation costs and expenses of any kind whatsoever which are
imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Municipality and which are
alleged to have arisen under or are in any way based or predicated upon this
Contract.
7.4. If the Municipality requests and the County agrees, the County may prepare the
actual tax statement for mailing by the Municipality to Municipality residents. In
preparing any such tax statement the County shall rely upon certain data
provided by the Municipality beyond the data gathered by the County under this
Contract, including, but not limited to, the applicable millage rate. The parties
agree that under no circumstances shall the County be held liable to the
Municipality or any third party based upon any error in any tax statement due to
information supplied by the Municipality to the County for such purposes.
§8. MUNICIPALITY AGENTS AND COOPERATION WITH THE COUNTY. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this Contract,
for guaranteeing that all Municipality Agents fully cooperate with Equalization Division
Personnel in the performance of all County Services under this Contract. Likewise, the
County agrees that it shall be solely and exclusively responsible, during the term of this
Contract, for guaranteeing that all Equalization Division personnel fully cooperate with
Municipality agents in the performance of all County Services under this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF WALLED LAKE
Page 10
8.1. Municipality Agents shall be employed and assigned based on appropriate
qualifications and other factors as decided by the Municipality. The Municipality
agrees that it shall be solely responsible for furnishing all Municipality Agents
with all job instructions, job descriptions and job specifications and shall solely
control, direct, and supervise all Municipality Agents and shall be solely
responsible for the means and manner in which Municipality's duties or
obligations under any applicable State Property Tax Laws are satisfied.
o n The Municipality agrees that it shall be solely and completely liable for any and
all Municipality Agents' past, present, or future wages, compensation, overtime
wages, expenses, fringe benefits, pension or retirement benefits, travel
expenses, mileage allowances, training expenses, transportation costs, and/or
other allowances or reimbursements of any kind, including, but not limited to,
workers' disability compensation benefits, unemployment compensation, Social
Security Act protection(s) and benefits, any employment taxes, and/or any other
statutory or contractual right or benefit based on or in any way related to any
Municipality Agent's employment status or any alleged violation of any
Municipality Agent's statutory, contractual (e.g., union, employment, or labor
contract), constitutional, common law employment right, and/or civil rights by the
Municipality. The Municipality agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County
from and against any and all Claim(s) which are imposed upon, incurred by, or
asserted against the County or any County Agent by any Municipality Agent
and/or which are based upon, result from, or arise from, or are in any way related
to any Municipality Agent's wages, compensation, benefits, or other employment-
related or based rights, including, but not limited to, those described in this
section.
8.3. The Municipality agrees that no Municipality Agent shall, by virtue of this Contract
or otherwise, be considered or claimed to be an employee of the County and/or a
County Agent. This Contract does not grant or confer, and shall not be
interpreted to grant or confer, upon any Municipality Agents or any other
individual any status, privilege, right, or benefit of County employment or that of a
County Agent.
8.4. The Municipality agrees to provide the County Agents with information regarding
any activity affecting the tax status of a parcel. This shall include both Ad
Valorem and Special Act Property Abatements and/or Exemptions (e.g. Including
though not limited to Alternative Energy or New Personal Property, Renaissance
Zones, Senior/Disabled Housing Facilities, Obsolete Property and Plant
Rehabilitation & Industrial Development Districts), inclusive of the establishment
of the related district. Additionally, the Municipality agrees to provide the County
Agents with information regarding the establishment/amendment of an Authority
and/or the approval/amendment of any related Development and/or Tax
Increment Finance Plan(s). The County shall be informed of these proposed
changes prior to approval by the governing body of the municipality.
8.5. The Municipality agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any increase in
taxation which is governed by the Truth in Taxation Act. Further, the Municipality
agrees to inform the County Agents regarding any millage increase (new) or
renewal.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF WALLED LAKE
Page 11
8.6. The Municipality will be responsible for Special Assessment billings, maintaining
a paper trail of roll changes, maintaining the rolls in balance, and providing the
Oakland County Equalization Division with the information necessary to prepare
the warrant.
8.7. The Municipality agrees that its agents will perform the following functions:
8.7.1. Mechanically make name changes to Sidwell numbers on a monthly
basis using the County's Computer terminals.
8.7.2. Provide a copy of all building permits with Sidwell numbers to the
County's Equalization Division on a monthly basis.
8.7.3. Be responsible for the establishment, accuracy and compilation of all
Special Assessment rolls in the Municipality.
8.7.4. Forward all exemption applications, transfer affidavits, personal property
statements and any and all other documents affecting the status or value
of property located within the Municipality to the County's Equalization
Division in a timely manner.
8.7.5. Forward all information on splits and combinations after approval by the
Municipality to the County's Equalization Division.
8.8. In the event that Municipality Agents, for whatever reason, fail or neglect to
undertake the tasks in Section 8.7 above, the County's Equalization Division may
perform these tasks and they shall be paid on a time and material basis. Such
rate shall be based upon the wages plus benefits of the person or persons
performing said tasks.
§9. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The Parties agree that at all times and for all purposes
under the terms of this Contract, the County's and/or any and all County Agents' legal
status and relationship to the Municipality shall be that of an Independent Contractor.
Except as expressly provided herein, each Party will be solely responsible for the acts of
its own employees, Agents, and servants during the term of this Contract. No liability,
right or benefits arising out of an employer/employee relationship, either express or
implied, shall arise or accrue to either Party as a result of this Contract.
§10 COUNTY PRIORMZATION OF COUNTY RESOURCES. The Municipality
acknowledges and agrees that this Contract does not, and is not intended to, create
either any absolute right in favor of the Municipality, or any correspondent absolute duty
or obligation upon the County, to guarantee that any specific number(s) or classification
of County Agents will be present on any given day to provide County services to the
Municipality.
§11. INDEMNIFICATION. Each Party shall be responsible for any Claims made against that
Party and for the acts of its Employees or Agents. In any Claims that may arise from the
performance of this Contract, each Party shall seek its own legal representation and bear
the costs associated with such representation including any attorney fees. Except as
otherwise provided in this Contract, neither Party shall have any right under any legal
principle to be indemnified by the other Party or any of its Employees or Agents in
connection with any Claim. This Contract does not, and is not intended to, impair, divest,
delegate or contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege,
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF WALLED LAKE
Page 12
power, obligation, duty, or immunity of the Parties. Nothing in this Contract shall be
construed as a waiver of governmental immunity for either Party.
§12. CANCELLATION OR TERMINATION OF THIS CONTRACT. Except as follows, and
notwithstanding any other term or provision in any other section of this Contract, either
Party, upon a minimum of ninety (90) calendar days written notice to the other Party, may
cancel and/or completely terminate this Contract for any reason, including convenience,
without incurring any penalty, expense, or liability to the other Party. The effective date
for any such termination is to be clearly stated in the notice.
12.1. At 5:00 p.m. on the effective date of the cancellation of this Contract all
Municipality and/or County obligations under this Contract, except those rights
and obligations expressly surviving cancellation as provided for in this Contract,
shall end.
12.2. The Municipality agrees that any and all Municipality obligations, including, but
not limited to, any and all indemnification and hold harmless promises, waivers of
liability, record-keeping requirements, any Municipality payment obligations to the
County, and/or any other related obligations provided for in this Contract with
regard to any acts, occurrences, events, transactions, or Claim(s) either
occurring or having their basis in any events or transactions that occurred before
the cancellation or completion of this Contract, shall survive the cancellation or
completion of this Contract.
§13. EFFECTIVE DATE, CONTRACT APPROVAL, AND AMENDMENT. The Parties agree
that this Contract, and/or any subsequent amendments thereto, shall not become
effective prior to the approval by concurrent resolutions of both the Oakland County
Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the City of Walled Lake. The
approval and terms of this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments
thereto, shall be entered in the official minutes and proceedings of both the Oakland
County Board of Commissioners and the Governing Body of the City of Walled Lake and
shall also be filed with the office of the Clerk of the County and the Clerk for the City of
Walled Lake.
§14. The Parties agree that this Contract, and/or any possible subsequent amendments, shall
be filed with the Michigan Secretary of State and this Contract, and/or any possible
subsequent amendments. shall not become effective prior to this required filing with the
Secretary of State.
14.1. The Parties agree that except as expressly provided herein, this Contract shall
not be changed, supplemented, or amended, in any manner, except as provided
for herein, and no other act, verbal representation, document, usage or custom
shall be deemed to amend or mc.)dify this Contract. in any manner.
§15. NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES. Except as expressly provided herein for the
benefit of the Parties (i.e., County or Municipality), this Contract does not, and is not
intended to, create, by implication or otherwise, any direct or indirect obligation, duty,
promise, benefit, right to be indemnified (i.e., contractually, legally, equitably, or by
implication) and/or any right to be subrogated to any Party's rights in this Contract, and/or
any other right of any kind, in favor of any person, including, but not limited to, any
County Agent or Municipality Agent or any Municipality Taxpayer, any Taxpayer's legal
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF WALLED LAKE
Page 13
representative, any organization, any alleged unnamed beneficiary or assignee, and/or
any other person.
§16. CONSTRUED AS A WHOLE. The language of all parts of this Contract is intended to
and, in all cases, shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning, and not
construed strictly for or against any Party. As used in this Contract, the singular or plural
number, possessive or nonpossessive shall be deemed to include the other whenever
the context so suggests or requires.
§17. CAPTIONS. The section headings or titles and/or all section numbers contained in this
Contract are intended for the convenience of the reader and not intended to have any
substantive meaning and are not to be interpreted as part of this Contract.
§18. NOTICES. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, any and all
correspondence, invoices, and/or any other written notices required, permitted or
provided for under this Contract to be delivered to either Party shall be sent to that Party
by first class mail. All such written notices, including any notice canceling or terminating
this Contract as provided for herein, shall be sent to the other Party's signatory to this
Contract, or that signatory's successor in office, at the addresses shown in this Contract.
All correspondence or written notices shall be considered delivered to a Party as of the
date that such notice is deposited with sufficient postage with the U.S. Postal Service.
§19. WAIVER OF BREACH. The waiver of a breach of any provision of this Contract shall not
operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Each and every right,
remedy and power granted to either Party or allowed it by law shall be cumulative and not
exclusive of any other.
§20. ENTIRE CONTRACT. This Contract, consisting of a total of fifteen (15) pages, sets forth
the entire agreement between the County and the Municipality and fully supersedes any
and all prior agreements or understandings between them in any way related to the
subject matter hereof. It is further understood and agreed that the terms and conditions
herein are contractual and are not a mere recital and that there are no other agreements,
understandings, contracts, or representations between the County and the Municipality in
any way related to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly stated herein. This
Contract shall not be changed or supplemented orally and may be amended only as
otherwise provided herein.
For and in consideration of the mutual assurances, promises, acknowledgments, warrants,
representations, and agreements set forth in this Contract, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned
hereby execute this Contract on behalf of the Parties, and by doing so legally obligate and bind
the Parties to the terms and conditions of this Contract.
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF WALLED LAKE
Page 14
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, L. Dennis Whitt, City Manager of the City of Walled Lake hereby
acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the Governing Body of the City of
Walled Lake, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this Contract on behalf of the
Municipality and hereby accepts and binds the City of Walled Lake to the terms and conditions
of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
L. Dennis Whitt, City Manager
City of Walled Lake
WITNESSED: DATE:
Tamara Williams, Deputy Clerk
City of Walled Lake
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson, Oakland County Board of
Commissioners, hereby acknowledges that he has been authorized by a resolution of the
Oakland County Board of Commissioners, a certified copy of which is attached, to execute this
Contract on behalf of the Oakland County, and hereby accepts and binds Oakland County to the
terms and conditions of this Contract.
EXECUTED: DATE:
Michael J. Gingell, Chairperson
Oakland County Board of Commissioners
WITNESSED: DATE:
(Print Name) DATE:
County of Oakland
CONTRACT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY EQUALIZATION DIVISION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF WALLED LAKE
Page 15
Resolution #13177 July 17, 2013
Moved by Dwyer supported by Quarles the resolutions (with fiscal notes attached) on the Consent
Agenda be adopted (with accompanying reports being accepted).
AYES: Dwyer, Gershenson, Gingell, Gosselin, Hatchett, Hoffman, Jackson, Long, Matis,
McGillivray, Middleton, Quarles, Runestad, Scott, Spisz, Taub, Weipert, Woodward, Zack,
Bosnic, Crawford. (21)
NAYS: None. (0)
A sufficient majority having voted in favor, the resolutions (with fiscal notes attached) on the Consent
Agenda were adopted (with accompanying reports being accepted).
r
I HEREBY APPROVE THIS RESOLUTION
CHIEF DEPUTY COUNTY EXECUTIVE
ACTING PURSUANT TO MCI. 45559A (7)
STATE OF MICHIGAN)
COUNTY OF OAKLAND)
I, Lisa Brown, Clerk of the County of Oakland, do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true and
accurate copy of a resolution adopted by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners on July 17, 2013,
with the original record thereof now remaining in my office.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the County of Oakland at
Pontiac, Michigan this 17th day of July, 2013.
Lisa Brown, Oakland County