Finance
This department is responsible for all collections for the City of Norton Shores, and all the distribution of monies. We collect and distribute property taxes for the local school districts, the County of Muskegon, the State of Michigan, and the City of Norton Shores. Water and sewer bills, parks and recreation fees, permits, cemetery fees, parking tickets, FOIA fees, and business registrations are all paid at the Finance Department. The Department also handles the entire payroll, accounts receivable, and accounts payable for the City.
What are the duties of the Finance Department?- The Finance Department not only collects property taxes and utility fees, but also provides for centralized accounting, payroll and accounts payable activities for the City's $41 million budget.
- Balancing the City budget, reporting to the Mayor and City Council, preparing the annual City audit, and many other aspects of maintaining the City's budget.
- See the Finance Department with any questions about taxes, property assessments, tax abatements or other finance related issues.
- Pick up a copy of Lake Harbor, the beginnings of Norton Shores at the Finance Department.
Important Dates:
- Summer taxes mailed July 1st - Due August 31st
- Winter taxes mailed December 1st - Due February 14th
- Delinquent taxes sent to Muskegon County for collection - March 1st
- Effective January 22, 2022, Dog License applications/payments will no longer be accepted at Norton Shores City Hall. Applications/payments can be done in person or by mail at: Muskegon County Treasurer's Office, 173 E. Apple, Ave., Suite 104, Muskegon, MI 49442 https://www.co.muskegon.mi.us/897/Dog-Licenses
Audit Reports
County Equalization
The City of Norton Shores contracts with the County of Muskegon Equalization to complete property assessments annually. In February each year, property owners are mailed their Notice of Assessment. The Taxable Value on the document is the amount used to calculate annual taxes to be collected by the City of Norton Shores. Veteran's Exemption, Poverty Exemption, Principal Residence Exemption and other forms are available on the County Equalization website.
Where your Tax Dollars go
On July 1st and December 1st each year, the Norton Shores Treasurer sends out tax bills to residents/businesses in Norton Shores. The City Treasurer collects tax dollars for the City of Norton Shores, School Districts, Community College & Muskegon County. The tax revenue received by the Treasurer is distributed every two weeks to those entities receiving the tax revenue. Click on the PDF documents to see how your tax dollar is distributed by the School District you reside.
Why are my Taxes Increasing
This year, the State multiplier was 3.1% meaning if there was no change to your residency, your taxes increased by 3.1%. Each year, the State uses CPI (inflation rate) or 5% whichever is less to determine the increase to taxes annually. This information is provided on your Notice of Assessment that is mailed to you in February each year. This is the document used to determine the tax amount to be paid for the year (Summer/Winter).
The Assessment identifies the SEV (State Equalized Value) which is the value of your home if you were to sell. The TV (Taxable Value) each year is increased by the multiplier (2025 – 3.1%) if you have lived in the residency for over a year. If you are a new home owner, the SEV and TV will be the same amount. When this happens, it’s a term called "uncapping". If there were renovations or improvements to the home, this could increase the SEV and TV as well.
Over the past 5 years, the values of homes in Norton Shores have increased over 60% according to Zillow. The current average for a residential home in Norton Shores is $275,000 according to Zillow. This impacts the amount of tax a resident pays annually. Taxes over the past 3 years have increased by over 13% with the State multiplier. However, the tax levy from the City of Norton Shores has remained the same since 2015 at 10.95 mills. This is on the low side compared to other cities in Muskegon County. Below are the millage rates from last year:
City of North Muskegon – 8.9912 mills
City of Norton Shores – 10.95 mills
City of Muskegon – 12.557 mills - Additional Income Tax of 1% for Residents or .5% for those working in the City of Muskegon
City of Whitehall – 15.77 mills
City of Montague – 16.00 mills
City of Roosevelt Park – 17.50 mills
City of Muskegon Heights – 24.50 mills - Additional Income Tax of 1% for Residents or .5% for those working in the City of Muskegon
Overall, the tax rate for a resident in Norton Shores is low compared to other cities located in Muskegon County.
The City of Norton Shores also collects and distributes tax dollars for all voter passed election millage, school operating and state tax. Based on what school district you live in; the amount of millage rates varies. Below are the total millage rates by school code for a homestead resident for both Winter and Summer Taxes:
Muskegon – 43.1725 mills
Mona Shores – 41.9978 mills
Grand Haven – 36.2586 mills
For every $1 spent on your taxes for Mona Shores, this is where the money is dispersed:
$.26 – City of Norton Shores (City Operations, Public Safety, Roads, Solid Waste, Capital Improvement)
$.18 – Mona Shores School District (Sinking Fund, Debt, Operations)
$.22 – Muskegon County (Museum, Veteran’s, Senior Services)
$.14 – State of Michigan (School Aid Fund)
$.11 – MAISD (General Fund, Enhancement, Special Education, Vocational Education)
$.06 – Muskegon Community College (General Operations, Debt Millage)
$.03 – Muskegon District Library (General Operations)