City of Houghton Beautification Committee
The City of Houghton earned recognition for exceptional work in property tax assessments.
The city earned a perfect score on the 2025 PA 660 Assessment Audit Review. City Manager Eric Waara says the credit goes to City Assessor James Fedie and the administration team for keeping track of things such as property values, developments and more.
“The accuracy between when the assessor assigns a value or something’s built that’s new that may be going on the rolls, that those values are assigned fairly and accurately and defensively,” Waara said. “Take a case like Walmart from years ago, where we were going back and forth about the value of their store, but our case was made stronger based on our assessing and the practices that our assessor uses in order to assign those values.”
Waara adds that the use of electronic record keeping and better public access to assessment documents have kept everyone on the same page. The assessment documents gathered through analysis by municipalities can help developers understand a community’s desires and needs.
Waara says a fair and accurate assessment of property values helps the community afford services such as fire and police, as well as providing support for city departments.
Those interested in learning more about the City of Houghton’s Certificate of Achievement for a perfect score awarded by the State of Michigan Tax Commission can find more details below.
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City of Houghton Earns Perfect Score in State Assessment Audit
Houghton, MI – The City of Houghton is proud to announce that it has been awarded a Certificate of Achievement by the State of Michigan Tax Commission for earning a perfect score on the 2025 PA 660 Assessment Audit Review.
This recognition highlights Houghton’s commitment to accuracy, fairness, and transparency in property tax assessments. The PA 660 Assessment Audit is a rigorous review conducted by the State of Michigan to ensure that local governments comply with property tax laws and maintain equitable assessment practices.
What is the PA 660 Assessment Audit?
The audit examines how municipalities value properties for tax purposes. It checks for compliance with Michigan’s General Property Tax Act, accuracy in assessment rolls, and adherence to uniform standards across all property classes. The goal is to ensure that every property owner—whether residential, commercial, or industrial—is assessed fairly and consistently.
The process includes:
- Reviewing assessment records for accuracy and completeness
- Verifying equalization practices to ensure fairness across property types
- Evaluating compliance with state guidelines and statutory requirements
A perfect score means Houghton met every requirement without error, demonstrating excellence in local governance and fiscal responsibility.
“A large part of that credit goes to our Assessor James Fedie,” said City Manager Eric Waara. “Jim’s experience and skills make him great at his job. He’s accessible and approachable when taxpayers have questions. We’re proud that Houghton can provide that level of service.”
Why does this matter for residents?
Accurate and fair property assessments are the foundation of a trustworthy tax system. They ensure that:
- Property owners pay their fair share: no more, no less
- Local tax revenues are distributed equitably to fund essential services
- The community maintains confidence and transparency in local government
This achievement is a testament to the hard work and professionalism of the City’s staff and leadership, and it reinforces our commitment to serving the community with integrity and excellence.
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