Home FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I place items on a grave site?
Certain items are allowed on graves, but are approved on a case by case request by the City Sexton. Please contact the City Sexton via email or call 989-348-2131.
How can I purchase a cemetery lot?
Please contact our Cemetery Department at 989-348-2131 or stop at City Hall 1020 City Blvd Grayling MI 49738 and speak with our Cemetery Department to purchase cemetery lots.
How do I locate a grave in the cemetery?
Please use the data base located on the Cemetery page or contact the sexton at 989-348-2131.
What are the Rules for the City/Township Cemetery?
Please review the list of the Cemetery Rules, if you have further questions please call the Cemetery Sexton at 989-348-2131.
When is Cemetery Clean up?
Cemetery clean up happens twice a year. Once in the spring and once in the fall. Dates depend on weather, so please keep checking back for more information.
spring clean up:
Is generally scheduled during the month of April.
FALL clean up:
Is generally scheduled during the month of October.
The City would like to thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation during this process.
How do I appeal my Assessed Value?
Assessment change notices are sent out the end of February. Your notice will indicate the dates and times of the March Board of Review. The March Board of Review is held at the City of Grayling 1020 City Blvd. Grayling MI 49738. It is a good idea to bring supporting documentation when appealing your assessment. This can obtained by bringing in an appraisal and/or copies of sales of properties similar to yours.
How do I change my mailing address?
The City Assessor maintains mailing addresses for all properties within the City of Grayling. You may send a written request by email, mail: City of Grayling 1020 City Blvd Grayling MI 49738 or call: 989-348-2131 ext 120.
What is a Conditional Rescission?
A conditional rescission allows an owner to continue to receive a principle residence exemption on your previous Michigan property and your current Michigan property simultaneously for up to three years if certain criteria are met. The previous principal residence cannot be occupied, is for sale, is not leased and not used for any business or commercial purpose. Details regarding this form are available at the Michigan Department of Treasury's website or call 517-575-1950.
What is a Principal Residence Exemption and how do I know if I have one?
A Principal Residence Exemption is an exemption from school operating taxes, being up 18 mills. To qualify, you must be a Michigan resident that owns and occupies the property as their principal residence and must file a timely affidavit with the City Assessor. you may also file an affidavit for any vacant properties contiguous to your principal residence, providing a separate affidavit is filed for each parcel. The deadline for filing is June 1 or November 1, depending on when the 18 mills are levied. The exemption percentage is displayed on your summer and winter tax billing statements, as well as your assessment change notice.
What is Assessed Value?
Assessed value is 50% of the true cash value, being synonymous with the market value of the property. The value is established through mass appraisal techniques and data entry of sales within the neighborhood or neighborhoods similar to the City of Grayling.
What is Capped Value?
The capped value is the previous years taxable value multiplied by the inflation rate multiplier and adjusted for any physical changes in property. The inflation rate multiplier is set by statute and provided to local governing entities by the Michigan Departmetn of Treasury annually.
What is Taxable Value?
The taxable value is the value used to calculate your property taxes. A property's taxable value can only increase annually by the rate of inflation or 5% whichever is less, unless there is an addition to the property (i.e., physical improvement or omitted property) or the property transferred in ownership during the previous tax year. Properties that transferred during the year prior to the current tax year will uncap to the assessed value in the current billing period, but can never exceed the assessed or state equalized value.
What is the difference between Real and Personal Property Taxes?
Real property includes land plus the buildings and fixtures permanently attached to it. Real property taxes are assessed on agricultural, commercial, industrial, residential and utility property. Personal property is property that is not permanently affixed to land: e.g., equipment, furniture, tools and computers. Personal property taxes are assessed only on property that is used in business.
Where do I find information on Disabled Veteran's Exemption?
Please review the State Tax Commission P.A. 161 of 2013 revised February 2023 Disabled Veteran's Exemption information on our website.
When are Boards and Commission Meetings?
Please see the Meetings and Agenda Page on the left hand side of each board page for meeting dates.
Where do I pay Fines and Tickets?
City of Grayling Parking Tickets can be paid in person at City Hall 1020 City Blvd, Grayling MI 49738 or mailed to: City of Grayling PO Box 549 Grayling, MI 49738.
Traffic Tickets and Ordinance Violations must be paid to Crawford County, 220 W Michigan Ave, Grayling MI 49738 or visit the Crawford County Website.
How do I change my voter registration address?
The best way to update your address is to visit the Secretary of State's Office and update your drivers license, this will then update your voter address.
How do I obtain an absent voter's ballot?
To review the full process on voting an Absentee Ballot, please visit the State of Michigan Election Website.
Or you may stop into City Hall 1020 City Blvd, Grayling MI 49738 to request an Absentee Ballot Application.
If I didn't vote in the last election, am I still eligible to vote?
Once you register to vote, you are always registered to vote. In the State of Michigan, your voter registration follows your drivers' license: if you move and notify the Michigan Secretary of State's office of your new address, your voter's registration will also be changed to reflect your new address.
If I own a business within the City of Grayling, can I use that address to register to vote instead of my home address, which is located outside the City Limits?
No, Michigan Election Law states: "Residence", as used in the Act, for registration and voting purposes means that place at which a person habitually sleeps, keeps his or her personal effects and has a regular place of lodging. A person knowingly registering to vote in a city or township, that is not their city or township of residence, is guilty of violating State Election Law and can be prosecuted for perjury. Listing a business address on a voter registration form is not permissible, unless the individual actually resides at that address.
What is the City's Parade Route?
The City of Grayling has a specific Parade Route for any parade scheduled within the City of Grayling. It begins at Galen St & Michigan Ave and ends at Peninsular & Lake St.
Where can City Residents take Recycling?
Currently there is no location to take Recycling. The City is researching options for it's residents.
Who can request a road closure for a City Event?
Only organizations can request a road closure. To do this you must submit fill out a Multi Use Permit with the City of Grayling.
When is a peddlers permit required?
Please see the Peddlers permit application.
Who needs to pull a Multi-Use Permit?
Anyone doing work in the City Right-a-Ways or on City streets, requesting a road closure, use of City park or pavilion, parades and all events within the City limits. Please review the Multi-Use Permit, Right-of-Way Permit, or contact City Hall at 989-348-2131.
I have questions about my tax bill?
Please email or call 989-348-2131 and ask to speak with the Property Tax Department or City Assessor.
How can I get a copy of my property tax bill or receipt?
Please fill out our Final Utility Bill and/or Closing Document Form online or in person at City Hall.
How do I become a vendor at the Farmers Market?
If you have questions, please contact Erich Podjaske, City Manager, City of Grayling @ 989-348-2131.
Applications can be picked up at Grayling City Hall by clicking here: Vendor Application
What are your hours?
We're open 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
We close daily 12:00 - 12:30 pm for lunch.
How do I request a document from the City?
You will need to submit a Freedom of Information Request (FOIA) and pay the fees associated with locating the documents. You may also email your request to the City Clerk or mail the request to: Grayling City Hall PO Box 549 Grayling, MI 49738
Can I e-file my income tax return?
Currently the City of Grayling doesn't accept e-file of Income Tax forms.
How do I contact the City of Graying Income Tax Department?
Mailing-Office Address:
City of Grayling Income Tax Division
PO Box 515
Eaton Rapids, MI 48827
Phone: 989-348-7750
How do I file for an extension of time?
The Administrator may extend the filing date of the return for up to six months or for the same period granted by a federal extension. To request an extension of time to file your return, complete an GR-4868-Application for Extension and submit the form with payment adequate to cover the unpaid portion of your annual liability to the City of Grayling Income Tax Office on or before the due date of the return.
What is the tax rate for City of Grayings Income Tax?
Individual tax rate is 1% for residents and 0.50% for nonresidents.
Who needs to file a City of Graying individual income tax return (GR-1040)?
- Every resident or part year resident of the City of Grayling who has taxable income in a tax year must file a return.
- Every nonresident who has taxable income derived from working or from sources inside the city limits must file a return.
What is a Food Hub?
According to the USDA’s Regional
Food Hub Resource Guide, a food hub is a “business
or organization that actively manages the aggregation, distribution, and
marketing of course-identified food products primarily from local and regional
producers to strengthen their ability to satisfy wholesale, retail, and
institutional demand.”
What are some Impacts of Food Hubs?
Economic: By supporting and promoting regional food procurement, food hubs have the potential to increase the economic vitality of food businesses in a region. When institutions such as hospitals and schools with tremendous buying power commit to procuring regional food, they generate more revenue within their local communities. Effects of food hubs can also be seen in job creation in food-related businesses all the
way from producers to consumers.
Social: Food hubs that offer business training and community programming are creating connections across many community members. Food business professionals learn from one another. Activities that build awareness of relevant issues related to food production also increase social ties. Many food hubs work for the social good, donating “seconds” to food banks and therefore increasing healthy food access.
Environmental: Whether it’s through increasing the amount of food bought within our immediate communities, teaching new methods of sustainable production, or hosting environmental awareness programming, food hubs can play a large and visible role in positive environmental change.
Is there a Business Plan for the Northern Market?
The City of Grayling does have a Business Plan for the Northern Market. You may also call or email wunschis23@gmail.com the City of Grayling for any questions that you might have regarding the Northern Market.
Was there a study done on the Northern Market concept?
A Feasibility Study was completed in May of 2018 by Michigan State University. There is a lot of information in the Study and you can call Isaiah Wunsch, Project Coordinator by phone: 231-620-0791 or by email: wunschis23@gmail.com
How can I obtain a copy of a Police Report?
If you wish to obtain a copy of a Police Report, contact the City of Grayling Police Department at: (989) 348-4621.
If you wish to obtain a copy of a Crash Report please visit LexisNexis BuyCrash | Home (lexisnexisrisk.com)
Where do I pay my Property Taxes if they are delinquent?
Real property taxes are turned over as delinquent to Crawford County Treasurer on March 1st and additional fees and penalties will apply. After this date, all taxes must be paid to :
Crawford County Treasurer 200 W. Michigan Avenue Grayling MI 49738.
Personal property taxes are levied on business non-inventory furniture, fixtures and equipment. Every business must annually file a personal property tax statement. If you do not file this statement, the Assessor is required to estimate the value of this equipment. Personal property taxes are delinquent as of March 1st. The City collects delinquent personal property taxes. If these taxes are not paid, the City can seize the assets and sell them to pay the outstanding taxes.
Why did I receive a tax bill when my taxes should be escrowed?
If your tax bill does not say "* A COPY OF THIS BILL HAS BEEN SENT TO A MORTGAGE PROVIDER *", please contact your mortgage company to resolve the situation. You may also contact City Hall at 989-348-2131 to make sure that tax payments have been made by the lender.
Can I pay my bill with a credit or debit card?
Residents can pay online via the City's Payment page.
How often do Water/Sewer bills get sent out?
The City bills water/sewer bills quarterly in April, July, October and January for the previous three months.
I have questions about my water/sewer bill?
Please email the utility department or call 989-348-2131 ext. 106 to speak to the utility department.
My pipes tend to freeze up in the winter, can I be credited for letting my water drip?
No. You will only receive credit if you are notified by the City of Grayling to let your water drip. If you do not receive a letter, you will be billed.
What do I need to do for a final bill?
A Final Bill/Read is required to take the account out of your name, please read and fill out the required Final Utility Bill form online or in person at City Hall. There is a $35 processing fee required when requesting a final bill/read.
What if I need more time to pay my bill? Can I get an extension?
Yes, you can fill out a payment arrangment form before late bills are sent out which is the 15th of the following month original bills are sent out.
Who do I call for a water or sewer emergency?
- If you have a water or sewer emergency during our regular business hours, which is Monday through Friday from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, please call City of Grayling at 989-348-2131.
- For after-hours water or sewer emergencies, please call central dispatch on their non-emergency number at 989-348-6341, and the DPW will be called.
Are fences allowed in front yards?
Currently fences are not allowed in front yards, but is being reviewed during the updating of the zoning ordinance article 6.
Do I need a permit for a swimming pool?
Yes, please review Chapter 8 of the City Code of Ordinance.
Do I need a permit?
Some projects need permits. So it is best to contact the zoning officer via email, phone: 989-348-2131 or by stopping in at City Hall 1020 City Blvd. Grayling MI 49738
I'm opening a new business in the City, do I need a permit?
Yes, all new businesses opening in the City need to pull a permit to make sure they are meeting zoning requirements. Please contact the Zoning Administrator via email or call 989-348-2131
Is the City's Zoning Ordinance online?
Yes, the City Zoning Ordinance is on the website located on the Home page under Ordinances and Policies.
What are the fees for different permits?
Please review the Residential Zoning Fee Schedule or Commercial Zoning Fee Schedule, call 989-348-2131 or email the zoning officer.
What information is required for a Site Plan Review?
See the attached checklist: Site Plan Review Requirements
Please contact the Zoning Administrator via email or call 989-348-2131 for further information.