Daily Briefs

Michigan tax tribunal sees case on solar energy systems


ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan resident is at the center of a solar energy taxation debate that could affect property owners statewide.

The Ann Arbor News reports that the dispute revolves around how much value Mark Clevey’s residential solar energy system adds to his home and if that value should be taxed.

Clevey installed the system on his house in May 2016. Tax records show that the property’s value increased from almost $1,900 in 2015 to nearly $5,700 in 2017.

The city of Ann Arbor believes the system improves Clevey’s property and should increase its taxable value because state law doesn’t specifically exempt solar energy systems. But Clevey says the system is personal property, which generally isn’t subject to property taxes.

The Michigan Tax Tribunal will give the final opinion on the issue.

 

FBI appoints new special agent in charge of Detroit office


DETROIT (AP) — The FBI has appointed a new head of the agency’s Detroit office.

FBI Director Christopher Wray announced this week that Timothy Slater would serve as special agent in charge of the Detroit Division starting in March. Slater most recently served as the special agent in charge of the Criminal/Cyber Division at the Washington Field Office.

Slater, who has been with the FBI since 1999, has also worked in the Detroit and Miami divisions. He will succeed David Gelios, whose retirement was recently announced.

 

Gov. Snyder signs law allowing charter schools tax revenue


LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Rick Snyder has signed into law a change allowing charter schools to receive revenue from certain voter-approved property tax hikes.

The taxes go to counties’ traditional school districts on a per-student basis, on top of their state funding. The new law lets charters get a share of the extra local funding.

Charters will only benefit when existing millages are renewed or new millages are approved.

The legislation was backed by many Republicans but opposed by Democrats.

 

Race and the Legal System: A Look at the Recorder’s Court


The Black Law Students Association presents a special event sponsored by the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights at Wayne Law. Judge Dalton A. Roberson, the former chief judge of the Recorder’s Court, will discuss the role race plays in the legal system through the context of the Recorder’s Court. Lunch will be provided at this free event from 12:15-1:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 at Wayne State University Law School, Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium, 471 W. Palmer in Detroit.  For more information contact Shaunte Wilcher at wsulawblsa@gmail.com.
 

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