Big Rapids Charter Township

05/25/2026

05/05/2026

It’s Election Day, Michigan!

Here’s a list of the jurisdictions holding an election today: go.mi.gov/392hz2198

Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Eligible citizens who need to register to vote can still do so by visiting their local clerk’s office with proof of residency.

Michigan.gov/Vote

04/25/2026

04/17/2026

*IMPORTANT UPCOMING DETOURS* See attached route maps.

- Perry Avenue/State Street Intersection (4/21-4/23) Please use Ferris Drive as a detour.
- Woodward Avenue (4/20-6/28) Please use Madison Avenue as a detour.
- Bjornson Street (week of April 27th) Please use Spruce Rd to Catherine St as a detour.

04/17/2026

Highbanks Park: We know some Little League teams were using the fields at the park early, however it is currently inaccessible due to the flooding of the river. Please do NOT attempt to use the fields until the river subsides.

04/16/2026

04/03/2026

TRAFFIC ALERT: Woodward Avenue in Big Rapids to close on Monday, April 20, for culvert and road repairs. Construction is expected to last through June 26.

Details and detour map: https://wbrn.com/breaking-news/910789

02/19/2026

🗒️A note from our Assessor, on understanding your Tax Assessment: 🏡

1️⃣The Core Rule

In Michigan, the law says your Assessed Value (what the Township estimates your house is worth for tax purposes) must be exactly 50% of its market value. If houses in your neighborhood are selling for more, your assessment goes up.

2️⃣The Two Different Values💸

You actually have two different "values" on your tax forms. Understanding the difference is the key to knowing what you'll pay: (see image)

3️⃣The "Cap" (The Homeowner's Shield)
To prevent people from being priced out of their homes when the market explodes, Michigan "caps" how much your Taxable Value can go up.

The Rule: It can only go up by the rate of inflation (CPI) or 5%—whichever is lower. Plus any additions, garages etc.

The 2026 Reality: This year, inflation was 2.7%. So, even if your neighbor sold their house for double what you paid, your taxable value only went up by 2.7%.

4️⃣"Uncapping" (The Catch)
The "shield" mentioned above disappears the year following the year the property is sold.

If you stayed put: You get the 2.7% cap. Your tax increase will increase at the rate of 2.7%

If you bought the house in 2025: Your taxes "uncapped." Your Taxable Value is reset to match the current market (the full 50%). This can result in a larger tax bill for the new owner.

01/02/2026

To read the State of the Township Address, including the projects and improvements in the 2025 year, please click the link here to read:

Construction Underway on Tonkin Drain Improvement Project – Updated 10/10/25 2025 August 21 Written Report Under Oath by Karla Miller Update – 10/10/25 RESOLUTION APPROVING NONSUPPORT QUESTIONS & RESPONSES CONSTRUCTION Read More » May 8, 2025