LANSING (WKZO AM/FM) — A year’s long struggle between big box stores and local townships over the taxable value of their huge retail outlets has been settled by the State Supreme Court, which has opted to let a lower court ruling against the stores stand.
It began as a case in Escanaba where a big box retailer argued that their store should be valued at the resale price and not the replacement price, a difference of millions of dollars.
The Tax Tribunal agreed with the retailer. But the Appellate Court and Vicksburg Rep.David Maturen disagreed saying it just wasn’t the way it is done.
Maturen calls the high court’s decision to let the lower court ruling stand is a victory for small businesses and communities.
“The Supreme Court made the right decision to leave the Court of Appeals ruling intact. It is a clear victory for small businesses and local communities. This decision sets a legal precedent that mirrors legislation I have introduced in the Michigan House to ensure that the tax assessment process is fair for local retailers and communities. It does away with a tactic some large retail corporations have used to unfairly and dramatically reduce the taxes on their properties.”
Now the Michigan Municipal League is calling for the passage of Maturen’s ‘Dark Stores’ legislation, codifying and fleshing out the court’s decision, so that everyone is clear.
