Frequently asked questions

Q. I live in Essex Township.  Where do I vote?
A. We vote at the Community Center at 209 W. Union St. in Maple Rapids.
 
Q. How is my home assessed?
A. Our assessor is Beth Botke. Beth can help you understand how your home was assessed. Beth’s phone number is 517-204-3752


Q. Why are board members not always available during regular business hours?
A. All of our board members are part-time employees.  They will do their best to answer questions in a timely manner when you leave them a voicemail or send an email.

Q. Where do I find contact information for the township board?
A Township board contact information is available on the Elected Officials page on this site.  It is also available at the top of the newsletter that was sent with your property tax bill.

Q. When are my taxes due?
A. Summer taxes are due by 5:00 p.m. on September 14th.  Winter taxes are due by 5:00 p.m. on February 28th. If these days fall on a weekend, they are due the next business day.   Postmark dates are not accepted. The only exceptions to these dates are those who have applied for and received a summer deferment. See your paperwork for specific due dates on deferred taxes.

Q. Can I pay my taxes with cash?
A. Yes. Cash payments are accepted if paid in person with the exact amount due. Please do not put cash in the drop box.

Q. Can I pay my taxes with a credit card?
A. Yes, For a small fee to Allpaid/Govpaynet, you may use the link on the Tax Information Tab to pay with a credit card.  The township does not receive a fee when you pay using this link. 

Q. Can I pay my taxes in person?
A. Yes.  The treasurer’s office will be open during the hours noted on your tax bill.  If you would like to pay in person on other days, please call ahead to make sure the treasurer will be available. 

Q. Who do I contact if I feel my property isn’t assessed properly?
A. You may contact Beth Botke at (517) 204-3752.  She is our township’s assessor.

Q. Who do I contact if I have general questions about my tax bill?
A. The township treasurer can help you with most of your property tax questions.  Township board contact information is available on the Elected Officials page on this site. 

Q. Who do I contact about my Village of Maple Rapids taxes?
A. If you have questions about village taxes, but not township taxes, you may contact the Village of Maple Rapids at (989) 682-9227.  They will direct you to their treasurer.

Q. Why did I get a bill from Clinton County for delinquent Essex Township taxes?
A. After February 28th, the township treasurer is no longer allowed to accept tax payments for the fiscal year.  All records are turned over to the Clinton County Treasurer’s office and they will accept your delinquent payments.

Q. Who do I contact with cemetery or election questions?
A. The township clerk can assist you with these questions.  Township board contact information is available on the Elected Officials page on this site. 

Q. How do I reach someone at the Village of Maple Rapids?
A. The number for Maple Rapids Village Offices is (989) 682-9227.

Q. Who do I contact about burning permits?
A. Contact Maple Rapids Department of Public Works (989) 682-4569. If no one is in the office, leave a message and the department will return your call.