Historic unemployment levels triggered by the coronavirus pandemic are putting many Michigan homeowners at risk of foreclosure.
On Thursday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer extended the deadline for making delinquent property tax payments to June 30.
Ingham County Treasurer Eric Schertzing notes that while the extension gives people more time to pay, statutory fees and interest continues to accrue.
“So, we’re going to have to figure out ways to reach out to people and work with people more than we ever have, or we will have just a mess a year from now,” Schertzing says.
He says his office is increasing its efforts to help struggling taxpayers build what he calls “financial capacity.”
“I learned very deeply from the work in the Great Recession to set aside judgment, because we are only as strong as you are,” he says. “So our job…my job…is to help you get to a better place.”
Schertzing says he won’t evict anyone who’s behind on their taxes during the pandemic.
Homeowners in need of help are encouraged to call the Ingham County Treasurer’s Officeat (517) 676-7220.