Frequently Asked Questions
Water
When do I receive a water bill?
In most instances, if it is a residential customer, you are billed
quarterly. If it is a commercial (business) customer, you are billed
on a monthly basis.
Do we purchase our water from the City of
Detroit or somewhere else?
The City of Detroit.
Explain the sewer charge?
It is a charge for the processing of the waste (sewage).
What is a sur-charge?
An excess sewer charge for non-residential (usually commercial)
customers.
Why is there a meter charge on my bill?
It is for the "use" of the meter and charged to customers who have
a 1inch up to a 6 inch meter in size.
How is my bill computed?
In most cases, the number of units used x the rate(s).
What is a unit?
750 gallons of water or 100 cubic feet.
How are the water and sewer rates
established?
They are based upon the cost to the City of Inkster to deliver the
service to our customers and acted on by council resolution.
What does arrears mean?
It is a past due amount. If a minus sign appears behind the amount,
it can indicate an overpayment or a credited amount.
If I overpay my bill or the city over-bills
my account, will my bill be adjusted?
Absolutely! If an over-payment occurs it will be credited to your
next bill and if we over-bill your account we will make the
appropriate adjustment. We try to do everything within our control to
make sure the customer’s bill is correct.
Does a main break have an effect on my bill?
No! You are billed only for water that goes through your meter.
Is a meter leak my problem or the City’s?
It is the customer’s responsibility.
If I turn the water off at the meter and not
use any water will I still get a bill?
Yes, as long as you have access to the water, you will be billed a
minimum bill.
What is a minimum bill?
If you use no units up to ten units you will be billed for ten
units. The current minimum bill for a 5/8 meter is $49.10.
Why is my bill so high?
There are a number of reasons it could appear to be high but we
estimate, on average, that each person in the household will use
anywhere from 10 to 15 units per person, per quarterly billing.
Why does the meter reader need to come into
my house when I have a meter outside?
The device on the outside of your home is not a meter. It is a
device that is connected to the meter that allows the meter reader to
read your meter from the outside for the customer’s convenience.
However, we need to gain access at least once a year to determine if
the outside reader device is still accurately registering the water
being used and in sync with the meter!
What do I need to do to ensure that my water
account is paid up-to-date before I move from my home?
- You should call the water department at least one week in advance
to make an appointment for a final bill. Our service person will need
to gain entry to the home to get a reading from your meter.
- The water department staff will compute a final bill up to the
date we receive a reading.
- We must get a reading from the actual meter and not the outside
reader device.
How do I change my mailing address or put my
name on the account?
Simply put your request in writing and mail, deliver, or fax it to
the water department.
The City wants you to know:
- It is unlawful for anyone to tamper with the water meter or use a
straight pipe or any means of bypassing the meter.
- If your water is turned off at the street for more than (30) days
you need to have an inspection by the Building Department and we must
get approval before we can turn the water back on. If at the time we
receive approval from the Building Department there is an outstanding
balance it must be paid prior to us turning the water back on.
- There is a fee to have your water turned on and/or off. Please
call the water department to get the appropriate fees.
- Currently, we are not set-up to take credit card or telephone
payments.
- We do not accept post dated checks nor do we accept post marks for
payments. We process the day we receive.
Taxes
How are my property taxes calculated?
Property taxes are calculated by multiplying the taxable value of
the property times the millage rate.
What is and how is taxable value calculated?
In most cases, the taxable value is calculated by multiplying the
previous years taxable value times the Consumer Price Index or 5%,
whichever is less.
There are two exceptions to this general rule as follows:
1) Any new construction is added to the new taxable value.
2) After a transfer of ownership occurs the next year taxable
value will be equal to the State Equalized Value (SEV).
What forms should I file with the Assessor’s
Office after a property is transferred?
A property transfer affidavit must be filed by the buyer, with the
city assessor where the property is located, within 45 days of the
transfer. The filing of this form is mandatory per state law.
What other form should be filed with the
Assessor’s Office if the property is to be my new principal residence?
If you own and occupy your principal residence, you may claim an
exemption from a portion of local school operating taxes. To claim
this exemption, you must complete a Homeowner’s Principal Residence
Exemption Affidavit by May 1st.
How does the City notify me of my taxable
value and if I have a principal residence exemption?
In March of each year a notice of assessment is sent to every
property owner. The notice will state your taxable value, assessed
value, and tentative state equalized value. The notice will also state
if there was or was not a transfer of ownership on the property and
will also tell you if there is a principal residence exemption on the
property. Furthermore, the notice will inform you of your right of
appeal to the Board of Review.
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City of Inkster, Michigan
26215 Trowbridge •
Inkster, Michigan 48141
(313) 563-4232
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