Equalization Specialist

Position: Equalization Specialist

Status: Full Time CCIEA Union, 40 hours per week

Wages\Grade: Hourly range $22.36 - $25.71 (annual equivalent $46,506 – $53,486) Grade 4, Step 1-5

What does an Equalization Specialist do? An Equalization Specialist ensures that property assessments across different taxing jurisdictions are consistent, fair, and compliant with state and local laws.

What are some of the duties of an Equalization Specialist?

• Reviews and processes tax and assessment roles to ensure they conform to the county’s information system.
• Processes and prints tax bills for all villages, townships, and cities, and coordinating the creation of tax warrants for each taxing unit.
• Serves as the county’s liaison to local taxing districts, providing training and technical support for property tax administration software.
• Administers tax settlements, handling adjustments such as homestead exemptions, assessor changes, capping/uncapping, Michigan Tax Tribunal decisions, and Board of Review changes.
• Reviews and enters Board of Review, tribunal, and assessor change data throughout the year, balancing these changes with each township.
• Analyzes tax assessment data and prepares system reports.
• Updates equalization records using documents from the Register of Deeds and Property Description offices (e.g., deeds, land contracts, divorce decrees) to maintain accurate sale studies.
• Gathers and enters data for annual sales studies to determine equalization factors.

Skills for the successful candidate include:

• Strong math and computer skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to enter data and troubleshoot formulas in Microsoft Excel
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with the public, assessors, treasurers, etc.
• Strong customer service skills
• Ability to learn quickly
• High School Diploma/GED, Associates Degree

Experience working in an equalization department, assessor’s office, title company, or similar setting involving working knowledge of property legal descriptions and deeds is a plus. Cass County may also provide additional training and support needed to build expertise in property tax processing and equalization through the Michigan Certified Assessing Technician (MCAT) program.

Benefits:

Health, Dental & Vision Insurance (choice of plans or opt-out stipend), Employee Assistance Program, AFLAC (Accident, Hospital, Critical Care), 14 paid holidays, up to 84 hours Paid Time Off, 5 days paid vacation after one year, 10 after 2, 15 after 5, 20 after 10, 23 days after 20 years, MERS Defined Benefit (6-year vesting, 5% mandatory employee contribution, 2% group benefit multiplier), Mission Square 457 Plan, On-site Fitness Center, YMCA Membership Discount, Discounted Parks Pass, Annual Cost of Living Increases, Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Apply today online at casscountymi.org or send completed application, cover letter and resume to Human Resources via email at hr@cassco.org or by mail to: Human Resources, County Administrator’s Office, 120 N. Broadway, Suite #300, Cassopolis, MI 49031. Employment application can be obtained at www.casscountymi.org.

Cass County has a drug testing policy, and an offer of employment will not be extended to any candidate who fails the drug test. Employment will also be contingent on the successful completion of an employee background check. Cass County is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).

Pay: $22.36 - $25.71 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• On-site gym
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $46,506 - $53,486