Bob.to answer your question from yesterday concerning Michigan property taxes. The "taxable value" has to increase the rate of inflation (CPI) or 5%,whichever is less,by law. That doesn't mean that the millage rate can't be reduced to compensate,it just never is. Of course the cost of providing the services that those taxes pay for go up right along with that increase in inflation. So,to provide police road patrol,county and township road maintenance,ambulance service etc.,these taxes have to be paid,plain and simple. The only exception to the increase would be if the State Equalized Value fell below the Taxable Value because of declining real estate values. The taxable value can't be more than the State Equalized Value.