The Four Lakes Task Force assessments lawsuit involves legal challenges by property owners against special property tax assessments imposed by Midland and Gladwin counties in Michigan to fund the repair and reconstruction of four dams—Edenville, Secord, Smallwood, and Sanford—that catastrophically failed in May 2020. The task force was established to oversee these dam restorations, with funding sourced from over $200 million in state and federal grants supplemented by nearly $400 million raised through special assessments on properties benefiting from the lake and dam system.
Background and Origin of the Lawsuit
Following the 2020 dam failures that caused widespread flooding, displacement, and property damage, the Four Lakes Task Force was appointed to manage the complex dam rebuilding project. To finance the remaining costs not covered by grants, the task force proposed a special assessment district to levy fees on properties within the affected areas proportionate to benefits received from dam repairs and lake restorations. After public hearings and assessments, Midland and Gladwin counties approved the special assessments.
Some property owners, including the Heron Cove Association, contested the legality and fairness of the assessments, filing lawsuits and appeals arguing due process violations, excessive financial burdens, and improper apportionment of costs. They contended the assessments were unconstitutional and not properly justified concerning the actual benefits to their properties.
Legal Claims and Court Responses
- Due Process and Procedural Challenges: Plaintiffs claimed they were denied adequate notice and opportunity to contest the assessments.
- Constitutional Arguments: The lawsuits argued that the assessments violated state constitutional provisions by imposing disproportionate financial burdens.
- Validity of Benefit Apportionment: Disputes arose over the method used to calculate benefits and allocate costs among property owners.
However, courts at multiple levels, including the Midland Circuit Court, Michigan Court of Appeals, and ultimately the Michigan Supreme Court, reviewed and upheld the assessments. The Supreme Court denied the Heron Cove Association’s application for leave to appeal in April 2025, effectively allowing the special assessments to proceed and enabling the Four Lakes Task Force to continue its dam restoration work and secure municipal financing.
Impact and Current Status
The legal challenges temporarily delayed certain phases of the dam repair project and increased financial uncertainty for both the task force and property owners. The court rulings reinforced the authority of local governments to impose special assessments for critical infrastructure repairs when tied to property benefits. Work on the dams has since progressed with the backing of the enforced assessments, safeguarding thousands of properties reliant on the dams for flood control and lake preservation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Four Lakes Task Force Assessments Lawsuit
What triggered the lawsuits against the assessments?
Some property owners opposed the special assessments initiated to help fund the costly reconstruction of four Michigan dams after their 2020 failures, alleging improper process and unfair cost distribution.
Who are the parties involved?
Plaintiffs include property owners represented by groups such as the Heron Cove Association; defendants are Midland and Gladwin county authorities and the Four Lakes Task Force managing the restoration.
What was the final judicial outcome?
Courts upheld the validity of the special assessments and affirmed the task force’s authority; the Michigan Supreme Court’s refusal to hear further appeals in April 2025 ended legal challenges.
What is the Four Lakes Task Force?
A county-delegated authority charged with overseeing the repair, reconstruction, and maintenance of the Edenville, Secord, Smallwood, and Sanford dams and associated lakes.
How are assessments calculated?
Assessments are apportioned based on measured benefits to properties as outlined in the 2019 Lake Level Order and relevant state laws governing special assessments.
Conclusion
The Four Lakes Task Force assessments lawsuit highlights the complex interplay between local government infrastructure financing, property owner rights, and judicial oversight. Despite opposition, the upheld court rulings affirm that special assessments remain a viable tool for funding necessary public safety projects like dam reconstruction. With legal hurdles cleared, the task force continues its critical work restoring flood control infrastructure vital to the community’s safety and environmental health, ensuring protection for thousands of residents and property owners dependent on stable lake levels and dam integrity.
