Special Assessment Districts (SAD) are a very common and efficient tool that can be utilized when developing a lake management program.  Typically, the SAD is established through Township Act 188.   Act 188 allows homeowner(s) to petition the request for the township to implement a SAD to approve a lake management program and to collect funds necessary to sustain the proposed management program.  A series of specific steps and public hearings are required to accomplish this goal.  The establishment of a SAD increases your options of lake management.  Having an established SAD also increases the likelihood of the Department of Environmental Quality to issue a permit for lake management.  Many tools of aquatic plant management cannot be used unless a SAD is established.   The SAD also provides structure for the cost of management to be shared equally by each lake homeowner.

Professional Lake Management has years of experience in establishing Special Assessment Districts and aids many lake associations in this process.

If you would like more information on establishing a Special Assessment District, or would like a copy of our “Commonly Asked Questions/Answers Sheet” please contact our Michigan office.

(Click on image to see sample)