candgnews.com
MAY 28, 2025 Vol. 44, No. 11
Caron Koteles Riha
GRI, CRS, ABR, SRES Associate Broker
BENEFIT TO BE HELD FOR ANIMAL SHELTER/3A
HAZEL PARK — Earlier this year, the Hazel Park Public Schools Board of Education placed the district’s superintendent, Amy Kruppe, on non-disciplinary paid administrative leave, pending an investigation into alleged board policy violations. Now, after 107 days, Kruppe has been reinstated. The reason why she was investigated in the first place remains unclear. On May 18, an open letter issued by Kruppe’s attorney, Heidi Sharp, criticized the board’s handling of the situation, alleging violations of the Open Meetings Act, and describing ongoing measures against Kruppe Kruppe as inappropriate. The original board decision to put Kruppe on leave was made 7-0 on Jan. 27. At a subsequent meeting Feb. 3, the board appointed Catherine Cost — a former superintendent of the Wyandotte Public Schools — to serve as the interim superintendent for the Hazel Park Public Schools. See KRUPPE on page 9A
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Screen capture taken from May 1 Oakland County Board of Commissioners meeting
RIGHT: The county’s rates for assessing services are set to increase more than 100% for some communities during the next three years, prompting local officials to explore other options. Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
COMMUNITIES PROTEST OAKLAND COUNTY RATE SPIKE FOR ASSESSING SERVICES INCREASES AVERAGE 75% THE FIRST YEAR, 92% THE THIRD YEAR BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
OAKLAND COUNTY — Communities that contract with Oakland County for assessing services are raising concerns — and in some cases, changing vendors — after a narrowly divided Oakland County Board of Commissioners voted to raise rates. There are 19 cities and 13 townships that contract
with the Oakland County Equalization Division for assessing services, which determine taxable values. The county charges communities on a per-parcel basis. The contracts are for a three-year period, beginning July 1. The increase affects each community, averaging an increase of 75% the first year and nearly 92% the third year. An optional “smoothing method” raises the rates more gradually, averaging 26% the first year and 140%
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BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
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ABOVE: During the county board meeting May 1, Oakland County Commissioner Michael Spisz, RDistrict 5, criticizes the board majority’s decision to raise rates on communities contracting with the county for assessing. The final vote was 10-9. Spisz voted against the rate increase.
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Kruppe reinstated as superintendent of Hazel Park Public Schools
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