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CASS COUNTY — The Michigan Association of Equalization Directors recognized Cass County’s equalization team as Department of the Year at its annual conference Tuesday.

The recognition is bestowed annually to just one of Michigan’s 83 counties and is selected based on nominations and peer review. Though Cass County Equalization Director Tami Stewart was not in attendance at the conference as she is awaiting the birth of a grandchild, the MAED conspired with Stewart’s husband to surprise her via FaceTime when her former coworker presented the award.

Tony Meyaard, who previously served as Equalization Director in Cass County, read aloud some of the thoughts shared by Cass County assessors in their nomination.

“Tami is always available and will answer questions on the procedures and will research the question if she doesn’t have an answer,” one wrote.

“Tami Stewart is an incredible director, but not only that,” another wrote. “She is also a great partner in assessing work. She has been taught well and in turn teaches others well in the things that she has learned. Personally, I think one of the best attributes is that she was taught to find the answer to a question or an issue and she takes that to heart. She will go out of her way to try and find the answer that maybe you nor her currently know. I know it is being selfish, but I hope she is the county director for many years to come.”

According to the MAED, the award is for the county that has instituted a technical, procedural, or administrative program which is, for the affected jurisdiction, an improvement over prior programs, and which is generally recognized as a component of model assessment system and a contributing factor to the equity in property taxation.

Stewart was moved to tears when receiving the award, and surprised that her two-person department was selected. Often, larger counties with bigger departments receive the recognition. Last year, Wayne Township, which contains the City of Detroit, was selected.

“It means the world to me that others, meaning my assessors and treasurers and those I work closest with, appreciate everything that LeeAnn and I do,” she said. “We work hard. We’re here early, we stay late. We try our best to make sure everything as far as tax bills, assessment notices, ownership and deeds are all entered correctly. It’s nice to know that people appreciate the hard work and how much we do in here, because it’s a small team.”

County Administrator Matthew Newton congratulated Stewart, of Pokagon Township, and Mroz, of Marcellus Township, for what he said is a well-deserved recognition.

“For those who may not know what an equalization department does, the simplest explanation is that the department is responsible for ensuring tax assessments are fair and equitable,” he said. “This award should be celebrated not only by Tami and LeeAnn, but by the residents of Cass County, who benefit from their quality service and hard work.”