South Kent News

The City of Kentwood has promoted Brian Stagg from senior appraiser to deputy assessor effective Jan. 3.

In his new role, Stagg will be responsible for overseeing commercial and industrial properties as well as defending assessments before the Michigan Tax Tribunal.

“Brian has been an invaluable asset to the Assessor’s Office,” City Assessor Andy Johnson said. “He has been instrumental in helping our department enhance efficiency and accuracy through several projects over his eight-plus years with us. I’m confident he will continue to demonstrate exceptional leadership in his new role as deputy assessor.”

Stagg succeeds Elizabeth Wilkerson, who is retiring Jan. 3 after a distinguished career in assessment administration spanning more than three decades.

The Assessor’s Office is responsible for the annual appraisal of all properties in the City of Kentwood, including residential, commercial, industrial, vacant and personal. This information is used to make decisions about property taxes, which support local schools, public safety, parks and more. The Assessor’s Office also helps with property evaluations, assessment appeals and property ownership transfers.

Stagg joined the City of Kentwood in 2014 as an assessing technician. He was promoted to appraiser in 2015 and senior appraiser in 2018.

With a commitment to continual professional development, Stagg completed programs through the State Tax Commission to become certified as an assessing officer in 2016 and then as an advanced assessing officer in 2018. 

“I have been fortunate to be able to combine my passions of technology and educating others with my career in assessing,” Stagg said. “I’m honored to serve as the next deputy assessor and look forward to many more years with the Kentwood team.”

Prior to his tenure with Kentwood, Stagg worked for the City of Dearborn Assessor’s Office. He assisted with Dearborn’s complete reappraisal in 2010.

Stagg received his assessing technician certification through the State Tax Commission in 2013.

Original source can be found here.