We have several counties here in Michigan that are trying to force (us)

abstractors to use a private computer service company (BSA, BMA, or

something like that) to get current (Summer '09) tax payment

amounts and status.   The "service" charges a $ 2 'convience fee'

to get the info, but the twp. trea. will give it to the taxpayer for free.

If it is really public information, why does the twp. feel they can

decide who must PAY for it ?   I will not pay to get the information,

and submit a FOIA request to the govt. unit, which they must reply

to in writing, either giving the information or stating a denial reason.

Under the FOIA if they fail to respond properly, it will result in a

lawsuit and possible $ 500 award to the person they deny.

Any problems in other regions on getting tax info??????