DETROIT, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- The honorary Czech consul for Michigan and Ohio has resigned his position in the midst of a property tax dispute involving a $4.3 million mansion.
On July 1, 2004, Dr. Thomas Prose deeded his 16,000-square-foot Detroit-area home to the Czech Republic, documents on file with the Northville tax assessor show. The next day, Prose was named honorary consul by the minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic.
Citing provisions on international law covering consular affairs set by the Vienna Convention and other agreements between the United States and the Czech Republic, an effort began to remove the home and its annual assessment from the tax rolls of Northville, the Detroit News said.
In March, Northville officials denied the request for a tax exemption under provisions of the Vienna Convention, which exempts certain consular properties from taxation.
There is about $100,000 in property taxes overdue.
Czech officials said Prose wrote his resignation letter Oct. 19, but would not comment on the tax dispute.
Dear Sir/Madam:
Your story on October 21, 2005 regarding the Czech Consulate in Michigan contains a number of inaccuracies. To name a few:
The taxes are fully paid.
The transfer or lease is required under Czech statutes.
The transaction was in compliance with international treaties.
The correct term is tax tribunal.
This is an administrative action.
There are numerous additional aspects to this story, which you did not include, such as the reason for the closure of the consulate.
Thomas M Prose MD MPH MBA
Northville , Michigan , USA
