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CIC authorizes up to $3,000 for counsel and $4,000 for appraisal to file tax appeal by March 31
Summary
The Saint Bernard Community Improvement Corporation voted to authorize spending up to $3,000 for legal fees and up to $4,000 for an appraisal to pursue a property tax appeal for the shopping-center parcel.
The Saint Bernard Community Improvement Corporation voted to authorize spending up to $3,000 for legal fees and up to $4,000 for an appraisal to pursue a property tax appeal for the shopping-center parcel.
Meredith Hughes presented background: the shopping center was valued by the auditor at roughly $2,100,000 and had tax charges for tax year 2024 of $30,000 “a half,” which the presenter explained equates to about $60,000 a year. Board members discussed whether to include the nearby First State Bank parcel (taxes described as about $9,000 a half) in the appeal; members said inclusion would likely increase appraisal and counsel costs and might be harder to win because of a recent sale and the district’s purchase date.
Why it matters: a successful appeal could reduce the CIC’s property tax bill for tax year 2024; the deadline to file the appeal form with the board of provision was March 31. Meeting participants noted that filing the appeal form by the deadline reserves the CIC’s right to pursue the appeal while leaving time to obtain a detailed appraisal afterward.
Counsel proposals reviewed
Hughes reported receiving three proposals: Strauss Troy for a $3,000 flat fee plus appraisal costs; Gibbs (named in discussion) proposed a contingent fee of 25% of the savings; and Dressman Benzinger quoted a lower flat fee (described conversationally between $2,000–$3,000). Board members discussed experience and likely value at hearing and left final counsel selection to staff.
Board action and next steps
The CIC approved the motion authorizing the expenditure caps and empowered Meredith Hughes to sign engagement letters on behalf of the CIC. Staff was directed to file the preliminary appeal form with the board of provision by March 31 and to obtain an appraisal (cap set at $4,000) to support the appeal.
Ending
Board members said they expected an appraisal and counsel to be in place after the preliminary filing and will report counsel selection and appraisal results at a future meeting.
