Property Tax Protest

[Renegadz]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Illinois

I live in Bay Colony, a condominium complex in Des Plaines, Illinois. We have three Associations - Phase I, Phase II and Homeowners. The Phase I Board decided to protest the property taxes without asking any of the residents and apparently without putting it out to bid in the form of an RFP, (last time property taxes were protested an RFP was issued, several different lawyers were interviewed and the lawyer selected was on the basis that if there was a savings then a fee would be paid), and apparently awarding the protest to a law firm or lawyer of the choosing of the Board. Subsequently, they then issued a "request for payment" of $68 per owner to cover the legal fees that they unilaterally entered into agreement to pay. As a Homeowner, I prepared my own property tax protest. The Board has threatened to fine me $50 per month if I do not pay the requested fee of $68, and having filed my own protest I will get no benefit from paying $68 to the Board to give to the lawyer they selected. The Board repeatedly enters into contracts, frequently without RFPs, or comparative bids or sealed bids. Is this legal?

[HomeGuru]

Originally Posted by Renegadz

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Illinois

I live in Bay Colony, a condominium complex in Des Plaines, Illinois. We have three Associations - Phase I, Phase II and Homeowners. The Phase I Board decided to protest the property taxes without asking any of the residents and apparently without putting it out to bid in the form of an RFP, (last time property taxes were protested an RFP was issued, several different lawyers were interviewed and the lawyer selected was on the basis that if there was a savings then a fee would be paid), and apparently awarding the protest to a law firm or lawyer of the choosing of the Board. Subsequently, they then issued a "request for payment" of $68 per owner to cover the legal fees that they unilaterally entered into agreement to pay. As a Homeowner, I prepared my own property tax protest. The Board has threatened to fine me $50 per month if I do not pay the requested fee of $68, and having filed my own protest I will get no benefit from paying $68 to the Board to give to the lawyer they selected. The Board repeatedly enters into contracts, frequently without RFPs, or comparative bids or sealed bids. Is this legal?

**A: yes it is legal. Read your CC&R's.