159-13 Agreement-Blau Blau-Special Counsel-Commercial Tax Appeals.htm.pdf

in the Tax Court of New Jersey against the Township. Counsel’s responsibilities do not include preparation or appearance for matters pending or commenced at the County Board of Taxation. 5. COUNSEL shall coordinate all efforts with the Tax Assessor and keep the Tax Assessor and Township Attorney fully apprised concerning all matters. 6. Prosecution of Appeals For the Township (Affirmative Appeals). COUNSEL shall have the right to file tax appeals for the Township on a contingent fee basis of one third of the money we obtain for the Township of West Orange from cases filed during the terms of the contract. COUNSEL will be responsible for all costs associated with filing the affirmative appeals including but not limited to: A) Filing fees; B) Appraisal fees: C) Copying, postage, delivery services, preparation of trial exhibits. COUNSEL will submit a list of recommended appeals to the Township Attorney for review and that the Township attorney would have the opportunity to "veto" any recommended appeals at his discretion. It is contemplated that COUNSEL will only recommend appeals on commercial properties and will not be obligated to file an appeal unless it believes the property is substantially under assessed. It is contemplated that COUNSEL will recommend settlement of the Affirmative Appeals from time to time as COUNSEL may deem appropriate. In the event that the Township refuses to accept COUNSEL’s recommendation to settle a matter, the Township shall be responsible for payment of the contingent fee based upon the recommendation and reimbursement of COUNSEL’s actual out of pocket expenses related to that Affirmative Appeal. 7. COUNSEL recognizes that any and all approval for engagement of services must come from the Governing Body of the Township, and that no services, work or any efforts relative to the contract shall be commenced until the Governing Body passes a duly authorized Resolution accompanied by a Certificate of Funds.