Unethical property tax increase, Dayton OH

[Johnny Weekend]

Hi everyone,

I purchased a 4 unit multifamily property in Dayton Ohio in June 2021. After a challenging start, the property has been performing reasonably well.

The property tax each half of the year for 2021-2022 was slightly over $2000. This was rolled into an escrow account such that I paid my mortgage lender part of this each month and they issued a check twice during the year to cover the 2 payments. The last payment was sent June 2022 prior to the July deadline and at that time the lender confirmed that was the correct amount. I called the treasurer's office this week to ensure they received the second check. They told me that the school board filed a complaint and my 2021-2022 property taxes were increased to $3,500 each half of 2021 effective 1 day before my final payment was due. This includes the 6 months period in 2021 prior to me closing on the property.

This retroactive increase in property taxes seems unethical and underhanded at best. If anyone has any similar experiences and advice on how to handle it or referrals to real estate attorneys or others who can assist, I would appreciate it. Thanks!