Judge: Michelle Williams Court, Case: BC661702, Date: 2023-03-23 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: BC661702    Hearing Date: March 23, 2023    Dept: 1

BC661702      LAZBEN INVESTMENT CO VS LAWRENCE M DEUTSCH

Defendants Lawrence Deutsch Lawrence Deutsch, Jacob Deutsch, Jonah Deutsch, Aleksander Deutsch, and Ester Deutsch’s Motion for Order Fixing Amount of Appeal Bond Pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure § 917.4

TENTATIVE RULING:  Motion for Order Fixing Amount of Appeal Bond Pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure § 917.4 shall be GRANTED, in part.  The Court sets the bond amount at $3,767,390.24.

Background

 

On May 18, 2017, Plaintiff Lazben Investment Co. filed a complaint against Lawrence M. Deutsch.

 

On August 17, 2018, Intervenor Andrew M. Deutsch filed a complaint in intervention against Lawrence M. Deutsch alleging eight causes of action: (1) expulsion from partnership, (2) breach of contract, (3) breach of covenant of good faith and faith dealing, (4) breach of fiduciary duty of care, (5) breach of fiduciary duty of loyalty, (6) accounting, (7) unjust enrichment, and (8) declaratory relief. 

 

On October 31, 2018, Lawrence Deutsch filed a cross-complaint against Cross-Defendants Lazben Investment Co., Naftali Deutsch, Benjamin A. Deutsch, Andrew M. Deutsch, Zachary I. Deutsch, Bookkeepers Unlimited Inc., Casa Lago, LLC, and All Persons Unknown, claiming any legal or equitable right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the property described in the cross-complaint adverse to Lawrence Deutsch’s Title, or any cloud on Lawrence Deutsch’s title thereto.

 

On July 19, 2019, Cross-Defendant and Cross-Complainant Zachary Deutsch filed a cross-complaint against cross-defendants Lawrence M. Deutsch, Deborah Deutsch, Jacob Deutsch, Aleksander Deutsch, Esther Deutsch, and Jane Roe for (1) expulsion from partnership, (2) breach of written partnership agreement, (3) breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, (4) breach of fiduciary duty of care, (5) breach of fiduciary duty of loyalty, (6) accounting, (7) slander of  title, (8) slander of title, (9) unjust enrichment, (10) ejectment, (11) declaratory relief, (12) conversion, (13) constructive trust and (14) conversion. 

 

On April 2, 2019, Plaintiff filed the Second Amended Complaint against Lawrence M. Deutsch, Deborah Deutsch, Jacob Deutsch, Aleksander Deutsch, Esther Deutsch, Benjamin A. Deutsch and Andrew M. Deutsch, as trustees of the E.S.D. - Lawrence M. Deutsch Trust UAD 12/17/73; Benjamin A. Deutsch And Andrew M. Deutsch, as trustees of the N.D - L.M. Deutsch Trust UAD 12/17/73; Lawrence M. Deutsch and Andrew M. Deutsch as trustees of the E.S.D.-Benjamin A. Deutsch Trust UAD 12/17/73, and the N.D -B.A. Deutsch Trust UAD 12/17/73; and all persons unknown, claiming any legal or equitable right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the property. The SAC asserted causes of action for: (1) breach of contract; (2) breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing; (3) breach of fiduciary duty; (4) expulsion from partnership; (5) conversion; (6) quiet title to the 2565 Benedict Canyon property; (7) quiet title to parcel 2 property; (8) ejectment; (9) declaratory relief as to ownership and possession of 2565 Benedict Canyon property; (10) declaratory relief as to ownership and possession of parcel 2 property; (11) constructive trust; (12) unjust enrichment; and (13) accounting.

 

On July 8, 2019, the Court issued a preliminary injunction enjoining Lawrence M. Deutsch, Jacob Deutsch, and Aleksander Deutsch, and all those acting in concert or participation with them, from interfering with or preventing Lazben from having full and unimpeded access to the 2565 Benedict Canyon property, and from obtaining Certificates of Occupancy or using or occupying any building or structure that does not have a Certificate of Occupancy. On November 22, 2019, the Court entered the parties’ stipulated order to dissolve the injunction upon certain conditions.

 

On November 5, 2019, Lawrence Deutsch filed his Second Amended Cross-Complaint asserting causes of action for: (1) quiet title, (2) declaratory relief as to title, (3) constructive trust, (4) slander of title, (5) judicial dissolution, (6) accounting, (7) breach of contract, (8) breach of fiduciary duty, (9) intentional interference with contractual relations, (10) intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, (11) receivership, (12) fraud, (13) expulsion from partnership (Naftali Deutsch), (14) expulsion from partnership (Benjamin Deutsch), (15) expulsion from partnership (Andrew Deutsch), and (16) damages from ultra vires acts.

 

On January 15, 2020, the parties to this action reached a Settlement Agreement, Agreement to Arbitrate, and Release of Claims, which would disperse of Plaintiff’s property.

 

On October 7, 2021, the Court issued an order reinstating the July 8, 2019 preliminary injunction and ordered Lawrence M. Deutsch “to turn over to Lazben Investment Co. (“Lazben”) all documents relating to renting or otherwise using the 2565 Benedict Canyon Property or any portion thereof and to turn over all proceeds received from renting or otherwise using the 2565 Benedict Canyon Property or any portion thereof, which were obtained in violation of the Court’s November 22, 2019 Order, within five (5) days.”

 

On November 1, 2022, the Court granted Lazben’s Ex Parte Application for (1) a Temporary Restraining Order and OSC re Preliminary Injunction; and (2) an Order Specially Setting for Hearing Lazben's Motion (1) Expanding 10/7/2021 Order, and (2) Authorizing Sale of Property. On December 1, 2022, the Court issued its ruling on submitted matter granting Plaintiff’s request for injunctive relief and entered a counsel prepared order on December 22, 2022. The Court’s order enjoined Defendants Lawrence, Jacob, Aleksander, Jonah, and Esther, and each of them, and their respective agents, servants, employees, or representatives, and all persons or entities acting under or in participation or concert with them, . . . from:

 

a. renting, leasing, or licensing all or any portion of the real property located at 2565 Benedict Canyon Drive, Los Angeles, California (the “2565 Benedict Canyon Property”) to third parties for any event or activity other than residential occupancy;

 

b. entering into any contracts or agreements for the use of the 2565 Benedict Canyon Property for any event or activity other than residential occupancy;

 

c. receiving or accepting any payment or remuneration for the use of the 2565 Benedict Canyon Property for any event or activity other than residential occupancy; and/or

 

d. permitting or allowing the use of the 2565 Benedict Canyon Property for any event or activity other than residential occupancy.

 

The order also authorized Plaintiff to encumber or sell the property to “i. Satisfy the outstanding balance on the mortgage loan from Preferred Bank to Lazben secured by the 2565 Benedict Canyon Property in the amount of $2,187,173.71; ii. Pay delinquent property taxes on the 2565 Benedict Canyon Property in an amount in excess of $400,000; and iii. Pay for fire and liability insurance on the 2565 Benedict Canyon Property.”

 

Defendants and Cross-Complainants, and Cross-Defendants Lawrence Deutsch Lawrence Deutsch, Jacob Deutsch, Jonah Deutsch, Aleksander Deutsch, and Ester Deutsch filed a Notice of Appeal of this order.

 

On February 24, 2023, the Court granted Plaintiff’s request for injunctive relief and issued an order “enjoining Defendants and their respective agents, servants, employees or representatives, and all persons or entities acting under or in participation or concert with them, from obstructing or interfering in any way with Lazben’s and its agents’ access to the real property located at 2565 Benedict Canyon Drive, Beverly Hills, California (the ‘2565 Benedict Canyon Property’) for the purpose of touring, inspecting, photographing, preparing and distributing marketing materials for, listing for sale, and showing to prospective purchasers, the 2565 Benedict Canyon Property.”

 

Motion

 

On February 6, 2023, Defendants and Cross-Complainants, and Cross-Defendants Lawrence Deutsch Lawrence Deutsch, Jacob Deutsch, Jonah Deutsch, Aleksander Deutsch, and Ester Deutsch (hereinafter “Movants”) filed the instant motion pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 917.4 requesting that the Court set the amount of their appeal bond in the amount of $467,047.40.

 

Opposition

 

In opposition, Plaintiff contends the Court’s December 22, 2022 order is not appealable and the bond amount should include the equity held in the property, the outstanding liens against the property, all outstanding property taxes, and the reasonable rental value of the property. Plaintiff also contends Movants failed to properly calculate insurance costs.

 

Reply

 

In reply, Movants argue the appealability of the Court’s order is immaterial to their motion, the bond amount should not include the claimed equity in the property, Plaintiff miscalculated the state tax liens, and Plaintiff failed to adequately evidence its asserted values for the insurance and rental value.

 

Movants impermissibly cite an unpublished opinion in their reply. (Reply at 3:16-17.) The Court disregards the citation. (Cal. R. Ct., 8.1115; Aguirre v. Amscan Holdings, Inc. (2015) 234 Cal.App.4th 1290, 1299 n.5 (“Rule 8.1115 of the California Rules of Court prohibits the citation of unpublished opinions of California state courts, with certain limited exceptions. (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 8.1115(a).)

 

Supplemental Briefing

 

On March 2, 2023, the Court issued an order continuing the hearing on the instant motion to March 23, 2023 and providing “[s]upplemental briefs are to be filed and served by 3/9/2023. Any responses are to be filed and served by 3/16/2023.”

 

On March 9, 2023, Plaintiff Lazben Investments filed a supplemental brief, a request for judicial notice, and three declarations.

 

Movants did not file a supplemental brief by the March 9, 2023 deadline, but did file a timely response on March 16, 2023 with supporting declarations.

 

Judicial Notice

 

Plaintiff requests the Court take judicial notice of state tax liens, federal tax liens, and mechanics liens recorded against the property as well as the Statement of Information for JD Construction, Inc. on file with the Secretary of State. In the supplemental brief, Plaintiff requests the Court take judicial notice of a document from the Los Angeles County Assessor Portal and a Notice of Tax Lien filed by the Franchise Tax Board. These requests are GRANTED as to their existence and legal effect. (Evid. Code §§ 452(c); 452(h).)

 

Plaintiff’s Evidentiary Objections

 

Plaintiff’s objections to paragraph 6, 7, and Exhibit B are SUSTAINED. The remaining objections are OVERRULED.

 

Movants’ Evidentiary Objections

 

Movants’ objection is SUSTAINED.

 

Motion to Set Appellate Bond

 

Standard

 

Code of Civil Procedure section 917.4 provides: “The perfecting of an appeal shall not stay enforcement of the judgment or order in the trial court if the judgment or order appealed from directs the sale, conveyance or delivery of possession of real property which is in the possession or control of the appellant or the party ordered to sell, convey or deliver possession of the property, unless an undertaking in a sum fixed by the trial court is given that the appellant or party ordered to sell, convey or deliver possession of the property will not commit or suffer to be committed any waste thereon and that if the judgment or order appealed from is affirmed, or the appeal is withdrawn or dismissed, the appellant shall pay the damage suffered by the waste and the value of the use and occupancy of the property, or the part of it as to which the judgment or order is affirmed, from the time of the taking of the appeal until the delivery of the possession of the property. If the judgment or order directs the sale of mortgaged real property and the payment of any deficiency, the undertaking shall also provide for the payment of any deficiency.”

 

Section 917.4 “requires an undertaking to the effect that appellant will not commit waste, and, if the judgment is affirmed, that he will pay the value of the use and occupation of the property during the pendency of the appeal. While it is the function of the trial judge to fix the size of the appeal bond, this discretion must be exercised in a manner compatible with the potential injury which respondents might suffer during the period of appeal.” (Vangel v. Vangel (1953) 116 Cal.App.2d 615, 632.) “Section 917.4, . . . requires an undertaking to insure that ‘the Appellant or party ordered to sell, convey or deliver possession of such property’ will not commit waste.” (Estate of Murphy (1971) 16 Cal.App.3d 564, 568.)

 

This Court Does Not Determine the Appealability of the Order

 

In opposition, Plaintiff contends the December 22, 2022 order is not an appealable order. (Opp. at 10:3-11:22.) However, the appealability of an order is a jurisdictional question for the Court of Appeal, not this Court. (See generally Marsh v. Mountain Zephyr, Inc. (1996) 43 Cal.App.4th 289, 297 (“The appealability of the judgment or order is jurisdictional and an attempt to appeal from  a nonappealable judgment or order will ordinarily be dismissed.”); Chapman v. Tarentola (1960) 187 Cal.App.2d 22, 25 (“It is the duty of an Appellate Court on its own motion to dismiss an appeal from an order which is not appealable.”); In re Anna S. (2010) 180 Cal.App.4th 1489, 1499 (“Generally the filing of a notice of appeal deprives the trial court of jurisdiction of the cause and vests jurisdiction with the appellate court until the reviewing court issues a remittitur.”).)

 

Plaintiff argues “pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure § 916(a), ‘perfecting an appeal’ is a condition precedent to a stay pending appeal. Here, Defendants have purported to appeal a non-appealable order. As such, Defendants have not ‘perfected an appeal’ and are not entitled to a stay of the December 22, 2022 Order notwithstanding their willingness to post bond in an amount set by the trial court.” (Opp. at 11:18-22.) Plaintiff’s argument is contrary to California law. “[A]n appeal is perfected when the notice of appeal is filed.” (Kroger Co. v. Workers' Comp. Appeals Bd. (2012) 210 Cal.App.4th 952, 959.) Movants filed a Notice of Appeal and therefore have perfected their appeal within the meaning of the relevant statutes. Movants are therefore entitled to request that this Court set the appropriate bond amount. (Code Civ. Proc. § 917.4.)

 

In their supplemental brief, Plaintiff contends Defendants’ appeal “was nothing more than to further delay implementation of the parties’ settlement of this matter,” and the motion would be rendered moot if the appeal is dismissed. (Pltf. Supp. Br. at 5:7-10.) However, there is no evidence that the appeal has been dismissed and Plaintiff’s speculation regarding Defendants’ motives is irrelevant to the issues presented here.

 

Bond Amount

 

In their initial motion, Movants contend the appropriate bond amount is $467,047.40. (Mot. at 4:18, 9:22, 10:11.) As argued by Plaintiffs in opposition, Movants “do not explain the underlying calculations supporting this number.” (Opp. at 17:24.) In reply, Movants contend they “included [the following] in their Calculation of an appeal bond:

 

-        Monthly mortgage payments for 18 months = $312,522.84;

-        Monthly cost for landscaping & gardening for 18 months = $90,945.00;

-        Monthly cost for water and power for 18 months = $15,639.12; and

-        Monthly cost for housekeeping for 18 months = $42,570.00.”

(Reply at 4:10-16.) These numbers total $461,676.96. In opposition, Plaintiff requests the Court set the bond at $42,354,478.20 consisting of the following:

 

-        $40 million of equity in the Property at risk;

-        $558,140.23 for unpaid property taxes for the Property;

-        $785,661.02 for Lawrence’s outstanding personal liens;

-        $1,010,676.96 for 18 months of Carrying Expenses; and

-        $900,000 for 18 months of the reasonable rental value of the Property.

(Opp. at 19:9-18.)

 

After reviewing Plaintiff’s opposition, Movants contend “the highest amount [they] should be required to post an appeal bond should be in the amount of $1,866,908.67” consisting of:

 

-        $485,506.92 for 18 months of Carrying Expenses;

-        $558,140.23 for outstanding property taxes on the Property;

-        $681,738.68 for outstanding personal liens; and

-        $141,522.84 for 18 months of the reasonable rental value of the Property.

(Reply at 6:23-7:3.)

 

As to the bond amount, Movants and Plaintiff disagree regarding the value of the insurance premiums as part of the Carrying Expenses, (Reply at 4:17-5:5), the total liens on the property, (Id. at 5:7-9), the potential monthly rental income for the property, (Id. at 5:17-6:3), and whether the $40 million in equity should be considered. (Id. at 6:5-22.) Movants suggested, and Plaintiff did not dispute, an 18-month duration of the appeal to serve as the basis for the bond calculation. The Court finds this reasonable.

 

Movants contend the annual insurance premiums on the property are $15,886.65. (Deutsch Decl. ¶ 6 (“Preferred Bank, the Property’s insurance provider, has informed me that the annual premiums for homeowner’s insurance coverage on the Property are $15,886.65.”).) The Court sustained Plaintiff’s objection to this statement on hearsay grounds. Plaintiff contends Preferred Bank is the lender, not an insurance provider, and it purchased forced added insurance solely to cover its principal. (Bolstad Decl. ¶¶ 21-23, Ex. J.) Accordingly, “the bank, at the expense of Lazben, insures its potential loss, but does not insure Lazben or its general partners.” (Id. ¶ 23.) Plaintiff’s calculation includes insurance of $366,000.00. (Opp. at 14:3-8.) However, Plaintiff’s calculation is supported by the admitted “guesswork” of an insurance broker without evidence or support. (Goodman Decl. Ex. A.)

 

In support of its supplemental brief, Plaintiff provides a supplemental declaration from insurance broker Dena Goodman who attaches insurance quotes from June 30, 2021 and July 29, 2022. (Goodman Supp. Decl. ¶¶ 2-5, Ex. A-C.) As noted by Defendants, these quotes do not provide evidence of the current value of insurance coverage for the property. (Def. Supp. Br. at 6:12-22.) As neither party has provided sufficient evidence regarding the claimed insurance and accuse each other of being responsible for but not paying the insurance, the Court shall not include any value for insurance in the calculation, which the parties’ agreed upon carrying expenses, i.e. monthly maintenance costs and monthly mortgage payments, to $461,676.96.

 

As to the liens against the property, Plaintiff’s opposition contends the State of California record[ed] multiple tax liens against the Property amounting to $329,847.40, before the accrual of interest and penalties” due to Lawrence Deutsch’s failure to pay personal income taxes. (Opp. at 14:27-15:4.) In reply, Movants contend the state tax liens total $225,925.06, but does not contest the amount of the other liens identified by Plaintiff. (Reply at 5:7-9.) Plaintiff’s counsel states “True and correct copies of state tax liens recorded against the Property are attached hereto as Exhibit M.” (Bolstad Decl. ¶ 25.) Exhibit M contains four Notices of State Tax Lien in the amounts of $50,344.05, $103,261.18, $22,068.97, and $50,250.86. (Id. Ex. M.) The sum of these four liens is $225,925.06 as stated by Movants. In its supplemental briefing, Plaintiff provides evidence that the state tax liens actually total $366,839.43. (Supp. Bolstad Decl. Ex. J.) Movants do not contest this amount in their response. Accordingly, the Court shall use $366,839.43 as the state tax lien amount.

 

Movants contend the bond should include rental income of “$7,862.38 per month, i.e., is the difference of the monthly mortgage payments [$17,362.38] and the monthly rental income [$9,500.00].” (Mo. at 9:10-16.) The $9,500.00 monthly rental income is solely for the “lower house” on the property. (Deutsch Decl. Ex. E.) The Court finds no basis for this calculation to serve as the “value of the use and occupancy of the property” under Section 917.4. The Court agrees with Plaintiff that the use and occupancy value of the property can be established by its reasonable market rental rate, which is not approximated by subtracting the mortgage payments from the amount obtained by the rental of only the “lower house.”

 

In opposition, Plaintiff provides a printout purportedly from the website Zillow to contend the rental value should be no less than $50,000.00 per month. (Opp. at 18:15-20; Bolstad Decl. Ex. Q.) The Court sustained Movants’ objection to this document, which is also an incomplete copy of the website it purports to represent and indicates the property is 2,338 square feet. Plaintiff’s memorandum of points and authorities indicates that the lower house is “approximately 4,000 square feet,” (Opp. at 18:15), and the main building is a “25,000 square foot house.” (Opp. at 17:26.) However, neither party initially provided evidence of the square footage of either building. (Cole v. Town of Los Gatos (2012) 205 Cal.App.4th 749, 767 n.8 (“It goes without saying that statements in a memorandum of points and authorities are not evidence.”).)

 

Plaintiff provides the supplemental declaration of Naftali Deutsch who attests that the “lower house” or “small house” is approximately 2,338 square feet and the main house is approximately 24,000 square feet. (Supp. N. Deutsch Decl. ¶¶ 4-6. See also Supp. Bolstad Decl. ¶ 12 (“the larger home, located at the end of the winding access road off of Benedict Canyon Drive, is 24,000 square feet.”).) Movants appear to agree that the main house is 24,000 square feet. (Def. Supp. Br. at 4:5-6.) However, Movants provide the supplemental declaration of Lawrence Deutsch who states “[t]he small house on the 2565 Property is approximately 3,000 square feet.” (Supp. L. Deutsch Decl. ¶ 6.) The Court finds Naftali Deutsch’s declaration more persuasive as it is specific and based upon the purchase of the property. There is no evidence the square footage of the small or lower house has increased. Accordingly, the price per square foot rental value of the small or lower house is $4.06. Plaintiff argues the price per square foot of the main house should be increased by “at least $1” due to the “the massive difference in the amenities and value of the Large House relative to the Small House.” (Pltf. Supp. Br. at 6:1-3.) However, Plaintiff’s request is speculative and unsupported. Applying a $4.06 per square foot market rate for use and occupancy of the main house, the monthly rate is $97,440.00. Accordingly, applicable monthly rate for both properties is $106,940.00 with a total after 18 months of $1,924,920.00.

 

Plaintiff also contends the bond amount should include $40 million in equity. (Opp. at 5:17, 11:23-12:25, 17:10-17.) Plaintiff cites no authority in support of this request and does not adequately evidence that the entire equity of the property is reasonably at risk during the pendency of the appeal. Plaintiff’s primary concern regarding the claimed equity appears to be a foreclosure sale. (Opp. at 5:17-18 (“the potential loss of the $40 million in equity in the Property resulting from a non-judicial foreclosure of the outstanding mortgage loan”); Opp. at 12:13-14 (“the potential injury to Lazben and its general partners is catastrophic—the foreclosure of the Property and the loss of equity in a $40 million property.”): Opp. at 16:5-8 (“there is a substantial risk that Lawrence will not pay off the balance of the loan as he agreed to do in the Settlement Agreement and Term Sheet, resulting in the foreclosure and loss of the Property. Such a loss will be catastrophic to Lazben, as Lazben will lose at least $40 million worth of equity.”).) However, it is not reasonable to conclude a foreclosure sale would result in the total loss of all equity on the property. Moreover, Plaintiff’s claimed equity does not appear to fall within the bond contemplated by Code of Civil Procedure section 917.4.

 

In its supplemental briefing, Plaintiff contends for the first time that the entire outstanding mortgage balance should be included in the bond amount. (Pltf. Supp. Br. at 6:15-7:7.) Plaintiff does not cite any authority in support of this new position. Plaintiff conceded in its opposition that carrying expenses for the property included “Monthly mortgage payments of $17,362.38 (Lawrence Decl., ¶ 8) for 18 months, totaling $312,522.84.” (Opp. at 18:21-25.) Accordingly, the Court shall not include the claimed equity or outstanding mortgage balance in the calculation.

 

Plaintiff also contends for the first time that accruing property taxes of $229,262.57 should be included in the bond amount. (Pltf. Supp. Br. at 7:9-15.) Plaintiff did not include any authority or citation to evidence in this portion of the supplemental brief. Plaintiff states “Defendants concede that the outstanding property taxes on the Property in the amount of $558,140.23 should be included in the amount of the appeal bond” citing the reply. (Pltf. Supp. Br. at 7:9-11.) Plaintiff seeks to add “(1) April 10, 2023 – $76,420.86; (2) December 10, 2023 – $76,420.85; and April 10, 2024 – $76,420.86, for a total amount to accrue during appeal of $229,262.57.” (Id. at 7:12-13.) In response, Movants contend the future tax burden is uncertain. (Def. Supp. Br. at 5:20-6:11.)

 

Plaintiff’s new calculation is duplicative, in part, and unsupported, in part. The original $558,140.23 claimed by Plaintiff in the opposition, and conceded by Movants, was supported by Exhibit K to the Bolstad Declaration. (Opp. at 14:9-24.) As demonstrated in Exhibit K, the $558,140.23 consists of the $397,656.44 redemption amount for 2021, the $88,062.94 balance due by December 12, 2022 for “Installment 1,” and the $76,420.85 balance due by April 10, 2023 for “Installment 2.” (Bolstad Decl. Ex. K.) Accordingly, the parties’ agreed upon property tax value of $558,140.23 included the April 10, 2023 payment Plaintiff seeks to add, which is duplicative. Plaintiff does not provide any evidence establishing the future tax burden for the property. Accordingly, the Court shall not increase the amount agreed upon as the parties’ property taxes to be included in the bond amount.

 

Based upon the foregoing, the Court sets the bond amount at $3,767,390.24, based upon $461,676.96 for 18 months of carrying expenses, $558,140.23 in outstanding property taxes on the Property, $822,653.05 for outstanding personal liens, and $1,924,920.00 for the rental value of the Property for 18 months.