Frustration over board with no initiative

At the recent "annual meeting," the treasurer told members that the association's lawyer said it would cost $12,000. to appeal the small claims court ruling that they had to release two assessment liens and reverse the charges. And that's why the board was't going to appeal. But they don't have to appeal! All they have to do is start the noticing process over again and record a new lien if necessary!

What is wrong with this board that spends thousands of dollars on an attorney for things that cost nothing if they would only read?

What makes up that 12K expense? I noticed it stated that had to reimburse expenses? Could that be part of the 12K with additional expenses involved outside of legal expenses? It seems if the situation is that the HOA has to pay back money to the owners before they can file an appeal that would make sense. Just stating 12K doesn't give enough details except a knee jerk reaction.

I would like to know what the quote was and for. It does not sound like just a lawyer fee.

I rechecked my notes. It was 9K for atty fees and 3K for administrative fees.