LAKES OF THE FOUR SEASONS | This gated community can expect a hefty tax refund from Lake County officials.

The Lake County Property Tax Board of Appeals voted 3-1 Wednesday to acknowledge the downstate Indiana Tax Court's ruling last year that the county should have exempted Four Seasons' roads, green space, golf course, restaurant and other recreational facilities from taxation.

Brian E. Less, an attorney representing the Four Seasons Property Owners Association, said the decision will reduce the association's taxes by $48,000. He said Four Seasons plans to request refunds back to 1999.

Less successfully argued that residents of Four Seasons, a community of more than 2,500 homes, were being double-taxed for living near the community's Lake Holiday, its golf course and other amenities.

"This decision comes at no loss to the county," Less said, adding residents maintain their own roads and pay for their own fire and police services.

Less said the community made no profit from its amenities.

"We lose upwards of $200,000 a year," he said.

Carol Ann Seaton, a member of the tax board, voted against the exemption. She said she considered Four Seasons amenities to be a business even if the association loses money.