15 - Delinquent Tax Attorney - Laserfiche WebLink

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Item No. 15 TO: Mayor, Mayor Pro -Tem & City Council FROM: Grayson Path, City Manager Stephanie Harris, City Attorney SUBJECT: Delinquent Tax Attorney DATE: October 25, 2021 BACKGROUND: In 2013, the City contracted with the Pounders Law Firm, PLLC, to provide Delinquent Tax Attorney services. Basically, they carry out legal work to pursue property taxes that are not paid as well as foreclose on delinquent tax properties. This is all addressed and regulated in the Texas Property Tax Code. Tracy Pounders has been our direct assign to this contract since that time. The City has experienced great success working with Mr. Pounders. In 2020, Mr. Pounders informed us that he was partnering with Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd & Hullett, P.C. (ARBH). They have a much larger office with more personnel and resources which gave Mr. Pounders greater capacity in his work. Our contract was not affected by this partnership nor did we experience any issues with service. STATUS OF ISSUE: Mr. Pounders has informed us that he has chosen to dissolve the Pounders Law Firm, PLLC, and operate completely under ARBH. As such, he has requested that we sign a new contract for delinquent tax legal services for a new five year period. We will continue to work primarily with Tracy Pounders, but we will also gain access to other attorneys and resources to help us address delinquent taxes in our community. Based on our review of the new contract, there does not appear to be any change in service provided to the City or expectation of the City. The existing contract was only extended until 2017, but has been on an automatic year to year renewal since that time.