06-F Tax Proposal - McCreary - Laserfiche WebLink

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IV. RELATED ISSUES A. COMPENSATION OF THE LAW FIRM ATTORNEY'S FEES McCreary, Veselka, Bragg & Allen proposes a fee of fifteen percent (15%) of the delinquent property taxes, penalties and interest collected during the term of the contract. The fee would be paid to the Firm on a monthly basis and would be in direct relationship to the quality of our performance. Each subsequent year of delinquent property tax would enter into the terms of the contract on July l. All costs incurred for data processing activities, taxpayer notification, postage, address research and legal assistance will be paid by the Firm. The Property Tax Code, Section 33.07, provides for an additional penalty of fifteen percent (15%) which may be added to the amount of taxes, penalties and interest due if the client contracts with a private law firm and gives proper notice to taxpayers during the month of May each year. This statute allows the client to collect the additional penalty which will offset fees paid for delinquent tax collection. Section 33.48 of the Property Tax Code provides for fifteen percent (15%) attorney fees on all delinquent tax years which are placed in litigation. Therefore, as a result of Sections 33.07 and 33.48 of the Property Tax Code, the fees earned by the Firm will be paid by the delinquent property owners. All fees earned shall be paid to the Firm by check each month. B. PUBLIC RELATIONS An important facet of a comprehensive tax collection program is community awareness. An informed public rallies behind a credible and responsive tax program. The Firm provides press releases to the local news media, detailing the initiation of collection activities such as summary seizures of personal property, mass mailings of delinquent tax notices, the filing of delinquent tax suits, and public auctions of real property. All of our press releases are approved by client staff inembers prior to trans- mittal to the news media. Appropriate and well-managed press coverage greatly enhances collection efforts. In addition, we are available to speak before professional, civic and social groups to explain the goals of the delinquent tax collection program. McCreary, Veselka, Bragg & Allen 60