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Item No. 19 <br />memo�andum <br />TO: Mayor & Council <br />FROM: John Godwin, City Manager <br />SUBJECT: TAX ATTORNEYS <br />DATE: March 4, 2013 <br />BACKGROUND: The city, county, PISD, and PJC have for very many years utilized the <br />professional services of Linebarger Goggan Blair &Sampson. The Linebarger firm is very large <br />and has a great deal of expertise and experience, with offces all over the state. To the best of my <br />knowledge, Paris has been overall satisfied with the services offered by the firm, but as can <br />happen with a very large firm, I have seen instances in which the firm seems to take our business <br />for granted and as a result has not been very responsive or responsible. <br />STATUS OF ISSUE: As a result, I would like the city council to consider moving our tax <br />delinquency business to an alternative firm that we believe would provide more personal, hands- <br />on attention. Specifically, I and others have met with Tracy A. Pounders. Mr. Pounders has very <br />many years of experience, and is even a former partner with Linebarger. He now runs a two- <br />attorney operation that knows each of its clients more personally and provides excellent service. <br />Of course, it would be simpler if the other jurisdictions also changed tax attorneys at the same <br />time, but there is no legal requirement for this to occur. <br />BUDGET: Costs for these services generally derive from attorney collection activity. <br />RECOMMENDATION: Direct city attorney to move forward with changing law firms to <br />manage t� delinquency in Paris. <br />5� <br />